GROOMING YOUR TIBETAN TERRIER

LETS GET TOGETHER A FEW THINGS BEFORE WE START:

Non-slip mat to put on the worktop or table.

Box, or bag to keep all his bits and pieces together.

Pin Brush – this long or round brush has metal pins with no knobbles on the end. Usually picked up at a Dog Show.

Pure Bristle Brush – not essential, but is better for keeping the coat in good condition. This can be bought in a Chemist or at a Dog Show.

Steel Comb – Wide teeth are best, though you can also get them with wide teeth one half and narrow teeth the other half. Found at Dog Shows or in a Pet Shop.

Pair of Nail Clippers. Bought in a Pet Shop or at Dog Shows.

Spray Bottle for water and conditioner. Can be purchased in any of the above, also in Hardware Shops and Supermarkets.

Corn flour, Potato Starch or Talcum Powder. Can be bought in a Supermarket or Chemist or an unwanted present.

Shampoo – does not have to be for dogs, a good one for us two legers will do.

Conditioner – again, the one we use will do.

Plastic Jug.

Small Sponge.

LETS BEGIN

Grooming your Tibetan Terrier can be a pleasant experience for both of you, or it can be a nightmare. It is up to you to see that it is the former, by your constant attention. Starting with your young puppy for a couple of minutes every evening, is the best way to get him used to it, and to give you confidence that you are doing it properly.

When dealing with pets, you may want, but you don't really need more "serious" equipment than a pin brush (never use one with knobbles on the end), and greyhound comb (wide tooth), if they have become matted. I like to show new puppy owners the options and how to use them, but if your breeder has not done this or is not very clear, it would be worthwhile to pay a visit to the groomer and ask them for tips, then you can judge what is most practical for your situation. In general, start grooming at the bottom and work upward. If you start on the top, which seems easier (easier to see, easier to reach, less doggie objections) you are constantly grooming on top of any matting. If you do what is called layering, you start at the foot and brush / comb the toes down to the skin, then work your way up his "ankle" and on up the leg, you will always have skin below (don't move upwards until you can get at least the wider teeth of a metal comb through the area). Don’t groom a dry coat. Use a solution of one part conditioner to about eight parts water, and spray it on the area you are working (you can purchase a spray bottle in a hardware or chemist shop). For quick clean ups of the nether regions in between grooming or bathing sessions, sprinkle a little corn starch, potato starch or talc on his bottom and brush and comb through.

Don't put the dog in the bath (unless you are very experienced with a blow dryer and brush) until the matting is out - the undercoat of a TT is like wool and has microscopic "barbs" which lock the hair into mats and they get tighter as the coat dries - just as an angora or other real wool sweater pulls or lumps when washed unless done carefully.

Don't scrub the dog clean - instead squeeze diluted soapy water through the coat - again, remember that expensive sweater. This is where the sponge and the jug come in. Put your shampoo in the jug and pour in some warm water, When you squeeze the sponge in the mixture you will get those lovely suds that you can transfer to the coat.

After bathing it is best to brush / comb the dog dry - if they are allowed to run around they tend to rub and cause more matting. Don't rub him dry with a towel either - blot the water rather than rubbing. You could use the "micro" towels (like synthetic car chamois) that absorb many times their weight in water, or a good thick towel. I prefer the latter as I feel I have more control and it just feels more cosy for the poor soggy mutt. Then ideally using a good hairdryer set on low heat blow dry him in layers - again starting at the bottom.

The worst time for matting is between about nine months and one an a half years, as at this time they go through what we call the puppy blow. It can last anything from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, and constant attention to the coat is needed during this time, so that it does not get out of control. Always remember, I am only at the end of the phone, should you get into difficulties, or need any further help or advice. If in doubt call the breeder.
Happy Grooming