Brushing/Combing/De-Matting
Breeds such as
Maltese, Bichon Frise,
Havanese,
Coton De Tulear,
Lhasa Apsos, Shih-Tzu etc.
Brush daily with pin brush, or rotating tooth comb. Depending
on your breed, and coat length and thickness, do this biweekly, weekly or every
other day. Brush & then comb the entire coat in layers from the skin out. You
need a metal comb, not plastic. It is important to get right to the roots. It is
wise to Comb out the dog to make sure there are no mats after brushing.
This is usually easiest if the dog is lying on your lap, on
its back and side. With one hand, the hair is parted to the skin and held down
while the other hand gently combs through the hair below the part. Once this
section is smooth and tangle free, another section of hair is pulled down along
the part and groomed in the same way. You should moisten each layer with a light
mist of conditioner or coat dressing before brushing/combing to avoid breakage,
especially if you are trying to keep coat in Show Condition. Fabulous grooming
spray serum is just one example of products that can be used.
Comb out the face, corner of the eyes and beard, using the
teeth on the fine end of the comb or use an extra-fine facial or flea comb. This
comb is also good for removing debris from the eyes.
Extra Fine Flea Comb
After the hair has been completely brushed; take the medium/coarse end of the
comb and comb through the coat to make sure that all mats and tangles have been
removed. If your dog has a curly coat you may find it easier to use a wide tooth
poodle comb.
For a finished look, or while blow drying, a 'Slicker' may be used. A slicker
can break the coat, and scratch the skin if NOT used correctly. Be sure to have
someone show you the proper way to use a slicker.
Slicker
For shedding breeds. A Slicker is great to remove excessive hair.
Applying her top knot
| You can use special elastics or clips to make a top knot, (pony tail). Leaving
these in too long, can cause breakage. Trying to get them out, can also cause
breakage, they make a tool (seen below) to remove the top knot elastic. |
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Feet
Trim
slipper feet with blunt
scissors, or clippers.
Be sure NOT to have the clippers set on closest cut, or you can cut the skin
between the toes.
De-Matting
Sometimes if matts are so bad, it is just too much pain for the dog, and you
will need to clip down to the roots, (brush cut) puppy cut, and start over. For
mild matts, and a show Coat they are easy to undo. Using your fingers and a
comb, separate the mats. This means, if you have a 1" matt. separate it into 8
small matts, by pulling it apart. Spray with a detangler oil, or sprinkle with
baby powder. Slowly work on one matt at a time. For a non show coat, matts can
be cut out, or worked out. More on Matting
Leave in moisturizer
Grooming Main
