So what did you learn?
You may be able to describe something that no one else has explained well or you may have picked up on something that the "old salts" take for granted. Or maybe you didn't learn anything so we failed miserably! |
|
|
I learned not to hold my brush too tight and how to remove small matts waiting to be a big matt. I learned Mandy does not mind telling you how wrong you are (when grooming) I also learned a lot about show dogs (I feel like an elementary school student doing a what did you do this summer) standards, contracts , show standards etc. I also learned how nice OES people are  Thanks to Mandy and Deb for helping a dingy old gal how to take care of her rescue pup. I think I have forgot some of the other things I learned so we will have to do this again!!!!! |
I just wish I was there.  |
I learned I REALLY wish I could have attended 
Ya'll will have to televise the next one! |
4dognight wrote: I learned not to hold my brush too tight
Cindy was so proud that the brush flew out of her hand from her relaxed grip!!  |
I was  |
| I came home to a very matted little Abi. What do my boys do with her when I'm gone? I was thinking of getting her ready as if she were to show and use all the helpful instructions and then post a picture. Mandy and Deb showed me how to tease (backcomb) properly, scissor and trim the feet, gait (even though Suzi didn't like a newbie working with her titled self), how to scissor the hocks, and how not to butcher the skirt. We'll see after I try it on my own (with Mandy's voice in my head...will that voice ever go away?) and post a picture.
But, the most important thing I learned is how incredible my mentors were (I'm brown nosing just so that they don't butcher Abi's picture when I post it.) and how great it is to have sheepie friends!!! Oh and did I tell everyone that Guinness and I bonded and I am officially his aunt? |
| Guinness sends you big sloopy sheepdog kisses Dee |
| First let me say I was completely floored at Mandy's and
Deb's teaching abilities. You both have more patience than I will ever have. For someone like me who really doesn't know my butt from the dogs' it was a real eye opener. I have to admit it is overwhelming to try and absorb it all, and I can't imagine being the one teaching it. You both were understanding and patient in so many respects. I know I have gotten used to doing things wrong and it takes a while to change old habits. Maybe I wasn't the only one.
I learned that the butt is a flat-cut fan and not a rounded cut (like it often looks in pics) and that it's the brush up that gives it that shape. I learned about body landmarks and what darn near perfect structure feels like (thanks Suzi!) and how awful my dogs are 
I am better at picking out matts, and pulling apart webbing to line brush without torturing the dog. I learned the tools I have are better than I thought, and there are a few I really want to have now. Now that I know a little better how to use them I feel like I could and would use a few additional ones. I have stuck mostly to three and now I see the use in having a couple more. I learned that we all have the same areas that tend to matt more easily - I thought it was just something I wasn't handling. I learned there are some things I am actually doing right, and that was the biggest surprise. I learned that my dogs get away with murder on the table, and off. I can teach them different, but it will take time. I learned an awful lot just by watching and listening to everyone else. I learned even more by watching the dogs. I learned that Mandy and Deb have something I don't have yet, but I'm trying. I learned that I can't ever go without sleep for days at a time again and expect to stay upright on the stairs! But what can I say, I'm getting old and falling apart 
THANK YOU MANDY AND DEB!! Wonderful job. We all learned so much. Ready to do it again? Say next month maybe? hee hee hee Shellie |
| WOW!! How I wish I had been there!!! I need to know everything. Shellie you gave a ery good run down of things. I think I understand. But still need help!!!  |
| Okay. I learned that I creep up the brush while I am brushing out Marley and that Mandy is very observant!!
I learned how to recognize proper structure (Thank you Suzi, Toby and Frank) I learned I need quite a few new tools. I learned that Mandy and Deb are two of the most generous teachers ever 
I learned some magic potions that I will never ever divulge (kidding!) I learned that we have some of the best people ever on this forum 
And I forgot more than I can even mention! |
| magic potions? |
| (kidding!) |
| We drank some magic potions I also learned I was brushing the wrong way!!!! poor Guinness I am supprised he made it 2 years with me as an owner.!!! We all had so much fun Mandys family room looked like a doggie beauty salon with sheepies everywhere and tables set up and hair flying!!!! Mandy and Deb are great teachers !!!!! |
WCLARKE wrote: WOW!! How I wish I had been there!!! I need to know everything.
Shellie you gave a ery good run down of things. I think I understand. But still need help!!! Bring a grooming table to sheepiepalooza or convince one of the locals to bring one and we'll assign some competent person to at least show you the basics (Kerry - feel up to it yet??  )
It sounds like a blast. What a fabulous initiative. TAPE IT NEXT TIME!!! You mean not everyone flings their brushes around??? My dogs who aren't on the table have learned to duck. (INCOMING!! :sidestep: ) I think you need to make it an annual event. Kristine |
Sounds like it was an incredible learning experience that should be made into an annual event.  |
Mad Dog wrote: Bring a grooming table to sheepiepalooza or convince one of the locals to bring one and we'll assign some competent person to at least show you the basics (Kerry - feel up to it yet?? )Sure if you are taking Marley for the weekend. Before you answer you may want to consult with Mandy and Deb It sounds like a blast. What a fabulous initiative. TAPE IT NEXT TIME!!! SOme of it was taped and will be making its debut soon I hope I think you need to make it an annual event. Absolutley! and we found a great really dog friendly hotel. Next time we should also plan in time to visit the Alpaca events- don't you think Cindy? I see this as a three or four day annual event. (Maybe then Marley will have all four feet shaped not only two  ) |
Marley can come to my place anytime!!!! Guinness and she can hang out I wanted soooo badly to see alpacas but was to scared I would miss something at Mandys!!!! I have 13 acres and would be willing to host the next event even if it is only a social thing. Don't count on me to teach anyone to groom  |
| I really didn't pay a lot of attention when this was talked about...because it was so far away....maybe next time I will take a vacation and go.....
there will be a next time....I hope |
| I really missed a fun time. Would have loved to see that flying brush lol. This should be a semi annual event lol how to care for sheepies. We could take a turn at my house. |
Elizabeth wrote: I really didn't pay a lot of attention when this was talked about...because it was so far away....maybe next time I will take a vacation and go.....
there will be a next time....I hope Come to the Old English Sheepdog Club of America National in Minnesota in September. I'm sure plenty of people will be there to show you some techniques on down time. |
DandAbi wrote: We'll see after I try it on my own (with Mandy's voice in my head...will that voice ever go away?) and post a picture.
I'm sure Kristine and I can speak from experience...the voices of those who mentor you on grooming will stay in your head for ETERNITY!!!! I have been showing for 5 years and every time I and brushing Luca that little voice yells, "Brush up! Brush up? What are you doing?"
Can't wait to see how Abi turns out when you try out your new ly acquired skills! |
Elizabeth wrote: I really didn't pay a lot of attention when this was talked about...because it was so far away....maybe next time I will take a vacation and go.....
there will be a next time....I hope Hi there. Just as a heads up. There is an OES Club of South Eastern WI and we do have a Specialty at the end of July in Waukesha. Consider coming down for a visit then and I'm sure myself and some of the other listers who will be exhibiting there would be happy to show you some tricks of the trade. That or head up to MN in September for the National Specialty as VerveUp mentioned! |
Lucali wrote: the voices of those who mentor you on grooming will stay in your head for ETERNITY!!!!
At least yours doesn't have a Swedish accent!!!! |
Maxmm wrote: Lucali wrote: the voices of those who mentor you on grooming will stay in your head for ETERNITY!!!! At least yours doesn't have a Swedish accent!!!! True but mine can be VERY shrill at times |
| I brushed Abi and other things I learned were:
Groom show side first when maintenance grooming; groom right side (non show side) first when showing. In the former you are less tired and will pull less and in the later you don't flatten the coat just before you enter the ring. to help with matting during obedience- take a 1/2 yd piece of silk fabric, turn it shiny side in and sew the raw ends to make a cylinder or tube. Place under the choke collar to prevent matting. (I can't remember what Mandy called it) I will try it tonight in class. to prevent snagging hair while using the drummel, put socks on their feet and cut out only the nails. Never grip the base of the brush or that little voice will yell at you. Only hold the handle of the brush with a very light grip. And be sure to use long smooth strokes, brush pad parallel with growth of hair- never at an angle (or that voice again) and the motion should be like Deb described it- "like throwing a frisbee" Mandy and Deb made so many suggestions that I will post them as I remember them. I'll photograph Abi soon. Mandy, BTW her head looks beautiful!. No more billy goat beard! Her bum looks pretty darn good too. Probably needs a little more angle but trimming is like adding salt to a recipe- you could always add more but not take any out. Thanks again |
"like throwing a frisbee" I don't understand. Oh man I wish I had been there.  |
DandAbi wrote: I brushed Abi and other things I learned were: Groom show side first when maintenance grooming; groom right side (non show side) first when showing. In the former you are less tired and will pull less and in the later you don't flatten the coat just before you enter the ring. to help with matting during obedience- take a 1/2 yd piece of silk fabric, turn it shiny side in and sew the raw ends to make a cylinder or tube. Place under the choke collar to prevent matting. (I can't remember what Mandy called it) I will try it tonight in class. Its a snood to prevent snagging hair while using the drummel, put socks on their feet and cut out only the nails. Never grip the base of the brush or that little voice will yell at you. Only hold the handle of the brush with a very light grip. And be sure to use long smooth strokes, brush pad parallel with growth of hair- never at an angle (or that voice again) and the motion should be like Deb described it- "like throwing a frisbee" Mandy and Deb made so many suggestions that I will post them as I remember them. I'll photograph Abi soon. Mandy, BTW her head looks beautiful!. No more billy goat beard! Her bum looks pretty darn good too. Probably needs a little more angle but trimming is like adding salt to a recipe- you could always add more but not take any out. Oh my you have been busy!! I am still working on finding the right sizzors. I think a Sally's membership is in my future. Thanks again |
| I forgot to say it is like throwing a frisbee!!! and to groom away .I hear that voice too !!!!and can almost feel her hand on mine........ |
| ????? |
| I will try and get you to visualize this. Hole your brush correctly loose in the hand. (have you ever thrown a frisbee stright and easy) make the motion with your wrist, brush stright out doing the motion of throwing a freesbee lightly into the air but making it go stright. That is the motion your wrist is to make , do not flip the hair up just stright out. Does that help. I hear debs voice ( a nice voice) Now does that help?? |
4dognight wrote: I will try and get you to visualize this. Hole your brush correctly loose in the hand. (have you ever thrown a frisbee stright and easy) make the motion with your wrist, brush stright out doing the motion of throwing a freesbee lightly into the air but making it go stright. That is the motion your wrist is to make , do not flip the hair up just stright out. Does that help. I hear debs voice ( a nice voice) Now does that help??
Ahh I hear Mandy's voice |
kerry wrote: 4dognight wrote: I hear debs voice ( a nice voice) Now does that help?? Ahh I hear Mandy's voice I'm confused. Do they play good-cop, bad-cop?
Sounds like me and Sunny. Except for the part where anyone would actually ask me for grooming advice
Kristine |
| Here’s Abi goofing off in our yard. It was windy but you can get an idea of my very own first attempt at trimming her bum. I’ll let you all decide if she needs more angle.
Zach trimmed Abi awhile back and since it was my first time watching it was too much to remember it all. I also watched Edy at a show and was able to absorb some then too. Learning from Mandy and Deb was a bit easier since I had already watched the grooming process previously. I’ll try backcombing and using some of the products that Mandy and Deb recommended later and when my mat stripper arrives I will thin her out a bit I guess. I was happy with her beard but you can’t really tell in these pictures. Anyway, thanks again Mandy and Deb. You gave me confidence to try it out. I may attempt putting her in the ring. More angle in the bum? Thin shoulders and chest? Do I leave her hocks alone? Feedback please. She sticks her tongue out in this one- I guess she's practicing for the judge 
Here she is looking at Me 
And here she is just trying to look bashful because she's thinking of Guinness  |
| tooo cute. hard to tell with all that breeze blowing if she needs thinning. she is quite gray for a younger dog isn't she? or is it the light? |
| She started changing coat at 11 wks. All the black that is left is on her ears. What about the bum more angle? |
| at first I thought nt - but she doesn't look like she is squared up with the camera so I think maybe she does need a bit more angle. |
| to help with matting during obedience- take a 1/2 yd piece of silk fabric, turn it shiny side in and sew the raw ends to make a cylinder or tube. Place under the choke collar to prevent matting. (I can't remember what Mandy called it) I will try it tonight in class.
I tried using this last night and there were zero mats in the collar area. Thanks Mandy!!! |
so why couldn't we just encase the collar in a silky fabric? I am thinking tropical rayons here  |
| I also noticed in the picture that her "fall" is below her nose. Should I trim her head or will the backcombing take care of that? |
| such pretty pics!! love the helpful explanations |
kerry wrote: so why couldn't we just encase the collar in a silky fabric? I am thinking tropical rayons here
then you wouldn't get quite the effect of the choke I guess..?.. |
Joahaeyo wrote: such pretty pics!! love the helpful explanations
The weekend was very helpful and I loved spending time with everyone. |
Guinness said  abi you are beautiful |
DandAbi wrote: kerry wrote: so why couldn't we just encase the collar in a silky fabric? I am thinking tropical rayons here then you wouldn't get quite the effect of the choke I guess..?.. I use a martingale not a choke , but yes you could it would gather as the choke got smaller - I am going to try this out (when I get back from Florida next week) there may be a new home business in this for me
lol |
| Both (training/choke collar and the martingale) rip out coat. I just use a plain clip on buckle collar for training. |
got sheep wrote: Both (training/choke collar and the martingale) rip out coat. I just use a plain clip on buckle collar for training.
Ah your dog obviouslly is better trained |
| Did anyone mention the nails trick? Put a stocking over the foot and clip the nail as it pokes through. Some said this tip was worth the trip!
Sorry if someone said it already- I didn't peruse all the comments. I also learned that sheepdog people are really COOL! |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|