This Groom Can Be The Perfect Answer For Golden Retriever Owners Who Want A Cut That Will Keep Their Dogs Cool In Hot Summer Weather
- Anne Francis
There has long been debate about cutting Golden Retrievers’ coats, and we try to educate our clients as much as possible about all sides of the argument. Still, many owners have made up their mind and want their dogs shaved down. In these cases, we compromise and use a snap-on comb and shears to do what we at our shop call the Golden “Teddy Cut.”
This month’s subject, Rory, has been groomed at our shop for eight years. During colder times of the year, he is kept in a traditional Golden trim, but Rory is a big swimmer and enjoys a short ‘do during warmer months. When we catch up with Kat—a longtime coworker of mine who is performing this groom—Rory has already been washed, dried with a high-velocity dryer and set under a room-temperature blower.
Step 1: Finish Drying
Use a high velocity dryer to blow out excess hair and damp spots.
Step 2: Remove Dead Coat & Detangle
Using a slicker brush and undercoat rake, move through the coat to make sure the coat is dry and tangle-free and all dead coat is removed.
Step 3: Trim Nails
Clip the nails and file smooth.
Step 4: Trim Pads of Feet
Clip the pads of the feet with a #30 blade.
Step 5: Sanitary Trim
Clip sanitary areas.
Step 6: Clip Body
Using a size “O” snap-on comb, clip the entire body of the dog, leaving the back of the front and rear legs, which will be scissored.
Step 7: Blend Clipper Lines
Use a carding knife to help blend any clipper lines.
Step 8: Trim Tail
Step 9: Trim Rear Legs
Step 10: Trim Hocks
How To Identify And Treat Sprains Canine Carpal Hyperextension And Other Common Wrist Injuries In Dogs
As in humans, a dog’s bones and joints are subject to strains, sprains, dislocations, and breaks that can cause pain and limited mobility. If your dog is limping on her front paw, showing weakness on her foreleg, or you notice swelling of the ankle, it may be a front leg injury. If there is a sudden onset of these symptoms, the wrist issue may have been caused by a traumatic event, such as a fall or getting hit by a car, or from your dog running and playing with a furry friend too rambunctiously. Chronic and progressive diseases, such as arthritis, can also cause pain in the wrist. No matter the cause, fortunately, there are many treatment options available to address your dog’s wrist pain.
Golden Retriever Grooming: The Essential Guide With Pictures Of Haircut Styles
With those irresistible good looks, and the funniest, friendliest demeanor you’ll find around town, it’s no wonder that golden retrievers are consistently one of the most popular breeds in the world. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club, they are, “outgoing, trustworthy, and eager-to-please family dogs, and relatively easy to train.” Who could resist a dog like that?
Initially developed as a breed in the 1800s by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland, they are a cross of a yellow wavy coated retriever and a tweed water spaniel—making them excellent sporting dogs, retrievers , and companions.
And there’s that beautiful coat! Their most noticeable attribute, their gorgeous, golden fur, sets them apart in the canine kingdom—but also come with a few special instructions to keep it shiny, chic and looking fabulous.
To help you get there, here are some golden grooming tips unique to this breed.
Grooming Tutorial Blow Drying: Questions And Answers With Joanne Lastoka
Mike’s Question:
Ok Joanne, what’s the proper method of drying a dog from the skin out? My guys are doing lots of swimming this week, its hot, humid, and now starting to rain again. I don’t want hot spots, but do want to exercise my dogs in the water. Last time I dried a dog I did it wrong and had feather mats big time.
Answer:
It is hard work Mike, even with a good cool forced air dog dryer or livestock dryer, that’s why most groomers, both at vet clinics and in private businesses don’t dry the dogs totally. They stop at damp dry and crate him/her to “air” dry before sending the dog home. Drying the dogcompletely is really important, both to prevent the dog from getting “hot spots” , and in case of a show dog, you don’t want the dog laying on damp coat & pressing his coat into the waffle design of a crate, or creating unsightly cowlicks here and there!
Often if the owner feels beneath the hair, close to the skin the dog will still be damp. I’ll describe drying the dog in stages. Dogs that have never been dried with a forced air dryer before should be allowed to get used to the sound &“feel” of the drying SLOWLY and with great care and patience by the owner/handler. See “Puppies” below, instructions can be modified for older dogs as well! Your lap is the best place to dry a very young puppy, and a grooming table with arm is the choice for a dog of 3 to 4 months of age and up.
Working with an older puppy or Adult:
Drying Instructions for BodyCoat
Feathering:
The Tail:
What Are The Possible Diagnosis For A Sore Bald Spot On A Dogs Leg
There are different diagnosis for a lick granuloma that can all look the same as Mercy’s sore. Certain skin tumors, arthritis, insect and spider bites, drug reactions, non-healing cuts, and obsessive-compulsive behavior can all contribute to a non-healing sore. You really do need a veterinarian to guide you aggressively and decisively in the beginning of the problem.
How To Make Leggings To Cover A Sore Spot On A Dogs Front Leg
Voila! Doc Truli invented dog leggings you can make from stockinette. This gauzy material comes on a roll for use in covering the leg underneath a plaster cast. It is a tube of material, lightweight, and easy to cut. Many veterinarians and medical supply stores carry this stockinette.
Here’s what you do:
So there you have it, a dog leg cover that does not chafe or pull. I have not yet had a dog rip it off, because it doesn’t bother them. Now the stockinette leggings cover the incision and allow the proper time to heal without lick interference!
Start Nail Trimming Training While Your Dog Is Still A Puppy
Dogs are like humans, they learn the best when they are young. Therefore, dog training should start while your dog is still a puppy. Trimming is no exception, you need to teach your dog from an early age that trimming equals praise and awards.
In the longterm, both you and your dog will benefit from this early training. Your puppy will learn to be calm and associate good things with trimming if you praise and reward him after each session.
Later on in his life, your dog will be completely relaxed and calm when you trim his nails.
How Can I Tone Down The Smell On Golden Retriever Feathers
Even with a little trimming, some Golden Retrievers will still have a little odor attached to their feathering. Thankfully, there are a couple of remedies dog owners can use to reduce the odor or get rid of it altogether:
Use Bragg’s apple cider vinegar. To use this remedy, mix one-part apple cider vinegar with three parts water, and spray it on your dog’s feathering. This mixture neutralizes odors in a pinch and will not harm your dog if he decides to lap it up.
Use baby wipes. Some dog owners have had success with rubbing baby wipes on their dog’s coat to reduce odor. If you’re looking for quick cleanup in a pinch, this is a smart choice.
Express your dog’s anal glands. This is gross, but it has to be done from time to time. Pushing out built-up secretions will immediately reduce the stink.
Use a dog deodorizing spray. Several sprays exist on the market that make it possible to just spritz your dog and remove the scent.
My Retriever Lost His Feathers And Is Older Whats Going On
Admittedly, it’s rare to see older Golden Retrievers those experience blowouts. When you do, it’s often accompanied by lethargy, weight gain, and general malaise. The majority of cases that fit this bill are due to hypothyroidism.
If you’re concerned about hypothyroidism as a cause for blowouts, then it’s crucial to get your dog to a vet. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can seriously harm your dog.
Beautiful Grooming Styles For Shaving A Golden Retriever
Before you head out and give your dog a new cut, I first think its best that you get the right training beforehand.
There’s nothing worse than leaving your dog looking like a rugged old mop head that’s been used to clean a dirty bathroom the past 6 months.
To save you the problem and time, I’ve put together a little guide that will help you with grooming your dog the right way.
Furthermore, I’m sure you’re also here to find out whether you can even shave a golden retriever in the first place right.
There’s a lot of hearsay around this topic and today I’m here to set the record straight once and for all on whether you can shave this breed.
What Do Male Or Female Retrievers Have Better Feathering
With many canine breeds, certain traits can be gender-specific. Others aren’t so distinct. Feathering is one of those traits that’s hotly debated over its gender ties. The jury is still out on whether or not one gender has thicker feathering than the other.
Though there’s still some debate on the topic, anecdotal evidence suggests that males tend to have slightly thicker feathering than females.
Why Is My Golden Retriever Limping 5 Causes & Solutions Health
My 3 year old golden retriever was playing at the park with my kids and the next day I noticed that my dog started limping a little bit. And I asked my kids if something happened while playing, like an injury or something but they ensured me that he was fine.
I got concerned and started doing my research, and I found some important information that helped me and I wanted to share it with you.
Why is my golden retriever limping? Your golden retriever could be limping because of a foot issue. If you can’t find any marks, sores, blisters, or any sign of an injury, you need to take him to the vet because it could be a hip issue, tear on the joint, bone disease, or a much more serious problem like certain cancers.
Please keep reading to figure out what’s causing your dog’s limping.
- Bone disease
- Hip Dysplasia
Let’s discuss them one by one and see the possible treatments and what you can do to prevent it.
Do Golden Retrievers Need To Be Shaved In The Summer
The answer is no, never shave a Golden Retriever, no matter how hot the weather is. The double coat of the Golden protects your furbaby during every season and every temperature. The double coat keeps your dog cool during summer and warm during winter.
Look at it this way, the double coat of a Golden or any other double-coated breed works like sort of an insulation for the dog. Besides keeping your Golden nice and cool during summer and warm during winter, the double coat also protects your Golden’s skin from getting sunburned.
Preparing Your Golden Retriever’s Coat For Grooming
What Our Expert Does: It’s important to make sure a dog is as comfortable as possible before grooming. For instance, you might spend a few minutes petting the dog and letting them explore their surroundings before you begin to brush or wash them.
How Often Should I Brush My Golden Retrievers Teeth
An essential part of your Golden’s care that is often overlooked is the care of the teeth. If the dog’s teeth are not clean, he will have bad breath, but more importantly, poor oral hygiene can result in all kinds of diseases, discomfort, and pain.
Dogs with dirty teeth can suffer from mouth infections. Periodontitis, if not controlled, can result in infections that can occur in essential organs such as kidneys, liver, brain, and heart. Other problems, such as mouth ulcers and loose teeth, can also be caused by inadequate oral hygiene.
You can prevent all these unpleasant problems by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. I was advised by my vet and dog groomer to brush my dog’s teeth at least once a week, but twice a week is better. I brush his teeth on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Do not use toothpaste for people, but . It is best to start learning this method of dental care at a young age. Our dog Stippy loves the taste of the dog toothpaste, so he doesn’t mind when I brush his teeth twice every week. Offering chewing tufts and chew toys also promotes dental cleaning.
How Often Should I Trim My Golden Retrievers Nails
The nails need to be trimmed at least every 2 – 4 weeks unless your dog walks a lot on hard surfaces like pavements, this will wear the nails so they can be cut with more extended time in between the trimming.
On average, it must be done every 2- 4 weeks, and if you’ll do it yourself, it is recommended to buy a that is suitable for large dogs. The pliers’ type is the best. Be very careful not to cut into the life of a nail! That will hurt and bleed a lot. If you don’t want to cut the nails yourself, go to your local dog grooming salon or vet for a nail trim regularly. I do that, as well. If the groomer doesn’t have time, I’ll go to the vet and have Stippy’s nails done!
Does The Akc Have Standards Relating To Feathering
The American Kennel Club is the leading authority on dog breeds. They set the standard for breeding ideals, and that includes the standards for Golden Retrievers.
If you want to have your pup participate in a dog show, you might as well learn about standards for your dog’s coat and feathering.
Entering your dog into a show will require you to make sure that he’s up to standard. Here’s what you need to know about your Golden Retriever’s coat standards, feathering included:
The outer coat needs to be water-repellant and thick. The undercoat should be thick. The topcoat should be “neither coarse nor silky” in texture.
Your dog should have moderate feathering on the back of his forelegs and stomach. It should have some thickness to it, but not so much that it’s difficult to run fingers through.
The feathering around your Golden Retriever’s neck, back of thighs, and tail should be heavier. This is where feathering really matters.
There should not be any feathering around the front of your dog’s forelegs. It’s considered to be very undesirable.
The feathering shouldn’t be excessively soft. Super-soft fur on retrievers of all types tends to be seen as a serious fault and can disqualify your dog from a show.
Feathering is allowed to be lighter than the rest of your Golden Retriever’s coat. This is considered to be an allowable deviation, and may even be considered a positive trait by some judges.
Part 1 Of 3:locating And Maintaining The Dew Claw
American Vs Canadian Vs British Golden Retrievers
There seems to be a lot of misinformation when it comes to American vs. Canadian vs. British goldens.
Remember, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America, and also the Golden Retriever Club of Canada, there is just one breed of golden retriever.
So to say that these are different types of golden retrievers is a little misleading…
However, the breed standards are not so standard across the three nations.
| American Standard | |||
| Not specified | |||
| Coat colors | “Rich, lustrous golden of various shades…Predominant body color which is either extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable” | “lustrous golden of various shades.” | “Any shade of gold or cream, neither red nor mahogany.” |
Here are some interesting notes from the table above:
- The British standard accepts shorter goldens
- The AKC specifically says “extremely pale or extremely dark is undesirable.”
- The British Kennel Club accepts cream as a color
Although these nations vary in accepted colors and sizes, one thing remains true: golden retrievers are typically sweet, loving family dogs.
So far this list has included different styles or fancy names of the same breed of golden retrievers, but that’s about to change…
Grooming Step 2: Shave Goldendoodle Trouble Areas
Due to the tangling of Goldendoodles fur it makes it necessary to completely shave certain areas. Even if you plan on leaving the coat longer in length these areas should still be trimmed. The belly, genital area and anus should be shaved smooth with your clippers. The beautiful curly fur of a doodle makes these areas act like sponges and can increase risk of mats and infections. You will also want to shave about an inch below the ear canal to allow air flow.
What Tools Should I Use To Groom My Dogs Feathers
Like with any other high-maintenance breed, grooming a Golden Retriever requires specialty tools. A good grooming kit for your pup will include clippers and a brush, but those aren’t always the best tools for feathering grooming.
According to experts, the best tool to clip and thin out feathering is a set of thinning shears. This will help your dog’s coat keep its full look while reducing the actual feathering to a minimum. They’re also fairly easy to use, too.
Completing The Grooming Of Your Golden Retriever
How Often Should I Groom My Retrievers Feathers
Your Golden Retriever’s feathering needs to be washed on a fairly regular basis, with many owners choosing to do it at least once every month or once every two weeks. Trimming tends to be on a “needs-based” basis, which roughly translates to once every 45 days.
Washing aside, most Golden Retriever owners still need to brush their dogs at least once a week. Baths, too, are a little bit more regular in occurrence. It all depends on how much activity he has and where he’s going.
Are There Other Dog Breeds That Have Feathering
Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs to have partially feathered coats, but they’re not the only breed to have some feathering. Over the course of centuries, many different breeds were created that have similarly feathered fur—either as a partial coat or their full-body coats.
Finding other breeds with similar feathered coats can be difficult, but it’s always doable. Here are some breeds commonly associated with feathering:
Saluki. These exotic dogs are known for having a coat type that is almost fully feathered, giving them a very wispy, wiry look.
Chinese Crested. These beautiful dogs have a partial coat that involved feathering around the head, tail, and feet. Their feathering is referred to as “plumes” by breeders.
Almost all types of collies have at least some feathering on their coats, with many types having a full double coat during the winter.
Irish Setters. These rust-colored dogs are known for their incredibly shiny coats, and yes, their feathers too. Unlike most other dogs with feathering, Setters have a single coat that is filled with wispy fur.
Are There Different Types Of Golden Retrievers
To start this conversation off, it’s important to note that the Golden Retriever Club of America makes it clear that there is just one breed of golden retriever.
Yes, there are different styles , but they’re all one breed.
On the other hand, what some people call golden retrievers aren’t actually golden retrievers, like black golden retrievers and mini golden retrievers.
This post is going to look at what some people think are different types of golden retrievers and get down to the truth about each type.
These types are:
But before we get into the different types and styles today, it will help to get a good understanding of where golden retrievers came from in the first place.
Shave Golden Retriever: Think Before You Do It
Have you ever thought about shaving your dog in the summer? Of course, you’ve got. People tend to go above and beyond their furry little companions. You may think you’re doing them a favor by helping them keep cool in the summer, but shaving your dog may have the opposite effect as well. The most important thing you need to know before deciding to shave your dog is what kind of coat your dog has.
Yes, the type of coat your dog has will determine whether or not it should be shaved. So if you’re thinking of shaving your dog, just remember that double-coated dogs shouldn’t be shaved. You’re not going to help double-coated dogs keep cool by shaving their coat. You can make things worse for them instead.
Single-coated breeds like Poodles may have their fur shaved down to the skin or clipped, and it will grow back the way it was. However, the case for double-coated breeds is different. Not all dogs should be shaved, and we’re going to look at that in more detail below.
How Often Should A Golden Retriever Be Groomed
The Golden Retriever should be groomed at least every six weeks to keep your Goldens coat shiny, healthy, and tidy. The nails should be clipped every 2 to 4 weeks, and the teeth should be brushed once or twice a week.
The Golden Retriever has a double coat, so if your Golden gets wet or dirty, which he or she most likely will be since it’s a Golden, a can be very convenient! With this device, you can easily and quickly blow dry your Goldens coat and meanwhile blow most of the sand and dirt out of the coat as well. This can save you and your dog the hassle of a bath unless your pooch stinks after the outdoor adventure!
If you’re interested, . For Stippy, my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also double-coated, I use the when he’s wet and sandy . It blows the sand and dirt right out of his double coat. He hates taking a bath, so this is very helpful and prevents a lot of stress for him and hassle for me.
Method 1: Using Scissors When Styling The Legs
If you intend to shape your Poodle’s legs with scissors, your goal is to achieve a smooth, plush finish. Notice that the bottom line of the leg is even and slightly rounded. Most groomers call this area the cuff. If you are a beginner, it is easier to set the cuff first, and then to shape the rest of the leg.
What Are The Treatment Options For Dog Limping
The veterinarian will then make treatment recommendations based on your dog’s diagnosis and overall health.
Treatment for Mild Cases of Dog Limping
In some cases, pain relief and rest may be all that is needed.
Veterinarians often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for mild to moderate pain, such as:
Golden Retriever Scissors And Thinning Shears
Learning how to groom a Golden Retriever doesn’t just include brushing them. Your grooming kit should also contain a pair of scissors and a pair of thinning shears.
Scissors are good for detail work around small areas like the ears and feet.
Thinning shears are scissors with notches cut out of the blade, perfect for removing bulk from areas like the ruff, and softening edges.
How Often Should You Groom A Golden Retriever
Its recommended that you groom your golden retriever at least once every 4 – 6 weeks. This is Golden retrievers are one of the most active dogs on the planet, which in turn means they tend to work up a sweat more often than not.
Due to Goldens have a double coat, you may notice that they emit quite a bad odor compared to other dogs too. But that doesn’t mean you should groom them more often, as their skin releases natural oils that help protect them from the outside elements that can be affected by constant washing.
A golden retriever’s double coat works by trapping in heat when its cold outside and trapping in cool air when they’re hot. By taking away this coat, you are in fact exposing them to danger .
Youll find that a nice trim every so often will usually do the trick, and a nice dog pool with some water outback will help regulate your dog’s temperature in the hot weather.
How Fast Does Golden Retriever Hair Grow Back
You can expect a Golden Retrievers hair to grow back to the full length within 8 to 10 weeks. Although it’s not recommended that you shave or cut your dog’s hair to the pint that you are waiting for it to grow back again.
On the flip side, if you’re just looking for more info on how long your dogs har will take to grow long again before needing another groom. Well, that would be 8 weeks which is why 6 weeks is a great time to get them back in for another groom.
So let’s go through a few beautiful designs that you can do with a basic set of tools and a good guide .