GROOMING:

 

A Shih Tzu puppy won’t need much grooming other than trimming the pads and around the feet and anus occasionally, but eventually there will be more to do as the coat grows out. Most choose to keep their Shih Tzu in a puppy cut but if you want to let one grow out you will need certain tools to work with.

 

These are the primary items I like to use.

 

Denman Grooming Brush D81M

http://www.metrobeauty.com/Brushes/Styling-Brushes/Denman-Grooming-Brushes.html

 

 

This comb has three layers of teeth and is great for working through the face or any area trying to tangle.

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Mebco-Pocket-Brush/SBS-183351,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair10

 

These combs below are good tools to have also.

 

This small 4.5 is good for working around the eyes and through the moustache hair near the eyes:

http://www.cherrybrook.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/469344/catid/204/vname/Safari_45_inch_Comb_MEDIUMFINE/vname/Safari_4.5_inch_Comb_MEDIUMFINE

 

 

The 7.5 comes is a handy comb to work with as needed in general (although you primarily want to brush not comb):

http://www.cherrybrook.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/405729/catid/204/vname/Classic_Teflon_Coated_Medium_Coarse_Greyhound_Comb_75_inch/vname/Classic_Teflon_Coated_Medium_Coarse_Greyhound_Comb_7.5_inch

 

Although I really prefer the Denman brush, many prefer a pin brush and I have used those too.  The pin brush I like is

The Chris Christensen 27mm oblong.

http://www.chrissystems.com/brushes.htm

 

As one gets older you have to teach them to lay on their side and brush layer by layer beginning with the underneath toward the top coat.

You may find the same or similar tools cheaper and/or else where.

 

I like the CC day to day shampoo and conditioner:

http://www.chrissystems.com/daytoday.htm

http://www.chrissystems.com/daytoday1.htm

 

Biolage, Pantene, and Dove are also good products.

 

When you bathe your Shih Tzu, you should place them in a small dish pan or either sink.  For the best results the shampoo and conditioner should be diluted in a pitcher or large container and poured over and over the dog, gently working the product downward with your hands. (Never rub a coat circular while bathing or drying off.) I like to put a few drops (minute amount) of Neutrogena sesame seed body oil in the conditioner solution as that helps the coat lay down and be very manageable. You must make sure it is mixed in good and then poured over and over the dog to make sure ALL the coat is covered well. When you shampoo be sure and rinse the shampoo out thoroughly. You will also need a good blow dryer with the warm level, as you want to dry the coat but not dry it out. High heat will damage a coat.  Also for routine brushing, put a spoonful of conditioner in a water bottle and fill the rest with water; very lightly mist the coat before brushing, this protects the coat and prevents breakage.

There is an excellent video that details how to groom a Shih Tzu from start to finish that you might want to get:

http://www.istaprofessionalhandling.com/videos.html

 

If  you want to grow your Shih Tzu out long you will need the correct bands to band the hair at some point. You may get them at this link. The medium weight/med size are used for show for greater hold, but the light weight/medium size for general maintenance (less hold but less breakage.)

http://www.dog-bows.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?action=view_category&database=latex-bands&category=0

 

I like the bows from this place:

http://www.doggiebowties.com/

Lynne also have several good articles you will find concerning grooming, topknots, etc at the bottom of the front page of her site. These will provide some good information to help you.

 

 

Things that will occasionally need to be done that you can do are: clip toe nails, cut hair on pads, trim around the feet so to look neat, trim around privates and anus.  You can trim around the face if you feel confident enough. Grasping the beard of your puppy will help you hold them still if necessary. You may want to let the face and head hair grow out. As it gets longer it is really pretty and will lay down out of the eyes and the top be able to be pulled up in bands.    If you intend to use a groomer, be sure that you select one that will treat your pet right in your absence. If you intend on allowing your Shih Tzu to grow out a long coat you may want to seek out more thorough instructions to do so. Be very careful to not hit an eye with a pin while brushing.

You will need a set of dog toenail clippers if you intend on doing your own grooming. Use a pair of scissors to keep the hair from the bottom of his feet and from around the anus. If the hair is not cut off the pad on the feet it will eventually mate and create a sore foot. If the hair around the anus is not trimmed away, the stool is subject to get entangled in the hair and create a bad situation.  With Shih Tzu being pronged to eye injuries be sure and check its eyes often and make sure they are clear. Should they have a cloudy eye or anything else appearing abnormal be sure and have it checked asap.   Also you will need to begin playing with your puppy’s ears early on to get them use to it as the hair in the ear canal may need to be plucked out to help prevent ear infection. There are pluckers designed to do this properly with. If you do use a groomer, be sure and have them do this.  You can also find some helpful grooming articles on the ASTC home site at www.shihtzu.org.

 

FEEDING ~~~ GROOMING ~~~ HOUSETRAINING ~~~ CRATING ~~~ POOP EATERS 

PUPPY-PROOF ENVIRONMENT ~~~ WATER BOTTLES ~~~ CHILDREN & DOGS ~~~ FLEA CONTROL

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