[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by smelcerk

No. I have not learned how to groom a show coat. I am "learning" but from what I can see, it is very very complicated and may be over my head. What I have learned so far is to never never never let the groomer cut my girls' hair. I told her that and swear she still snuck in a few snips. So next time, I might stay and watch her like a hawk. I have also learned to groom a little myself each and every day. At this point just wanting her to learn that grooming is pleasant and will be happening forever so she might as well relax and enjoy the attention. Don't even get me started on wrapping. That looks way too overwhelming but I am going to study my heart out and cross that bridge when I absolutely have to. I personally, hate the entire look of those hideous wraps. Showing may or may not be for me. Set myself a 5 year goal of giving it 100% effort and then will make the decision of whether to keep on. I have been talking to tons of people and can really see that some love it and some hate it. No idea which of those two camps I will fall into.

You definitely should not take a show dog to a groomer, unless they show a coated breed themselves. Pet groomers do not understand correct products and techniques for keeping a show coat. They will use cheaper shampoos (sometimes even dawn), slicker brushes, and may trim hair where it shouldn't be. Keeping a show puppy groomed isn't very difficult as the trimming is minimal. You will need to learn how to shave and trim the tips of the ears and shave in between the paw pads & trim around the feet. As your puppy gets older, sometimes the bottom of the coat may need to be trimmed up a bit or some stray hairs on the face, but someone can show you that as your puppy grows. Then when in full coat, you'll have to learn how to trim the bottom of the coat so that it doesn't impede the movement of the dog. But I really encourage you to NOT take your dog to a groomer, ever. Bathe & trim your dog yourself.