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GROOMING
No matter what type of dog you have, grooming is something you need to have an understanding about. I always think it's kind of funny because when people are looking for a dog, they tell me they want a short haired dog, because they have some strange idea that it will be easier to take care than a dog with a longer coat. Anyone who has ever had Labrador Retriever will tell you different. Although this breed may have a very short coat, most breeders will tell you that they shed like there is no tomorrow.
So it is essential that you understand the type of dog you have and what is probably going to be required as far as time is concerned. If you are a new pet owner and have gotten a dog from a breeder, just ask them what they suggest. If you have adopted your dog from a humane society, rescue group, or animal shelter, just ask one of the employees.
TOOLS
With dogs with shorted coats such as Labrador Retrievers, you don't necessarily need to get a brush with long bristles. Because the hair is so short, something with shorter bristles will do fine.
With dogs with longer coats you are going need a brush with longer bristles to get through the hair. One of my favorites are slicker brushes.
SHAMPOO
There are a variety of shampoos for dogs that are out there. When I had just started in the business many years ago, I used to use a baby shampoo thinking that it was the mellowest on the dog's hair and skin. It wasn't until I spoke to a veterinarian friend of mine that I found out that the pH levels are different in humans and dogs. That is why you want to make sure you use a shampoo that is made for dogs.
TIP ON BRUSHING YOUR DOG OUT
Sometimes as people brush their dog out, they miss the undercoat, and when this happens, mats can begin to build up. A great suggestion on brushing your dog out is to start lower and move up. Here is what I mean. If you are starting on your dog's leg, start on the foot and brush in the downward motion with the way the hair is growing. Work on a two or three inch area at a time. As you have worked on that area, just move up a few inches, and work on that area... and so on. What you will find is that by following this method is that you are now brushing out the undercoat. The mistake of starting on the upper area and moving lower is that the undercoat quite often gets missed on long haired dogs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CARING FOR YOUR DOG JUST CLICK ON THE LINKS:
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