Course 11 of 20 · Everyday tasks

Face, Eyes and Paws

Eyes, muzzles, paw pads, sanitary trims, and keeping short work calm.

12 lessons. Published 29 October 2026. Work through the lessons in order; each one builds on the checks in the one before it.

1. Lesson 1. How do you clean around eyes safely?

   Clean around a dog's eyes with damp cotton, gentle wiping and a calm routine that protects the eye surface.

2. Lesson 2. How do you deal with tear staining at home?

   Manage tear staining at home with regular cleaning, dry hair and vet checks for causes that grooming alone cannot fix.

3. Lesson 3. How do you trim hair around the eyes at an introductory level?

   Trim only the hair that obstructs vision at an introductory level, with blunt tipped scissors, stillness and a clear stop rule.

4. Lesson 4. How do you clean a beard or muzzle?

   Clean a beard or muzzle with lukewarm water, gentle wiping and thorough drying to prevent odour and matting.

5. Lesson 5. How do you check and trim paw pads and the hair between them?

   Check paw pads and trim only overlong hair between the toes with blunt tipped scissors, keeping pads visible and clean.

6. Lesson 6. How do you do a sanitary trim safely at home?

   Do a conservative sanitary trim only on clean, calm dogs, trimming overlong hair away from sensitive skin and stopping early.

7. Lesson 7. How do you check paws after walks and grooming?

   Check paws after walks with a calm look, feel and rinse routine that finds cuts, seeds and debris early.

8. Lesson 8. How do you clean skin folds at an introductory level?

   Clean skin folds at an introductory level by lifting gently, wiping with damp gauze and drying fully, with vet referral for soreness.

9. Lesson 9. What do you do about a dog that will not hold still for face work?

   Help a dog that will not hold still for face work with short sessions, rewards and hands on help, never force or restraint.

10. Lesson 10. How do you spot a thorn, burr or foreign body in a paw?

    Spot thorns, burrs and foreign bodies in paws by checking between toes, watching gait and knowing when to seek vet help.

11. Lesson 11. How do you keep face and paw work short and calm?

    Keep face and paw work short and calm with preparation, one task at a time, pauses and a predictable finish.

12. Lesson 12. When do face, eye or paw signs need a vet?

    Learn which face, eye and paw signs need a vet promptly, and which routine changes simply need monitoring and notes.

← All courses