The fur of your lovely dog is dull, rough or even matted? Then a visit to a dog hairdresser is probably appropriate. Unless you’ve got the right equipment at home and you’re doing it yourself. However, some dog owners are somewhat unsure which technique should be used for which type of coat. Because, contrary to popular belief, trimming is not the same as scissoring. There is a clear difference between the techniques. The choice between the two methods always depends on the condition of the fur. Which technique can be used depends individually on your four-legged friend.
Technique: Trimming
Trimming means removing the dead top fur with a special trimming knife. This is purely manual work and therefore takes a little longer than a classic machine cut. Particularly with dogbreeds with wiry and rough fur is trimmed. Among them are many terrier breeds, some schnauzer breeds, the rough hair dachshund and many more. In these breeds the fur was changed by the breeding so that the normal fur change does not take place any more. Trimming involves first brushing out the loose undercoat and then removing the dead topcoat with the trimming knife. This technique requires some caution. Since these trim knives are made of metal, it can be quite uncomfortable for your dog if you trim the fur too tightly and too wildly. Also, only the dead, loose fur should be trimmed. Tearing out the hair with the root is neither correct nor appropriate for the species. After trimming, dogs with this type of fur have a very soft and shiny fur again. This also ensures that your darling is ideally protected from sun, wetness, cold and wind all year round.
Technique: Shearing
Shearing means bringing the topcoat and the undercoat to the desired length with the machine. This refers primarily to the body of the dog. Head and paws are also cut here mostly by hand, with the scissors, in order to obtain an optimal result. With this technique it is possible to choose the length by the different attachments. Classic breeds for this are Maltese, Havanese, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Poodles and many more. Attention not every type of fur may be sheared. This is because it can happen quickly that the undercoat grows back again more quickly and the topcoat no longer lies over it. The natural protection against the weather and the thermoregulation is ruined. Especially in summer many owners think they are doing their dog a favor, it is better to comb out the undercoat and thus preserve the topcoat.
How many times?
This varies from dog to dog. The distance between the hairdressing appointments should be chosen according to the procurement and growth of your dog’s coat, weather conditions and metabolism. With some dogs it is enough twice a year, others need it every 8-12 weeks. Signs that a visit to the hairdresser makes sense again: If your dog loses more hair again, he scratches himself more often, the fur becomes dull and shaggy, then it would be time again.
Summary
Only “”to have one`s hair trimmed“” will not be particularly effective with our beloved four-legged friends. For fur care and hair removal other devices and techniques have to be used. But not every hair removal technique is suitable for every breed. If you are not sure which techniques are the best for your pet, a good hairdresser will give you the exact information you need.