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Grooming Miniature Schnauzers

3915 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  mom24doggies
My Mom has a pair of mini-schnauzers. They've been groomed almost exclusively by a professional for their whole lives. However, because it costs so much each time they go in, they aren't being groomed often and Mom's having a difficult time maintaining them in between. I've been trying to help her figure out ways to keep them groomed between groomings, but I've never had such a high maintenance dog myself, so my experience is pretty limited.

Does anyone here have experience with grooming this breed or other really wiry tangly dogs? They don't get brushed nearly enough, partly because their fur is just so difficult to get a brush through. She had tried using a leave-in detangling solution with them, but found that what she thought was a good-quality, natural product was causing her allergy problems (everyone in our family is chemical-sensitive and highly allergic to perfumes). I'm hoping to find a product that's unscented and has only simple, fairly natural ingredients. Anything that's "natural" with essential oils tends to cause problems too.

I'd also appreciate tips on the best tools to use for their coat-type and any other suggestions.
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There is no magic potion spray that replaces proper brushing and combing. If they are in schnauzer trims, then the legs and belly and beard need to be thoroughtly brushed with a slicker, then combed with a metal greyhound come, at least 3 times a week, removing all knots and tangles all the way down to the skin. I would suggest that if she is having too much trouble keeping them up, to just keep the entire body and legs short, and do a schnauzer face. Then all whe will have to do is keep the beard brushed and combed out. They could go as long as 10-12 weeks if cut short with a 7F blade between groomings. Stretching it farther than that is too long IMO. Using a brushout spray can make it easier to get a brush and comb thru the coats, however, it does not and will not prevent matting, or make it so you can wait longer between brushing and combing sessions. Have your mom ask the groomer when she takes them in next to show her how to properly brush and comb them. Groomers love to teach owners how to maintain coats between groomings, as it makes for less stress on everyone when coats are matt free. :)
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There are tons and tons of brushout sprays out there. Not a single one I am aware of that does not have a scent of some sort, whether it's "scented" or not. I suggest using Show Sheen (found in horse tack shops) but it does have silicone in it, and has a slight scent to it. She may have to just dry brush, or mist very lightly with water. If brushing them 3-4 times a week, it is definitely do-able without a spray. And no spray will make matts comb out. A matt is a matt, and has to be shaved off. Tangles however, will brush out. I think a short all over cut is going to work best, especially if they are only going in every 3 months. Bathing at home will help with the stinky yuckies too, but they must be brushed out well after dry, or they will matt worse.
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