Clipping a Bedlington Terrier puppy

Emuchops

Dose anyone know at what age a BT puppy should have his first clip? I have heard that if you do it too early it can damage the coat.

Also any hints on doing it, as in true MSE fashion I shall be doing the job myself-just an all over clipping-not the full "lamb" look.

He is 13 weeks old and very fluffy-no curls yet.

Thankyou.

suki1964

Personnally I would be getting him used to being handled now and just using the scissors on him.

With my cockers I start with a bath mat on the kitchen table and get them used to standing and being handled and then using the scissors just start with little snips of sticky out areas, working up to thinners and then the clippers. It takes time so start now so when the coat is ready both you and the dog are more confident

I found this site for you. When i was learning to do mine I found a video - do a google search see if theres any out there

http://www.honeymist.com/Trimming.htm

Frugalista

Isn't this the sort of thing you should be asking your breeder?

They should be the first port of call - after all, they are the people with the specialist knowledge of Bedlingtons and would actually know :rolleyes:.

Perhaps they could show you how to do it the first couple of times and what is the best way to handle and calm the pup. If they are not local to you I would ring them anyway and see if they know someone in your area who can help to show you the ropes .

suki1964

Frugalista wrote: »

Isn't this the sort of thing you should be asking your breeder?

They should be the first port of call - after all, they are the people with the specialist knowledge of Bedlingtons and would actually know :rolleyes:.

Perhaps they could show you how to do it the first couple of times and what is the best way to handle and calm the pup. If they are not local to you I would ring them anyway and see if they know someone in your area who can help to show you the ropes .

Thats so very true of course, I was taught to hand-strip by my last breeder although I did do the prep from day one with the handling and teaching him to stand (she had already started the process) But when I stopped hand stripping and went for the clippers the video did help

Emuchops

Suki-thanks for your constructive advice.
Frugalista-I was simply asking for additional information from any other experienced sources-the more "voices of experience" I get the better. I liaise with the breeder regularly. Despite being a dog owner of many years standing I still like to hear the opinions of others as there is always more to learn....

lostinrates

Emuchops wrote: »

Suki-thanks for your constructive advice.
Frugalista-I was simply asking for additional information from any other experienced sources-the more "voices of experience" I get the better. I liaise with the breeder regularly. Despite being a dog owner of many years standing I still like to hear the opinions of others as there is always more to learn....

I think frugalistas advice was constructive too We all always have mor to learn!

Congrats on the puppy, I would LOVE a Bedlington, I adore them. It was what we had been planning on and reserched before ending up with our dog. They are super little people.

get_me_out

I would speak with the breeder.

I have a bishon and although people do clip them, as some breeders do. They should be scissored and not clipped.

My friends B.T has never been clipped always scissored and you can tell a difference.

My westie is clipped but no shorter than 1" I hate seeing them almost bald. I do both my dogs myself. Hoping to pass my grooming exams soon

cheepskate_2

If you are going down the route of clipping, then start getting it used to the noise.

Let it hear the noise from further afield, and depending on how it reacts then you can get nearer. But dont use them on it or let it put its face to them, keep them at body level Our cocker had no fear of the clippers from day dot, although we never use them on her.

Once it is used to the noise let it feel the vibration through your hand, hold the clippers and put the back of your hand against the dog, again how it reacts will let you know how often and for how long, but in general do it short and often (daily)

you should be grooming daily, just so they get usedto it for very short periods.

I also use the mat(just a non-slip bath mat) to do the grooming , they then become accustomed to this........and run the minuite they see it:o our one does.

suki1964

cheepskate wrote: »

I also use the mat(just a non-slip bath mat) to do the grooming , they then become accustomed to this........and run the minuite they see it:o our one does.

You just have to whisper the word BATH to my cocker and hes away like a rocket :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: