# Now that it's shedding season. (well at least for me) how long does everyone usually comb their shiba's? I usually spend around 30 minutes a day but it appears to be not enough. they have so much hair! ## Thread In Shiba Inu · started by wliu003 · 14 replies - **Category:** [Shiba Inu](https://nihonken.org/community/c/shiba-inu) - **Forum:** [Nihon Ken Forum](https://nihonken.org/community/) ## wliu003 · 2009-03-30T23:58:40.000Z (well at least for me) how long does everyone usually comb their shiba's? I usually spend around 30 minutes a day but it appears to be not enough. they have so much hair! ## ljowen123 (moderator) · 2009-03-31T00:28:01.000Z I think it really depends on the coat - I use the furminator and do that every couple of days when Jazz begins to shed for about 15-20 minutes. ## McYogi · 2009-03-31T01:22:57.000Z It seems like I can brush them and get 5 slicker brushes full of hair and another half dozen of the furbuster and think I'm finally done, just to cuddle with them and be covered in hair again. So I would say "neverending" is the amount of time that should probably be spent brushing a shiba when they are in full-shed mode :) I figure it's just easier to tolerate a little extra lint roller-ing for a few weeks. ## starry · 2009-03-31T02:26:16.000Z I saw the furminator on sale for 49.99 at my local grocery store amazon is selling it for 21.00 i think this is a sign that I should buy it...i hope it works I brush toki once a day with a fine tooth comb and then a soft brush there is still lots of hair ## Kaddy · 2009-03-31T03:00:29.000Z I use the furminator on Keiko as well - she tends to shed in stages, so I do her butt one day, then the sides a few days later... I just get the parts that looks like they're coming out in clumps. ## wliu003 · 2009-03-31T04:48:57.000Z Ohh thanks for the info starry, that is pretty cheap for the furminator. over 50% off. I may consider it as well. ## Kaddy · 2009-03-31T05:05:51.000Z We also got ours on Amazon - SO much cheaper than in the store! ## wliu003 · 2009-03-31T08:25:02.000Z How would you guys rate the performance of the furminator? ## ljowen123 (moderator) · 2009-03-31T10:13:59.000Z AAAAA++++++ or a 15 on a scale of 1 to 10. ## tsukitsune (moderator) · 2009-03-31T11:25:06.000Z The furminator is awesome, when they are blowing their coat. I don't use it other than that (twice a year, for a few days). A bath helps get out the stubborn shedding hairs right about when they are done blowing coat. ## brada1878 (admin) · 2009-03-31T13:38:43.000Z Be careful using the furminator, it can damage your dog's coat if over used. It's basically a few blades attached to a stick. A safer alternative to the furminator is the "Resco #80". A groomer told us about this comb and it works very well at loosening the under coat w/o the potential for damage like the furminator. ---- ## KFontaine04 · 2009-03-31T13:42:28.000Z I have heard both things about the furminator. That they are great, but they can also damage the coat. That is why I am hesitant to buy one. I just brush my dogs with a fine tooth comb right now. Thanks for that link Brad. I will look into that comb as well. ## ljowen123 (moderator) · 2009-03-31T14:05:23.000Z Overuse of the furminator can definitely be a bad thing. I know a few friends who brushed a little too long. ## Edgewood · 2009-03-31T15:16:27.000Z Yes, I didn't like the furminator at all. It was given as a gift to me. I like a comb like Brad posted (also called a rake). I have had my rake for years (since I had Siberians for many moons before Nihonken) and it works the best of all -- way better than a slicker or the furminator IMHO ## lindsayt · 2009-04-01T08:55:54.000Z I think Brad has a Coarse Comb, which is a little bit different from a Rake. The Furminator reminded me most of the stripping tools used on wire coated terriers, designed to pull the coarse hairs, and that's exactly what it did to Ike's guard hairs :( I kept seeing a lot of other handlers/exhibitors with Greyhound Combs and pin brushes tucked in their armbands or pocket, so I tried those. The Greyhound Comb was great during the coat blowing, so much easier on my hands and on the dog. The pin brush is nice as a daily touch up. --- **Navigate:** [Forum home](https://nihonken.org/community/?format=md) · [Sitemap](https://nihonken.org/community/sitemap.xml)