How to Groom a Silky Terrier

Brush your silky terrier with a slicker brush to remove any tangles or mats before bathing. A silky terrier's fur is very much like human hair and therefore susceptible to tangles and snarls. Gently run a slicker brush through her coat beginning at her head and working across her back to her tail. If your terrier has difficult tangles, spray a little leave-in conditioner onto her coat to avoid breaking the hair.

Run a comb through your silky terrier's fur to prepare her coat for trimming. Trimming a silky terrier's coat before bathing will make maintenance grooming easier and less stressful for you and your dog.

Trim your silky terrier's coat in the style you prefer. The coat of competitive silky terriers is parted down the spine and left long, trimming a small amount so it does not reach the ground. If you prefer a coat that requires less maintenance, you may trim it shorter using blunt-end scissors. Some silky terrier owners opt to trim their terrier close along the back, sides and chest of the dog. If you cannot groom your terrier daily, this may be the best option for you and your dog.

Trim your terrier's face and tail. Trim the face with a pair of thinning shears to avoid trimming too much fur. Trim any long, excess hair between and under the eyes for a clean look. Trim excess hair around the ears. Hold the ear with your thumb and forefinger, and trim the extra hair to give your terrier's head a refined appearance. Trim her tail by holding the tail with one hand and clipping excess hair growing from the tail. Trim around her rectal area to keep her hind end clean between grooming sessions.

Bathe your silky terrier. Wet her body with warm water and apply a shampoo designed for dogs. Lather her body and avoid getting shampoo in her ears, eyes and mouth. Rinse thoroughly. Your silky terrier can be bathed once every two months or on an as-needed basis.

Apply conditioner to keep the hair on her coat strong and free of tangles. Work the conditioner into her coat and onto her skin. Rinse thoroughly and dry her with a clean towel.

Apply a leave-in conditioner to add sheen to your terrier's coat and finish her look. Brush your silky terrier's coat with a slicker brush after each bath.

Brush your terrier's teeth weekly to keep plaque under control. Slide a finger brush over your index finger and apply a small amount of toothpaste designed for dogs. Brush her teeth gently and stimulate her gums for optimal oral health.