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    Many owners know that getting your dog groomed is often a hassle, and it can also cost a pretty penny. What they may not know, however, is there are many things they can do at home to save themselves time and money. We chatted with professional groomer Joey Villani and got the inside scoop on how we can do just that -- by grooming our dogs ourselves. Read on to learn the tips and tricks on how to groom the most popular dog breeds at home from Joey himself. 

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    Labrador Retriever

    Coat type: These dogs have  a medium smooth coat made up of a two layers -- a soft under coat with a hard topcoat that lies over the undercoat. The drawback to a coat like this is that it can shed, sometimes a lot.

    Breeds with similar coats: German Shepherd, Beagle

    Tools & products: A slicker brush (a pet brush with short metal curved pins), a pet comb, cotton (the real stuff if possible), white vinegar, a towel and shampoo  (for bathing)

    How to bathe: When shampooing, lightly brush his coat with a slicker brush. This method of wet brushing will not only help clean your dog’s coat, it will also remove unwanted undercoat without a big mess. Beware -- the slicker can scrape the skin, so have a light touch and check his skin often to make sure it's not irritated. After bathing, you can towel dry, blow dry or let your dog’s hair naturally dry. 

    How to brush: When your dog is all dry, slicker his entire body and then go back over with a comb to remove excess fur. Remember, shedding is a natural process so you can never stop it completely, but you can reduce the shedding. Remember to always keep your brush clean of coat buildup. 

    Cleaning ears: Dilute the white vinegar with four parts water and dip your cotton in it. Use this to swab out his ears as a general cleaner, but only going in as far as you can see, no deeper. If you don't want to use the vinegar solution, you can purchase an ear cleaner at your vet or pet store. Never use or clean an ear that has a lot of discharge, emits a bad smell or looks infected. Be sure to consult your vet first.

    Nail trim: Leave this to a professional groomer. 

    Professional groomer visits: No less than every eight weeks.

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    Boxer

    Coat type: This is a short-haired dog that sheds a lot if not kept up with regularly.

    Breeds with similar coats: Bulldog, Smooth Dachshund 

    Tools & products: A short-pinned rubber curry brush can be purchased at most local pet shops.

    How to brush: The brush's design helps reduce the possibility of scraping your dog's skin. The rubber will pull out the loose hair with no danger of irritation. Shedding is a natural process; you can never stop it completely, but you can reduce it. After bathing your Boxer, be sure to blow dry or let air dry.

    How to clean skin folds and ears: A white vinegar solution can be used to clean the folds of his face and to swab out ears. To make this solution, mix four parts water and one part white vinegar on a cotton ball. This will help fight fungus growing in folds and keep his face from getting irritated and smelly.

    Professional groomer visits: No less than every eight weeks.

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    Poodle

    Coat type: This is a curly coated dog that doesn’t shed a lot, but will knot up if brushing and combing is not kept up daily.

    Breed with a similar coat: Bichon Frisé

    Tools & products: A slicker brush (a pet brush with short metal curved pins that will also help remove any knots and tangles) and a pet comb.

    How to bathe: Not recommended to bathe this breed yourself due to them having one of the more difficult coats for home grooming.

    How to brush: Use the slicker to brush his coat and remove knots and tangles. After, brush through his coat with a regular comb to check that tangles were removed. If there are still knots, repeat until they are all gone. If your Poodle's coat is too knotted, consult a groomer.

    How to clean ears: His ears may have hair that needs to be removed. Let a professional clean them.

    Professional groomer visits: No less than every six weeks

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    Yorkshire Terrier 

    Coat Type: This dog has a long flowing coat that can be put up into a top knot. The Yorkie doesn't shed too much, but will knot up if brushing and combing is not kept up daily.

    Breed with similar coat: Shih Tzu

    Tools & products: A pin brush (straight pins) and a pet comb.

    How to bathe: Leave bathing this coat to a professional groomer.

    How to brush: Brush the pin brush through his coat gently and follow up with the regular comb. A spray detangler could also make brushing easier. If your pet is knotted, consult a professional groomer. You should remove his topknot daily.

    How to clean ears: Check your Yorkie's ears regularly. An ear solution can be used to maintain clean healthy ears.

    Professional grooming visits: No less than every six weeks.

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    Golden Retriever

    Coat type: This dog has a medium-long coat that not only sheds, but can also knot up.

    Breed with similar coat: Long Haired Dachshund

    Tools & products: A slicker brush (a pet brush with short metal curved pins), a pet comb, cotton (the real stuff if possible), white vinegar, a towel and shampoo  (for bathing)

    How to bathe: When shampooing, lightly brush his coat with a slicker brush. This method of wet brushing will not only help clean your dog’s coat, it will also remove unwanted undercoat without a big mess. Beware -- the slicker can scrape the skin, so have a light touch and check his skin often to make sure it's not irritated. After bathing, you can towel dry, blow dry or let your dog’s hair naturally dry. 

    How to brush: When your dog is all dry, slicker his entire body and then go back over with a comb to remove excess fur. Remember, shedding is a natural process so you can never stop it completely, but you can reduce the shedding. Remember to always keep your brush clean of coat buildup. 

    Cleaning ears: Dilute the white vinegar with four parts water and dip your cotton in it. Use this to swab out his ears as a general cleaner, but only going in as far as you can see, no deeper. If you don't want to use the vinegar solution, you can purchase an ear cleaner at your vet or pet store. Never use or clean an ear that has a lot of discharge, emits a bad smell or looks infected. Be sure to consult your vet first.

    Nail trim: Leave this to a professional groomer. 

    Professional groomer visits: These dogs should see a groomer no less than every six weeks

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