One of the most common reasons for a groomer to have to do a "smoothie" (shave-down) on your pet is because of matting due to incorrect tools and technique during home grooming sessions. Just the other day I did a consult with a show Newfoundland that was badly matted all under her backend and rear legs and tail. Now this client was brushing her dog diligently every day trying hard to keep her hair in good condition....so how did this happen?  First of all this was the owners first hairy dog, second no one had bothered to teach her how to brush and what tools were necessary. She had been sold a brush at the local pet store that was as helpful as wishing your dogs matts away. This Bristle/Pin brush combo is useful on smooth or very short coated dogs and is good for stimulation of the skin and hair follicles as well as spreading the oils. Certainly not practical for a big hairy Neuf. Pin brushes are gentle on the hair shaft, and are good for keeping long silky hair and show dogs in good condition. The only brand pin brush that is decent is Chris Christiansen or #1 All Systems. I even use #1 all systems on my own hair.  I only like Paw Brothers brand slicker brushes, generally they will remove more hair as they power through the tangles, but for pet owners or matted dogs its negligible . A slicker's curved pins separate the tangled hair and make it easier for a comb to be worked through.  Paw Brothers Double Sided Soft and Firm Slickers are the softest and most flexible brushes I have ever found. I use the small soft on all Bichon's, Shih Tzu's, yorkies, Maltese, Pom's, etc and the large soft on all med size or smaller thick coated dogs. The Neuf requires the Large Firm. The brushes feature a black firm side and a white soft side so you get two brushes in one! For any short coated dogs like jack Russel's, Pugs, Rotti's, Labs, etc, use the Kong Zoom Groom, this brush pulls hair out like you wouldn't believe! just check out our video on our website or youtube called "so you think your short haired dog doesn't shed". Best used dry before the bath and during the bath. Excellent cause its safe on legs and other sensitive areas. Follow this with a furminator tool after bath and dry to really get the hair out. For Smooth coated fellas like bostons, boxers, danes, etc, you have to be very careful about using a furminator tool. Instead use a boar bristle brush which really makes them shine, and creates healthy skin.Stay tuned for more lessons on how to brush... |
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