grooming longer haired dogs

shibamistress

How do you all groom your NKs? Not for show or anything fancy (though if you do, you may have useful tips for me!) but just general?

I have been noticing that my AA Oskar has thicker/longer hair than the Shibas, and it seems to mat more than theirs. (They are pretty basic and are fine with an occasional bath and occasional brushing, unless it is coat blowing time). He is matted on his elbows, and when I was brushing him today, I noticed his hair is getting matted under his collar too. I've never had a dog whose coat matted so I'm wondering what one does to protect it/care for it? I spent some time trying to get the mats out around his elbows with a pin brush, but wondered what other people do?

(And damn, cute as the long coats are, I'd go crazy having to deal with that kind of coat I think!)

kwyld

When I used to ride horses, I used a spray grooming product called Show Sheen to get burrs and mats out of their mane and tail. It smells great and makes hair super shiny. I used it to clean my guys up for professional photos they had taken awhile back. You can spray it on them dry, or use it right after a bath while the dog is still wet.

lindsayt

There are some really good coat conditioners we use for show grooming and just "in general" grooming outside of show days. They help keep the coat from felting down or matting. I have a favorite that can only be purchased at shows, but have used "The Stuff" and it can be ordered online at JB pets. Buddy Wash makes some very nice smelling, natural spray in coat conditioners too and those are way easier to find, Petsmart and Petco carry them. If the dog is outside a lot and a sunbather, I will use Mink Oil too, which is especially nice on black coats, and really brings out the flame in red dogs. When brushing, mist the coat with a mix of water and a spray conditioner first. Brushing a misted coat is 1) easier 2) helps reduce flyaways 3) protects the coat from damage and breaking. Use a pin brush for regular grooming, and a line comb, forced air blower, or Furminator for shedding. Brush or comb against the grain if the dog is tolerant of it.