How To Line Brush with a FURminator

After a recent blog post, I received a couple of questions on how to FURminator a Sheltie. This is a very brief demo. I had just stripped Romeo's undercoat the day prior, so there isn't much hair left to take out at this point.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog
• dogs
• sheltie
• shetland
• sheepdog
• line
• brushing
• stripping
• furminator
• grooming

[hibiscusfreak]

I only used a slicker and metal comb on my sheltie. I never stripped his undercoat, just kept it matt-free. Are you supposed to strip their undercoat?

[SheltieHair]

@hibiscusfreak You don't HAVE to strip the undercoat of a Sheltie. It is just a personal preference. I prefer a sleek, slimmer looking dog than one all poofed out with undercoat. My dogs are also very active in a number of sports, and I like to do what I can to prevent them overheating during summer trials or practices. I don't ever remove ALL of the undercoat, just the bulk of it. Since posting this video, I have found a better tool than the FURminator. The Mars Coat King is now my #1 choice!

[sheltiegurl621]

why are you wasting so much time with a furminator. Just use a comb and a slicker brush. You get better results and dont use as much time. Also never brush a shelties hair when they are dry always damp the coat.

[SheltieHair]

Because a slicker and comb don't actually remove the undercoat. They just remove what is already loose. The FURminator, or other stripping tools, remove the undercoat even if it isn't already shed or loose. A slicker is a handy tool to have, but is essentially useless for stripping undercoat.

[Elementskate640]

Yes I was going to get a sheltie next month, what size is best? And how much do I brush him with that? Thank u

[SheltieHair]

@Elementskate640

I have the medium FURminator. I only strip the dogs a couple times a year. Maybe 3 or 4 total. I don't remove ALL of the undercoat, just the bulk of it. I leave the mane and bib intact. This is all just personal preference, though. Since posting this video, I have switched to the Mars Coat King for dealing with undercoat. It is much easier to use and seems easier on the dog, too.

[2bAlight]

Question concerning the Mars Coat King:

For a Sheltie, should I buy the "Fine" or

"Extra Fine"???

[martingudell]

Please do not go that wild with the undercoat, it is not proper to use a furminator for parts which are not the legs , the sides of the head, tail and back part of rear legs. Cheers

[hibiscusfreak]

@SheltieHair Thanks. I thought maybe I hadn't done quite the right grooming job on my dog. I slickered him 2-3 times a week and that kept him in good shape. Plus he loved all the attention. I miss him. Shelties are the best dogs.

[SheltieHair]

Because a slicker and comb don't actually remove the undercoat. They just remove what is already loose. The FURminator, or other stripping tools, remove the undercoat even if it isn't already shed or loose. A slicker is a handy tool to have, but is essentially useless for stripping undercoat.