Keepin It Fresh–Hand Strip Your Dog Right
Have you ever had a dog with matted and unruly fur? If so, you’ll understand how challenging it can be to keep it looking presentable. To make your life a little easier and help keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best, why not try hand-stripping?
Hand-stripping is a great way to trim your dog’s coat without the need of clippers or blades. It will help to keep their fur naturally healthy and looking its best. It’s simple to do; All you need is a stripping knife, some patience, and a bit of muscle. Ready to learn more?
The process of hand-stripping helps to rid your doggy’s coat of dead and lifeless hairs and in turn stimulates the coat to produce natural oils to replace them. The results of this are a healthier looking coat with great texture and shine.
Following a few basic steps, you can quickly master the art of hand-stripping. Start by gently pulling your dog’s coat away from the skin, then take the stripping knife and draw it from the base of the hair up to the end. Pull in short, linear movements for best results, and always keep your strokes in the direction of the grain.
Hand-stripping is a skill that needs patience and practice, but the results are worth it. Every few weeks or so, brush your pet’s coat with a slicker brush to detangle any knots and prevent future matting. For extra shiny, healthy hair, wipe down your dog with a damp cloth after brushing to remove all the shed fur.
Are you feeling inspired? Keepin’ it fresh and hand-stripping your dog is not only fun and rewarding, but it’s also a great way to keep their coat looking amazing. So why wait? Pick up a stripping knife and get to work!
Making it Right: Choosing the Right Stripping Knife for Your Dog
It’s thought that a quality stripping knife can help you achieve better results when hand-stripping your dog. The right blade size and type of knife for your pup depends mostly on their coat length and type. Generally, there are two types of stripping knives on the market; coarse and fine. A coarse knife is best for coarse coats, while a fine knife is better suited to short-haired breeds.
To help you decide which one is right for your pup, take a look at their coat. Is it full and thick or short and thin? If it’s the former, use a strip knife with a notched blade. This type of blade is ideal for cutting through thick hair as it grabs the hair more efficiently and helps to avoid pulling and tugging. On the other hand, those with thin, short coats should opt for a smooth blade that removes less hair with each pass
A good rule of thumb to remember is that the shorter the coat, the finer the blade. For dogs with medium to long coats, like a Poodle, Schnauzer, or Lhasa Apso, opt for a longer and wider blade to help remove their long, course fur.
In a pinch and none of these quite fit? You can also use a thinning shear to cut away the excess fur. Just make sure to use a light touch to avoid causing any damage to your pup’s coat.
Preparing the Perfect Space for a Stress-Free Experience
Before you get started, make sure you have everything at hand to create a stress-free environment. Line your work area with comfortable mats or towels, and make sure there’s plenty of natural light. This will reduce the chances of any mishaps happening during the process. Place any tools you’ll need in easy reach, and it’s always best to have some treats on hand to encourage your pup throughout the process.
To get the most out of hand-stripping your dog, always go slowly, making sure you don’t miss any spots or leave the fur above the natural growth line. If your pup’s coat is significantly matted in spots, it’s best to start from the bottom and work your way up. This will help to make sure the complicated parts are worked through gently to avoid any discomfort.
Once you’re done, brush the stripped fur with a brush or fine-toothed comb to remove any loose clumps. To make sure your pup’s coat looks its best for longer, use a damp cloth to prevent matting from forming. This will help to remove dust, dirt and other debris from building up in the fur.
But remember… As with any grooming, if you’re ever unsure don’t be afraid to ask for help! Grooming professionals are always there to lend a hand and guide you through the process.
Tips & Tricks: For the Perfect Strip
It takes time, practice and patience to become a pro at hand-stripping. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the hang of it quickly:
• Use a stripping stone or special brush to fluff out the outer coat as you draw the knife through each section. This will help to pull out the old hairs.
• Wipe down your dog frequently with a damp cloth to help strengthen the skin and remove the tiny bits of hair that can clog the pores and cause issues.
• To help keep your work area organized, have a crisp box on hand. This is where you can collect any dead or discarded hairs as you go. This is especially useful for long-haired dogs, as it helps to avoid creating a mess.
• The key to getting the desired effect lies in the angle of the blade, so make sure you get the angle right. Hold the knife flat against the coat, at a slightly diagonal angle for a smoother, more even cut.
• To maintain a healthy balance, use brush and comb strokes from the base of the skin up and away from it. This helps to create a more even finish.
Quicker, Lighter & Easier: Make Hand-Stripping a Breeze!
If you’re looking for a quicker and easier way to give your pup a stylish finish, electric clippers are the way to go. They may require a bit of practice and coordination, but they offer a neat and precise finish. You can also use scissors to quickly snip away the excess fur, or try out a special shampoo and conditioner to help nourish their coat.
When done correctly, hand-stripping can help to keep your pup’s coat healthy and looking its best for longer. Don’t be intimidated if you’re new to the process – simply take it slow, practice and experiment to find out what works best for your pup’s fur type. With a bit of love and care, you can easily become a grooming master in no time!