Okay, I'm going in . . .
I've actually managed to keep up with her coat, even while working 70 hours a week these days. No mats or tangles since I've found that grooming her is a stress-reliever for me. Any tips for a first timer? Where do I start? How do I do the face, do I need to beware of whiskers, etc? I'm thinking I should bathe her first, since the dirt could "clog" the clippers? Or would a good brushing do the trick? She likes to carve out a place of her own in the garden so when I say dirt, I mean dirt, ha ha. I'm sure this is going to be a long process. She doesn't like standing for any period of time and once she's down, she's down. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if she's lopsided for a day or two, lol. So I'd probably start with her back & butt while she's standing and then get the sides while she's down. Jil |
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| I've never done a cutting with clippers but even just a scissors trim has always worked best for me after a wash, dry and brush. That way you can see exactly what you're doing and you'll find any surprise areas that may have escaped notice before.
After working 70 hours a week though, you deserve a break-- take Belle to the groomer and go have a spa day for yourself! I had the same thought as you for the weekend and decided to make groomer appointments instead-- for both dogs! |
| Hey, Jil, congrats on tackling this for Belle! I'm debating whether to cut Drez down before or after the picnic next month - leaning towards after. As for being a cool weather dog - she definitely is!! We've already turned the house A/C on, otherwise she doesn't sleep well at night for all the panting she does.
I always use the clippers on her and take her down to about an inch or so. Then I finish up her face with the scissors. She's so used to my cutting her hair around her eyes that she stays very still and waits patiently - good thing!! It take awhile to get used to grooming them, but I actually find it fun. When I pat the table top outside or in the basement, Drez knows what it's for and she starts to try to climb up. Since her hair never gets past 4-5" before a cut, I usually cut her down before a bath - just my preference. It's much easier to bathe a short-haired dog! Good luck! Let us know how you make out! Chris |
| Ha Chris - I wanted to wait till after the picnic, but changed my mind when she started panting during walkies. You made some comment about Drezzie doing the same thing recently, which made me assume that she's a cool-weather-girl, too. Belle & Drez have a lot in common, it seems. Anyway, any preconceived notions I ever had about a sheepie needing long fur went straight out the window when I saw that panting.
I haven't thought about putting Belle on a table, she's not a climber at all and rarely even thinks about it. My back is probably getting stronger with all the bending & stretching I do just to brush her on the floor. Ugh. I'm still at work (hour 10 today) and will take a looksie at how dirty she really is when I get home - AFTER us girls go out for ice creams!! Maybe I'll clip her first - it really would make the bath much easier. I DO deserve a spa day! I think I'll save that for later, though, and spend the time with Belle; I already feel awful about leaving her along for so long. J |
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