How to Groom a Shetland Sheepdog: Grooming Helps with Shedding in Shelties

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are beautiful full coated dogs and easy to groom if you keep up on it daily. Here are step by step instructions for daily grooming and for performing a full groom on a Sheltie dog.

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, have a beautiful fluffy double coat. Grooming a Sheltie is relatively easy since there is very little clipping to do. The biggest drawback for the Sheltie owner is the amount of hair floating around the house. Daily grooming, with a full groom every three months or so, greatly reduces shedding.

How to Care for a Dog's Paws & Pads in Winter

Preventative Tips for Healthy Dog Paws
Don't forget the dog's feet as you prepare the winter boots for the kids. Wintertime is tough on a dog's paws and pads. With proper grooming, attire and home maintenance your dog can enjoy winter with you.

As you prepare the family for winter you may not think about the family pet. Surely an indoor dog can get through the winter in a heated home without help. For the most part that's true, but those trips outside for exercise and potty breaks can be brutal on a dog's paws. There are some things we can do as pet owners to prevent paw and pad injuries in winter.

How to Clip Your Chihuahua's Toenails and Survive

Chihuahuas are big dogs in small packages. Dog toenail trimming is the same no matter the size of the dog though. The position is the only thing that changes. This guide will show you the easiest way to trim your dog's toenails and survive.

The smaller the dog, the bigger the issue with grooming. Especially when it comes to handling a Chihuahua's feet (or any very small breed; Rat Terrier, Poodle, Pomeranian, Schnauzer, Yorkie). Chihuahua's are very sensitive to the fact that they are small, therefore easily stepped on. These small dogs tend to move their feet out of the way very quickly, and hide them if they fear a painful experience (who wouldn't).

 Your approach to trimming your Chihuahua's nails is what will set the tone for the entire experience. If you act differently (talking baby talk, giving treats, or feel apprehensive), don't do it yourself. You should feel as matter-of-fact about nail trimming as you do brushing your own teeth. Your Chihuahua will know (from 10 feet away) if you are carrying any tension or fear, so do not even attempt it until all is calm.

To put your Chihuahua's fears to rest, try these steps:

How to Groom a Bichon Frise - Grooming for Maximum Poof

Here are instructions for daily and full grooming of a Bichon Frise.

The Bichon Frise is the powder puff of dog breeds. A well groomed Bichon Frise will be the talk of the neighborhood. Daily grooming allows for maximum poof and easier clean up on white dogs.


The secret to the Bichon Frise, shortened to Bichon, is the poof of the coat. If you've never seen a Bichon ready for the show ring, you are missing something beautiful. I also have to admit I've never met a Bichon that did not tolerate the grooming process well. The breed is just fun to work with in general.

Tools:

Large pin brush, slicker brush, steel tooth comb, mat rake or breaker, thinning shears, grooming scissors, blunt end scissors, grooming clippers, #10 blade (other blades optional), ear cleaner, ear powder, tear stain remover, cotton swabs, toenail trimmers, styptic powder, nail file (optional), toothbrush and dog toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, towels and blow dryer.

How to Groom a Cairn Terrier

Follow these step-by-step instructions to groom your Cairn Terrier at home and save money at the dog groomer's shop.

The Cairn Terrier became a star as ToTo in "The Wizard of Oz". He requires a small amount of grooming to keep him looking his sharpest. By grooming your Cairn Terrier at home you can save as much as $50 every four to six weeks. Just follow these step-by-step instructions.

Tools: slicker brush, steel comb, clippers, clipper blades #5, #7F or #9 and a #10, grooming shears, thinning shears, ear cleaner, cotton swabs, ear powder, nail clippers, styptic powder, dog shampoo, blow dryer and towels.