Help need grooming suggestions

[pookiebear]

This is my BerBer at the end of his 6 day bath cycle. Bernie, he's 15 months old, has the thickest hair you have ever seen, I have to thin it with the thinning shears. It's the dry cottony coat, and looks a mess if it's not pulled back. I love the hair on his face long and usually keep it pulled back, just so happened it wasn't pulled back when I snapped this photo. I am so afraid of groomers. Everyone on here has a horror story to tell, and it has kept me from having him groomed professionally. I've been trimming his butt, ears and bangs. I don't know how I want him cut. I know I love it long and don't want his face short, but it needs it to be a little neater. Even right after his bath he looks shabby. Please help me with some suggestions before I let the groomer make this decision. If you have any ideas please post a photo if you can. Thanks, Denise

[Gingergirlsmom]

I think he'll look adorable no matter what you do. I know that's know help, but he's so cute I just had to tell you.

Good luck. I'm sure someone on here will have great advice!

[Charlene1963]

Other than the ears, your Bernie looks like my Ziggy. He also has a cottony coat but I love it long. (Its not so long right now because he had a big surgery a few months back.) I find that leave in hair conditioners really help. Someone has suggested grooming oils such as those used by African-Canadians, but I haven't tried those yet.

It is a big commitment to keep a long coat but well worth it. Don't be talked into going shorter if you love the long hair. I think he is beautiful just the way he is. A groomer can just smooth out the edges if you ask.

[ldvpool7]

It looks like you have done a good job with him, so far.
He is such a cute!

[pookiebear]

Thanks you guys for the compliments. I guess I'm going to only thin his hair around his fave and smooth the edges on his body. I do use leave in conditioners but nothing I've tried has really helped much. I'll just keep on trying.

[KJLive]

I think BerBer ROCKS!!! I'd hate to see you change anything. If you're doing the grooming, heck he looks better than Sophie does when she gets home from groomer and I've paid $75! His hair reminds me of Sophie's also. I can't figure out yet if she's cottony or silky? I don't know if I know how to tell between the two. I think I'd have to actually see and feel one of each.

[Wabbit]

awww your BerBer looks darling!! Sadly the ONLY choices you have is to continue grooming him yourself...or take him to the groomers...That's the only advice I know to give! I wouldn't doubt a groomer would wanna shave all his beautiful hair off...especially if its thick and tangles easily....

You can always do research on the net...there are ALOT of sites that will give you information on grooming yourself....and if you mess up....it will grow back! Good luck

[LilMissy]

He's gorgeous! I like him just the way he is

[nanahas3]

Its kind of expensive but I use it on my hair (very natural curly and thick) so I decided lets try it on Laddy. Its Chi Silk Infusion. Only takes a little bit and it calms the hair and gives it a beautiful shine

CharleneMama to LaddyHappy Easter All

[JoshieBoy]

Other than the ears, your Bernie looks like my Ziggy. He also has a cottony coat but I love it long. (Its not so long right now because he had a big surgery a few months back.) I find that leave in hair conditioners really help. Someone has suggested grooming oils such as those used by African-Canadians, but I haven't tried those yet.

It is a big commitment to keep a long coat but well worth it. Don't be talked into going shorter if you love the long hair. I think he is beautiful just the way he is. A groomer can just smooth out the edges if you ask.[/quote]

My dog has cottony hair texture too. His hair is thick. I use African American hair products on my dog's hair, which makes his hair soft, lay flat, and shiny. I use a small amount of Pink Lotion on his hair, and it makes his hair lay flat and shiny (appear not so thick). I use an oil sheen spray between baths.

[abbey46923]

Someone on here posted the 2nd pic of their dog on here and i just loved it, i printed it off and took it to my groomer and the 1st pic is how my dog looked after she got done. I just love this cut. Eli has the thick cottony coat as well.

[ChantalB]

For Soft coat, I think the schnauzer cut or the puppy cut are really cute.

Just ask to keep the face long.

Look around and ask other owners that have nice groomed dog where they go.

Here are a few pic of Teddy groomed.

Teddy's Album

[golfbooboo]

I am not sure where to post this, however, Katy has flaky skin. I use Minksheen shampoo and the #1 All systems grooming spray. Hopefully, I am not bathing her too much. I try just once a week, but when she goes to play school, I feel the need to give her a bath when she gets home. She is scratching too much.

[Patti]

2 of mine have cottony coats not as thick as your babies but I have been grooming them myself but broke down today and took them to a groomer I have used for 18 years when I only had one dog. They look so nice and I asked her to shave their tummies as they get so matted and you can't tell from the outside. I love the full coats and even though it is a lot of work they look so nice. Berber is beautiful!

[KJLive]

Originally Posted by nanahas3

Its kind of expensive but I use it on my hair (very natural curly and thick) so I decided lets try it on Laddy. Its Chi Silk Infusion. Only takes a little bit and it calms the hair and gives it a beautiful shine

CharleneMama to LaddyHappy Easter All

Hmmmm...I have natural and very curly hair. I might just have to try it for Sophie and me.!