What to do about a fast growing Brimley

[Stinky The Clown]

Here's Little Little.



Her Upper Brimley was trimmed maybe 6 weeks ago. Now its again out of hand and starting to block her eyes.

Her Lower Brimley gets wet every time she drinks.

Her Top Brimly is starting to fall over her eyes.

Has anyone had any experience trimming the face of a similar long haired dog? $60 a pop at the local Pets'R'Expensive is more than we care to spend.





Brimley:

[Coyote_Bandit]

1. Check your local independent groomers

I could have both of my Japanese chins groomed for $40 (total for both) at an independent groomer (one person shop) while having each of them groomed at the local Pets'R'Expensive was considerably more costly. Grooming each dog there cost more than the combined expense at the independent groomer.

The independent groomer is booked well in advance. Her shop also functions differently than most groomers. She has all the dogs (cats too) in by 9 am. She bathes them all in the morning. Then grooms them in the afternoon. It is an all day outing for the dog rather than a beauty appointment.

If you use an independent groomer you'll need to check them out of course to be sure they are safe and sanitary. The one I use is located next door to my vet and has been in business for at least a couple of decades. While they do not have a business relationship I know she grooms my vet's personal animals and the proximity to a vet clinic means that emergency care is readily available should it required.

You can probably train Little to let you do some between grooming touch up to her upper and lower Brimley. That'll be easier if she is already accustomed to being groomed and having it trimmed. You'll probably have to brush/comb her out and then just trim a little area at a time until she is comfortable with you trimming her. Be sure and use scissors that are blunted rather than pointed on the end to avoid eye injuries.

I used to have a boyfriend that had a Peke that I groomed. Once she got used to me doing it she didn't mind at all. She loved being handled and she loved the attention - and she knew when she was clean and pretty. I'd put an oversized bath towel down and the floor and she would allow me to position her for grooming. I'd always finish with her on her back getting a long belly rub - followed by special treats. Her daddy did nail trims at a different time.

Little's a cutie. Looks like she has lots of personality.

[Sparkly]

2. Thanks

Yeah, she's a cutie but BOY that hair grows fast!!

I'd just let it grow but I think that would be even more high-maintenance -- Shih Tzu's hair grows to the ground, as you know! I'm thinking of letting the top hair grow and pulling it into a ponytail. I've been trying that, but so far she gets the rubber band out within 24 hours.

She also doesn't let me brush her easily -- she bites the brush. So I give her the brush to bite and use the comb -- sometimes that works!!

I have the scissors (and an electric trimmer) but am scared getting that in her face when she's so squirmy!! I actually haven't even bathed her yet -- got the shampoo, but haven't tried it.

("Brimley" is now one of our favorite made-up words, by the way!!)

:hi:

Edited to add photo of last time she was groomed:

[Coyote_Bandit]

3. I have a friend that has had shiz tsu's for many years

She brushes the dog out every morning and pulls the top hair into a ponytail. She uses scissors to keep the mustache trimmed and during cool weather allows the coat to grow. Her dog likes to shower so bathing isn't a big issue. This combination seems to work well with limiting her grooming expense.

I love the pic of the two dogs together. It seems to really capture a part of their relationship. It's clear they are buddies and very comfortable with each other.

I just got a new pup recently. Fortunately he was housebroken and crate trained when he came - and I was delighted to learn that he did well with bathing. He's not so fond of combs and brushes. But he doesn't mind having his feet, toes, and ears played with - nor does he mind me putting a finger in his mouth and rubbing his gums. I'm afraid to trim his black nails (haven't tried yet) but I'm thinking of trying to brush his teeth. Best we can figure he's probably about 10 or 11 months old and about 13 pounds. He's some sort of mutt - likely a wirehair terrier daschund mix of some sort and he has a bit of that ragged teddy bear look about him. His pic is here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x44389

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Do you know any tricks to get them to not squirm while trimming right by their eyes?

We have zero experience with a dog that needs such tedious grooming.

[Coyote_Bandit]

5. Squirmy dogs

seem to be the norm rather than the exception and most groomers will use a pole with a noose to hold the head up high where it is difficult for the dog to be too squirmy. You might get a similar result using a leash attached to the collar and then either held very high or attached to something to try to make Little's head somewhat stationary. Sometimes groomers will also use a pole at the dog's rear with a band that fits under the belly and in front of the hips. While this keeps the dog from sitting it also limits the ability to go forward and backward - further immobilizing the dog and making the head more stationary.

That said, familiarity will do alot to reduce the squirminess. Grooming is pretty personal even for a dog. Little will do better after she becomes more accustomed to being combed and brushed. Little will do better if she is accustomed to you attending to such personal matters. Little will do better when she is comfortable with the grooming and equipment required - including the sound of the scissors. Work on these things often and give lots of positive reinforcement and good treats.

They make grooming scissors with a blunt point and they also make tiny grooming scissors with a blunt point. Obviously having a blunt point is a safety feature that near the eyes. But, since she is so small, Little may be less intimidated by smaller scissors. My friend with the shiz tzu's uses a pair of small, curved blunt scissors.

Little will probably be less squirmy in a calm quiet environment without a lot of distractions - and when she is tired.

The temptation may be for you and Sparkly to tackle the grooming project together - one trimming while the other tries to hold and comfort Little. That may or may not be a good idea. Not a good idea if it makes Little more stressed. On the other hand, Little just might calm down and look at Sparkly while you trim. In any event, you're probably going to have to trim a little at a time until Little gets used to the procedure.

Take it slow and be patient and you will be able to groom Little's Brinmley

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Hahahaha

Thanks for that!

Actually, we have a blunt ended scissors, but it may be too big to use easily on her. Sparkly combs her a lot so she;s used to that and now tolerates it well. We tried the trim last time she was combed (2 days ago) and we managed to get a few good snips of her middle Brimley. Sparkly's got her upper Brimley in a pony tail sort of thing She looks like a Sumo wrestler with a bow. You can see it in our latest picture in the "Neighbors" thread elsewhere in this Pets forum.

I think you're right. Its just going to take time and repitition. One thing about Shih-tsus. They ***love*** interaction with humans.

[Coyote_Bandit]

7. :-)

Yes, the pun was intentional.

By all accounts Little is a smart, happy, content dog. Obviously, you and Sparkly are good doggie parents. I expect the Brimley won't be a challenge for long.

I'll be looking for more pics of your pack.