Grooming legs
 Bella's coat is now long enough to start the line brushing so I know that I am supposed to go in the opposite direction and brush up towards her back. When I get to the inside of the leg I am at a loss and she does not seem that happy with my technique  |
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| I brush it with the hair (groin to toes) using a pin brush. I usually do it with him standing on the table. If it has mats, (more so when he was under 3 and a mat factory!) I laid him down and carefully picked at them until I could brush through.
Being a male, some areas had tangles from urine as the leg is lifted - those I have better luck getting washed 1st, then they come out easily. And, if you're not showing, there is no reason you can't shave/scissors the upper areas (underbelly and groin) down a bit - that cuts down on tangles. Gradually taper the hair so it is full legth down the rear legs. |
The hair on the inside of Ru's back legs is not too thick, I wonder if your sheepie is the same? Gently and carefully, with a good non- scratchy brush is the answer  If you are unsure about the brush you are using, run it down the inside of your forearm and see how it feels. This should give you a good idea of what the dog is feeling. If you are using a pin brush, find one with the pins ground into smooth rounded ends but NOT heads like sewing pins, the pins should be straight & smooth.
I wouldn't worry about brushing those hairs upwards (towards the dog's body) I do Ru's in vertical lines there, otherwise the brush would be hitting his private parts. It's hard to hold the other leg up & brush the leg underneath, but you will get the hang of using your elbow to support the upper leg, or you will find your own way to do it. Hope that makes sense! |
her hair is fairly thin on the inside of the leg near her hip and groin. I was using the same pin brush that I use on the rest of her and tried to hold her skin in place so that I wasn't tugging. She is not happy with me She is a rescue and arrived to me matted. She has come around to the whole brushing thing and is fairly good on the front legs. I can just not get a handle on her back legs and her little butt  Maybe she just needs more time. I have been working at it (the brushing) for 3 months now. Hoping there is an end in site where she will just lay there and enjoy the pampering  |
| keep experimenting with different brushes (that's why I have so many ) until you find one that works. Maybe a bristle brush would work better? It will go much better with her if you do it often so there aren't mats. If it gets matted and you have to do a lot of pulling and detangling, it won't help her learn to like it. It may be better to trim a bad mat and vow to do better next time! |
I didn't see any mats last night when I was brushing the area but she only put up with me in that area for about ten minutes. I have a soft bristle brush as well but don't think that it will really do much with longer hair. I keep brushing away in little bursts  til we come to an agreement on brush and technique  |
| Oval, large, 3/4" Wood Pin Brush
http://www.chrissystems.com/brushes.htm I have had this brush less than a week and just love it. It is perfect for the areas you are struggling with. I always feel like my rescues deserve all the comfort and love I can give. Yup, they are indulged! 
But yes, the advice you have gotten is perfect: straight down as efficiently as possible. I also include a tummy rub while I am working on this area. And I do it as part of our cuddle time when they are sleepy. Since you are not showing, I would do a hygiene trim too. |
| 10 minutes is quite good! With practice you will zoom through quicker. A good leave-in conditioner might help. I use Aussie Leave In Conditioner. Not sure if you have that where you are, but it's a really good spray in my opinion & can really help in those areas. |
| I will try both that brush recommended and the leave in conditioner. I should be able to find the conditioner locally. I have never seen the wooden bristle brush before so I will have to order that one. do you happen to know if that brush requires any special care of the tines |
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