which dog clippers should I buy???

Question
I used to take my Maltepoo female, who is 9 lbs, and my Maltese Male who is only 3 lbs to Petsmart to be groomed, however, I felt like the employees were very mean to them.  So I decided to groom them myself, it takes over an hour to do the both of them, and I have accidently cut them as well, but I can't find clippers that actually cut their baby fine hair, it just pulls the hair and gets matted right away.  So I don't have a clue what I am doing, and my dogs are really scared when I pull out the scissors.  Any and all suggestions are welcome!  I don't want to scare them, or hurt them.  I keep their hair very short and leave extra hair on my female for bows.  Also, I don't know what to do about their feet, the hair grows between the toes, do you use a clipper on them, or shears?

Answer
Hi Natalee,

I'm not sure what your budget is, but I always recommend Andis Clippers http://grooming.petedge.com/assets/product_images/styles/medium/AD21730_230X230.... You can order them online from a pet supply company such as Petedge or Ryan's Pet Supply for the best prices. You can get different blades to work with the clippers, or you can buy a set of snap-on combs that will give you different length cuts and you only have to use one type of blade underneath. I use a #40 blade under the snap-on combs. I use a #15 blade to shave paw pads, but if you choose to use a blade, be very careful! It can be easy to razor burn or even cut the skin if you use it the wrong way. I would also recommend buying a basic grooming book that will give you instructions. However, please understand that professional groomers are usually taught by other groomers, so learning from a book isn't the same. For your own personal use though, a book would be useful. You can also order books from the companies listed above.


good luck!
Michelle