Page 80 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2
P. 80
Grooming
Decide on the best shampoo to use for the state the dead, shedding coat removed not only
of the current coat and for the outcome desired (it stimulates the skin to keep it healthy but also
is either coming or going). Deep cleaning instead allows the coat to properly protect the dog from
of whitening shampoo is great. For Aussie is also the weather. A properly brushed coat insulates
great to use volumizing shampoo. Conditioner will from both heat and cold by holding a layer of
flatten and soften the coat. I never use conditioner temperate air close to the body while keeping
every bath. The instruction and focus are to keep high heat or cold on the outer surface of the coat.
a weather resistant texture and the best way to Leaving the undercoat in prevents this process
do this, especially when shampooing and drying as it eliminates room for temperate air to be held.
each week is to oil the coat for not showing bath. Some opt to have their dogs shaved instead.
This will add shine, hydrate and condition to the Keep in mind that shaving a double coated breed
coat. does NOT reduce shedding, it only sheds smaller
hairs. It also may or may not grow back normally
So now I would divide grooming into two parts – and completely removes the coats ability to
BASIC for normal daily care of your companion, insulate the dog from heat or cold. Brushing
and PROFFESIONAL for let it stands out in any your dog can easily be done with a good slicker
show ring. Of course you can combine both. brush and a long tooth undercoat rake. Using the
brush first, brush with the direction of the coat.
Gently use the undercoat to check to be sure the
BASIC coat is well brushed down to the skin. Where
If is your Aussie your companion for your family you find tangles or resistance for the rake due to
trips, sports and everyday life, his grooming undercoat, work on those areas further with the
will not so difficult. BRUSHING your dog’s coat brush. The undercoat rake should be used to get
is the single most important key in maintaining into the coat then comb slightly outward from
their coat and keeping their skin healthy and the body rather than scraping it across the skin.
the body comfortable. Australian Shepherds Keeping your dog brushed out is the single most
are moderate to heavy shedders and keeping important thing you can do to maintain a healthy
skin and coat. It also allows you to regularly
check for parasites and treat quickly.
TRIMMING isn’t so much needed to maintain a
beautiful coat for your Australian Shepherd. I
would recommend a good pair of thinning
shears over regular shears as they are
more forgiving and leave a more natural
Brushing your dog’s coat is the look. Trimm out just long coat between
fingers, behind ears and around tail.
single most important key in BATH with good dog shampoo is
maintaining their coat and keeping recommended when dog need
it – is it smelly, let´s wash it.
their skin healthy and the body Be careful with wet Aussie
comfortable. Australian Shepherds are (after swimming outside or
even after bath) because
moderate to heavy shedders and keeping sometimes “hot spots” can
the dead, shedding coat removed not only appear. So good drying
is necessary.
stimulates the skin to keep it healthy but
also allows the coat to properly protect the
dog from the weather.
80 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023
