becks

Out of interest, why do people have their dogs massaged and what do the dogs get out of it??

I used to put vaseline onto the nose of my old girl when hers got very dry and sore. Put it on just before the dog eats or goes out for a walk /ball game etc so they aren't thinking about licking the funny stuff off!

My younger giant has been diagnosed with it (though still needing x-ray to confirm it). She is just coming up to 4 years old. She has to do a 3 point turn to turn around as she can't bend to turn (so no way for her to do weave poles in agility!!). She has an unusual style of running, kinda looks like she is just running with 1 back leg as she uses them both to bunny hop. When she gets lots of exercise she tends to really build up shoulder muscles but not muscle up on the back end. Not sure if it is connected or not but she is another who is thin and can't put weight on. Last year my vet had a boxer in with this condition, the boxer had to have the whole tail removed as the bones had fused it over his anus and the dog couldn't toilet easily

If you can get one, the electric tables are great, lift heavy weights easily and drop down at a slow and steady pace

I'm not falling for that again, you'll not get me to look at the other thread!!

yay! I never think of looking in the photo section!

How's Imy looking? Have I missed some update photos of her recently??

Hope his danglies don't get frost bite

Done daily it won't build up to a dried on lump unless your dog has eye problems causing them to water a lot?? The alternative to the above is to get another dog who will clean the eyes or like some of my dogs, just wipe the eyes on the sofa :rollseyes:

The nylon groomers tops are really good at stopping the hairs digging in your body. I never use my hand to sweep up the hair on the table and this seems to be a big thing for me, with getting the loose hairs stuck into my skin. I have been grooming over 10 years now and seem to no longer get the hairs stuck between my fingers. Do worry about the hair that has been breathed in over the years though!

I was going to say the same thing as Nicole, make sure you rinse, rinse, rinse when shampooing a dog and then rinse again! Also, did you treat the house, bedding and other areas the dogs lie? Otherwise they could be reinfested

I am both a groomer and schnauzer breeder/exhibitor. However, I was shown once by the breeder of one of my early dogs, how to clip the breed and then I was on my own for future clips. I have never had an accident with the clippers or scissors, all it takes is a bit of care and attention to what you are doing. I have been grooming my own dogs for nearly 20 years now and it was several years after that I trained to groom other breeds. If you have an untrimmed puppy then I would recommend you get her trimmed professionally the first time or two as they aren't the easiest to learn on. If an older dog, ask the groomer to talk you through the technique when you collect your dog, if they won't let you watch. Good luck!

I have an english cocker come in and the owners want it like an american cocker (they bought the wrong breed by mistake - american dog book!!) I am never allowed to trim the feet and they are a solid matted mess. No one would dare bring me a schnauzer and ask for a different style!!

Had a Lhasa asked to have most of the tail clipped off like a lion, nothing to way out there.

Fabric glue should come off with plenty of brushing and leaving to sit in soapy foam for a while to soften it up. (and take care when next glueing her ears )

I would use a fine comb if the undercoat wants moving and give him a 'tidy' over the body with thinning scissors so he would keep his scruffy look and not look 'trimmed'. He's a handsome chap.

It really depends on the coat type on what is best to do. If he has a wolfie type coat then you could strip the longer hair out to tidy him up and keep the coat weather proof. A beardie coat would be better trimmed into a nice shape. Photos definitly needed, though I would also suggest you pop into a groomers just for a chat on what options they suggest - sometimes you really need to get hands on a dog to know what the best way to treat the coat will be.

This is a prime time for ear infections so keep an eye on what is going on inside his ears and that they smell OK. If massage doesn't work on getting the ear to settle you can ask the breeder about taping or glueing the ear into the correct position, once the ear carteledge hardens at 6+months you will be stuck with whatever shape the ears are normally carried in

The JR sounds bored and maybe on a diet causing it to be a bit hyper - hard to say without any facts about the dogs living conditions and life style

Have you cut away all the hair around their bottoms? You could also try a little bit of vaseline on the bottom

Never finish the session when he is struggling. The first thing I would try is to have the groomer do him so you can be sure there are no knots or dead coat in there, then later that day take him to the area where you groom him, set the tools out and just give him a stroke and inspection with your hands. When he is still, let him leave after a bit of praise. Next night do the same but brush a small area of him, again stop before he struggles to much. Just a sharp 'no' should be enough to get him to be still for a second - one more pass with the brush while he is quiet and praise and allow him to go. Do this at least daily and he will start to get the idea. Make sure your grooming tools do NOT have sharp ends to the teeth of the combs/brushes - check how much pressure you are using - just try the same on your arm. Make sure you aren't trying to drag out the knots - the more pulling you do the more it will hurt your pup and the more he will fear grooming.

I've known people use Listerine mouthwash on hot spots and irritated skin, something antibacterial that a lot of people have to hand.

I would go with A - main reason my breed can suffer with pancreatitus and it is suggested to keep them on a low fat diet, ideally below 12%. After that it is down to what the dogs like and do well on. Price isn't much of a concideration, I would be inclined to trial first whichever one I'd had a personal recommendation for.

I have a 6 month old pup here now and he was overshot to a similar extent when he was younger but he now has a perfect scissor bite. Try not to panic - even if it doesn't correct itself totally it is only one fault, don't loose track of your pups good points!!

What are all the extras they do for the higher price option grooms?? One thing, the can't groom schnauzers if the one on show is anything to go by!