Dog grooming

After a muddy adventure in the rain we decided to put our brand new grooming table to the test.

I may have mentioned in the Pyrapalooza post that we learn new things each year. NEPR does a wonderful job of not only placing Pyrs in good homes, but they also provide ongoing support to help you to be a better Pyr owner. As a perfect example, this year there was a grooming lecture and workshop that they ran on Sunday. It was the perfect close to the event since most of us had happy, tired, and dirty dogs to take home after a weekend of romping in the rain. It continues to amaze me that such gentle fluffy white dogs can turn in to such muddy, dirty, wet, matted specimens. But, for the record, Pyrs are often happiest while they are getting into such a state.

Back to what we learned at the grooming lecture: lots! We signed Buddy up for personal grooming with Nicole in addition to the lecture so Todd and I got to comapre notes.  While Nicole worked miracles on the snarles in Buddy's pantallons she explained many grooming tips.  First she recommended getting a grooming table.  That way the dog is gently, but firmly held in place and they're up high so you can get to the dog all over.  This simple step can be overlooked, but anyone who has had to chase a dog around with scissors and a brush to remove a mat will be pleasantly surprised to find that using a table makes grooming less stressful for everyone involved.  Plus the table puts you and the dog at eye level which makes alot of the aspects of grooming less threatening for the dog.  In terms of the mechanics of grooming, we learned that much can be achieved with just detangler and cornstarch.  I watched in amazement as a matt that previously would have had to be hacked off was deftly removed.  We also learned about some tools that make grooming much easier.  Once you have the cornstarch and detangler applied a matt razor and a coarse toothed comb do magic to remove loose fur and matts. 
After Pyrapalooza we ran out and ordered a table and new grooming tools and after a very muddy walk we used them to great success.  We really can't deny that Pyrs shed and require significant grooming, but after the lecture and Nicole's help, I think that it will be much easier for us to keep Buddy and Dakota looking their best without having to spend a ton at the groomers.