Our front desk isn't just a place to check in dogs, do paperwork, schedule appointments (and entertain grandkids), it's also where Donna spends a decent amount of her time answering questions. Our clients have a variety of dog questions ranging from behavior to fashion, and Donna is happy to answer any and all questions. With that in mind, I sat her down and asked her a few questions of my own.
Mainly, I wanted to know what the most commonly asked question was regarding grooming. Donna stated that many people inquire about which tools they could be using at home. Her answer to that, she said, is almost always the same: A slicker brush and a comb. But does everyone need them? And why these specific tools?
Let's first tackle who would want these tools. Obviously not your short-haired dog owners. These tools are more for thick coated dogs and/or long coated dogs. If you like the full look of your dog's fur, then doing some work at home may be necessary. For example:
Mainly, I wanted to know what the most commonly asked question was regarding grooming. Donna stated that many people inquire about which tools they could be using at home. Her answer to that, she said, is almost always the same: A slicker brush and a comb. But does everyone need them? And why these specific tools?
Let's first tackle who would want these tools. Obviously not your short-haired dog owners. These tools are more for thick coated dogs and/or long coated dogs. If you like the full look of your dog's fur, then doing some work at home may be necessary. For example:
Toby here has a nice full coat, long tail, and long ears, not to mention his lovely full face. His hair is similar to that of a Poodle, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and all "non shedding" or single coated breeds. The fur doesn't shed, but if it's not brushed, all that hair gets tangled extremely easily causing solid matts like rocks that must be shaved. Often times, these breeds require much more maintenance than double coated dogs, especially if the owners desire a full, flowing or fluffy look.
Another type of hair is that of the "shedding" or double coated breeds such as Goldens, Shepards, Huskies, etc. This type of hair doesn't quite tangle up the same way as Toby above, (although it can) instead, these dogs have a heavy undercoat that can get so thick, it turns into a solid layer of hair (almost like a rug) that must be shaved.
Now onto the why:
What's so special about these simple tools? Donna says that often times, people who are brushing their dogs at home are only "surface brushing". By this she means that the tools they use, or technique, is not getting down to the skin; down to the real mess. So while the top layer looks all nice and pretty, hidden below are those matts and stubborn hair. That's why she says these tools, when properly used together, are the best for "at home maintenance."
What's so special about these simple tools? Donna says that often times, people who are brushing their dogs at home are only "surface brushing". By this she means that the tools they use, or technique, is not getting down to the skin; down to the real mess. So while the top layer looks all nice and pretty, hidden below are those matts and stubborn hair. That's why she says these tools, when properly used together, are the best for "at home maintenance."
The slicker brush will pull out all the thick undercoat on those thick double coated dogs, (long or short actually) and will pull apart that poodle-type hair trying to mat up. This brush is also good on those shorter coated dogs that shed (like labs and such). Even though they don't really need to have home maintenance, if you'd like to keep some hair off your floors, a slicker brush is a great choice. All in all, for a majority of hairy breeds, this is the brush for you. No need to purchase this ergonomic style we have, that's mainly for groomers who use it all day long. Anything similar should do the trick.
The comb is good back up to the brush, and by itself also a golden tool to own. As a back-up, after you've done some good brushing, this is where Donna says you should get "down to the skin". Use that comb to make sure your brushing did enough work. The comb will really 'get in there" to reveal undercoat and will reach whatever the brush couldn't, or what ever the brush loosened up but didn't remove. And on the non-shedding breeds with little knots everywhere, the brush & comb team work to keep those knots in check.
By itself, the comb works great to keep that long flowing hair in good shape, just as we humans comb our own hair to keep knots away. The comb is also great for ears and tails that are so prone to tangle up. Gentle, regular combing will keep them from needing shaved because once they knot up, those sensitive areas are too delicate to be pulling and working out mats.
Again, it doesn't have to look exactly like this comb, anything similar. In fact, these tools come in many sizes depending on your needs.
The comb is good back up to the brush, and by itself also a golden tool to own. As a back-up, after you've done some good brushing, this is where Donna says you should get "down to the skin". Use that comb to make sure your brushing did enough work. The comb will really 'get in there" to reveal undercoat and will reach whatever the brush couldn't, or what ever the brush loosened up but didn't remove. And on the non-shedding breeds with little knots everywhere, the brush & comb team work to keep those knots in check.
By itself, the comb works great to keep that long flowing hair in good shape, just as we humans comb our own hair to keep knots away. The comb is also great for ears and tails that are so prone to tangle up. Gentle, regular combing will keep them from needing shaved because once they knot up, those sensitive areas are too delicate to be pulling and working out mats.
Again, it doesn't have to look exactly like this comb, anything similar. In fact, these tools come in many sizes depending on your needs.
These tools can be found in almost any chain pet supply store, and even online at places like Amazon.com. Remember, not everyone needs these tools, and not everyone has the time to use them even if they wanted to. But for those of you curious as to what type of home maintenance you can do, this is Donna's most famous answer.
Still have questions? Feel free reach out via email, Facebook, or hey, just ask us at the front desk!
Thanks for stopping by!
-ingrid
Still have questions? Feel free reach out via email, Facebook, or hey, just ask us at the front desk!
Thanks for stopping by!
-ingrid
RSS Feed
