Double coated breeds

Double Coated Breeds at Home Grooming Information

eg. Pomeranian, Chow, Collie, Border Collie, Keeshond, Dashound, Samoyed, Husky, Malamute, Cats, German Sheplard, Labrador.

What to use:

I try and work with you and your pet to save you money and time.  As a groomer it is a nicer experience for me and your dog if your dog is not matted and is use to the grooming process.

Follow these simple instructions to comb your pet less and for a better result.

How Often?

You should comb your pet at least twice a week.  You may brush-out a lot of fur in one go, but remember a professional brush-out will remove a lot more hair (usually until 70% of undercoat is out) so it is best to do this as often as possible. Remember if you do not comb your pet, your pet will become more stressed with the amount I must do, and the rougher I must be, the less you do it at home.

What tools?

With double coated breeds it is a case by case need.  I will usually try many tools on your pet the find the most effective one.  Proper use is best as some undercoat tools actually cut when used incorrectly will result with more undercoat.

How to brush:

What is undercoat?

Undercoat keeps your pet warm in winter and needs to be removed in spring and summer to keep your pet cool.

 Undercoat is usually lighter in colour and more fluffy and comes out with little or no effort.  The reason I must charge so much for this is the effort of how much I must use my hands and de-matting from no brushing on the owners behalf.  The more you brush the more undercoat comes out. 
If you get your dog wet you MUST dry all of the undercoat as the undercoat also traps moisture and bacteria and fungi grow on the skin.

How?
Going against the coat can cause knots. 
Use your hands to part the coat, putting your hands against the coat and combing with the coat.

Tail-Use a comb and comb downwards from tail, to the ground.

Professional Groooming:

How often should my dog be professionally groomed?

Your pet should have a bath and blow-dry including a feather tidy every 4-6 weeks.

At least 3 times a year your pet should have a full brush-out.  Brush-outs do stimulate the hair to fall out more so a few are needed to remove it all before winter grows more.  Leaving it in causes matting and the skin is not be able to breathe causing allergies.

Nervous dogs should be groomed every 4 weeks until they become confident.

Your pet may be clipped in summer, remembering that clipping may change the coat and it may need more grooming in winter.  For golden retrievers I definitely recommend clipping as it usually does not change their coat and keeps them easy to look after.  It prevents molting.  With malamutes and pomeranians  I do not recommend it as it will definitely change their coat to become wiry and stubby.

I hope this all helps you to keep your pet looking forward to it's pampering even if it is not with me, I am always here to help you, your pet and your groomer.

Please call me if you would like any more information.

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