Dog Community

Poodle mix - help me stop matting

Posted : 3/4/2007 9:17:25 AM

Prancer is a 8 month old 12 lb miniature poodle mix that was found as a stray - I adopted her from a rescue organization.
When she was found she had scabies (and was dipped for it); she was also shaved to the skin because of mats.
She doesn't stand very well for brushing, but I'm working on that (its a challenge LOL) but I fear I'm not doing it correctly and that she may be matting again

I use a combination of a pin brush and a slicker brush. Her fur is finally growing a bit longer now (maybe 3/4" long) and I'm having a hard time finding her skin when I part the fur on her head - I'm wondering if she's matting again.
I know I'm supposed to part the fur and work in sections, but she doesn't (yet) enjoy grooming and is a wiggler. Until I get her more accustomed to grooming I need a faster way to ensure she doesn't mat. Any ideas ?

jennie_c_d

Posted : 3/4/2007 10:11:40 AM

Get a comb. A good, metal toothed comb is going to be your best friend[

] You need to be getting all the way to the skin, when you comb her. The 'line brushing' technique is best.

To teach my rambunctious pup to tolerate nail trimming, I stood her to top of the chest freezer (dryers also work for this), and put some peanut butter on the top. I trimmed, while she licked. Canned food works. Liverworst works. Cream cheese works. Anything sticky. LOTS of praise, for being a GOOD GIRL!!! while I trimmed. Standing them on top of something definitely helps.

JoAnnDe

Posted : 3/4/2007 2:43:14 PM

I thought the pin brush would get all the way to her skin but I can see how the comb would give better control - sounds like a plan !
Can you explain "line brushing" or send me a link that explains it ?

sallya

Posted : 3/4/2007 3:46:12 PM

Do you use a good conditioner? That helps.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 3/4/2007 7:03:14 PM

Cally01 has a video.... You could PM her.

Haleigh

Posted : 3/4/2007 9:14:14 PM

Here's my grooming routine for my dads girlfriends bichon bear:

spritz with a conditioner or detangling spray
Comb really well with a wide toothed comb
Use a pin brush and brush the comb backwards
Use a comb again
Use a slicker and brush through
Spritz with an anti-static (if you have a dry house
Clip nails a milimeter away from quick. If her nails are really long, bring her to the vet and have them quick her. I say to bring her to the vet because it is pain ful, and you want to make sure she's put under. For teaching, hold the foot for about a few seconds, click, then give a treat. Hold next paw, C/T. Do this for all paws. Do this until you can start pressing in between the toe webbing, mess around with the nails, lightly tap the paws etc. for about 30 seconds. Then touch the clippers to his nails, C/T. Repeat on each nail. Then start taking off little slivers. C/T. Do this for each nail. If you practice this thru-out the day at random times, she won't mind clipping.
Brush teeth
Clip the coat
Deal with tearstains

I brush several times through out the day. This eliminates mats really well, as they don't have the chance to form. Once a week I give Bear a bath with only conditioner. For shampoo, conditioner, and spray, I use [linkrodID=36]Buddy>http://www.doggoneclean.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&

rodID=36]Buddy Rinse, by Dog Gone Clean.[/link]

JoAnnDe

Posted : 3/5/2007 7:46:16 AM

I do use a conditioner which also cuts static, as I've read that static is a big reason for tangles and mats. I'm going to get her a metal comb when I go to the pet store later this week.
As far as trimming toenails, I've been bringing her to the vet - in all honesty, I'm just too chicken to try it myself, but perhaps I'll ask the tech to let me clip a couple myself next time. In the meantime I'll buy a pair of clippers and start desensitizing her to them so that if I ever get the guts to do it myself I'll already have that under my belt.
Thanks so much for the help - I'm loving having such a young dog and my goal is to give her the best care I can.