How to groom your Shih Tzu
Learning to groom your Shih Tzu is an important and very rewarding experience, nothing is more rewarding than looking at your beautiful Shih Tzu after you’re done. Assemble the proper tools and start learning the proper techniques for grooming your dog or puppy.
The best way is using damp brushing because the dry hair builds up static electricity which messes up the coat with split hairs and fly away pieces. Lightly spray the dog’s coat with water, or a mix of water and crème rinse solution, or a commercial coat conditioner before brushing. This will prevent the dog’s hair from splitting and snagging as you brush it. You can make your own crème rinse by mixing 8 parts water with 1 part dog crème rinse.
When you brush your Shih Tzu use a pin brush. A pin brush has wire pins that are designed to get to the dog’s undercoat for removal of matting and shedding hair. If the pin brush irritates your dog’s skin then obtain one with coated pins or bristles. Using the right brush will not only make your dog’s coat beautiful but will prevent harm from using the wrong brush.
Use long sweeping strokes pulling through the hair and don’t lift or spread the hair all about. IF you encounter snarls or knots don’t rip through them instead use a steel comb and gently separate them. Complete one side of the dog first before moving on to the other sides.
Mats in the dogs coat must be removed gently; the trick here is to moisten the hair mats by using coat conditioner. Don’t yank on the mats or you will ruin the dog’s hair and maybe injure your dog in the process making them hate the hair brushing.
Clipping your dog’s toenails needs to be done on a regular basis usually about every week. Neglecting to do these may result in discomfort and eventually foot problems for your dog.
To clip your dog’s nail, push back the fur around the nails looking for the pink part of the nail this is called the quick. Don’t cut into the quick or your dog’s nails will bleed after you cut them. Cut the clear- white part of the nails with a good quality nail clipper trimming them straight or parallel to the foot when they walk. After clipping the nails then use a pair of scissors to trim the hair around the dog’s toes.
Finally trim any loose or wild hairs that look out of place on your dog especially around the ears. Now begin applying a topknot by combing a part into the dogs fur directly above the eyes, part the hair evenly right down the middle of their head. Use a parting comb for the best part then gather up the hair between the dog’s eyes and secure with an elastic band. Place a single or double loop bow onto the topknot.
