lissy_lu_lu Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Hi All, Just wondering if anyone can offer advice, or suggest where to get some reliable advice, on what products and techniques to use to groom a Bichon Frise? My girl is nearly 3 and I've always had her professionally done. It looked pretty straight forward so I went out and bought a $300 pair of clippers and they must be faulty as they just won't go through her fur. They are the two speed oster's and she's always clean and brushed before I clip so they should work! Can anyone suggest perhaps some clippers or advice? Much appreciated. Cheers, Lissy_lu_lu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Your dog has a non shedding coat. What blade were you trying to use on the clippers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 The clippers should work but the blades will make all the difference. The oster normally come with a #10 so which blades did you buy. For Bichons we normally use the clip on combs or a #3,4 or hand scissor Welcome to the world of a groomer where everyone thinks our job is easy,now you have learnt it isnt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodle3081 Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Firstly the Oster clipper has an outdated design and is rarely used by professional groomers. It lacks power and will run hot. However it should cut your dog using the #10 blade. If it does not then I suggest the blade is blunt. This is not unusual as blades are factory sharpened and a high percentage will be blunt from new. My suggestion is to sell your clipper on eBay and buy the Wahl KM2 http://www.clipperworld.com.au/shop/index....p;productId=585 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes your dog isn't double coated, it's a non shedding coat/wool I think your blade is blunt, people mistakenly think that new blades don't require sharpening and they generally do - get the blade sharpened and then see how you go. what number (determine the length of hair left) blades have you got? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lissy_lu_lu Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share Posted September 23, 2009 Thanks for so many helpful responses. I used the no.10 blade and the whole unit (blade and all) was brand new the first time I used it. Sorry folks, I thought she was double coated AND is non-shedding, anyway, that's neither here nor there So the Wahl comes recommended?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 as I said people think a brand new blade is sharp and it often isn't - get it sharpened. however a #10 blade is very short, it's what I would use around the bum and groin of a dog, you'd be better off trimming the body with a # 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 (edited) Thanks for so many helpful responses.I used the no.10 blade and the whole unit (blade and all) was brand new the first time I used it. Sorry folks, I thought she was double coated AND is non-shedding, anyway, that's neither here nor there So the Wahl comes recommended?? Actually I googled and they do have an undercoat!! If you are body clipping, #10 is a bit too close. A #4 or #5 would be better. I use a #4 on my white poodle girl in winter and a #5 in summer. Edited September 23, 2009 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 you are right PF! and now I am confuzzled because we (dolers / groomers) always recommend them as non shedding, but if they have a double coat then they shed the undercoat so how are these dogs any better to other shedder dogs for allergies? although I am finding conflicted info if they shed properly..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 I wouldnt clip a Bichon with a #10 unless it was so matted didnt have a choice. For there coat you will in honestly make it bald as they dont have a thick coat once clipped. Have to say as a groomer though we get plenty of coats that are knot freed but the coat still dirty & hard to clip.even what some people wash in can make it hard to clip & i find the #10/15 worse for this. Are you using the #10 adding a plastic combo on the blade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shmoo Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 You say she is brushed, but is she knot free? Can you run a comb through her hair from skin to end of the hair with out snagging? I love how people think it looks straight forward Having the same tools doesn't make up for a lack of expertise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 I thought Bichons had similar fur/wool to poodles. Were suggested to me as another breed that don't leave hair about. nicestmann77 here is an ex-groomer, sells and sharpens blades: http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showuser=8666 or http://clipperbladesharpening.webs.com/ Agree that #10 blade will make your dog look bald . Suggest a #4F or #5F for the body (#5 is the shorter one of the 2). You might use the #10 for base of tail + stomach area. If it's a clipper problem, no loss in buying the blades as they're compatible Oster-Wahl-Andis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t-time Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 and now I am confuzzled because we (dolers / groomers) always recommend them as non shedding, but if they have a double coat then they shed the undercoat so how are these dogs any better to other shedder dogs for allergies? although I am finding conflicted info if they shed properly..... What makes you think that the breed has to shed or is worse for allergies, just because it has a double coat?? There are several breeds with double coats which are non-shedding and low allergy as a result!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poodle wrangler Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 and now I am confuzzled because we (dolers / groomers) always recommend them as non shedding, but if they have a double coat then they shed the undercoat so how are these dogs any better to other shedder dogs for allergies? although I am finding conflicted info if they shed properly..... What makes you think that the breed has to shed or is worse for allergies, just because it has a double coat?? There are several breeds with double coats which are non-shedding and low allergy as a result!! Poodle breeder pointed out to me there's no such thing as truly "non-shedding". Dead fur stays in the coat until brushed out/ combed/ clipped. Is what causes matting if you don't groom your dog. Husband is allergic to dog hair, so as long as the fur stays on the dog, not a problem. Even a little dog hair off the dog is a problem. Other people are allergic to saliva, dander etc. Which double coated breeds tend not to shed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lissy_lu_lu Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share Posted September 23, 2009 Yes, my dog is completely knot and matt free, I can run a fine toothed comb over her without any snagging whatsoever. Thanks everyone for the useful information. As far as expertise goes I am well aware that I have no experience but I do think having the appropriate tools is a good starting point. Besides, everyone is a beginner at one point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 As far as expertise goes I am well aware that I have no experience but I do think having the appropriate tools is a good starting point. Besides, everyone is a beginner at one point. Very few use the Oster due to the other brands being better. I would suggest getting someone to show you how to use the tools correctly. A #10 blade could give a very nasty clipper rash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clyde Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 As far as expertise goes I am well aware that I have no experience but I do think having the appropriate tools is a good starting point. Besides, everyone is a beginner at one point. I agree. I'm wondering if perhaps the blade is not on properly. Even a blunt blade will take something off a washed knot free Bichon. If you are anywhere near me I am happy to have a look for you and give you some tips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lissy_lu_lu Posted September 24, 2009 Author Share Posted September 24, 2009 Thanks Clyde! I'll see how I go with a no.5 blade. I've just ordered one online so when it arrives I'll try that and if it works then the prob is obviously the no.10 blade. Thanks again everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 don't forget to get it sharpened Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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