Couple of Grooming Questions

Hi Lynn,

An important "tool" to consider is a grooming table!  One for use with small dogs shouldn't be too expensive.  Dogs are much more cooperative for brushing when they are on a raised table.  Winnie climbs right up onto my table (with the help of a step stool).   Lots of praise and treats will make them want to get in line for brushing.

Bring your brushes into the groomer next time and have the groomer evaluate your equipment.  They might have some suggestions (specific to your dogs' coats and cuts) as to what you should use, and some groomers sell brushes and combs in their store front.  My favorite brush is the Chris Christensen "T Brush" it is a pin brush that is shaped like a slicker.  It comes with pins of two different lengths, 16mm and 27mm.  The pins are polished on the ends that contact your dog's skin, so they are not sharp.  I've tried MANY brushes before this one, and I can assure you this one is the one my dog likes the most.  (and I like it too)

Also ask your groomer to recommend a finishing spray/conditioner you can use while brushing.  Spraying (a little) before brushing will help prevent damage to your dogs' coats, and will make brushing easier.  I've used the Best Shot Ultra Vitalizing Mist, and the Chris Christensen Ice on Ice, with equal results.  I'm currently using the Ice on ice because it is fragrance free, and that is a good thing for therapy dog visits, as clients  could potentially have a reaction to fragrances.

 I've never tried the Emu Oil shampoo or conditioner, so I cannot comment on that.  If your dogs are getting bathed weekly, I wouldn't see the need for more bathing.

I will 2nd the grooming table...........and the Chris Christianson brushes, Love 'em, I use the 35mm ones, especially on my boy as he has a lot of coat.  I follow up with by running a large comb through.  Definitely use a spray when grooming, it will protect the hair and reduce any static.  I have used the Ice on Ice and like it, I also use Crown Royale grooming spray #2, neither will produce much buildup.

~Melissa

Thanks for the info. Where can I find the brushes and sprays that you both recommended?  It sounds like these are professional grooming items? They are both in puppy cuts, but, like right now they are what I say is a little longer puppy cut and they'll be fully groomed and trimmed next week, so I am trying to keep them fur-ball free and soft.

Ice on Ice is by Chris Christenson. It, and their brushes, can be found at chrissystems.com. I use Ice on Ice all the time. Love it. 

Melissa - Is the 35mm longer bristles or does that determine the space between the bristles?? Sorry, I'm clueless about this. Abbie has "human" type hair (soft and silky) , but Layla has what I call "Troll" hair, it is very thick and wirey, it is difficult to brush through and seems to have a mind of it's own. Have you tried Solid Gold products? I purchased the Emu Oil products and gave them to my groomer to use, but after a couple of days, their coats feel dry.

35mm is the length of the pins.

Give the Ice on Ice a try.  I was at the dog park Saturday, and everyone who said hello to Winnie remarked on how soft her coat was.

yeah, the 35mm is the longer pins, it helps on a thicker coat.  I use the brush and then run a comb through to make sure no knots are hiding.   I have not tried the Solid Gold products, the nice thing about both ice on ice and the crown royale is that neither will leave residue - big deal on the show dogs.   The dry coat can be cause by lots of things, long winter(heat), diet, etc....

~Melissa