Sheltie
WASHING AND GROOMING TIPS FOR SHELTIES
SHELTIES
Often thought as of a miniature Rough Collie but nothing is further from the truth Yes they have a very luxuriant coat with similar colouring to the Rough Collie, but the Sheltie has a thick undercoat from its origins as a Shetland Sheepdog. They also require regular brushing and occasional washing dependent on how many times it manages to get very mucky on one of its adventures when out on walks with you. They require regular grooming to ensure the undercoat does not become matted but they also groom themselves. This means a weekly brush off coat and undercoat looking for knots at base of tail and behind ears is our recommendation. Bathing when required which should be when they moult and also when they manage to get extra dirty/smelly, general mud etc allow to dry and brush out. Over frequent washing can damage the coat so we would recommend no more than 4 washes a year.
As their coats are long keeping your Sheltie well groomed may appear challenging, but a weekly brush and brushing out mud etc as required will keep their coat in great condition. On occasions they will require a full shampoo and wash, but please be sparing with these as too frequent washing can result in loss of oils in the coat making it appear dull.
We would also recommend a visit to your local Grooming Parlour for trimming of coat and clipping of nails when required
So, to maintain your Sheltie in Tip Top condition we recommend the following.
Thoroughly brush your dog before washing.
Before you start your shower and grooming sessions make sure you have all tools and materials required: –
Shampoo ensure you use a specific Dog Shampoo this will ensure that the Fur is maintained in great condition, Human Shampoo’s have different formulas not always compatible with your dog. Also a conditioner can help you maintain a lustrous and healthy looking coat
What you will require
Dogs Towels 1 x Roses PVA Mega Absorbent Towel, and I x Roses Large Microfibre Towel
1 x Roses Grooming and Drying Brush
1 X Good Quality Pin Head Dog Brush
A good supply of treats
Washing your Sheltie
Always before washing your Sheltie we recommend giving a good brush of their coat, and remember to maintain their coat in great condition they should be brushed at least once a week.
To wash your Sheltie, use the shower, (do not forget to use non-slip shower mat) or in warmer months they can be washed outside but do ensure the temperature of the water is comfortable for your dog. When washing indoors please ensure the water is a comfortable temperature not too hot or too cold and where possible use a shower attachment if no shower head gently pour warm water over your Sheltie to thoroughly wet its coat, Special Note always ensure that you part the fur and thoroughly wet and rinse the undercoat. Then apply the shampoo and knead it thoroughly into the coat and the undercoat. If your Sheltie has got extremely dirty you may need to repeat this process, but we would recommend whenever possible to apply shampoo only once. Now this is important when rinsing the shampoo out you must ensure that all shampoo is rinsed away as any residue can cause itchiness, again please take special care to rinse all shampoo and conditioner from the undercoat. Another key point we would make is to avoid getting shampoo into the eyes and keep the inside of ears away from shampoo and water.
If using a conditioner, and with Sheltie’s a conditioner will give you excellent results with a wonderful lustrous coat, repeat rinsing process and again make sure the conditioner is thoroughly rinsed out of the coat.
When coat is thoroughly rinsed it is time to dry, firstly remove most of the excess water with the Mega Absorbent PVA Towel, squeezing out the towel regularly to ensure the maximum absorbency of the towel. Once all surplus water is removed then wrap your Sheltie in a Roses Large Microfibre Towel gently rubbing the dog all over until the coat is as dry as possible.
To thoroughly and quickly dry your Sheltie, connect your Roses Grooming and Drying Brush set on medium heat and low speed and start brushing and Drying the coat, always brushing with the fur not against it, there is no correct place to start but the key advice we would give here is to ensure the whole coat is dry particularly around the base of the tail and around the ears. Ensure all the coat is brushed through and dry and if your dogs is a little anxious at first encourage with treats and words of encouragement. Once your dog is familiarised and comfortable with your Roses Grooming and Drying Brush you can increase the heat setting to full and increase the speed to high, but note when drying around the eyes and ears only use medium heat and low power. The permanent IONIC feature will ensure great condition to your dog’s coat and always give you great results when using a conditioner.
The choice of Brush head to use varies from Dog to Dog but generally we recommend that you use the Oval Pin Brush Head this our customers advise give’s the best results. However after using the tool you will develop your own technique and use brush heads which feel give you the best results.
We know that following these simple instructions you will soon be getting great results and you and your Sheltie will enjoy these sessions which can help create an excellent bond between you and your dog and of course keep them looking great and smelling good most of the time.
Following a wet walk, you can also follow these guidelines if not dirty no need to shampoo, simply towel dry as outlined here and dry off with the Roses Grooming and Drying Brush, and after cold winter walks your Sheltie will welcome being dry and warm.
We look forward to hearing your experiences and of course receiving pictures of your Sheltie’s after your Grooming and Pampering Sessions
THE ROSES TEAM
We have some great offers available on our Grooming Bundles to suit all dogs and sizes, don’t forget to check these out on our website.
