Grooming Tips
Let's face it, if there's one thing that people tend to avoid doing it's bathing and brushing their Schnauzer. But if you start them off right away with a regular bath and brushing routine, both the pet and the owner will learn to enjoy the process.
So what are some of the basics that you need to have on hand? Below are a few items we recommend to keep your Miniature Schnauzer looking, feeling and smelling their best!
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So what are some of the basics that you need to have on hand? Below are a few items we recommend to keep your Miniature Schnauzer looking, feeling and smelling their best!
note: Links below are amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bath Time!
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First thing we need to get your schnauzer clean. I recommend a good shampoo such as Bark2Basics. We found a Face Friendly Shampoo by Bark2Basics, and I rather like it. It won't irritate your dog's eyes, it can even help to remove tear and eye stains. I also like their Yogurt Shampoo and DeMatting Conditioner. They also have a good oatmeal shampoo and others formulated for problem areas. I recommend taking a look at them!
Start by rinsing your dog from head to paws with warm water. Be sure to get into those often missed areas, such as the armpits, belly and paws. I like to start with their beards, because that's most often the stinkiest. Wash the face and beard really well, picking out any food or debris that may have become tangled up in there. From there, add more shampoo and work down the back and butt, be sure to clean their potty areas really well too. Then move onto the longer furnishings on the chest and belly. Here you want to pay close attention not to rub vigorously with your whole hand, but to really get down to the skin with your fingertips. Using your whole hand can cause the furnishings to mat up. Finally move onto the legs, and don't forget the pads of the feet! Give your dog a good rinse, and repeat the process if necessary. Now it's time to dry your dog. Many people make the mistake of just giving them a good rub down with a towel. DON'T. To help prevent knots and mats in the longer furnishings, take the towel and SQUEEZE the water out of the hair, don't rub. (You can rub the areas that have been clipped if you want) Follow up with some spray in conditioner, such as Vet Best Moisture Mist. This is a leave-in spray conditioner for dogs that moisturizes dry, itchy, and sensitive skin for dogs, plus helps to condition and add luster to coats. |
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Finishing the Job.Many people stop here, but there's more to do! If you leave your dog wet they're just going to go roll around the house (or outdoors) and collect dirt and dust. Plus, if you comb out your dog now, those pretty furnishings won't get all tangled. Think about how you take care of your own hair (for those of you who have longer hair). You don't just jump out of the shower, towel your head off and then walk out the door. Most people will at least run a comb or brush through their hair to get the tangles out. Well, it's no different than what you should do for your dog.
For reasons unknown, the majority of folks will reach for a slicker brush. DON'T. A good metal comb with a medium and fine tooth is perfect for combing out your Schnauzer. I will sit on the bathroom floor with a towel over my lap. I'll lay a dog on their back between my legs and start with one leg at a time. Begin down by the toes, and comb the hair out and upward in 1-2 inch sections with the medium side of the comb. If you find a knot it's time to use my FAVORITE PRODUCT EVER - Cowboy Magic! This stuff really is magic, I swear! I've had great big mats that have formed (because I was behind on grooming - hey, I'm human, it happens) and with Cowboy Magic, I was able to get the mat out without having to shave the dog down. Apply a dime sized amount to the tangled area and work it in with your fingers. Then take your comb, grip the hair at the base by the skin, and use the teeth to pick at the knot/mat until it comes loose. If you need a little more Cowoby Magic, use another drop or two. (There's no need to wash it out either, but use it sparingly) . If the tangle is really stubborn, a thinning shears can be used to cut into the tangle once or twice. This will open it up without cutting out a giant chunk of hair. Continue this with each leg then proceed to the chest and belly. You'll want to also pay close attention to the arm pits, flank and crotch as these tend to be problem areas. I'll usually finish by ending with the beard and eyebrows. Most of the hair will have air dried by this point, but I like to finish the job by blowing the hair dry with a hair dryer on medium heat. Use the comb to lift and open the furnishings to help speed the process along. Once the dog is completely combed out, go over them one more time with the fine toothed side of the comb. Then with a hair dryer on medium or medium low (you don't want to burn them), go ahead and blow them out until they're completely dry. Start when they're young, and they'll learn that a good grooming is no big deal - in face, it's rather enjoyable. And finally, finish the job off with a few sprays of doggie cologne. We have been using Four Paws black can for YEARS. It's a great clean, fresh smell without being too sweet or fruity. It kind of has that high-end cologne/perfume type smell. Well that's pretty much how I do things for my dogs. Let me know if you have any questions! |