Thinning the Sheltie Pants

M

MissSuzie

Forums Enthusiast
I have a pair of thinning shears that I have had for a long while, but was fearful of using on Meggie. I was so afraid I would butcher her beautiful coat. Well, we had our grooming session this morning and I sucked it up and used the thinning shears on her sheltie pants. OMG, they worked great!

I was cautious and started near the ends and worked my way up sparingly. When I brushed it out so much came off, but you could see no obvious cuts in her fur. They worked perfectly!!!

Now I wish I had tried it long ago!!!
 
What technique did you use?

That is, did you:

1) Use it like a razor, only using the teeth edge to strip away the pants, or

2) Use it like regular scissors, in a snipping motion, in the direction of the hair growth

Or both? I've done it both ways and haven't decided which is best.
 
I'm so afraid of screwing this up, I can't do it. And Gus' pants are out of control!

Speaking of pants, I happened to catch the '09 Cruft's "pastoral" group video. That sheltie had pants so big I thought the poor thing would have to walk on his hind legs for balance. :eek2:
 
BarbV said:
What technique did you use?

That is, did you:

1) Use it like a razor, only using the teeth edge to strip away the pants, or

2) Use it like regular scissors, in a snipping motion, in the direction of the hair growth

Or both? I've done it both ways and haven't decided which is best.
Click to expand...

I used it like regular scissors, grabbed a handful of fur on one side and just snipped near the ends, then went up from there. I didn't do many cuts. I was too afraid.

RetiredProf, I was afraid to try it for nearly two years now, but I'm so glad I did it. I think the trick is to use very few cuts initially, so as not to over do it. I'm actually shocked at how easy it was and how well it worked. I just think those sheltie pants can get so out of control. Meggie's got enough junk in her trunk!!
 
MissSuzie said:
I used it like regular scissors, grabbed a handful of fur on one side and just snipped near the ends, then went up from there. I didn't do many cuts. I was too afraid.

RetiredProf, I was afraid to try it for nearly two years now, but I'm so glad I did it. I think the trick is to use very few cuts initially, so as not to over do it. I'm actually shocked at how easy it was and how well it worked. I just think those sheltie pants can get so out of control. Meggie's got enough junk in her trunk!!
Click to expand...

I've been thinking about razoring Indy's pants with the teeth edge - from the skin to about half way down. The technique would require brushing the guard hairs upward first, then a few swipes with the shears, then brush down. Move up to the next line.

What do you show folk think? Or should I just rely on tried and true raking techniques. Cleaning out my basement today, I found a rake that this I didn't know I had!
 
I wonder if there is a video demo anywhere about how to do this? I need to get better at trimming Buffy's pants too since I try to do her grooming myself. Your descriptions are helpful but I think I really need to see someone do it to get an idea. Someone should do a video on how to do poop chutes and pants. :winkgrin:

Does it matter what kind of thinning shears you have? Mine are pretty cheap ones but hopefully they are okay...
 
I just looked online to see if I could find something in video. Coming up zilch, except for a YouTube on whisker trimming.

It really would be great to have something visual--you know, something I could replay about 16 times before I pick up the scissors! :yes: Seriously, if anyone knows of something out there (and I would buy it), please let us know.
 
I might experiment a little tonight.

The boys both go to the groomers next Saturday. I would like to thin Indy out a little before then (I feel sorry for the groomer when I bring him in looking like a wooly mammoth!)

If I do, I'll let you all know how it turns out. I do have excellent thinning shears (I cut myself with them without even knowing I'd done it)
 
Diana said:
I wonder if there is a video demo anywhere about how to do this? I need to get better at trimming Buffy's pants too since I try to do her grooming myself. Your descriptions are helpful but I think I really need to see someone do it to get an idea. Someone should do a video on how to do poop chutes and pants. :winkgrin:

Does it matter what kind of thinning shears you have? Mine are pretty cheap ones but hopefully they are okay...
Click to expand...

I don't even remember where I bought mine. I actually bought them to use on my own hair, but that didn't work out as well. They were not expensive. I may have purchased them at a beauty supply store.
 
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