Many people seem to think they would be doing their dog a favor by cutting the coat short in the summer and leaving it long in the winter. This theory is FALSE! An animal has its own body thermostat and is used to the amount of coat it has. Cutting off its entire coat can be a real shock to your dog, and he could even get sick from being cold. What you dog really needs is for you to help it with some serious grooming!
So you don't lose your dogs attention while grooming, make sure you gather all your grooming supplies before you begin a session: Good quality dog shampoo (NOT Johnson's baby shampoo), hair dryer, Slicker brush (preferably curved), metal comb, de-matting tool, proper size nail trimmers, sharp hair scissors with safety blunt ends, a good grooming spray & eye cream for stains. Now we are ready to start.
It is extremely important to brush out all the knots and tangles BEFORE the bath. If you don't, the warm water and soap will set in all the knots making it almost impossible in some cases to get them out. Begin a grooming session by putting your dog up on a grooming table. Yes the kitchen table will do, as will washers and dryers or any other area of control. Make sure the entire time your dog is up on the table, you have a hand on him making sure he doesn't fall.
Start with your slicker brush and brush and brush and brush!!! Start on one shoulder and brush down toward the leg. What if your dog struggles or whines and twists and turns trying to get away? You must take control! The dog has got to realize this is going to happen. With your left hand grab him by the scruff of the neck. Grab a big hand full of fur and neck. Hold his front feet off the table if need be. Say in a firm voice "NOOOO, STAY". Keep brushing! If you stop as soon as he gives you a hard time you will never be able to groom him. Brush the coat all over, mostly the direction the hair grows. Hold on to him any way you can, don't let him win. Keep saying "NOOOO, Stay".
When you find a mat, take your de-matting tool, get under the mat and work the tool up and down, up and down, until you cut through the mat. Now use the slicker over the same area until it slides smoothly through the coat. All of the dead winter hair should come out in the brush. I use a curved Slicker brush on all Bichons, Poodles, Yorkies, and Maltese. It does a fine job on all long and full-coated breeds.
Myra Friedman has been a breeder and exhibitor of top quality Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie), Havanese & Maltese puppies since 1974. All of her "babies" are bred to conform to the standard for the breed, temperament tested, registered and any one would make an ideal home companion. Much more information as well as a look at the puppies she now has for sale can be found on her website http://www.toypuppies.com
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