[CerbiesMom]

I've only had shorthaired dogs, but I just adopted a long haired dachshund to my pack. I was wondering what kind of brush(es?) I'll be needing for him. I've already had to do the "butt-cut" so that poo doesn't get caught in his fur, I didn't even think about that. Thanks in advance.

[Graco22]

Congratulations on your new baby! You will need at least a slicker and a metal comb. Not a rake, but a comb with both fine and medium teeth. A few stripping knives will come in useful too when his coat is needing to be "revived." At some point, his coat, mostly his body coat, but sometimes all over, will turn lighter in color, and more stringy/flyaway. That is dead coat that will need to be pulled out. You can either strip it out, pull it out, or card most of it out. But new growth will not come in if you don't remove the old dead coat first. Of course, you can also have him done professionally by a groomer, just be sure they know what you mean by stripping the coat out, NOT clippering. Clippering will make the coat more dense, and lighter/softer in color and texture, and need done more often. Hope that helps.

[CerbiesMom]

Yes, that does help, thank you. I plan on doing everything myself, as he's terrified of ppl at the moment. I think going to the groomer would be way too much for him. He was shaved down before I got him, apparently he was really matted. I went out and bought a comb for him, I already have a slicker for my cats. I also have a Furminator, will that get the dead hair out, or should I go ahead and get something else for that? Thanks again.

[Patt]

Congratulations and thank you for adopting a rescue.

My rescue Fritz is a B/T LH also. I use a slicker type brush made by Four Paws and it is fine for him. I also use the Furminator but don't have to do much as his coat isn't all that great and is now starting to fill in.

I was thinking about taking him to a groomer, but since he lived in a cage for 4 years I don't think he could handle it.

[Graco22]

A furminator will get "some" of the dead coat out, mostly undercoat though. The topcoat will need to be plucked out or stripped out with a knife. Usually a few times a year, or whenever the coat turns and dies. If either of the above posters are worried about having them groomed professionally, there are many options out there. You can find a salon that does the dogs from start to finish, so they are only there a short time. I know I can do a long hair dax in an hour, start to finish most of the time. Hour and a half tops. A good, calm groomer can actually help your dogs become more relaxed around people. And there are mobile groomers also, that come right to your driveway and do the dogs one at a time in their mobile van. Great alternative for shy,nervous dogs.

[CerbiesMom]

I think a groomer down the line for Max would be fine, just as he's only been with me a week, and he's never even lived in a house for the three years he's been alive, I don't think he's ready yet. After reading this and looking at his coat, I do see some lighter areas that look like the dead coat you are describing. So you said I need a stripping knife to get that out? I want to make totally sure before I try anything.

And of course my babies are rescues, I wouldn't have it any other way. My cats are, too.

[Graco22]

Yes, you need to use a stripping knife to pull the dead coat out. You can also use your fingers. It will pull out easily, in small amounts. The knife is just used to make it easier, but if you don't know how to use it, you may be better off just finger pulling a little at a time. You can use a rubber surgical glove to grip the hair better too.

[CerbiesMom]

Ok, thanks a lot. I can't imagine everything you'd have to do with a poodle like that. Looks intimidating. Beautiful dog, though.

[Graco22]

Thanks Cerbiesmom. The actual grooming isn't that bad really for that cut. The 3 hours of bathing and drying time beforehand stinks though. The actual groom was timed, and I had 2 1/2 hours. He is my dog. I compete in grooming competitions, and wanted to try the continental. I maintained all that coat for not even a year, and just didn't have the time to keep doing it, so I took him down short. He is growing into a new trim now. But he is still pretty. lol

[CerbiesMom]

How cool that you do grooming contests. I think that's neat. I lack creativity. And the patience to sit and groom a dog that long. you do good work.

[Graco22]

Thanks Cerbiesmom.

[Love's_Sophie]

Graco, where do you compete? I would love to get into competitive grooming, but it seems like there are only competitions at big seminars...which I couldn't afford, mainly because of the travel costs alone...

[Graco22]

Loves, I travel alot to the competitions. I am near Chicago, and I go to the Atlanta Pet Fair every March. I also went to Petquest in KY this July, and then I do the 2 Chicago shows as well. All the competitions are on location of the "big" shows/trade shows. There are a few different organizations that put them on, and rules vary per those organizers. Is it Minnesota you are in? If so, you could hook up with a very well know Groom Team member from there, and travel with her to some. She hits every show, as she is pointing up for the Groom Team travel team. I don't know how they do every show...lol Lots of work. I know there are show all over the country, and there are some within driving distance of you. Most of us ride together, caravan, etc. and great friends are made. We borrow dogs to use from each other when possible, learn SO MUCH from each other and the judges critiques, etc. Email me privately if you want at Graco22 at aol . I would love to help encourage you to try it. You would be hooked! LOL I know I was. I have learned more in the last 3 years competing than I did in my first 5 years of grooming. And everyone is SO nice, way nicer than you would expect.