Yikes...having grooming jitters

C

CluneBrae

Forums Enthusiast
Mystique and my first show is coming up next weekend.
So I am getting myself psyched for the grooming...well actually I am getting my anxiety up but a little nervousness is a good thing? right?
We show on Friday so I am thinking.....
Bath Thursday morning, trim hocks, trim nails and feet, trim whiskers, unglue ears and trim ears.
Friday prior to show...foof and fluff...obsessively brush and try to relax.
I don't think I am going to chalk for this first show as I need to learn myself and I can see my poor girl walking with poofs of dust flying off her :uhoh:
Any tips would be so very appreciated.
:fl
 
what color is your dog?? If its a sable best to do the trimming atleast a week ahead of time. Their coat color makes it very unforgiving...I usually bathe when im showing on a sat, Wed the latest. When their coat is lacking (like the last show) I will powder them friday night and than do the whole process again sat am while at the show. And if its a long time between the classes and group I re-touch up.

Ears I like to take down the day of the show if they are easy to come out, just make sure they have enough time to get used to those flopping things on their head first or when they get in the ring it could be disastrous! :yes:
 
Lightplum said:
what color is your dog?? If its a sable best to do the trimming atleast a week ahead of time. Their coat color makes it very unforgiving...I usually bathe when im showing on a sat, Wed the latest. When their coat is lacking (like the last show) I will powder them friday night and than do the whole process again sat am while at the show. And if its a long time between the classes and group I re-touch up.

Ears I like to take down the day of the show if they are easy to come out, just make sure they have enough time to get used to those flopping things on their head first or when they get in the ring it could be disastrous! :yes:
Click to expand...

Thank you! Great advice on the ears...she does tend to be a little sensitive when we newly glue them so the flopping might be a change for her. She is a tricolour. Can you please tell me the reason for bathing early? As you can see I am learning and am discovering there is alot to learn!
 
If you have the ears glued, instead of taped, make sure you give yourself enough time to get ALL the glue out. It may mean slight cutting. Consider using tape now that you are going to start showing. Cleaning up the tape residue can be done without scissors.
Dogs with really full coats or wild wavy topcoats get washed a few days ahead to give the coat time to relax and stay in place. Dogs with thin undercoats get bathed the day before and blown out to make them look fuller.
 
missjenneygirl said:
If you have the ears glued, instead of taped, make sure you give yourself enough time to get ALL the glue out. It may mean slight cutting. Consider using tape now that you are going to start showing. Cleaning up the tape residue can be done without scissors.
Dogs with really full coats or wild wavy topcoats get washed a few days ahead to give the coat time to relax and stay in place. Dogs with thin undercoats get bathed the day before and blown out to make them look fuller.
Click to expand...

Thanks...her coat is just coming in so she has a nice full butt and tail and the rest is still looking puppy-ish. I guess I can wash her bum tonight and the rest on Thursday :smile2:
My hubby already thinks I am a nut for my worrying about the grooming...that would really confirm it for him.
 
A big sigh of relief from me....great tips from Sheltie Nation family and our amazing breeder has been such a great help. I am learning so much!
And, this week I met two wonderful people who own a dog show supply business and who were such a great help with supplies AND grooming.
I am now really looking forward to the learning experience this weekend will bring. No expectations other than to learn lots and have a good time! Mystique had a blast today reconnecting with her Sheltie familly and breeder who she clearly loves and has not forgotten. Tomorrow is the first of three big days.
 
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