Mary Allen
Understanding Hand Stripping
Hand stripping is a grooming technique that involves pulling out dead hair from a dog’s coat by hand. This method is commonly used for breeds with wiry coats, such as the Cairn Terrier. Hand stripping helps to maintain the texture and colour of the coat, and also promotes healthy hair growth. The process can be time-consuming but is preferred over clipping or trimming as it helps to maintain the natural look of the breed.
Tools Needed for Hand Stripping
To hand strip a Cairn Terrier, you will need a stripping comb, stripping knife, and a grooming table or a non-slip mat. A stripping comb is a metal comb with sharp teeth that are used to loosen the dead hair from the coat. A stripping knife is a tool with a sharp, curved blade that is used to pull out the dead hair from the roots. It is essential to use high-quality tools to avoid harming your dog’s skin.
Preparing Your Cairn Terrier
Before starting the hand stripping process, you should bathe and dry your Cairn Terrier thoroughly. This will help to loosen the dead hair, making it easier to pull out. It is also important to trim your dog’s nails and clean their ears to prevent any discomfort during the grooming process. You should also ensure that your Cairn Terrier is calm and relaxed before starting the grooming session.
Identifying the Correct Coat
Cairn Terriers have a double coat, consisting of a soft undercoat and a wiry topcoat. The topcoat is the coat that needs to be hand stripped. It is essential to identify the correct coat before starting the grooming process to avoid damaging the undercoat. The topcoat is usually longer and coarser than the undercoat and has a distinctive texture.
Beginning the Hand Stripping Process
Start by using a stripping comb to loosen the dead hair from the coat. Use your fingers to feel for any loose hairs and gently pull them out. Once you have loosened the dead hair, use a stripping knife to pull out the hair from the roots. Start at the neck and work your way down the body, using short strokes. It is important to be gentle and avoid pulling too hard to prevent any discomfort to your dog.
Working on the Body
Continue to work your way down the body, using the stripping knife to pull out the dead hair. Work in small sections, pulling out the hair from the roots. Use the stripping comb to remove any loose hair. Be careful around sensitive areas such as the belly and armpits, where the skin is thinner. Take breaks if your Cairn Terrier becomes restless or uncomfortable.
Dealing with Sensitive Areas
Sensitive areas such as the belly, armpits, and groin require special attention. Use a stripping comb to loosen the hair and a stripping knife to gently pull out any dead hair. Be careful not to pull too hard, as the skin in these areas is thinner and more sensitive. If your Cairn Terrier becomes uncomfortable, take a break and reward them with treats to keep them calm.
Handling the Legs and Paws
The legs and paws require special attention as they have thicker hair. Use a stripping comb to loosen the hair and a stripping knife to pull out any dead hair. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause discomfort to your Cairn Terrier. Take breaks if your dog becomes restless or uncomfortable.
Stripping the Tail
The tail requires special attention as it has long hair. Use a stripping comb to loosen the hair and a stripping knife to pull out any dead hair. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause discomfort to your Cairn Terrier. Take breaks if your dog becomes restless or uncomfortable.
Finishing the Head and Face
The head and face require special attention as they have shorter hair. Use a stripping comb to loosen the hair and a stripping knife to pull out any dead hair. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause discomfort to your Cairn Terrier. Take breaks if your dog becomes restless or uncomfortable.
Maintaining Your Cairn Terrier’s Coat
To maintain your Cairn Terrier’s coat, you should hand strip the coat every 6-8 weeks. Brush your dog’s coat daily to prevent matting and tangles. Trim any excess hair around the eyes and ears to prevent irritation. Bathe your Cairn Terrier every 2-3 months using a mild shampoo and conditioner.
The Benefits of Hand Stripping
Hand stripping has several benefits for Cairn Terriers. It helps to maintain the texture and colour of the coat, promotes healthy hair growth, and prevents matting and tangles. It also allows for the natural look of the breed to be maintained, which is important for show dogs. Hand stripping can be time-consuming, but it is a necessary grooming technique for Cairn Terriers.