CPS Pet Grooming Techniques & Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When scissoring a Poodle's topknot, which technique prevents a lopsided appearance?
- Comb the hair straight up and scissor horizontally using the comb as a guide (Correct answer)
- Wet the hair before cutting to see the true length
- Use thinning shears exclusively for the topknot
- Part the hair down the center and scissor each side separately
Correct answer: Comb the hair straight up and scissor horizontally using the comb as a guide
Combing hair straight up and using the comb as a guide ensures even length and a symmetrical, round topknot.
Question 2: A client brings in a Maltese with a severe pelted coat. What is the safest first step?
- Apply a dematting spray and attempt to brush out the mats
- Shave the coat down with a #10 blade working with the lay of the coat (Correct answer)
- Soak the coat in conditioner for 30 minutes then comb
- Use a slicker brush aggressively to break up the pelting
Correct answer: Shave the coat down with a #10 blade working with the lay of the coat
A severely pelted coat cannot be safely dematted and must be humanely shaved down to prevent pain and skin damage.
Question 3: Which blade would you select to achieve a longer, more natural finish on a dog's body after bathing?
- #10 blade
- #7F blade (Correct answer)
- #40 blade
- #15 blade
Correct answer: #7F blade
A #7F blade leaves approximately 1/8 inch of coat and produces a smooth, longer finish suitable for body work.
Question 4: What is the correct direction to run clippers on a dog's face to avoid clipper irritation?
- Always against the grain for a closer cut
- With the grain of the hair growth (Correct answer)
- In a circular motion to blend
- Diagonally across the grain
Correct answer: With the grain of the hair growth
Clipping with the grain on sensitive facial areas reduces the risk of clipper burn and skin irritation.
Question 5: When hand-stripping a Wire Fox Terrier, what is the primary purpose of the technique?
- To thin out an overly dense undercoat
- To remove dead outer coat and maintain proper texture and color (Correct answer)
- To stimulate faster coat regrowth
- To prepare the coat for a color treatment
Correct answer: To remove dead outer coat and maintain proper texture and color
Hand-stripping removes dead guard hairs by the root, preserving the harsh texture and rich color characteristic of wire-coated terriers.
Question 6: A Cocker Spaniel's ear canal appears red and has a yeasty odor. What should the groomer do?
- Flush the ear canal thoroughly with ear cleaning solution
- Pluck all ear hair and apply medicated powder
- Note the condition, inform the owner, and refer to a veterinarian (Correct answer)
- Proceed with grooming and clean the ear as normal
Correct answer: Note the condition, inform the owner, and refer to a veterinarian
Signs of infection such as redness and odor require veterinary attention; groomers must not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Question 7: What scissoring technique is used to create the rounded foot appearance on a Bichon Frise?
- Scissoring straight across the bottom of the foot
- Beveling the toenails with curved shears at a 45-degree angle
- Scissoring around the foot in a circular motion following the natural pad outline (Correct answer)
- Using thinning shears to feather the hair between the toes
Correct answer: Scissoring around the foot in a circular motion following the natural pad outline
Scissoring in a circular motion around the natural pad outline creates the hallmark tight, cat-like rounded foot on a Bichon Frise.
CPS Pet Grooming Techniques & Skills 2
When scissoring a Poodle's topknot, which technique prevents a lopsided appearance?