What's Most Helpful When It Comes to Grooming Your Dog?

If you have a dog that sheds, or a dog with long hair, or just a dog, really, then you've dealt with grooming it. Only the best products and cuts are good enough for man's best friend, of course, so you probably put a lot of effort into grooming day. Maybe you do it yourself or maybe you let the professionals work their magic -- after all, you don't want to end up like Chris Evans' dog Dodger. Either way, whether or not pet-grooming venues are open in your community, it can be a -- excuse me -- hairy business getting your dog looking spick and span. What's your method?