Does anyone know anything about dog grooming?

[Wisteria]

We have a giant schnauzer who needs (I have been told) to be hand stripped as opposed to clipped - I would like to know the pros and cons and expected cost if at all possible, along with how often in a year it's recommended to be carried out.

Many thanks for taking the time to post - incidentally, if it can be learnt easily then should I do that instead.

I have a westie, and they are supposed to be stripped, but as she is not a show dog I have never bothered and simply let her hair grow in the cold weather and clip her hair short when it starts getting warmer.

Unless you want him as a show dog I wouldn't really bother, but if you do want to, I'd get him done at a groomers first and get her to show you how to do it at home, as I belibve it can be painful for the dog if not done properly/quickly as I think you have to pull the hair out?!

believe*

Yes, you do - she doesn't seem to mind that though, I've had a little go on her underbelly just to see how she reacted and she didn't even flinch.

We haven't decided whether to clip of strip but I have been told that stripping means that the coat retains its natural texture, water and dirt repelling effects and wondered if that were was or not.

or

yeah that's probably true. My dogs coat isn't like it's supposed to be, it's more wooly/fluffy lol, but even if she gets wet the fur near her skin is still dry.

• what on earth happened to my last sentence