Long-Hair Breed Compatible electric clippers

Question
Hi Wendy,

We are from Orange, CA and are proud owners of Max and Maya, both Golden Retrievers, age three.
A recent unfortunate observation at our local and "preferred" groomer has prompted a desire on our part to clip both dogs ourselves as necessary in the future.

Our question is actually two-fold:
Would you recommend any informal training or reading materials before we attempt to clip the dogs? Restraining, positioning, etc. is not a problem with either animal by the way.

Also, Can you recommend a quality set (make/ model) of electric clippers that is likely to work the very best for this breed and less-likely to bind, burn-out or otherwise stop mid-clip due to limited power? We see the expensive clippers available but would like to avoid buying something that is perhaps more than we need. On the other hand, we would prefer not to have to replace the clippers in a year. Expected frequency of use will be eighteen trimmings/yr.

Thank you in advance for your response.  

Answer
Well, I take it your "observation" at the groomers was not a good one.  Thats too bad. Please do understand that a groomer must at times be firm with a dog...abuse shouldn't be tolerated of coarse.
I wouldn't waste your money on the 30.00 clippers available in the pet dept. of your local Kmart.  I use a Oster A5 clipper. It runs about 120.00 bucks.  You can use interchangable metal blades as well as snap on combs, depending on the cut you want. The biggest thing with clipping your own dogs is to start with a clean, brushed out dog. Clipping a dirty dog will only give you a bad looking cut, but will also dull you clipper blades quickly. One thing you may want to invest in is a "forced air dryer".  These work great if you bathe the dogs yourself. They provide a high volume of air the blows tons of that undercoat out.  It does make a mess, but he saves tons of time on brushing and is way easier on you and the dogs-no chance for brush burn.
You could get a book on grooming, or browse the internet, but it really shouldn't be that difficult for you. Cut with the lay of the hair-(if you go against, it will be much shorter)Just practice and Im sure you will be fine. After all, its hair, and it does grow back.