Sensitive skin (brushing)

[k9kreationz]

Koji's skin is sensitive I think. I have two brushes (both cheapy Petco type brushes). They've always worked for Miko. I use a slicker brush to do line brushing and get the undercoat out (and a rake or Furminator if necessary). I use a pin brush http://tinyurl.com/lnreawfor daily brushing. The slicker come out before/after baths.

I can't use a slicker brush on Koji at all. The slicker works at times, but it doesn't get to his under coat. Maybe I need a better one or maybe I need to brush him longer (he won't allow more than a 5-15 min brush). He's okay with the pin brush, but isn't keen on it. Hates the rake, dislikes the Furminator.

So, what do you think? I need something to get his undercoat out, but I don't want to hurt him. TIA.

Oh, and I love these for behind the ear mats: http://tinyurl.com/m5g8rh

 

[BarbV]

Since I migrated to the longer pin brushes - e.g. 20 mm and 35 mm, I find my boys are more accepting of grooming than before. The longer pins allow you to be more "selective" and you can start at the outside and work in. Since I've gotten these brushes, I use the comb alot less to deal with matts.

The key is when you are brushing to hold the fur down while you brush so that you aren't pulling skin. Think of if you had a tangle in your own hair. Would you brush it out from the root? No!

I would not use a Slicker Brush for line brushing. Its too dense. I use the slicker or Furminator only when I encounter an area that has gotten really dense.

I highly recommend this book: The Illustrated Guide to Sheltie Grooming by Barb Ross. I wish it had real pictures but the descriptions sure help alot

Good luck!

 

[k9kreationz]

First, thanks for responding. Now, off to the commentary.

Since I migrated to the longer pin brushes - e.g. 20 mm and 35 mm, I find my boys are more accepting of grooming than before. The longer pins allow you to be more "selective" and you can start at the outside and work in. Since I've gotten these brushes, I use the comb alot less to deal with matts.

I'll try a long pin brush. Maybe that'll help.

The key is when you are brushing to hold the fur down while you brush so that you aren't pulling skin. Think of if you had a tangle in your own hair. Would you brush it out from the root? No!

Well, him being sensitive, is literally me brushing the pin brush through once. No catching on tangles, nothing. He's still got that in-between fur. It's still soft and doesn't require a lot of brushing. But yes, when I get to his mudflaps (as my uncle calls them), that's when I try to be very gentle. I guess I'm confused because Miko doesn't even seem to notice the brush, whereas Koji acts like I'm slicing him with razors.

I would not use a Slicker Brush for line brushing. Its too dense. I use the slicker or Furminator only when I encounter an area that has gotten really dense.

What does the "too dense" brush do? I find it's the only thing that really gets out Miko's undercoat. If I use a pin brush, I have to go over the same spot many times to get the same amount of hair out....because the brush isn't dense enough. Hmm.....

I highly recommend this book: The Illustrated Guide to Sheltie Grooming by Barb Ross. I wish it had real pictures but the descriptions sure help alot

Good luck!

Wait wait wait. I thought everyone was still recommending Sheltie Talk.
I think I need pictures. I know in Sheltie Talk there's photos, regardless if I can cut my dogs hair like it should be. lol. Hmmmm....would you say ST is out-of-date? Or is the other book just overall better? Even without photos?

 

[Caro]

Tully gets dermitis so can have pretty sensitive skin during the sneezin season.

I use a pin brush with plastic on the end - I have the other pin brushes but mine prefer the softer pin brush - it seems to be better for their fur.

I also use the Lawrence 'Tender Care' slicker which is lovely and soft and good quality too. http://www.lawrence-petcare.co.uk/products.htmTully has very fine fur (probably like Miko's) so I use the slicker most of the time on her and the pin brush on Deska (or when Tully has stuff stuck in her coat).

If his skin is particularly bad spray more water on the coat - it helps soften the fur and soothe the skin. Also try putting conditioner in with the water in the spray bottle to help the brush guide through. And definately hold down the fur, it does make a difference.

 

[BarbV]

What does the "too dense" brush do? I find it's the only thing that really gets out Miko's undercoat. If I use a pin brush, I have to go over the same spot many times to get the same amount of hair out....because the brush isn't dense enough. Hmm.....




Wait wait wait. I thought everyone was still recommending Sheltie Talk.
I think I need pictures. I know in Sheltie Talk there's photos, regardless if I can cut my dogs hair like it should be. lol. Hmmmm....would you say ST is out-of-date? Or is the other book just overall better? Even without photos?

It's all in the line brushing technique. I've used (and continue to use) the slicker and the furminator but mostly in isolated areas where the undercoat has really built up. Generally, I use the slicker mostly now on the leg feathers and around their ears. If you are gentle with it, it's pretty good at isolating the mats.

In reality, though, I try not to let the undercoat build up to the level that I need those.

I find a good line brush, once a week, keeps even Indy under control (he's got a very thick undercoat and out of control "pants")

I have 3 bibles when it comes to Sheltie Grooming:

1) Sheltie Talk
2) The Illustrated Guide to Sheltie Grooming (no photos, unfortunately, just drawings)
3) This forum.

But I keep finding more. I just ordered and received a CD for Sheltie Grooming Seminar by Silver Trail Shelties. I've not had a chance to watch it.

Bottom line - I pick and choose what works for me and what works for my pups (and no, I do not groom Bacca and Indy the same way....their coats are completely different).

 

[Calliesmom]

I have 3 bibles when it comes to Sheltie Grooming:

1) Sheltie Talk
2) The Illustrated Guide to Sheltie Grooming (no photos, unfortunately, just drawings)
3) This forum.

But I keep finding more. I just ordered and received a CD for Sheltie Grooming Seminar by Silver Trail Shelties. I've not had a chance to watch it.

Bottom line - I pick and choose what works for me and what works for my pups (and no, I do not groom Bacca and Indy the same way....their coats are completely different).

I also have Sheltie Talk and The Illustrated Guide to Sheltie Grooming. I don't have the Silver Trails CD (yet) but I did pick up another grooming book a while back:
How to Groom a Shetland Sheepdog Perfectly: A Step by Step Illustrated Guide for Pet-quality Grooming
http://www.amazon.com/How-Groom-Shetland-Sheepdog-Perfectly/dp/0974943258