|
|
|
Grooming Tips
top |
 |
|
Grooming is a serious business ! |
Grooming your pet is an essential part of the relationship and should be a pleasant experience for your dog.
Here's how !
Begin grooming your dog at an early age and he will become confident and easier to manage. Groom the dog on a table or firm surface, covered with a piece of non-slip rubber, such as a car or bath mat. At each stage of the grooming process start from the tail and work forwards. The tail and hind legs are less sensitive and the dog cannot see what is going on. Ask someone to hold the dog's head and talk to him whilst you groom. Handle your dog firmly but gently, this is not a time for play. Praise him when you have finished. |
| |
|
Shedder
top |
 |
|
Gather hair at the base of the back |
The shedder is the ideal tool for removing large quantities of loose and dead hair, allowing the new coat to grow through. Moulting breeds such as German Shepherds and Retrievers have three hairs growing from each hair follicle. The dying and re-growth of these hairs is the natural moulting process.
Work in the direction of the coat, mainly on the body, sides and back legs. Avoid undue pressure and be aware of the danger points ie. hocks, face, tail and toes. Be extremely careful when using on the back of thin-coated breeds such as whippets and greyhounds which have protruding backbones. |
| |
|
Slicker Brush
top |
 |
|
Careful not to scratch the skin |
This is the ideal brush for regular grooming and is used to align the coat hairs, remove mats, dirt and loose hair.
Brush in the direction of the hair on the back and sides, starting from the tail and using an upward plucking motion.
Never use undue pressure as this can scratch the skin. Do not brush down over the hocks or onto the toes. If some de-tangling is required on long-haired breeds, place one hand under the hair and brush over the top of your palm. The slicker can be used against the coat to expose the undercoat on double-coated breeds.
Use softer brushes (Tender Care) on young and very old dogs of any breed.
How often should I groom my dog? Check your breed - Poodles and Spaniels need daily brushing, whilst once or twice a week may suffice for short-haired breeds. |
| |
|
Stripper
top |
 |
|
Work a small area at a time |
Some breeds have one hair growing from each follicle (like humans) and do not moult eg Poodles, some Terriers and Schnauzers. This is great news if you don't like dog hairs arould the house but means extra attention to keep the coat at a reasonable length.
Why use a stripper and not simply a clipper ? Using a clipper will alter the nature of the coat and will cause it to become softer with each clip, stripping retains the coarseness of the coat which is a feature of such breeds.
Some breeds that have thick coats ideal for water eg Spanials and Retrievers may also need some thinning out from time to time. This is done as shown in the picture. |
| |
|
Bristle Brush
top |
 |
|
Use with long strokes |
Bristle brushes are essential because the natural bristle fibres act like microscopic combs, removing dust and dirt from the coat hair. Brush gently in the direction of the coat. Bristle brushes are good for small silk-coated breeds eg. Maltese, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terrier. It is important that Afghans are groomed only with a bristle brush. |
| |
|
Rubber Brush
top |
 |
|
Rubber brush can be used round the face |
Rubber brushes are excellent for massaging the skin and removing loose hair on smooth-coated breeds such as Whippets and Bull Terriers. The rubber fingers will not damage the skin and promote suppleness. They can be used on areas where the skin is very thin such as the legs and tail. The "Vee" is ideal for this purpose. The rubber brush is also useful when shampooing as the rubber will not damage the skin through the wet coat. |
| |
|
Hound Glove
top |
 |
|
Follow the contours of the body |
The grooming pad on the hound glove is woven from natural horsehair. It is easy to use and ideal for short coated breeds such as Hounds, Beagles, Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Dalmations and Weimeraners.
Use a stroking action in the direction of the coat closely following the contours of the body. The glove will remove loose and dead hair as well as polishing the coat and releasing oils. |
| |
|
Combs
top |
 |
|
Use comb to tease out tangles |
Combs are used in the areas where delicate grooming is required. For a small dog with fine hair, eg Peke, this may mean almost all areas apart from the back and flanks.(Spratts No.73)
A comb should also be used for teasing out the feathers on breeds such as Spaniels and Setters, and can also be used on the ears.(Spratts No.76)
For double-coated breeds, a coarse/medium tooth comb is used to expose and groom the undercoat to prevent it from becoming matted.(Spratts 72) |
| |
|
Bathing
top |
 |
|
Apply shampoo with a sponge |
How often ? If a dog lives outside, once a year may suffice. An outdoor working dog needs the oils in his coat to repel water eg. Retrievers, Old English Sheep Dogs, Collies. However, a dog living in a centrally heated house will need bathing more often to keep smelling sweet. Avoid bathing him more than once a month as the oils in the coat are reduced by each shampooing. Conditioning sprays can be bought to replenish the oils and shine of his coat.
How to Tackle the Bathing Process
1. Collect towel, shampoo, conditioner, brush, jug, sponge, cotton wool for eyes and ears, rubber brush
2. Remove all mats by grooming with a slicker
3. Wet the dog with shower hose or jug using hand-hot water
4. Fill bowl or jug with hand-hot water and a squirt of shampoo
5. Squeeze soapy water over the dog with sponge, avoid squirting shampoo directly onto the skin, start from the rear and work forwards
6. Rinse and shampoo again, if using conditioner, apply, brush through and rinse thoroughly to avoid scurf
7. Clean eyes and ears with cotton wool soaked in clean, non soapy water
8. Squeeze out water with hands, this is a good opportunity to feel for lumps and bumps
9. Towel head and back, lift onto second towel, let him shake. (Be careful not to over rub Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Tibetan Terriers as the coat will mat
10. In summer the dog will dry quickly outside, in winter keep him in a warm room or part dry with a hair drier, NEVER use a fan heater or electric fire
11. Comb and brush
13. Pluck extensive hairs (a few at a time) with fingers from the ears of certain breeds eg. Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Setters |
| |
|
