Pete.the.dog Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Hi All, Links of photos of my beautiful Pete: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=180613 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=180612 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179099 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179098 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179097 Gorgeous though his coat is, it's horrible to maintain! His leg fur mats it feels like hourly and his coat has thickened up over winter which makes washing him even harder! Currently the fur on his back is about 12cm and the fur on his legs 6-12cm depending where on the leg - I really want to trim it to around 6cm or so over his whole body - I'm not concerned about doing this myself as I love the scruffy homeless dog look ;) But what I am concerned about is whether the reduction in length will make him too cold in this weather? He currently sleeps outside in his kennel (please no attacks/advice on bringing him inside to sleep, if it's wet or thundery he is inside) and he is fine with the cold currently, always has a nice warm belly! As I said his coat has thickened up noticeably since I got him from the pound 3 months ago, I'm assuming that's because it's cold but may also be because he's getting older. Any advice on whether I should trim would be great, thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 (edited) hmm I couldn't get the photos to work, sorry - what kind of dog is he? eta: I can kind of see him in your profile, I don't see much problem with trimming him but be aware if you do cut it and then think he is getting cold and put a jumper on him that his type of fur will probably knot faster under the jumper and will need to be brushed daily. Adelaide is not too cold, you might get away with throwing a few more blankets in his kennel ;) Edited June 19, 2009 by Vehs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 hmm I couldn't get the photos to work, sorry - what kind of dog is he? http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=180613 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=180612 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179099 http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?act=...t&id=179098 They should work better - Sorry!! He's a pound mystery ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 ahh... maybe a beardie cross? Are you brushing him with a slicker and comb? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 ahh... maybe a beardie cross?Are you brushing him with a slicker and comb? Just a normal dog brush, but trimming would be much easier solution if it would be OK for him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 The problem with trimming an unknown breed or X.. is that the hair may never grow back the same- or it may mat more, as you will be removing the harder outer coat- and leaving t he fluff ? The clipped coat will also not be anywhere near as wind.water-proof, IMO. My recommendation is that you get some hints on proper grooming, and obtain the correct combs and brushes to suit his coat! That way, it won't take long each day... ,he will be weather proofed, still, and gorgeously shaggy!! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 (edited) I'm not a groomer, so I'm stepping out of my depth and possibly risking butting my nose in where it is not welcome, but if it were me I'd be inclined to clip off those areas where the water matting causes a problem for the dog (unless you can regularly brush it out to stop the matting from developing). I'd leave his coat (I'm taking into account practicality and comfort for the dog here, not so much the owner or aesthetics). Does it really need washing that much? When dried, often the dirt in those type of coats tends to come away naturally. Well, it does for my sister's beardie. I forgot to look where you live. Where I am in Victoria, it has been really cold in the mornings, but fairly mild/warm in the afternoons. So whilst you could coat him (assuming you leave him to go to work in the mornings) he could then become too warm later. Just my 2 bob's worth ;). Edited June 19, 2009 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I agree with erny- he should not need much washing...a good comb/brushing will remove dirt, stimulate the skin, and leave the oils in his coat/skin Hamlet gets about 2 baths a year!! he gets brushed ... and rarely has an odour... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 I'm not a groomer, so I'm stepping out of my depth and possibly risking butting my nose in where it is not welcome, but if it were me I'd be inclined to clip off those areas where the water matting causes a problem for the dog (unless you can regularly brush it out to stop the matting from developing). I'd leave his coat (I'm taking into account practicality and comfort for the dog here, not so much the owner or aesthetics). Does it really need washing that much? When dried, often the dirt in those type of coats tends to come away naturally. Well, it does for my sister's beardie. I forgot to look where you live. Where I am in Victoria, it has been really cold in the mornings, but fairly mild/warm in the afternoons. So whilst you could coat him (assuming you leave him to go to work in the mornings) he could then become too warm later. Just my 2 bob's worth ;). No you're right he doesn't need too much bathing - he had a big flea problem when I got him from the shelter, so that required a few extra washes but I would not probably wash once every month or two months. I've clipped all the fur off his paws but even at the bottom of his legs the fur matts easily and I was worried cutting it all off around there would leave his scrawny little legs cold. In Adelaide but the same, we get freezing mornings but then warms up His coat at the moment isn't a big issue to leave how it is, I'm happy enough to do the grooming etc, but if it was to make no difference to Pete I might as well clip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 If his coat matts you need to brush him with a slicker brush and use a fine/medium metal combon the areas prone to matting. I suggested he was a poodle cross and his coat sure sounds like that. You could shorten it to make it more manageable but I think with the right grooming gear, it would be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 19, 2009 Author Share Posted June 19, 2009 If his coat matts you need to brush him with a slicker brush and use a fine/medium metal combon the areas prone to matting. I suggested he was a poodle cross and his coat sure sounds like that. You could shorten it to make it more manageable but I think with the right grooming gear, it would be. I'll look into some poodle grooming stuff - the pet shop around the corner from us is animal friendly so if I bring Pete with me they should be able to point me in the right direction for slicker brushes and combs that suit him ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Actually, a visit to a good groomer may be more productive. They can have a good look at his coat type and recommend just the right gear. Sad to say, but most petshop grooming gear is shite. You're probably better off getting some recommendations and buying online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wire Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 Hi ashletina, you dog sure looks cute! I have a wheaten terrier so I totally understand the matting business. It seems endless. You definately need a slicker brush and a metal comb. I brush mine every day but don't always get all the spots, it's a battle. Full brush before bath and then again when he's almost dry. Well, I try anyway! I take my dog to The Spoilt Dog groomer on Fullarton road who know all about matting and grooming our type of dog. If you can take your boy there she will be able to sort out your problems and advise you on grooming. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravyk Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 (edited) OT but your dog is gorgeous!! you should bring him along to an Adelaide DOL meet some time [check the DOL social groups section for more info on the meet-theres one next month] Edited June 19, 2009 by Ravyk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle. Posted June 20, 2009 Share Posted June 20, 2009 Be careful buying a slicker brush....a lot of the petshop ones have sharp bristles and hurt the dogs skin. Some dogs have quite sensitive forelegs and brushing with a cheap, sharp slicker can make the dog HATE anyone touching their legs with a brush. If you have a chance, see if you can go to a dog show and check out the slickers on offer in the traders area. They are more expensive but good quality and the bristles on the slickers don't have sharp, scratchy ends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldiesRgr8Poodles2 Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 (edited) The problem lies in trying to do a long clip that looks good through fur that is matting... Unless you go through the whole dog and dematt first its nearly impossible to get a glide comg through and leave a fair bit of length. Brushing unfortunately is the best solution... You will find getting a dog from a shelter that when you put some good quality food in their bellies that their fur will thicken up because they are getting better nutrition... That can also cause the dog to blow some of the dead and dieing coat from before... depending on age he might be going through a age change coat... He looks like a golden retriever poodle cross or a lab poodle cross at a stretch a bearder cross... Either way when a dog gets wet you need to blow dry and brush when the coat is long. If you dont friction and more debris will cause more matting to form. There is nothing wrong with having a dog sleep outtside. With a kennel he'll have great warmth considering he'd been sleeping on a cement cage outtside befoer you got him form the pound anyway. If you are really conserned about him getting cold but he is matting up do the best you can to decrease the matting... wait till the warmer months then have him clipped off getting under the matts... It will be much kinder than a groomer having to spen hours pulling knotts out and hurting him if he gets matted all over. Its hard at this time of year becasue the warmer months seem so far away but the only other thing apart from option A: brush all the time option B; wait till spring is option C; Have him clipped down a put a coat on him until the fur grows back. My advice would be to take him into a salon that knows what they are talking about and get them to assess the condition and give you their proffesional opinion becasue we can only speculate what level the knotts are at. You can feel free to come along to my shop anytime for a chat about it I hope Ive been of some help Ashletina. edit to add: make sure that the person you speak to at the pet shop is a groomer or has extensive grooming knowledge because most places just sell what they stock and dont nessesarily know what they are talking about. Edited June 21, 2009 by GoldiesRgr8Poodles2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete.the.dog Posted June 22, 2009 Author Share Posted June 22, 2009 Be careful buying a slicker brush....a lot of the petshop ones have sharp bristles and hurt the dogs skin. Some dogs have quite sensitive forelegs and brushing with a cheap, sharp slicker can make the dog HATE anyone touching their legs with a brush.If you have a chance, see if you can go to a dog show and check out the slickers on offer in the traders area. They are more expensive but good quality and the bristles on the slickers don't have sharp, scratchy ends. Ahhh yes I am familiar with Petes hatred of being brushed on his legs - that makes sense now! Thankyou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standardpoodle Posted June 26, 2009 Share Posted June 26, 2009 Ahhh yes I am familiar with Petes hatred of being brushed on his legs - that makes sense now! Thankyou As a groomer, I would recommend a metal comb, preferably a schnauzer face comb. I recommend and use these more than any other bush or comb. I am not a fan of the slicker brush as many inexperienced people just bush the surface of the coat. You need to comb/brush from the skin. You can get an excellent detangle spray from Groomers Products Australia http://www.groomersproducts.com.au their products are just wonderful. I also agree that a groomer rather than a pet shop would be the way to go. with best regards, Liz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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