Ok, so my Riley is blowing his coat and I've managed to help it along with frequent line brushing. However, his undercoat just doesn't seem to release the same around his mane. We had the same problem last year and I took him to a professional groomer who also breeds shelties. She did a marvelous job and the undercoat was all gone when I came back just 90 minutes later. Question: how do breeders and groomers get it out so well? Is it the professional combs and rakes? I can't figure this out. I have given him a bath with furminator shampoo and conditioners that are supposed to release the undercoat and used the high velocity dryer at the dog wash. I line brushed and raked and still his undercoat around his neck remains much thicker than anywhere else. It's getting quite warm in the Okanagan and he is starting to feel the heat. I would like to help this along as much as I can. Any advice?
Removing Undercoat from Mane
- Thread starter SKNerissa
- Start date
Caro
Moderator
I use a Teflon coated anti-stat rake for removing undercoat from Deska's mane - I was put onto it by a Rough Collie breeder. It's the only time I ever use that rake though. For general brushing of his mane I use a rotating tooth comb, which I find is great for not breaking the finer fur around the mane. I think the rotating tooth combs are called untanglers. Mine has long teeth so it gets all the way in, but it does mean the teeth are wider, which doesn't work as well on Tully's soft fur - I really should get another one for her.
Hanne
Forums Sage
"I use a Teflon coated anti-stat rake for removing undercoat from Deska's mane"
I just googled this and can see that it is the same I used in many years for my GSD as the only tool
Since I got Minnie I bought some (many) brushes and combs, but seemed not good enough, I tried this rake on Minnie who was a year when she threw her coat last summer, and it could clear her undercoat perfect and so I bought one that was a little smaller and I use now to take the undercoat all over the shedding season.
For me it is now an irreplaceable tool
I just googled this and can see that it is the same I used in many years for my GSD as the only tool
Since I got Minnie I bought some (many) brushes and combs, but seemed not good enough, I tried this rake on Minnie who was a year when she threw her coat last summer, and it could clear her undercoat perfect and so I bought one that was a little smaller and I use now to take the undercoat all over the shedding season.
For me it is now an irreplaceable tool
Bailey's Mom
Forums Enthusiast
"I use a Teflon coated anti-stat rake for removing undercoat from Deska's mane"
I just googled this and can see that it is the same I used in many years for my GSD as the only tool
Since I got Minnie I bought some (many) brushes and combs, but seemed not good enough, I tried this rake on Minnie who was a year when she threw her coat last summer, and it could clear her undercoat perfect and so I bought one that was a little smaller and I use now to take the undercoat all over the shedding season.
For me it is now an irreplaceable tool
It's funny I had no idea what it was called either. We bought the rake and a metal brush from an independent pet store that we got Bailey's crate from when he was just a baby. We've tried other brushes too, but these two in combo are the only things that keep the hair under control when the coats start to blow.
Ann
Moderator
I use the same type of rake everyone here has mentioned. It's inexpensive and the best way to remove shedding hair I've found. I wouldn't be without it!
http://transgroom.com/en/products/show-tech-antistatic-rake-comb-deshedding-tool
http://transgroom.com/en/products/show-tech-antistatic-rake-comb-deshedding-tool
Cleo2014
Forums Enthusiast
That is the same kind of rake I use as well. Gets the job done when Cleo blows her coat. Pretty sure it is the best thing I bought for her as it make grooming so much easier. 
Thanks all! I tried my rake again last night and it definitely isn't anti-static. It's a Conaire Pro Yellow Dog rake and I think it's also too short for the ruff. I will look for better one and perhaps a new comb. At least these will be on the cheaper end of my wish list of grooming tools!
jared latchford
Forums Novice
Have You Thought about maybe trying a different brush. As a groomer i use many different brushes depending on the part of the dog and the part of the dogs coat that i am working on. I could suggest the type of brush that i would use for this type of dog if you would like. I will leave the link below and you can do as you wish with it. Either way I hope you figure out a solution!http://www.ebay.com/itm/Copatchy-Do...409853?hash=item33b33c5d7d:g:-3UAAOSwgApW-~~v
Just to update, I took everyone's advice and picked up two teflon coated anti-static rakes when I was in Vancouver this past week. Both are for long coats but in different widths. The difference is incredible! The Yellow Dog rake wasn't getting much at all while the new rakes managed to pull out two grocery store bags worth of fluffy undercoat. My dog's mane still seems to be retaining a fair amount of undercoat but at least the loose hair is out and he seems much more comfortable in the heat. I also picked up a anti-static comb with longer teeth and a pair of entry-level professional scissors for trimming ears and paws. Both are much better than my old ones! Thanks for the advice!