Thank You Gina!! 😊 i have a rescued cairn and know nothing about her history!! When I took her from some friends she had been dropped off with, she had been clipped VERY short! It's taken 9 months, but she is beginning to grow a coat! Yay! That's what I want!! I have watched several videos that I didn't understand! 😖 When you told me it was " Not the wrist, but the forearm and the elbow" it all clicked!! 🎉🎉🎉 I brush her and hand strip before bed!! Chef's Kiss to You!! It is working!! You made this gal happy! Thanks again, for helping me learn the correct method to improve her rough coat!! 💐💐💐❤ gael
Hi Gael! Oh, I am so happy that the video helped! Your little Cairn sounds adorable, and I'm so happy that she found someone like you who is taking the time to do the right thing for her and her coat! And it's kind of fun (right?) once you get the hang of it and see how much the pups appreciate it! Thanks so much for your comment! 🙏😍
Hi Tara, that makes me so happy! Glad it helped! I jump in a little deeper in a follow up video: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html. Thank you so much for watching!
I’d love to see just a photo of the finished job. I’m learning to (pet) strip our min schnauzer and have the basics but it’s difficult to know how much to strip each session. The transition from body to legs is also something I’m not confident doing at this point.
That's great that you're working with your mini schnauzer and learning how to hand strip! Our little terrier model is a mix, so I only stripped her down about 30% to keep her in the look that her owner wanted - thus the only change you could see is a little darkening of her coat. But for your schnauzer, the breed standard is already defined for you, which definitely helps! You want to strip 100% down the back and sides (following the schnauzer pattern.) Underneath, you will see the downy undercoat lying flat. As you approach the skirt/legs, you will start lightening your strip to transition into the longer coat. This is definitely a "practice makes perfect" deal, so keep working on it, and let us know how it goes! And we'll work on making more videos that delve deeper into this subject. Thanks for watching!
I show my Irish Wolfhounds and so they have to be hand stripped. Thankfully with a lot of help from my breeder I can now do a decent job of it. I'm working on establishing a rolling coat to reduce the time and hassle of preparing for a show! Thanks for the good refresher on hand stripping. 👍
Hi Sylvie, I love that your working with your show-dogs yourself! I personally think the best show dogs are the true pets - the ones that are groomed and/or handled by their owners. That is awesome! Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comment! 😊
Very informative video ! Thank you !! I really enjoy doing this to rabbits (delicately) when they molt, but I didn’t know you could do this to some dogs as well.
Hi Grant! So happy to meet another fellow groomer! And so happy you are confident to jump into hand stripping, it is so important! ❤ We released a follow-up vid: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html that may help, but basically, to start, you'll need a stripping knife (for speed), powder (your ear powder can work to start, for grip), knowing how your arm should work (technique), and then a sprinkle of serious perseverance. 😊 Here are some of the tools I found on Amazon that I use, hope that helps! Stripping Knife: amzn.to/3zY9S27 Crown Royale Grooming Powder: amzn.to/3zYvQSU Coat King Rake: amzn.to/3uv2rOU
Hi @Sara A, that is a great and loaded question! Easy answer is that although brushing will pull out some dead coat (both top and bottom coat) and do amazing things such as separate the coat and distribute natural oils (and paired with a comb is the right way to handle *most* pet coats), a brush doesn't have enough grip to emulate the pull of branches and brush that certain types of Terriers (and some other very selective breeds) need to get that coat off. The next *easy* step up from a brush is a Coat King, so a rake that helps give a bit more grip and help pull out this type of coat. But that's still not enough. And then add to that a bit more complexity, which is pulling the coat so that it grows back evenly (here's the art), you've now got yourself more detailed work than a brush can give you. But we are talking about art and styling and making sure that the styling portion is done as naturally as possible. If you've got a Terrier that you don't mind having a longer and more natural look, and you brush them daily and keep up with removing the dead coat, you and your pup are going to do just great. Hope this helps! Thanks for your question! 🙏😍
I have a, what the breeder told me is, a Pomchi but she definitely looks like a terrier mix. Her coat is wiry. Will she benefit from hand stripping? And how long does it normally take to hand strip, say the dog on your table?
Hi there, thanks for your question! Hmm, all signs point to her not being a candidate for this type of service, but I can be wrong, esp if the genetics you have been told are inaccurate. It's a bit complicated when it comes to mixes, and you'll definitely want the opinion of a knowledgeable groomer before making your grooming plan. For typical Pomchis, grooming usually consists of: regular baths and maintenance (ears, nails), blow out and brush, and then little touch-ups if needed, like paws, feathers, back of the ears. Which is great news since, to answer your second question, hand stripping takes a long time (small dogs 1-1.5 hrs) and is quite a bit of work! So I hope that your Pomchi is really a Pomchi, and you can rest assured that her natural coat just needs the basics to keep it in optimal condition. Hope that helps and thanks again for your comment! 😍🐾
Hi Gina, thanks for the awesome video! I have a JRT mix who was shaved from the age of 1-3. His coat is fluffy now, the color so dull. I would love to restore his coat by hand stripping. Is it too late? Thanks for any tips/advice! Diane
Hi Diane! I do know that a coat can be restored, but there is also a point of no return... however, that is usually after years and years of shaving and the follicles just "give up". With a mix, hard to tell what the coat type should be (and even pure-breds differ), but you may want to focus on regaining skin and coat health to see if guard coat starts growing in. No selling whatsoever, but check out the Iv San Bernard shampoo line for coat restoration. And if you start seeing those topcoat hairs coming in, you are on your way! Thanks for your interest in this subject, and thanks for watching! 🙏😊
That gives me hope Thanks for sharing. I have miniature schnauzers and my year old pup has a great wiry coat. I've looked for a hand stripper in my area and haven't been able to locate one. I have purposely only groomed him twice in hopes that I would find a hand stripper. I've known that too much shaving can destroy the natural coat and was concerned that even two shaves may have compromised his coat. He's going to be my guinea pig in learning to hand strip.
I’m considering adopting a tiny (8-pound) wire haired terrier from the pound. He is 8 years old and I have no knowledge of his history but he is a very scared dog and in dire need of grooming. Do you have suggestions for approaching a difficult first groom on a frightened little dog?
Hi Dana! Aw, that is so sweet! 💕 Many of the pound dogs are just scared because they are insecure... so he may change very much under your loving care. Although every timid dog can have different triggers, my best advice is to Go Slow and Reward. You can get a soft brush to start and run it over his body...and then reward with love and, if possible, treats. Now if he is matted all the way to the skin right now, he may need to be shaved (if it's a medical issue, and he is timid, you may have no choice). You may need a seasoned special-needs groomer (or a veterinary technician) to get him through his difficult 1st groom to get him healthy and on-track. And then it's a matter of maintaining him and seeing how he reacts to hand-stripping. But wow, I hope you take a chance on this little guy and that he is able to accept a loving environment. Most do, and most are so very grateful. Sending positive wishes your way in hopes of a wonderful new pet in your life. Keep us posted! 😊 (P.S. Although not a terrier, here's a video about a pup who was so timid that he was labeled "Ungroomable". We are now 6 months in the future, and although he is still not a fan of his bath, he has made so much progress! ❤: ua-cam.com/video/xH-V4e-rVxk/v-deo.html
@@GinasGrooming we still need to do a meet and greet with my current dog, who is a pretty relaxed senior, so I’m hoping that having a calm dog around to show him the way will help. Herbie apparently just hangs out in his crate all day and doesn’t want anyone to handle him, so it will probably take awhile for him to be ok with grooming. He is matted, which can’t be comfortable for him. 😢 Maybe it would be best if I could get him to trust me first, then start the grooming process myself to get him used to being handled before taking him to a groomer. Poor little sweetie. You have the most calming demeanor and voice by the way. ❤️
Hi there, thanks for your question! Typically, no - your LH Doxie has a longer, wispier, and silkier coat than its wire-haired cousins. However, sometimes the long-haired coat gets fuzz that sticks out in places (dead undercoat), and that can be plucked out gently using some of the same techniques as hand stripping. Hope that makes sense, and thanks for watching! 😍
Hello Gina, I’m so glad I found you. We have a Jack Russell Terrier and I’m looking for a groomer in SLC who does hand stripping. How would I go about finding? If I decide to do this myself, where would I get the tools and powder? Thank you for the informative video.
Hi @MEA! Welcome to the channel! Glad you are looking to handstrip... as far as who does that in SLC, I am not personally able to recommend anyone, but I would start by calling your local salons and seeing how to network from there. But yes, you can totally do this yourself! Here's a summary of some of the basic tools you would need: Stripping Knife: amzn.to/3zY9S27 Crown Royale Grooming Powder: amzn.to/3zYvQSU (Stripping Stones: amzn.to/3ouWl0d ). Hope this helps, and good luck! Your pup will love you for doing the right thing for his wire coat! ❤
Interesting! So let me get this straight. . . . Double coated dogs have the coarse guard hairs as a top coat and then a downy undercoat. . . . Hand stripping removes the TOP coat? I'm just so used to my malamute and other double coated types where the goal of grooming is the reverse and you're basically removing loose undercoat when they blow their coat in the spring. Did I learn it wrong or is it just because of the difference in breed?
Omg, Marsella, I LOVE your question, and thank you for your interest! It really highlights how complex dog coats really are. So, if you look at akc.org, both your Malamute and (let's say for breed specificity) a Wire Fox Terrier, you'll see both are listed as Double Coated, Medium Length. The huge difference is that the Wire Fox has a Wiry designation, which changes the whole grooming game. We now strip (instead of brush, brush, blowout, comb, lol), and you are 100% correct as you stated, the goal is reverse. I can't help but add another variable, which is some Spaniels get fuzz on their jacket and other bits which you "handstrip", but it is undercoat. But that's a subject for another day...another day...another day. 😄 Really appreciate your keen observation and comment. Thank you! 🙏
Hi, thanks for your questions! So with a Cocker, or any Spaniel, stripping becomes a bit different than on Terriers. We just released a video specific to Spaniels that may help: ua-cam.com/video/Qxz1whuLiy0/v-deo.html. As for how often, I always say "as needed", thus when the coat is dead and needs to come out. Groomers working on show coats are much more intense and may give you a different answer. And yes, overstripping is possible, I've seen groomers create bald spots. 🤦 There's a great group on FB called Handstripping Education, and they bring up Spaniels from time to time. Good luck with your Cocker and thanks for watching! 🙏💕
Hi Rebecca, great question! Brushing is an excellent way to help remove dead coat, and if you're ok with your Westie staying in a natural style (which is 100% fine!), then brushing can be all that you would need. Hand stripping is more focused and intensive and allows for shaping and styling while working within the natural parameters of that type of coat. Hope that helps, sending hugs to your Westie baby! 💕🐾
Hi Natalie! Yes. a terrier coat can usually recover quite well after being clipped. I can only speak to the pets that I work with (not show dogs), but yes, if you bring that natural lifecycle back, the coat will recover and grow in much richer and healthier. Hope that helps and good luck on your hand stripping journey! 🐾
I just use my fingers takes about 30 mins from head to tail and maybe 10 mins for the belly’s legs my dogs fall asleep when I do it 😂 getting the hair off me is a task though lol
Lol, that's cute that they fall asleep when you groom them! 😍 And yes, using your fingers to pluck the coat is definitely a way to get this done (I demonstrate some plucking when working on the head in our follow-up video: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html). Thanks so much for watching! 🐶
My dog had this done. Our grromer said we should go back on 8 weeks. It’s been 8 weeks and I feel like he barely grew back his coat. Is it okay to wait longer like 4-5 months?
Hi Rebecca! Your dog's coat will tell you when it is ready, but many groomers like to get you on a schedule for general maintenance. 8-12 weeks is a rule of thumb for stripping, and there are other grooming needs (ears, nails, sanitary areas) that need attention more often. So the answer is that it depends on the dog, but most strips I've done rotate around a 3 month cycle for maintenance. Hope that helps and thanks for watching! 🙏😊
Omg thank you ☺ I've got a wiery haired Patterdale and I've been told its better for her hair to do this. And I want to save money on going to the groomers as they just shave her.
Yay, yes, it is so much healthier for them, I am thrilled that you are going to jump in and learn! We have a follow up video that may help: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html. Good luck, let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching! 🤗
Uh oh... I have a Golden Retriever service dog. I like to regularly remove loose undercoat so he doesn't shed so much in stores. I bought an Oster rake for this. It looks a lot like the Coat King you show. Am I actually pulling his overcoat? Should I be? Thanks for the video. I'm realizing I have a lot to learn.
Hi Anora, you are actually doing just fine! The same tool acts differently on different coats, so what may pull mostly top-coat on a wire-haired breed can actually help pull undercoat on breeds with coats such as your GR! Honestly, I just love the basics for Goldens: a good slicker brush and a metal comb that has a fine side used regularly. But the Furminator and your Oster rake are a more intensive way, but very effective to deshed. The simple fact that you are looking for grooming techniques tells me that you are doing great for your pup. Thanks for watching! 😍
@@GinasGrooming Thank you so much! I'm relieved to know I haven't been too far off. I'll try combing all over too. He looooves being groomed so I can practice a lot. I'm glad I found your channel. 😊
Hi there! Lol, as a disclaimer, *I* use a Coat King, but hand stripping masters probably have a price on my head for talking about it. 😅 My Coat King has 12 blades and works great as an all-around general-purpose tool. Hope that helps and Happy Grooming! 🐾
Hi Kate! I usually use Crown Royale Grooming Powder: amzn.to/3c3Q7k2 , but have used standard dog ear powder in a pinch! Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Thank you! How often should we hand strip an Irish setter? Not for shows, he’s a family dog :D and also at what age should we start doing this cause he’s just a tiny pup now
Hi @LanaABA! Awe, you've got a baby Irish Setter, congratulations! 😍 So to answer "when", really his coat will tell you (coat that is easily stripped is dead coat, so will lose its vibrant color and will come out with little resistance.) He is going to go through a coat change (from puppy to adult coat) which varies by breed (I believe Irish Setters are expected to go through this around 8 months), but you should start brushing and handling him for grooming as soon as possible. When you see the coat on his back getting thicker, you can start testing the coat to see if it is ready. Plucking a little at a time to get him used to it is a good way to go! Good luck and have fun! Thanks for watching!
Could you please tell me some Dog breeds that need stripping I know that terriers and schnauzer need it but are there more? Except hand stripping method. And which tools are used for stripping a dog? 🥺Please I need information
Hi, I answered your question in another answer, but if you need a link to an article that tells you the exact breeds that fall into this category, please see: thepetretreat.co.uk/introduction-hand-stripping/#:~:text=Other%20breeds%20that%20require%20hand%20stripping%20include%3A%201,Wire-haired%20Pointers%206%20Wire-haired%20Dachshunds%207%20Border%20Terriers . Thanks!
After show grooming Terriers for years, I can say that the Coat King tool will cut some of the coat--so, in theory, it does not 100% strip the dog. It is used because it can take off a great deal of hair in a short amount of time but much of that hard hair is cut and not hand stripped so those hairs may not grow back not entirely as hard as desired. Overall, it can be a useful tool for pet grooming because of the time and effort it saves.
Hi @Joe, and welcome, so happy to have your experienced input!!! It's interesting to try to find the balance of introducing the art of stripping so that more Groomers do it (safely), while maintaining the understanding that the art itself is very complex and takes mastery to do it on a show level. But that is Grooming - so much bigger on the inside than appears on the outside (like a TARDIS, sorry for my sci-fi reference!) Love your insight, thank you so much for joining! -G
I had no idea, thanks for sharing! Very interesting how some techniques span across different species. Appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching! 🙏💗
My dog’s coat has never been touched. Using a hand stripping knife was easy and enough for her. I tried to groom my best friend’s dog however & there is just too much hair. I think the Coat King Rake might be my best bet for shortening her hair to make it manageable to handstrip. The Mars Coat King on Amazon costs about $36. There are other much cheaper options that show up when I search. I want to get a good quality product, but I’m not a groomer-it’s just for 1 dog. Do you suggest investing in the Mars Coat King or do you find any other tool acceptable or recommendable? Looking for your professional opinion since my knowledge is so limited. Thanks so much for your guidance!
Hi Kate, that is a great question since yes, everything that you'll hear a groomer recommend will usually be professional grade (part of the job!), but there are some professional brands that play in the lower price point but will still give you a quality product such as Paw Brothers by Ryan's Pet. They have a rake under $15: amzn.to/3R3iSMF (and note the different sizes and specs for your particular needs). Now as for the other dozens of brands that you'll see on the search, it's kind of a hit or miss. I bought a groomer friend a dematting rake for the holidays with an unknown brand and the handle snapped off after her first appointment! However, I bought a nail grinder from a random brand, and I've been blown away at how good it is. Hope this info helps and good luck stripping your friend's dog! 😊
Hi Sandra! My strips range from US$130 to a few hundred, depending on the size of the job. It's a pricey service because it is time consuming (a Groomer can do 3 or 4 little puppy-cuts in the same time), thus the reason I'm trying to teach people to start learning at home. They can do this! Thanks for watching! 🤩
Hi A my! Thanks for your comment! Because it was coming into winter, we decided to just take off about 30% of the guard coat (and oh, it was ready!). But Katniss is coming back for her Spring strip soon, so be on the lookout for that! Thanks for watching! 😊
The thing is, it is not just a personal decision. Wired coated dogs like terriers, schnauzers need to be stripped. It's a matter of skin health and not just about the looks
Hi Zaza! Totally agreed, stripping is the IDEAL way for certain breeds! However, most owners can't afford the service and the VAST majority of terriers get clipped, not stripped - and end up living long and healthy lives. But yes, let's keep educating people, and hopefully, if they can't afford it, they can learn to do this themselves! Appreciate you watching! 😊
I own Brussels Griffons. The best dogs ever, but a lot of maintenance. I took my first beloved to a groomer and she lost all of her color. That was my fault and a valuable lesson. I’ve paid a fortune paying someone to do it. Have to be careful around the back end. A lot cheat and my dogs have had razor burns. Be aware of what you’re paying for.
Hi @coolbabe4940, aw, I love little Brussels! And you are right, some Groomers say they strip but they clip (this has happened to some of my clients in the past), so I think like with everything Health and Wellness related, you have to check credentials and references. Thanks for sharing your feedback; I'm sure it will help other pet lovers! 🙏😊
u@@GinasGrooming I am now starting to learn to one day be a groomer. The well being of the animal is the most important and then the aesthetics. Hand Stripping is a perfect hair control technique. What your Instagram?
Hi @Wesleyfear! Yes, some people do handstripping only with their hands - that is the most pure form of the art. As long as the knives don't cut the coat, I find the knives very useful for speed, which is necessary in a professional environment that services the public (as opposed to people who show dogs or breeders, etc.) Thanks for your comment!
Hi Red, yes, many hand stripping masters agree that it's best to use your fingers. The knives make stripping faster, so you'll see that in many all-breed professional environments since timing plays a key role. Thanks for your input!
@@GinasGrooming thankyou, yes,……I was taught hand stripping when I got my westie…….I prefer doing it by hand it just seems to be nicer somehow…..and is lots of fun learning it as the years go by. …….many best wishes to you.
Hi @amyjo248! I know it may sound that way, but fortunately, you can see by the pups that they are not only ok, but doing great (trust me, they can bite me at any time if they felt otherwise, lol!) Especially hand stripping, which may sound weird if you think of it with human hair or other types of dogs, but for wire-haired dogs in particular, this is helpful and soothing (imagine having dead coat stuck in a follicle that wants to come out!) But yes, this is very specific to a certain type of coat, and for any other types of coats it would not only be uncomfortable, but downright wrong. Thanks for your comment!
Hi, on the contrary (and you can judge by the dog's reaction!), this is a very natural and pain-free process if done correctly and on the right type of wire coat. Think of it a little like exfoliation, where you are removing dead skin on your face. This coat is dead, and new coat can't come in until you remove it - pain free, of course! 😊
Could you please tell me some Dog breeds that need stripping I know that terriers and schnauzer need it but are there more? Except hand stripping method. And which tools are used for stripping a dog? 🥺Please I need information
Hi there, thanks for your question! The pets that should be hand stripped are a very rare group which include many terriers. Some odd breeds you'll see are in the Hound group, such as an Irish Wolf Hound. This article lists the common breeds for this: thepetretreat.co.uk/introduction-hand-stripping/#:~:text=Other%20breeds%20that%20require%20hand%20stripping%20include%3A%201,Wire-haired%20Pointers%206%20Wire-haired%20Dachshunds%207%20Border%20Terriers. And the tools required are mentioned in the video and in the description, so hope that helps! Thank you!
Thank You Gina!! 😊 i have a rescued cairn and know nothing about her history!!
When I took her from some friends she had been dropped off with,
she had been clipped VERY short! It's taken 9 months, but she is beginning to grow a coat! Yay! That's what I want!!
I have watched several videos that I didn't understand! 😖
When you told me it was " Not the wrist, but the forearm and the elbow" it all clicked!! 🎉🎉🎉 I brush her and hand strip before bed!! Chef's Kiss to You!!
It is working!! You made this gal happy!
Thanks again, for helping me learn the correct method to improve her rough coat!! 💐💐💐❤ gael
Hi Gael! Oh, I am so happy that the video helped! Your little Cairn sounds adorable, and I'm so happy that she found someone like you who is taking the time to do the right thing for her and her coat! And it's kind of fun (right?) once you get the hang of it and see how much the pups appreciate it! Thanks so much for your comment! 🙏😍
@@GinasGrooming thank you so very much for your response! ❤
She doesn't mind at all-- seems to love it.
And I think it relaxes her! She is adorable!
Thanks for the very informative video. I'm a newer groomer and your video answered all my questions.
Hi Tara, that makes me so happy! Glad it helped! I jump in a little deeper in a follow up video: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html. Thank you so much for watching!
I’d love to see just a photo of the finished job. I’m learning to (pet) strip our min schnauzer and have the basics but it’s difficult to know how much to strip each session. The transition from body to legs is also something I’m not confident doing at this point.
That's great that you're working with your mini schnauzer and learning how to hand strip! Our little terrier model is a mix, so I only stripped her down about 30% to keep her in the look that her owner wanted - thus the only change you could see is a little darkening of her coat. But for your schnauzer, the breed standard is already defined for you, which definitely helps! You want to strip 100% down the back and sides (following the schnauzer pattern.) Underneath, you will see the downy undercoat lying flat. As you approach the skirt/legs, you will start lightening your strip to transition into the longer coat. This is definitely a "practice makes perfect" deal, so keep working on it, and let us know how it goes! And we'll work on making more videos that delve deeper into this subject. Thanks for watching!
Hey there ☺️ I'm hand szripping my mini as well. Let me know if you want to get in touch
I show my Irish Wolfhounds and so they have to be hand stripped. Thankfully with a lot of help from my breeder I can now do a decent job of it. I'm working on establishing a rolling coat to reduce the time and hassle of preparing for a show!
Thanks for the good refresher on hand stripping. 👍
Hi Sylvie, I love that your working with your show-dogs yourself! I personally think the best show dogs are the true pets - the ones that are groomed and/or handled by their owners. That is awesome! Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comment! 😊
Great job explaining how it works.
Thank you, Cindy! 🙏💕
Very informative video ! Thank you !!
I really enjoy doing this to rabbits (delicately) when they molt, but I didn’t know you could do this to some dogs as well.
I love this! Another viewer commented that you do the same on some sheep! Who knew? Thanks so much for joining the convo! 😊
Thanx Gina. What tools should I buy for hand stripping. I am a groomer and want to offer this service as well.
Hi Grant! So happy to meet another fellow groomer! And so happy you are confident to jump into hand stripping, it is so important! ❤ We released a follow-up vid: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html that may help, but basically, to start, you'll need a stripping knife (for speed), powder (your ear powder can work to start, for grip), knowing how your arm should work (technique), and then a sprinkle of serious perseverance. 😊 Here are some of the tools I found on Amazon that I use, hope that helps! Stripping Knife: amzn.to/3zY9S27 Crown Royale Grooming Powder: amzn.to/3zYvQSU Coat King Rake: amzn.to/3uv2rOU
Very informative, thank you!
Thank you! 😊 🙏
You do such an incredible job and are so knowledgeable ❤️🐕❤️ Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words! 💕
Just wondering what's thw difference between daily brushing and hand stripping? 🙏
Hi @Sara A, that is a great and loaded question! Easy answer is that although brushing will pull out some dead coat (both top and bottom coat) and do amazing things such as separate the coat and distribute natural oils (and paired with a comb is the right way to handle *most* pet coats), a brush doesn't have enough grip to emulate the pull of branches and brush that certain types of Terriers (and some other very selective breeds) need to get that coat off. The next *easy* step up from a brush is a Coat King, so a rake that helps give a bit more grip and help pull out this type of coat. But that's still not enough. And then add to that a bit more complexity, which is pulling the coat so that it grows back evenly (here's the art), you've now got yourself more detailed work than a brush can give you. But we are talking about art and styling and making sure that the styling portion is done as naturally as possible. If you've got a Terrier that you don't mind having a longer and more natural look, and you brush them daily and keep up with removing the dead coat, you and your pup are going to do just great. Hope this helps! Thanks for your question! 🙏😍
I have a, what the breeder told me is, a Pomchi but she definitely looks like a terrier mix. Her coat is wiry. Will she benefit from hand stripping? And how long does it normally take to hand strip, say the dog on your table?
Hi there, thanks for your question! Hmm, all signs point to her not being a candidate for this type of service, but I can be wrong, esp if the genetics you have been told are inaccurate. It's a bit complicated when it comes to mixes, and you'll definitely want the opinion of a knowledgeable groomer before making your grooming plan. For typical Pomchis, grooming usually consists of: regular baths and maintenance (ears, nails), blow out and brush, and then little touch-ups if needed, like paws, feathers, back of the ears. Which is great news since, to answer your second question, hand stripping takes a long time (small dogs 1-1.5 hrs) and is quite a bit of work! So I hope that your Pomchi is really a Pomchi, and you can rest assured that her natural coat just needs the basics to keep it in optimal condition. Hope that helps and thanks again for your comment! 😍🐾
Hi Gina, thanks for the awesome video! I have a JRT mix who was shaved from the age of 1-3. His coat is fluffy now, the color so dull. I would love to restore his coat by hand stripping. Is it too late? Thanks for any tips/advice! Diane
Hi Diane! I do know that a coat can be restored, but there is also a point of no return... however, that is usually after years and years of shaving and the follicles just "give up". With a mix, hard to tell what the coat type should be (and even pure-breds differ), but you may want to focus on regaining skin and coat health to see if guard coat starts growing in. No selling whatsoever, but check out the Iv San Bernard shampoo line for coat restoration. And if you start seeing those topcoat hairs coming in, you are on your way! Thanks for your interest in this subject, and thanks for watching! 🙏😊
That gives me hope Thanks for sharing. I have miniature schnauzers and my year old pup has a great wiry coat. I've looked for a hand stripper in my area and haven't been able to locate one. I have purposely only groomed him twice in hopes that I would find a hand stripper. I've known that too much shaving can destroy the natural coat and was concerned that even two shaves may have compromised his coat. He's going to be my guinea pig in learning to hand strip.
I’m considering adopting a tiny (8-pound) wire haired terrier from the pound. He is 8 years old and I have no knowledge of his history but he is a very scared dog and in dire need of grooming. Do you have suggestions for approaching a difficult first groom on a frightened little dog?
Hi Dana! Aw, that is so sweet! 💕 Many of the pound dogs are just scared because they are insecure... so he may change very much under your loving care. Although every timid dog can have different triggers, my best advice is to Go Slow and Reward. You can get a soft brush to start and run it over his body...and then reward with love and, if possible, treats. Now if he is matted all the way to the skin right now, he may need to be shaved (if it's a medical issue, and he is timid, you may have no choice). You may need a seasoned special-needs groomer (or a veterinary technician) to get him through his difficult 1st groom to get him healthy and on-track. And then it's a matter of maintaining him and seeing how he reacts to hand-stripping. But wow, I hope you take a chance on this little guy and that he is able to accept a loving environment. Most do, and most are so very grateful. Sending positive wishes your way in hopes of a wonderful new pet in your life. Keep us posted! 😊 (P.S. Although not a terrier, here's a video about a pup who was so timid that he was labeled "Ungroomable". We are now 6 months in the future, and although he is still not a fan of his bath, he has made so much progress! ❤: ua-cam.com/video/xH-V4e-rVxk/v-deo.html
@@GinasGrooming we still need to do a meet and greet with my current dog, who is a pretty relaxed senior, so I’m hoping that having a calm dog around to show him the way will help. Herbie apparently just hangs out in his crate all day and doesn’t want anyone to handle him, so it will probably take awhile for him to be ok with grooming. He is matted, which can’t be comfortable for him. 😢 Maybe it would be best if I could get him to trust me first, then start the grooming process myself to get him used to being handled before taking him to a groomer. Poor little sweetie. You have the most calming demeanor and voice by the way. ❤️
Would this apply for long haired dachshunds too?
Hi there, thanks for your question! Typically, no - your LH Doxie has a longer, wispier, and silkier coat than its wire-haired cousins. However, sometimes the long-haired coat gets fuzz that sticks out in places (dead undercoat), and that can be plucked out gently using some of the same techniques as hand stripping. Hope that makes sense, and thanks for watching! 😍
Hello Gina, I’m so glad I found you. We have a Jack Russell Terrier and I’m looking for a groomer in SLC who does hand stripping. How would I go about finding? If I decide to do this myself, where would I get the tools and powder? Thank you for the informative video.
Hi @MEA! Welcome to the channel! Glad you are looking to handstrip... as far as who does that in SLC, I am not personally able to recommend anyone, but I would start by calling your local salons and seeing how to network from there. But yes, you can totally do this yourself! Here's a summary of some of the basic tools you would need: Stripping Knife: amzn.to/3zY9S27 Crown Royale Grooming Powder: amzn.to/3zYvQSU (Stripping Stones: amzn.to/3ouWl0d ). Hope this helps, and good luck! Your pup will love you for doing the right thing for his wire coat! ❤
Interesting! So let me get this straight. . . . Double coated dogs have the coarse guard hairs as a top coat and then a downy undercoat. . . . Hand stripping removes the TOP coat? I'm just so used to my malamute and other double coated types where the goal of grooming is the reverse and you're basically removing loose undercoat when they blow their coat in the spring. Did I learn it wrong or is it just because of the difference in breed?
Omg, Marsella, I LOVE your question, and thank you for your interest! It really highlights how complex dog coats really are. So, if you look at akc.org, both your Malamute and (let's say for breed specificity) a Wire Fox Terrier, you'll see both are listed as Double Coated, Medium Length. The huge difference is that the Wire Fox has a Wiry designation, which changes the whole grooming game. We now strip (instead of brush, brush, blowout, comb, lol), and you are 100% correct as you stated, the goal is reverse. I can't help but add another variable, which is some Spaniels get fuzz on their jacket and other bits which you "handstrip", but it is undercoat. But that's a subject for another day...another day...another day. 😄 Really appreciate your keen observation and comment. Thank you! 🙏
How often should you hand strip a dog? I have a cocker spaniel myself. Also, is it possible to over strip the coat?
Hi, thanks for your questions! So with a Cocker, or any Spaniel, stripping becomes a bit different than on Terriers. We just released a video specific to Spaniels that may help: ua-cam.com/video/Qxz1whuLiy0/v-deo.html. As for how often, I always say "as needed", thus when the coat is dead and needs to come out. Groomers working on show coats are much more intense and may give you a different answer. And yes, overstripping is possible, I've seen groomers create bald spots. 🤦 There's a great group on FB called Handstripping Education, and they bring up Spaniels from time to time. Good luck with your Cocker and thanks for watching! 🙏💕
Doesn’t brushing have the same effect as hand stripping? When I brush my westie with a wire brush loads comes off
Hi Rebecca, great question! Brushing is an excellent way to help remove dead coat, and if you're ok with your Westie staying in a natural style (which is 100% fine!), then brushing can be all that you would need. Hand stripping is more focused and intensive and allows for shaping and styling while working within the natural parameters of that type of coat. Hope that helps, sending hugs to your Westie baby! 💕🐾
@@GinasGrooming thank you so much for your reply 💕
Can you bring it's natural coat back after it's been clippered if you hand strip from this point forward?
Hi Natalie! Yes. a terrier coat can usually recover quite well after being clipped. I can only speak to the pets that I work with (not show dogs), but yes, if you bring that natural lifecycle back, the coat will recover and grow in much richer and healthier. Hope that helps and good luck on your hand stripping journey! 🐾
I just use my fingers takes about 30 mins from head to tail and maybe 10 mins for the belly’s legs my dogs fall asleep when I do it 😂 getting the hair off me is a task though lol
Lol, that's cute that they fall asleep when you groom them! 😍 And yes, using your fingers to pluck the coat is definitely a way to get this done (I demonstrate some plucking when working on the head in our follow-up video: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html). Thanks so much for watching! 🐶
My dog had this done. Our grromer said we should go back on 8 weeks. It’s been 8 weeks and I feel like he barely grew back his coat. Is it okay to wait longer like 4-5 months?
Hi Rebecca! Your dog's coat will tell you when it is ready, but many groomers like to get you on a schedule for general maintenance. 8-12 weeks is a rule of thumb for stripping, and there are other grooming needs (ears, nails, sanitary areas) that need attention more often. So the answer is that it depends on the dog, but most strips I've done rotate around a 3 month cycle for maintenance. Hope that helps and thanks for watching! 🙏😊
Great ! Good technique !
Thank you! Cheers!
Omg thank you ☺ I've got a wiery haired Patterdale and I've been told its better for her hair to do this. And I want to save money on going to the groomers as they just shave her.
Yay, yes, it is so much healthier for them, I am thrilled that you are going to jump in and learn! We have a follow up video that may help: ua-cam.com/video/hMeRj782JTY/v-deo.html. Good luck, let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching! 🤗
Uh oh... I have a Golden Retriever service dog. I like to regularly remove loose undercoat so he doesn't shed so much in stores. I bought an Oster rake for this. It looks a lot like the Coat King you show.
Am I actually pulling his overcoat? Should I be?
Thanks for the video. I'm realizing I have a lot to learn.
Hi Anora, you are actually doing just fine! The same tool acts differently on different coats, so what may pull mostly top-coat on a wire-haired breed can actually help pull undercoat on breeds with coats such as your GR! Honestly, I just love the basics for Goldens: a good slicker brush and a metal comb that has a fine side used regularly. But the Furminator and your Oster rake are a more intensive way, but very effective to deshed. The simple fact that you are looking for grooming techniques tells me that you are doing great for your pup. Thanks for watching! 😍
@@GinasGrooming Thank you so much! I'm relieved to know I haven't been too far off. I'll try combing all over too. He looooves being groomed so I can practice a lot. I'm glad I found your channel. 😊
What blade # is the best for a Westie using a Coat King? 10 blade, 12, or 16?
Hi there! Lol, as a disclaimer, *I* use a Coat King, but hand stripping masters probably have a price on my head for talking about it. 😅 My Coat King has 12 blades and works great as an all-around general-purpose tool. Hope that helps and Happy Grooming! 🐾
It does thank you!
What grooming powder do you recommend?
Hi Kate! I usually use Crown Royale Grooming Powder: amzn.to/3c3Q7k2 , but have used standard dog ear powder in a pinch! Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Thank you! How often should we hand strip an Irish setter? Not for shows, he’s a family dog :D and also at what age should we start doing this cause he’s just a tiny pup now
Hi @LanaABA! Awe, you've got a baby Irish Setter, congratulations! 😍 So to answer "when", really his coat will tell you (coat that is easily stripped is dead coat, so will lose its vibrant color and will come out with little resistance.) He is going to go through a coat change (from puppy to adult coat) which varies by breed (I believe Irish Setters are expected to go through this around 8 months), but you should start brushing and handling him for grooming as soon as possible. When you see the coat on his back getting thicker, you can start testing the coat to see if it is ready. Plucking a little at a time to get him used to it is a good way to go! Good luck and have fun! Thanks for watching!
@@GinasGrooming thanks a lot for your help!
Could you please tell me some Dog breeds that need stripping I know that terriers and schnauzer need it but are there more? Except hand stripping method. And which tools are used for stripping a dog? 🥺Please I need information
Hi, I answered your question in another answer, but if you need a link to an article that tells you the exact breeds that fall into this category, please see: thepetretreat.co.uk/introduction-hand-stripping/#:~:text=Other%20breeds%20that%20require%20hand%20stripping%20include%3A%201,Wire-haired%20Pointers%206%20Wire-haired%20Dachshunds%207%20Border%20Terriers . Thanks!
After show grooming Terriers for years, I can say that the Coat King tool will cut some of the coat--so, in theory, it does not 100% strip the dog. It is used because it can take off a great deal of hair in a short amount of time but much of that hard hair is cut and not hand stripped so those hairs may not grow back not entirely as hard as desired. Overall, it can be a useful tool for pet grooming because of the time and effort it saves.
Hi @Joe, and welcome, so happy to have your experienced input!!! It's interesting to try to find the balance of introducing the art of stripping so that more Groomers do it (safely), while maintaining the understanding that the art itself is very complex and takes mastery to do it on a show level. But that is Grooming - so much bigger on the inside than appears on the outside (like a TARDIS, sorry for my sci-fi reference!) Love your insight, thank you so much for joining! -G
This similar to rooing a sheep. Some sheep work better with hand pulling the old fleece rather than using shears.
I had no idea, thanks for sharing! Very interesting how some techniques span across different species. Appreciate the feedback and thanks for watching! 🙏💗
Is hand stripping and stripping the same thing?
Hi, yes, in dog grooming, the terms are usually interchangeable. Hope that helps!
My dog’s coat has never been touched. Using a hand stripping knife was easy and enough for her. I tried to groom my best friend’s dog however & there is just too much hair. I think the Coat King Rake might be my best bet for shortening her hair to make it manageable to handstrip. The Mars Coat King on Amazon costs about $36. There are other much cheaper options that show up when I search. I want to get a good quality product, but I’m not a groomer-it’s just for 1 dog. Do you suggest investing in the Mars Coat King or do you find any other tool acceptable or recommendable? Looking for your professional opinion since my knowledge is so limited. Thanks so much for your guidance!
Hi Kate, that is a great question since yes, everything that you'll hear a groomer recommend will usually be professional grade (part of the job!), but there are some professional brands that play in the lower price point but will still give you a quality product such as Paw Brothers by Ryan's Pet. They have a rake under $15: amzn.to/3R3iSMF (and note the different sizes and specs for your particular needs). Now as for the other dozens of brands that you'll see on the search, it's kind of a hit or miss. I bought a groomer friend a dematting rake for the holidays with an unknown brand and the handle snapped off after her first appointment! However, I bought a nail grinder from a random brand, and I've been blown away at how good it is. Hope this info helps and good luck stripping your friend's dog! 😊
How much do you charge?
Hi Sandra! My strips range from US$130 to a few hundred, depending on the size of the job. It's a pricey service because it is time consuming (a Groomer can do 3 or 4 little puppy-cuts in the same time), thus the reason I'm trying to teach people to start learning at home. They can do this! Thanks for watching! 🤩
It would have been cool if you could have shown what wire hair dogs look when you DONT strip😅 ohh how their robe changes into a greige soft mess
Lol, "greige"! 😂 Yes, an unstripped coat gets to be quite the mess! Thanks 4 the comment!
The coat seems not to be really ready yet
Hi A my! Thanks for your comment! Because it was coming into winter, we decided to just take off about 30% of the guard coat (and oh, it was ready!). But Katniss is coming back for her Spring strip soon, so be on the lookout for that! Thanks for watching! 😊
The thing is, it is not just a personal decision. Wired coated dogs like terriers, schnauzers need to be stripped. It's a matter of skin health and not just about the looks
Hi Zaza! Totally agreed, stripping is the IDEAL way for certain breeds! However, most owners can't afford the service and the VAST majority of terriers get clipped, not stripped - and end up living long and healthy lives. But yes, let's keep educating people, and hopefully, if they can't afford it, they can learn to do this themselves! Appreciate you watching! 😊
I own Brussels Griffons. The best dogs ever, but a lot of maintenance. I took my first beloved to a groomer and she lost all of her color. That was my fault and a valuable lesson. I’ve paid a fortune paying someone to do it. Have to be careful around the back end. A lot cheat and my dogs have had razor burns. Be aware of what you’re paying for.
Hi @coolbabe4940, aw, I love little Brussels! And you are right, some Groomers say they strip but they clip (this has happened to some of my clients in the past), so I think like with everything Health and Wellness related, you have to check credentials and references. Thanks for sharing your feedback; I'm sure it will help other pet lovers! 🙏😊
I like hand stripping
Hi Ricardo, me too! It's very satisfying and so good for the pups that need it! Thanks for watching! 😊
u@@GinasGrooming I am now starting to learn to one day be a groomer. The well being of the animal is the most important and then the aesthetics. Hand Stripping is a perfect hair control technique. What your Instagram?
@@GinasGrooming I'm from Brazil
@@Helievents oh, wonderful! Welcome to the channel! 😊
Hand stripping with hand only else and don't knives.
Hi @Wesleyfear! Yes, some people do handstripping only with their hands - that is the most pure form of the art. As long as the knives don't cut the coat, I find the knives very useful for speed, which is necessary in a professional environment that services the public (as opposed to people who show dogs or breeders, etc.) Thanks for your comment!
Best to use fingers …
Hi Red, yes, many hand stripping masters agree that it's best to use your fingers. The knives make stripping faster, so you'll see that in many all-breed professional environments since timing plays a key role. Thanks for your input!
@@GinasGrooming thankyou, yes,……I was taught hand stripping when I got my westie…….I prefer doing it by hand it just seems to be nicer somehow…..and is lots of fun learning it as the years go by. …….many best wishes to you.
It still looks so uncomfortable. But not as bad as the ears.
Hi @amyjo248! I know it may sound that way, but fortunately, you can see by the pups that they are not only ok, but doing great (trust me, they can bite me at any time if they felt otherwise, lol!) Especially hand stripping, which may sound weird if you think of it with human hair or other types of dogs, but for wire-haired dogs in particular, this is helpful and soothing (imagine having dead coat stuck in a follicle that wants to come out!) But yes, this is very specific to a certain type of coat, and for any other types of coats it would not only be uncomfortable, but downright wrong. Thanks for your comment!
Must feel awful for the dog
Hi, on the contrary (and you can judge by the dog's reaction!), this is a very natural and pain-free process if done correctly and on the right type of wire coat. Think of it a little like exfoliation, where you are removing dead skin on your face. This coat is dead, and new coat can't come in until you remove it - pain free, of course! 😊
Fantastic video! Thank you!
Thanks so much for the feedback, Claire! 🙏🥰
Could you please tell me some Dog breeds that need stripping I know that terriers and schnauzer need it but are there more? Except hand stripping method. And which tools are used for stripping a dog? 🥺Please I need information
Hi there, thanks for your question! The pets that should be hand stripped are a very rare group which include many terriers. Some odd breeds you'll see are in the Hound group, such as an Irish Wolf Hound. This article lists the common breeds for this: thepetretreat.co.uk/introduction-hand-stripping/#:~:text=Other%20breeds%20that%20require%20hand%20stripping%20include%3A%201,Wire-haired%20Pointers%206%20Wire-haired%20Dachshunds%207%20Border%20Terriers. And the tools required are mentioned in the video and in the description, so hope that helps! Thank you!