Wash the dog. Give your dog a bath and let him dry thoroughly before you clip him. Avoid clipping a dirty dog if at all possible. The dirt will clog the clippers and make your job difficult.
Is it better to brush a dog wet or dry?
Brush in the direction of your dog's fur. It is recommended that you brush your dog when their coat is dry. Wet hair can make mats worse and more difficult to remove. If you want to brush your dog's hair following a bath, let their coat dry prior to brushing.
Do you bathe dog before grooming?
Give your dog a bath and let him dry thoroughly before you clip him. Avoid clipping a dirty dog if at all possible. The dirt will clog the clippers and make your job difficult. This will help the clippers glide through the hair, making the clip quicker and more pleasant for your dog.