Grooming-how often is too often?

[Lysette85]

With how concerned I am about both my dogs coats I'm considering cutting back on grooming them. The guard hairs on Little Bear's back have started turning up now, forming the ruffled appearance that Claussen has on his sides. I brush them EVERY day. Usually 20 minutes per dog. I spray the coat down, brush with a pin brush, slicker in certain areas, and finish with my new comb (got the pets mart brand) to make sure there is no matted fur especially in the neck area as mats tend to form quickly there. I trim the nails every 5 days and round off the toes and fur under the feet at that point also. Should I not be brushing them every day? When I skip a day, the coat gets that separated disheveled look so I assume mats will start to form- my dogs run around like freaks when we go to the park to play...but I just feel like it must me me causing the damage.

Little Bears back is also what appears to be bleached from the sun...will this fur remain rust colored forever? (he's a bi black) I dont think the shampoos can change the natural color-just mask it for a little bit. What do you think?

 

[mbfrench]

With how concerned I am about both my dogs coats I'm considering cutting back on grooming them. The guard hairs on Little Bear's back have started turning up now, forming the ruffled appearance that Claussen has on his sides. I brush them EVERY day. Usually 20 minutes per dog. I spray the coat down, brush with a pin brush, slicker in certain areas, and finish with my new comb (got the pets mart brand) to make sure there is no matted fur especially in the neck area as mats tend to form quickly there. I trim the nails every 5 days and round off the toes and fur under the feet at that point also. Should I not be brushing them every day? When I skip a day, the coat gets that separated disheveled look so I assume mats will start to form- my dogs run around like freaks when we go to the park to play...but I just feel like it must me me causing the damage.

Little Bears back is also what appears to be bleached from the sun...will this fur remain rust colored forever? (he's a bi black) I dont think the shampoos can change the natural color-just mask it for a little bit. What do you think?

I brush thru my boys every day. Jasper does'nt get a whole long time,just enough to get him brushed thru. I do put him up on table every few days,and do a real good grooming.
Trapp..well he is the one that almost expects a comb thru every night.He looks for it,and gets so relaxed & loves the mommy one on one time. And I love brushing him.

i have never seen breakage on either one. So I don't know if I can answer your question. I brush every day becuase they are so easy to do,they sleep in the bed,and I just feel for me,I like them brushed out after a day of playing.

Feet get done every 2-3 weeks,ears get checked.Faces washed every day. Now I sound neurotic don't I.... I just like my boys looking the best they can.

 

[Lysette85]

I brush thru my boys every day. Jasper does'nt get a whole long time,just enough to get him brushed thru. I do put him up on table every few days,and do a real good grooming.
Trapp..well he is the one that almost expects a comb thru every night.He looks for it,and gets so relaxed & loves the mommy one on one time. And I love brushing him.

i have never seen breakage on either one. So I don't know if I can answer your question. I brush every day becuase they are so easy to do,they sleep in the bed,and I just feel for me,I like them brushed out after a day of playing.

Feet get done every 2-3 weeks,ears get checked.Faces washed every day. Now I sound neurotic don't I.... I just like my boys looking the best they can.

Nope, I think we are on the same level neurotic-wise lol. I just added another brush-the 4 paws brand of double-sided comb. Now I'm all worried that because I bought a "cheap" comb it's going to do more damage. The "damaged" fur just curls upward rather than laying smoothly on the back-that's not normal right? I mean-not for a dog that has always had a flat, long, silky coat?

 

[Ann]

I brush mine every day too, using my Madan brush and water spray. During flea/tick season I spritz them with the water and vinegar mix that I use to repel bugs. I've never had a problem, although they just get a light once-over and serious grooming once a week.

I don't think you're brushing too much. Have you had them checked for worms? Sometimes, the hair curling up is an indicator of worms.

I would also add salmon oil or a good coat supplement such as Vibrant Pets to condition their coats if you don't already. I think you have to condition from the inside out for a good coat, with their food and coat supplements. At least, that works for me.

 

[mbfrench]

Nope, I think we are on the same level neurotic-wise lol. I just added another brush-the 4 paws brand of double-sided comb. Now I'm all worried that because I bought a "cheap" comb it's going to do more damage. The "damaged" fur just curls upward rather than laying smoothly on the back-that's not normal right? I mean-not for a dog that has always had a flat, long, silky coat?

I don't spend alot of money on grooming tools. I purchased a nice butter comb at petsmart, it's a nice hefty one,and i'm comfortable using it.

My pin brushes are All Systems. 27 & 35 MM.
i have a generic slicker,and it works great.

I think I would be more concerned if you were not using a spritz bottle to dampen the coat. As doing anything dry will damage guard hairs etc.

My Trapp has a section of hair on his back,that curls upwards.It is shorter coat that is getting longer. I have seen shelties that have very wavy coats,Trapp's siblings are 2 right off I can think of. And Trapp's mothers coat is very wavy as well.
But that is in my opinion are dogs that are not getting groomed often or properly.

I have seen pictures of shelties beautifully groomed,and still have a wave to the coat. So it is what it is. I blow dry my dogs,and never air dry.If I did,Trapp would look like his mom,which I find unacceptable. But thats me~