Discuss It > What Grooming Tools Do You Use?
My fave basic tools are:
1. A teflon greyhound comb
2. A Madan brush
3. A face comb
4. A part comb
5. A good grooming spray
6. Corn starch (for under eyes to stop any draining)
Darlah@Talemaker
Could you tell me what kind of Madan brush and face comb you use. After reading the area on grooming, I realize that I need to improve my equipment that was bought at the local grocery store????
Marilyne
Hi Marilyne:
The issue with many brushes are they have balls at the end of their tines. That does get through a mat as it would in your own hair but it tears it and hurts. When using a Madan brush, it doesn't have the balls at the end and doesn't rip the coat.
There are other brushes I like, for instance a plush puppy one (old style) but the Madan brush at http://www.k9groomingsupplies.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=330 does the work well.
If we are talking about a non show dog, a slicker on the feet will eliminate any knots but I wouldn't use it on the body as it does damage the coat.
See http://www.k9groomingsupplies.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=584 for an idea on a Flexible Slicker Brush Soft Purple
If you reside in the states, let me know if I can help you in finding where you can buy the products.
Remember 10 minutes each day saves hours of work if you let the coat go. I practice once a day brush/comb out and it usually takes me about 10 minutes per dog and it saves me in the long run from dealing with mats. If you start getting mats despite this and you are thorough, it means the coat is dirty. A dirty coat gets knots EASILY.
Darlah@Talemaker
Darlah and Nathan
Thanks for all the great information on your site. I ordered the grooming book From Nose to Tail. I have brushed Katie at least twice a week and bath her usually every 10 days. More if she gets dirty. I really wanted to show her but could not find someone to teach me. It seems you are not part of the dog circle, it is almost impossible to get in. Although Katie is a pure bred registered dog, the most noted Havanese person in Winnipeg, MB, advised me to spay her. My hygenist at the dentist advised me to visit a groomer who also works as a handler. She was great! After she showed me how to bath, dry and trim the feet, she pointed out Katie's good points and some things that might lose me points in the ring. Although at that point, I just wanted to learn about showing a dog not necessarially winning. After much angst, I had her spayed. She has grown to be on the larger size of 11" and weighs in at 14 lb. I thought I would get in trouble at my last vet visit, but he says se is just perfect and has a marvalous disposition. (When she is not hiding from the brush). I am hoping with your advice and some new grooming tools, she will grow to love a daily grooming.
Thanks again for your marvalous site and great information. I am looking forward to your new publication and hope to contibute in the future.
Marilyne
Marilyne
Darlah
I started using a brush like I use on my own hair. What a difference! My hairdresser had recommended these brushes years ago and I had one unused so as it has no balls on the ends, thought I would try it, and it works great.
http://www.denmanbrush.com/acatalog/Denman-D3-Medium-7-row-styling-brush.html
I also just picked up a teflon comb at my local PetValue. It is remarkable. It makes combing ten times easier and Katie enjoys less pulling.
I love following all your blogs and realize that along with puppy care it must take you a lot of time to keep up. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all that you do.
Marilyne
Marilyne:
Due to the reality that I usually brush daily, I rarely have any real issues plus the more you groom the faster you get. I remember that first grooming and how I tried but got frustrated. But as I went, I learned tricks and it simply got easier. I haven't tried that brush. Where did you get yours? Nice to hear Pet Value has the teflon combs. I usually use a Madan brush especially on pups as it is gentle but effective and a Plush Puppy brush which gets through hair with snarls and mats that are just starting otherwise you have to spray and pull apart before brushing. I use my teflon to find what I missed and pull apart. If I can use my comb everywhere, I have completely brushed the dog. You can also cut under the arms or even shave to avoid matting, shave the tummy especially in the warmer months and avoid a lot of grooming. I am about to shave Shoshi's belly hair next wash. You can't tell as it still looks like she has length unless she rolls on her back. I also use a Mason Pearson to distribute Show Sheen or a conditioner evenly. Plus a face comb for around the eyes. Every now and then on a long hair dog if I want fullness I use a long tined Chris Christensen brush but otherwise the rest of alll the brushes are collecting dust, I am afraid but how do you learn unless you try. It surely wastes a lot of $$ between shampoo/conditioners and brush and combs but with show tips so infrequent from the pros, you have to learn the hard way. I used to cringe when I saw a matted dog but if it's not too bad, at least I know how to effectively demat. I still dislike it and so does the dawg but I can do it. Eventually we all get there, if you want to. Thnx!!
Darlah
I got the Denman brush from my hair-dresser who is now retired. (I am in emotional crisis as I have gone to him for about 20 years). I have seen the brushes in salon supply stores. They are somewhat expensive and come in three sizes. The first one I bought I almost fainted at the price. But after five years or so, I realized what a good brush it is. I now have one for myself, one for my husband and one for my travel bag. Of course I also have one for Katie. I have not tried the show sheen but do use a rinse. I must get an order out to K9 grooming supplies as there are a few things I would like to try.
P.S. Just wondered if you recieved the photos of Katie that I sent Nathan, I think I sent them when his eye problems were really bad. If he is still having trouble downloading them, I can send them another way.
Thanks again for all your help and your fabulous blogs, I feel like I know you and all your dogs. I cannot shut down the computer at night until I have read them. Keep up the great work and please stay well. Hope your stomache has recovered and Nathan's eye problems have been solved.
Marilyne
We thought we would start off this area with a question that you may want to know. Feel free to add your own queries.