Dog Grooming.

Question:
Recently we bought a ten-week-old Border Terrier, Eric. He's an absolute delight and we’re enjoying every minute with him. However, I would appreciate some advice on dog grooming. What dog grooming brushes should I use on his type of coat, when should I begin grooming him and what is the best way to start?
 D. Hales, Dorset.

Answer:
Dog Grooming should be part of your dog's routine and it's best to introduce it early. A puppy will be curious so let him have a look and a sniff at the brush. Start with your puppy on your lap to get him used to the brush and comb before encouraging him to stand or lie to be groomed.

Gradually build up the time spent on each grooming session and, if you have a stool with a soft, non-slip top or a grooming table, place him on this for a few minutes each time give him lots of raise before you put him back on the floor. Keep one hand on your dog to stop him jumping down and toreassure him.

While the coat is still in its puppy stage, a bristle brush and a metal short-toothed comb will be good. You will need to progress to a soft metal-pinned slicker brush and a finer toothed comb as the coat matures. The slicker brush will keep the coat tidy on a daily basis. Once a week, use the metal comb, which should penetrate to the skin, removing any dead coat.

As Eric gets older his coat will change, with the longer wire coat coming through which has a more open appearance. This means the top wire coat is dying off and needs to be stripped out in order to allow the new coat to come through. Stripping by hand, unless there is a veterinary reason against it, is the best method to keep the texture and colour of the Border Terrier's coat.

Seek the help of a dog groomer or learn to strip the coat out yourself. It is best not to bath this type of coat if you wish to retain the harsh wiry texture, but concentrate on regular grooming. If his coat becomes a bit smelly, use a dry shampoo that is rubbed in and brushed out. There are also coat conditioning sprays to help keep the coat looking and feeling good.

Introduce Eric to any aerosols carefully, by spraying the contents on to your hand and rubbing it on him, rather than applying it directly.

_{source Your Dog Mag.}