Dog grooming!!!

[horseylady]

Does anyone use a dog groomer?

My two lovely curlies are moulting. Big time. I'm hoovering twice daily and still have balls of dog fur everywhere. They refuse to swim which would help their coat, it was warm today so tried washing them outside, but failed miserably, and the thought of taking them upstairs to the shower fills me with horror as they know upstairs only means bath time.

So I was thinking about using a groomer? But I don't really want lots of products on their coats. They have lovely coats, the just need water to help remove it. Does anyone use one? Is it likely to help?

Perhaps I should just shower them and deal with the chaos it brings?!

[deste]

I use a dog groomer for our dog, he is curly. He does get washed with dog shampoo and I do notice his fur is a little greasy if they have missed the bit under his ears. If he is washed without shampoo it would be the same as washing your hair without shampoo.

[EasyToEatTiger]

What's a curlie? We have 3 collies, all of whom have double coats of different thicknesses. I very rarely wash any of them unless they stink or are so muddy. We used a furminator for a while before it got nicked and now I use a matt comb and a normal comb to get out the dead hair. Some dogs get stripped for the summer. Some dogs get clipped. I don't think washing a dog will make its coat any less likely to moult. If anything it will probably only block your drains!

[cathpip]

I have never used a dog groomer till my friend booked her dogs and mine in for a trail, he came back sooooo black ( he is black:) ) and clean and fluffy and soft and he did not smell, and its been 6 weeks and he still looks great, so yes he will be going back to the poodle parlour!!!

[EasyToEatTiger]

You lucky thing, cathpip! I've never taken a dog to a groomer. It takes ages and ages to go through each dog's coat, and they're usually bored stiff before I finish. I have taken out masses of coat in the past couple of weeks and the dogs look less like camels. There is still a way to go though! I can see some rather unlovely undercoat not shining through the afternoon light!

[horseylady]

Curly coated retriever.

I've contacted someone, it's the big one who needs it most so will try her first and see!

[suckmabigtoe]

i'm too scared to leave mine with a groomer.

what is it you struggled with when washing them outside? did they dance about too much?

[Pizdets]

I took my pup to the groomer for the first time a few weeks ago. It's a posh place in Notting Hill and they charge £35 which I thought was a bit steep but he's a bit nervy so I wanted some reassurance they'd be good.

In the end they hand-stripped him, it took over 3 hours and the result was AMAZING! He looked like a different dog (and I'm slightly ashamed to admit I even loved him a little bit more for looking so smart), is easier to keep clean and he smelt amazing for weeks.

I'd highly recommend getting your dog groomed based on my experience, although I'm worried it's a bit addictive as I can't wait to book him in again!

[morethanyoubargainfor]

Horsey a furminator is your friend! I have a curly coated retriever and this works wonders on him, I cut him myself about 3 times a year, mine also does not swim although loves the water. I feel your pain.

[horseylady]

Morethan - I have one if those for the horse!!!! And why don't dogs who are designed to swim, swim??!!

Yes they dance about and run off. Though both stand beautifully in the shower!!! It's just cleaning out half a dog from the bath afterwards and carrying them up the stairs in the first place as they know what it means!!

[horseylady]

Also I don't cut them ever? What do you cut?

[ToomuchIsBackOnBootcamp]

I feel your pain, OP. I have a constantly shedding black Labrador but this past week with the warmer weather, I assume, it has been ridiculous hair everywhere!! I have brushed him every day and still get a bagful each time.

I may try to wash him and see if that helps. He is a good boy and stands still, but oh the haunted miserable expression on his face ...

[suckmabigtoe]

£35 actually sounds pretty reasonable. it's around that where i live and where i live isn't an expensive area at all- to live anyway.

you lot are tempting me to take the boy down and get him done. i could hoover 5 times a day and still find balls of fur floating about.

do they let you stay with them while they're being groomed?

[morethanyoubargainfor]

horsey I clipper mine all over and his feathers anf tail. he gets very long and scruffy, he is all curly just one that broke the rule book! ! Try the furminator, mine loves it as soon as he sees it he goes and lays on his bed ready for it and he just lays there with a stupid look of pleasure on his face!!! when in water he wpnt goes past his belly or the base of his tail! silly boy. Where abouts are you?

[horseylady]

Derby.

She's going Friday but will try the brush on the younger one. She's not having the same coat issues. It's crazy !!!

[SilverSky]

I rate the Furminator too.

[horseylady]

Dog groomed!!! Looks fab!!! Had to trim the younger one to look less scruffy!!

I have two smart looking girls again!!!