Clipping Bedlingtons

[libbyandblue]

We have an 8month old bedlington terrier and are not sure when to get her first clip? We will get it done prof. by a friend who owns a dog grooming place. Her coat is getting quite long, and gets quick tangly so its a bit of a pain to brush all the time. shes had 3/4 baths since we have had her since August. I clipped with scissors round her nose as they get matted and dirty easily and she hates having them brushed! Any advice would be great thanks!

 

[CAYLA]

A table and restraint would help you, I groom, im pretty firm and don't pander or stop when they make a fuss, jsut take your time, esp with a youngster, and stop for a break if need be, the more you brush and mess around with ther the more she will accept it, but if your give up at the least bit struggle, she basically wins, I always stop with the puppies, when they are calm, and cuddle them and have a little play, before I start again, when they are screaming and struggling, I hold them in place, even if not brushing they still have to stand, until they are calm again.

Always give a meal or treat, when finished, always gives them a reward to assosiate.

 

[libbyandblue]

thanks for the advice, but i was more wondering about actually clipping her rather than grooming her?

 

[CAYLA]

Oops....did u mean how old can u have her first clip?

 

[libbyandblue]

yeah! no worries!

 

[CAYLA]

Basically, when u are ready....I clip puppies as young as 16-20 weeks......Lhasa's, and shih-tzu's mostly, they grow like wild fire if u feel she is getting notty, she is prob ready for a clip, it's best to get them to the parlour as young as poss, to get them used to being handled

 

[libbyandblue]

thanks! i think we will take her soon, she is very good to handle, so i don't think she will be a huge problem! because she is outside a lot with the horses, its easier to have her clipped anyway!

 

[Kenniford]

As a dog groomer i always recommend clipping bathing & drying puppies as soon as is possible ie, fully innoculated and protected. This enables your groomer to get the pup used to the job and it is easier the earlier you start. I have a litter of standard poodles here and they get face and feet clipped at 4 weeks and bath and dry by 6 weeks brushed regularly also. Also, if you bath/wet a dog with a knotted coat it will tighten the matts up and will turn into a groomers nightmare!