Grooming Products and Tools

A

AQHA822

Forums Novice
I usually use a groomer for my sheltie but after an extremely heartbreaking situation with the groomer I am now doing it myself. I have some supplies but would like to know what are the absolute basics to have and also what are your preferred shampoos, conditioners, conditioning sprays, etc. YouTube has been a blessing on trimming and such.

Also if you have a great suggestion on some sort of bathtub adapter for hosing my sheltie down for a bath that would be awesome!

TIA
 
If you can get your hands on it, The illustrated guide to Sheltie grooming by Barb Ross is the bible for grooming any long coated dog. I got mine from dogwise, there's also options on Amazon.

My most used products are pin type brush (I actually use a human brush, it's gentler), slicker and fine tooth comb (the fine-ness depends on how thick the coat is). I use a Teflon coated undercoat rake in Spring. Scissors - I have a small pair for behind the ears and the pads of the foot and toothed scissors for other trims like evening up, ears, pants and feathers. I tend to use the single-sided toothed scissors more than the double toothed because I'm a little lazy and I'm used to trimming now but the Illustrated guide does recommend double toothed.

For products I love the Plush Puppy range, their Seabreeze oil is fantastic for conditioning, in between washes and as a grooming spritz. It's worth investing in good dog shampoos and conditioners - they last for years and years so while the initial outlay may be higher, you save a lot in the long term. I know with Plush Puppy it's super concentrate so you aren't paying for mostly water like other brands and for me a bottle can last up to 5 years.
 
I found a baby bathtub with a drain I can leave open that fits nicely in my tub and keeps the Shelties from wandering around the tub while I'm bathing. It looks like the white one pictured here: https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infan...&qid=1474117416&sr=8-12&keywords=baby+bathtub
Other grooming tools that are a must include a decent pin brush (Madan is my favorite, you can find it online); a slicker, a greyhound comb for mats and such, a good pair of trimming shears for ears and paws, and a spray bottle for water.

For everyday bathing, I like Buddy Wash Lavender and Mint shampoo and conditioner in one product. They also make a leave-in conditioner that I dilute with water to spray when I groom. Don't forget a toothbrush and dog toothpaste for brushing. And I second the Barb Ross Illustrated Guide to Sheltie Grooming!
 
With four Shelties, home grooming is a must! We use Earth Bath shampoo. My tools include a T-brush and a metal comb. I also use Chris Christensen Ice on ice spray for coat conditioning. I have a pair of 6-inch curved blade scissors that's my go-to for trimming. I'm lousy with thinning shears, but I have a nice set. I always carry the Chris Christensen small oval wooden bristle brush -- good for me and the dogs!!
 
Hi. I am not sure if you found a solution yet or if you found an adapter, but i really like this Booster Bath that was recommended to me by a pal. It just made the whole bathing process so much easier for me
 
I use booster bathtubs. They are very useful for grooming. But the problem is that my sheltie is a bit crazy over the shampoo and conditioner. He used to play with the bottle always, especially at the time of bathing. He squeezes the bottle and the whole stuff inside it come out. So I need to get a new shampoo and conditioner after every bath. It adds the cost. I am using cc products for my sheltie. Can someone share some tips for keeping the shampoo and conditioner out of his sight? I thought to fill the soap dispensers with the shampoo and conditioner so that he will not able to squeeze it. I think it will work. More ideas or suggestions are appreciated.
 
We bought a big stock tank from our local farming store and installed it into the basement for washing the dogs. It still leaves me leaning over, but, is still easier on my back, it's also hard for Mango to jump out of, and makes sure our tub doesn't get scratched up.
 
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