I "inherited" my late father's two Shih Tzus about a month ago.

[TheBlackAdder]

17. Get Wahl 5 Cordless Dog Clippers at Petsmart and do it yourself.

Give them a bath and once they are dry clip them. It's a good bonding experience. I use these clippers for my Broodle Griffon. Unfortunately, my Australian Shepard is too high strung to sit still and needs calming agents and a pro groomer as he's 50lbs and does not like his legs handled.

Dog clippers are different than human ones, as dog hair is thicker and finer and will dull human clippers.

If they are excitable, like one of my dogs, CBD oil does the trick. Of course, you have to give them it for a few days prior to get them acclimated to it. Check with the store as only about a quarter of CBD calming products are effective. You can also check with the vet about a Gabapentin prescription to calm them. Stay away from Trazadone, my vet and one groomer I use says it's not good for grooming.