Anything and everything to do with show grooming.

Tabitha · Jul 22, 2013

I want to know EVERYTHING about grooming a sheltie for conformation. I'd like to ask specifically how to trim the whiskers. With the main whiskers (on the muzzle, cheeks, and above the eye's) do you just cut it as close as you can to the skin? Or is there a different way it done? With the fine whiskers around the lips, do I just trim them to the same length as the other hairs? I also want to know about trimming ears and anything else I may need to know. I'm planing on getting Barb Ross's sheltie grooming book to help me out.

None of my dogs are show quality, but I want to learn to groom them as if they were so I'll be completely prepared for when the time comes to get my show dog. I have a few years to learn, as I will not be able to get another dog for quite a while.

PS When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING. Tools, products, techniques, etc. Don't be afraid to throw out all different stuff! It's ALL welcome! :yes:

Ann · Jul 22, 2013

"Everything" is a tall order, Tabitha, but we'll work on it! :lol:

You're smart to start now. I practiced on poor Pixie and Barkley for years before I was lucky enough to get Checkers for my first show dog. I still have scads to learn but like everything, practice practice practice!

Whiskers: I like a 5-inch pair of trimming shears for this, but you can also use a small, blunt-edged pair if you're more comfortable. Yes, you snip each whisker at a time. It's slow and painstaking, but until you get a dog used to it, it's the best way to go. I like the Heritage shears from this site...great scissors and they don't break the bank.
http://www.groomersmall.com/heritage.htm

There is also a great product called a "whisker wacker" that you can buy from Wickets by Mel's site, if you're lucky enough to have a dog that will let you use it on them. It's a razor in a cardboard holder that does the job lickety split. The trouble is a lot of dogs don't like it. Checkers won't let me near her with it, but Lacey is a champ.

You do the muzzle, of course, over the eyes (carefully, and not with the wacker) and any stray hairs under the chin.

Trimming ears requires a whole chapter. The Barb Ross book with help you lots and also the grooming seminar by Dee Silverstein that others here have recommended. That one is great!

Tabitha · Jul 24, 2013

Ann, "Slow and painstaking" was right on the money! Jody is now whiskerless. I'm pretty sure I should have started with F-kap though. Jody was freaking out every time I cut off one of is precious little whiskers. That was about an hour ago and he still hasn't completely forgiven me. :uhoh:

I'm planing on replacing all my gooming tools with better, higher quality ones when my skills improve. So all the tools that are recommended to me are going on my 'wish list' until I can get them.

Right now all my tools are;

self-cleaning medium size slicker
Hartz flea comb
smal spray bottle of water or conditioner
pair of 5" round tip Oster shears
pair of nail clipers and
dermal

What are all the grooming tools you use for preparing a show dog and what do I need to add to this list? Any other show grooming advise is welcome! :biggrin2:

Ann · Jul 25, 2013

Most of what I have in my tack box is product, but there are some tools that I couldn't do without. Others are nice to have, but not absolutely necessary.

Musts for me are several kinds of brushes: Madan pin brushes, bristle brush (for brushing chalk from legs), a face brush, small slicker for ears, medium slicker, chalk brush.

I have two greyhound combs: one small and one regular size.

Scissors: Thinning shears (check Sally's Beauty Supply for these--good shears and way cheaper than you'd pay for dog ones), 5-inch straight shears, 8-inch straight shears for hocks. Nice to have are a small (4-inch) pair with rounded tip but not necessary.

For home I have my dremmel and extra brushes/spray bottles.

Tabitha · Jul 27, 2013

Thank you Ann, for the advise you've given me.
What all do I need to know to groom my dogs for the show ring professionally? I really need to know all I can now and practice as much as possible before I start showing. Videos would be very helpful. I know the basics in grooming (line brushing, trimming feet, etc). I REALLY need the help from all the members involved in conformation.

Ann · Jul 27, 2013

Start with the Barb Ross book on Sheltie grooming and Dee Silverstein's online grooming seminar. It will give you the best base of knowledge you can get without an in-person mentor (which is really the best way to go!).

Is there a Sheltie breeder you can watch at shows and ask for some in-person grooming lessons? Show grooming is a whole different ballgame from everyday grooming! There really is no better way to learn than in person, and you really do need a mentor to get started. There is a mentor program through the AKC if you can't find anyone near you. Check the AKC website for info.

Here's a link to Dee's seminar...
http://www.silvertrailsshelties.com/FAQ.html

And the Sheltie grooming guide:
http://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Guide-Sheltie-Grooming-Barb/dp/093186660X

Tabitha · Jul 27, 2013

Ann said:
There really is no better way to learn than in person, and you really do need a mentor to get started. There is a mentor program through the AKC if you can't find anyone near you. Check the AKC website for info.

I know I know.

But I just can't seem to find ANYONE! Lubbock is THE WORST place to go for ANYTHING dog related!

Let's see, what DO we have?
-Conformation? Not a chance.
-Agility? Is that a new brand of dog food? (Got that one from a woman at the PET STORE)
-Flyball? Never heard of it!?
-Dog park? It's been disscused for over 3 years and will probably never happen.
-Animal control? "A boxer and pit bull just tryed to attack my dog!" "Well... OK, we'll send someone out." Never happened! (I was out walking F-kap when the dogs tried to corner us, I had to shoot them with a sling shot to get them away)

Hey! Does anyone want to visit me?! NOT!

I've been trying to find a mentor, and I do have one... in North Carolina. :rolleyes2:

She's really grate and has helped me a lot, but I need someone close, too. I will look at the AKC website :yes:

and, again, I'm planing to get Barb Ross's book (I need to stop saying it and start doing it).
:hide

Thanks again!

Chris · Jul 28, 2013

Dee's seminar taught me so much! She's fabulous!

Lightplum · Jul 28, 2013

Just because there is no one in Lubbock TX does not mean anything...Missjenneygirl who has mentored me and shown me tons of tips/hints is 2 hrs each way away from me (her summer home is 5+hrs each way!)! It is def easier to "get" grooming while watching someone there are just some things that can not be written and explained..grooming is one of those things! :biggrin2:

mbfrench · Jul 30, 2013

Tabitha said:
I know I know. But I just can't seem to find ANYONE! Lubbock is THE WORST place to go for ANYTHING dog related!

Let's see, what DO we have?
-Conformation? Not a chance.
-Agility? Is that a new brand of dog food? (Got that one from a woman at the PET STORE)
-Flyball? Never heard of it!?
-Dog park? It's been disscused for over 3 years and will probably never happen.
-Animal control? "A boxer and pit bull just tryed to attack my dog!" "Well... OK, we'll send someone out." Never happened! (I was out walking F-kap when the dogs tried to corner us, I had to shoot them with a sling shot to get them away)

Hey! Does anyone want to visit me?! NOT!

I've been trying to find a mentor, and I do have one... in North Carolina. She's really grate and has helped me a lot, but I need someone close, too. I will look at the AKC website and, again, I'm planing to get Barb Ross's book (I need to stop saying it and start doing it).

Thanks again!

I highly recommend Dee's online seminar,its really good,and well worth the money, plus you get a DVD of the whole seminar to watch as you please. Plus Dee is wonderful to ask questions to her privately on FB.

There was a young gal that was a member here on forums some years ago,she no longer visits here,but is on FB,and she is in Texas I believe. PM me and I will send you her name. Great gal,and has 2 shelties. Maybe you two can hook up and plan a play day.

I feel your pain about not having anything really close. There are no activities even close to me, other than 2+ hours away. But I bit the bullet,and also work with a trainer that I happened to find right here in my town. His expertise is border collies,and is extremely wonderful.

He is also an instructor at the club that we belong to. Prior to Brian building agility equipment,I went to Tom's (trainers) field,as he is so well set up andis available to me on Monday mornings for training.

Joan Dickerson (member here) sent me an email one day,as she was checking placements from an agilty trial that was held in Charlotte or Greensboro (can't remember)..but she found out that an owner that had another breed of dog, lived here in Cheraw.

Well I took that info, and basically opened up the phone book, and called numbers until I came up with the owner of this particular dog. That was the beginning for me, as he told me to meet him in town, and he would introduce me to Tom.
We have been working together now for quite a few months. So its sometimes luck, and good friends that can get things going for you,when it seems so dismal and you feel like giving up on a trainer or mentor.

I know my friendships here with these great folks that show are always helpful in PM if you need something,or don't know quite how to do something. If it were not for this forum...my heavens I would have not even known what a pin brush was,let alone on how to use one.

Now 4 years into shelties I can say there are grooming tools one musy own,and there are things not needed..but can be added later. I have everything Ann mentioned,except I use All Systems brushes,not Maden brand. I fixed up ababy changing table that was going to the dump.it was a friend of mine,and she was tossing it. I saw some potential and redid it into a grooming table. Solid oak,very sturdy. All I added was a grooming arm from Ebay. Voila' awesome table. I am no pro,but I do have a thing about my dogs looking good,and I am kinda freaky about it. With 4 it is something I take time to do,plus I find it relaxing.
So..Dee's seminar, you can also add the Sheltie Grooming Illustrated Guide.. Now after having Dee's seminar,I find this book not helpful really. It is a different ball game when you have someone,even in a video teaching you how,instead of reading it.
Good luck,and don't give up ok.