Pet Grooming

Grooming Medium Coated Dogs

There are different methods of grooming dogs depending on the type of coats they have. A medium coated dog has distinct grooming requirements which do not apply to dogs which have long or short hair. If the same method of grooming was applied to all dogs, some of them would look very peculiar. A regularly groomed dog feels better and looks great especially if his owner has used the correct method of grooming for his breed.

Dogs with medium coats are a lot easier to groom because normally you don't need to cut out clumps of their fur, as the hair is not long enough to knot or twist into tangles. In addition, this type of coat will not collect so much dirt because it doesn't have the density of a long haired dog.

Bathing should be a regular part of your dog's routine to be carried out on a monthly basis. Naturally if he rolls in something nasty you might have to bathe him more often but if not monthly is fine. Daily brushing is recommended if you have the time but it should be done as a minimum, weekly.

If you do have to cut any of the dog's fur, do it after the bath to achieve maximum accuracy and affect. After the bath dry your dog with a towel or hairdryer set to a low speed and minimum heat setting, ensuring that the coat is completely dry before cutting. Some dogs can be startled or frightened by the sound of a high speed hair dryer and if you notice that your dog is distressed then dry him with the towel. When you are certain the coat is dry examine the dog and if necessary cut any straggles of hair so that the coat is smooth and even. You might want to find a picture of your dog's breed on the internet so that you have an idea of how he should look before you start your dog "hairdressing". Remember that less, is better than more during this procedure because it is always possible to cut more, but impossible to replace if you remove too much.

Pay special attention to the feet and eliminate any excess fur between the toes and pads of the paws. Dog clippers are widely available on the market and have reduced in price over the years. If you want to ensure an even blend from the feet to the legs, dog clippers are an extremely useful investment, but for your medium coated dog it is likely that you will only need to remove a little excess hair so scissors should suffice. When you have finished the cut, brush the dog again and then you can step back and admire your handiwork. The more times you do this, the more experienced you will become and your dog will positively revel in the attention you are giving him.

As you become more proficient in grooming you will be able to share useful tips and information with your friends and neighbors.

About the Author:
Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on wrought iron dog feeders and orthopedic dog beds.