Summer is upon us and the weather is hot. Everyone wants their dog groomed whether they are a regular client or a once a year clean up.

For the more sporadic groom-outs on rough-coated breeds (Collies, Huskies, Shepherds, Retrievers, Shelties, Samoyeds), I suggest having a wide variety of de-matting tools, rakes and combs to help break up the felting and matting in the coat prior to brushing.

A V-rake may break through better than a straight rake on one coat and a straight rake may work better on another coat. I have found that a moulting comb works best on tight Shepherd coats and the shorter coat that graduates up the thigh, on the back legs and upper forearm of Collies, Shelties, Aussies and the like. After you break up the big mess into a lot of smaller matts, it becomes much easier to brush out remaining shed and matted coat.

Mattsplitters are very useful for splicing apart giant felted areas or large matts. The Mattbreaker is great for those tight behind the ears matts, matted elbows and the base of the tail. After splicing, spray your favourite dematting solution into the coat and brush.

Carding and plucking these breeds is also very important in the maintenance of their coats. Dogs are carded on a regular basis generally have healthier skin, deeper colour and a glossier coat that will matt less and is more weather-resistant.

Pluck and card out that pale peach fuzz hair that grows on the sides of the legs and in the back coat & ruff of those Retrievers, Collies, Shelties, etc. If you scissor it off, it'll reappear quicker. Pluck it out and it'll take longer to grow back. The dog looks nicer longer.

Ask the staff at Pet Supply House which tools are best suited to pluck and card out your breed.

For shortening up the pants, skirts, feathers, and ruffs of those "cottage dogs". I usually use thinning shears. They shorten up the length with a more natural look than you can get with a straight shear. If you shorten up a lot of dogs, I highly recommend the Twin Thin Shears - 2 shears in 1. A thinning shear is attached to a straight shear. You can really shorten length with the aid of the straight shear while leaving a thinned edge 1/8 inch higher. It cuts my thinning time down by about 75%.

Now, with your dog thoroughly dematted, brushed, and carded, you will find that he/she is not only cooler, but also has shade from the sun (thus no sunburn) and protection from those biting mosquitoes, black flies, and deer flies. He/She will look good and enjoy summer too!

Here are a couple of products that I love and can't groom without:

Super Absorbent Chamois - These chamois absorb approximately 10 times their weight in water when wet. I use one of these chamois instead of two or three towels to get the dog damped out before I dry.

When you are using it, just squeeze through the coat and, when it is fairly heavy with water, wring it out and keep on using it.

They take less laundry soap to wash and dry more quickly than regular towels. Some have lasted for as long as 5 years in a busy shop. When they get too worn, I cut them up and use them as shop rags.

At only $2.65 each, they are a lot less expensive than regular towels and have a good, long lifespan. Try one. I'm sure you'll want more.

Comfort Plus Anti-Fatigue Mats - These are just great to put by your table or tub - anywhere that you are standing for extended periods of time. By the tub, they help keep your feet dry.

These mats are a must if you are grooming on cement or tile flooring. They relieve stress on your back, hips, legs and feet noticeably. No more going home at night with aching legs or a sore back. They also help to reduce the incidence of varicose or "spider" veins and provide added relief for those who suffer from arthritis or joint problems.

These mats are made with a ridged rubber that is recessed at the edges. They are easy to clean - just hose off - and they are Canadian made.

Cost:
2' x 3' - $79.85 each
2' x 4' - $99.95 each