Well, I had it done - Shaved my Pyr...

[thebritt]

I spent 1 1/2 hrs solid, trying to break up the mats, but you'd never know it once you feel through his thick fur. I had posed this question - whether or not to shave - on the forum, and was convinced by the groomers and former groomers that it was the best thing to do....AND THEY WERE RIGHT! He did not have to endure hours of pulling during a "brush-out" at the groomer's. Fortunately, the bit of brushing I did do at least once a week prevented EVIL foxtails and other gnarly seeds etc. from embedding themselves into his skin. Once shaved, his skin looks great - no red, irritated spots. And he really smells GOOD! Fortunately, he really likes attention, because he's getting LOTS of hugs and pets (and I intend to brush him EVERY DAY to try to avoid future fur issues).

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GROOMING QUESTION...Is a "slicker brush" the best way to maintain him mat-free?

 

[EweSheep]

Slicker brush wont keep your dog mat free but its a great grooming tool to have daily brushes to KEEP the tangles down.

 

[gaited horse]

I want to see pictures. I want to give a pyr a poodle cut just to see what they look like

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
As soon as I figure out how to post pictures, I'll be happy to. The groomer kept his tail fluffy, and he has a short mane around his face. I have a Pomeranian that gets the summer cut (he has EXTREMELY THICK fur), and they look kinda the same except one's 8 lbs, and the other is 150!

 

[chickn]

use your de tangle spray and slicker, start at his back foot and work your way up to his head. spray then brush as you go. and watch where your working, floor gets slick from overspray

 

[Redyre Rotties]

This is a lot easier if you have a grooming table. This way you can work on the dog without bending over, and the dog can lay on the table on his side. This makes it a lot easier to get to places where the mats are, armpits, behind the ears, near the tail, etc.

 

[thebritt]

Thanks for the advice! I'M ON IT!

 

[thebritt]

Quote:
Can't do the table thing -First of all, don't have one. Second, can't see me getting him up on one (150lbs). He's got a really bad knee, and can't stand too long - he gets quivery if he has to stand in one spot for a while, let alone a long time. But he'll lay forever while I brush him, and he'll roll over for me, etc.