Help with High Velocity Dryer

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wildhoney

Forums Novice
I used a DIY dog wash at Pet Supplies Plus for the first time today, and I can't stop thinking about how magical the dryer worked on my boy's coat. I researched dryers and found videos of owners using them to dry wet dogs AND blow out the undercoat. I am giddy with hope, but I'm not sure if I reallllllly need a $170 dryer.

I don't know what kind of blower the store used as I could only see the hose. I wonder if a portable dryer would give me the same results at home? I only have one Sheltie and a couple of domestic cats, so the unit wouldn't be used often. I'm not willing to spend more than $170.

What do you think? Is the dryer worth the investment? Or, should I just continue to spend 90 minutes drying wet fur with my human blow dryer and countless hours brushing my boy? Thanks for your input.
 
I think it's a great investment. I love them when we go to DIY dog washes, every time I go, I come home wanting one too. Here's the one I've been lusting after
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DX24SD2/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_9?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

They make such a difference! I'm going to try to get one this year. My most recent investment was an easy folding banquet table to groom on. I love having that.

When they're blowing coat seasonally, you'll love having one of those dryers. Think of it as a lifetime investment and how much easier it'll make grooming for you and your dogs.

You're spending 90 min drying your dog?!? YES, it's worth it! :biggrin2: Your time is worth it, you'll love having it it, and it'll make it faster and easier for your dog, I say, invest in one.
 
I've never gotten the hang of using the HV dryer to "blow out" undercoat... I think it's one of those super-powers that professional groomers have (like being able to clipper dogs without leaving trace marks!).

When it comes to getting them dry, though, there's nothing like the HV dryer. We love ours so much that Mom drives it all the way to the National and back every year. And, because it only blows cool air, it's easier on the coat (and doesn't risk burning the dog). It also makes them super-fluffy. I believe ours is a Challenge Air two-speed, but we bought it back in 2000 (it's still going strong!), so I'm sure the models have changed a bit.

It is truly up to you whether you would like to make the investment. With only one dog, you won't need a really heavy-duty unit, and it should last you a very long time. Shop around (check PetEdge, Midwest, Revival, Cherrybrook, not just Amazon), and see what you can find.
 
tofu pup said:
I've never gotten the hang of using the HV dryer to "blow out" undercoat... I think it's one of those super-powers that professional groomers have (like being able to clipper dogs without leaving trace marks!).

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Click to expand...

I am pretty sure that is because you brush the undercoat out before you bathe them.:wink2:

Anyways I got an metro air force commander I believe the lowest horsepower (9000-18000 rmp- I always use the high setting) tank. It is 12 yrs old and going strong. I questioned the investment of getting one too because at the time I only had 1 sheltie who was a puppy with no coat. Turns out it is the best investment I have ever made in grooming equipment. I looked around and got it on sale for about $110. Prices still appear similar today.
 
Justicemom said:
I am pretty sure that is because you brush the undercoat out before you bathe them.:wink2:
Click to expand...

oh gosh now I'm laughing! Yes, I think you're right - my little greyhound comb and slicker do all the work ahead of time! And here I've been thinking for YEARS that I just couldn't get the right angle with the dryer! :lol:
 
This is the wrong tool for what you are describing.

Blowers come in two varieties, high velocity, and high volume. What's the difference? The high velocity dryers are like the one you linked. I own one, it's old. I use it while the dog is in the tub to blow out as much water as I can. I DO NOT use it to get the dog "dry." If I tried to use this, the hair would end up all knotted because the air is too fast.

A high volume dryer puts out a lot of air, usually warm, but slowly (like your blowdryer, only big.) THIS is what gets the dog dry and puts the hair where you want it. These dryers are mucho-expensive, with lifetime warranties. I have use of a Speedy that my landlord purchased for her poodles, and it's amazing, but it was also $750. It still takes an hour to get a Sheltie completely dry, which I rarely do, because I'm lazy.

So if you are looking for something to blow hair and water out after a bath, this will do that job nicely. If you want the hair organized and dry, this will not do that.
 
Thank you so much for the input! What a nice group of people. I will probably end up buying one, but I don't think I need to spend as much money as I feared.
 
I would get one, use it to get most of the water out, then use a regular blow dryer on medium heat to finish off the job. That will do fine for what you need. I think I bought mine second hand for like $50. They last for freaking ever.
 
I can actually get the undercoat out with the HV blowers. Perfectly..no. but the majority yes, and only on the girls with those short tight fitted coats, noah is a no-go with HV for undercoat removal, greyhound comb all the way blisters on my palms and all . Its an event to do outside though for the undercoat removal with the HV otherwise its like being inside a snow globe that someone shook :lol:

The HV does not dry them, but it does remove the vast majority of the water from their coat leaving them just damp.

Ive had my metro dryer since 2003. Two speeds I only use the high speed and its still going strong. Id love a cc kool box. only because its quieter and lower speeds for puppies.
 
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