Shedding Duration

Very true. Each of my cats/dogs prefers a certain comb or brush. Once an effective regimen is achieved it is good to stick with it.
 
Shel ties will generally blow their coat 2 to 4 times per year, depending on climate.

Like others, I would be considered about what tools you use, but more importantly, what techniques you use


You can brush and brush the topcoat and never stop shedding. You need to learn to line brush. There are lots of threads on this already, but I do want reinforce....never brush your dog dry. Always mist with water or a mix of water conditioner (I like 4:1 - anything more and you just create product buildup)

Bathes are a great way to loosen up the fur and help brush out and if you have a high velocity dryer, it will truly help blow the rest away.

If you don't, then off to the groomer, but make sure your groomer understands how to groom double coated breeds. Please don't let the groomer convince you to shave the dog. I know it's tempting in hot climates, but the undercoat is an insulator. And shaving can totally ruin the top coat and take years to grow back properly

I had a groomer shave Bacca's entire hind, and the top coat never grew back. All I was left with was unruly undercoat.
 
I have been using a pin brush with the nubs :(

Thanks for the recommendations on nubless pin brushes. I am currently inclined toward the Chris Christensen pin brush, although the All Systems brush also looks very good! I saw your review, Cara :) Currently debating between the two.

I'm a little confused about what exactly line brushing is. Is it a brushing technique or is it brushing with a particular type of brush or comb? I searched "line brushing" but I see people using different types of brushes and combs. From what I gather, it appears to be a technique in which you start with either the legs or tummy and slowly work your way to the top of the back. I saw a video of someone using a flat, steel comb and it looked like it was doing wonders. But the video only showed the person working on the short hairs around the legs, so I don't know if that means I have to switch to the brush for the sides and back.

It looks like there are so many types of brushes and combs, it's a bit overwhelming. Do I only need one? Do I need multiple types? This is all very new to me. As a guy, I use a comb and I never had to think about all these other hair implements. All of a sudden, I have a long-haired dog that has an "undercoat" and a "top coat." It seems like there are even more tools for dog hair than there are for people hair (I could be wrong, I wouldn't really know :P

To be honest, I never even thought about the difference between a comb and a brush...until now...lol

This community has been really awesome. Thanks :)
 
Line brushing is a technique. I use it in a combination of combs, rakes, pin brush and slickers. It all depends on the density of the undercoat.

I normally alternate tools as I line brush. I'm really too tired to go into line brushing 101 simply because we have posted this so many times.

Please search on this/
 
I bought the All Systems because I have Amazone Prime (LOL) -- and I was looking to replace an old one from my cat days where the rubber had deteriorated from age. I really like the CC brushes, but Melli has a short coat and we are fine with the one we have. Just NO nubs. The hair wraps around it and pulls.

I used to line brush the Persians too -- and my two Aussies (that was a sit on the floor while watching TV kind of thing). The purpose of it is to not just brush the top and not reach down underneath at all. It's a double coat breed technique.

Since your baby is a little one, start teaching him to lay on his side for combing and gently hold the hair up with one hand and brush strips down making sure your are actually combing through the section. Think of a typewriter or eating corn on cob just combing through section after section row after row sort of. Do other side. Do down the topline and tail. Be sure to also line brush the ruff/chest. When you brush the feathers be careful not to poke/scrape the joints and armpits. Watch for the armpits and behind the ears and under any collar as knot-prone areas.

You certainly CAN groom at home. Don't be daunted.
 
I have Prime too, and now that you mention it, I think I'll go there since I'll get it faster. Thanks for pointing that out ahaha

I am in the business of finding effective and efficient pedagogy, so I really appreciate the corn on the cob analogy. Corn on the cob really hit it right on the head :biggrin2:

I haven't figured out yet what all the different hair implements do, but this thread has really encouraged me to at least become better at grooming Raj by myself. I can look at it as a type of bonding time with him :smile2:

I'm going to take it a step at a time by starting with the pin brush and comb. Fortunately, Raj is a pretty small guy right now, so I might as well as start while it's easy.

I saw some pretty awful pictures of shaved shelties, so I will never shave Raj or allow him to be shaved by any groomer. One of the things I appreciate about the Sheltie is the magnificent flow of its hair. A properly groomed Sheltie looks so grand, doesn't it?

Thanks again for all the information and encouragement :)
 
You are welcome

Don't use a furminator or shedding rake or any of the ones with "blades". Undecoat rakes don't have a blade, but they are still brutal on the coat.

A "flea comb" has super tiny tines and work great on the head, ears, and legs (all the short fur).

A medium and wide-toothed comb are a must. I personally like the ones with a handle and then tines. It is more comfortable in the hand. I have an old old old one that has medium tines and I got at a show for my first cat in 1992. Good stuff lasts! I also have a wider tine one with round tines and rounded tips. LOVE that comb. Very comfortable.

The pin cushion I have mentioned. That really does more of a surface job unless you are doing the line brushing. The All Systems does indeed have fairly long pins which is helpful. The CC brushes come in different pin lengths. Pins are also useful while blow drying to help separate the hair. You don't want to really brush or comb through as hair breaks and pulls, but it helps separate the hair for better drying and getting the curlies out.

I am not a slicker brush fan. All my animals have been uncomfortable with them. That is more for poofing and not just everyday grooming, anyway.

Scissors -- the best is nose-hair scissors with the rounded tips. You can trim around the poo locations, the wee willie winkie, the toes, and any small tangles. NEVER pull hair up and cut or you will cut skin (way worse on cats). The rounded tips really add some safety because you can't flat out poke or slice as easy with them.

Now -- these are just average folk grooming. Show routines add tons more. You will get it, just start gentle and start young. Your routine will change as his coat changes. You just want to keep tangles off all the way through the coat.
 
Cara, your posts are super helpful :smile2:

Before I got Raj, I saw a demonstration video of the furminator and I thought "wow that looks useful," but now I know better

I've tried using the slicker brush. Nowadays, I take out the tool, but I end up not using it. Mybe I'll figure out how to use it better later.

Thanks for mentioning wide tooth and medium tooth. I saw some combs and I didn't know whether I should get the fine, medium, or wide. Now I know :)
 
My Casey is nearly one year old and everytime I brush him it seems like the first time. Undercoat comes out every time. I do one good brush a week and two or three touch-ups during the week. I still think something is wrong. He's sheltie number three and the neither Coop or Randy had this problem for this long.
 
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