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Grooming Your Shih Tzu
"The Shih Tzu is so
beautiful...
How in the world do you Groom them?
It isn't as hard as you think!!!
First of all...the Shih Tzu is beautiful but...thats only one of the wonders of the breed
with the long, silky flowing coat...If you want a Shih Tzu only because its beautiful...Your
missing the whole point of having a Shih Tzu!
The Shih Tzu is not just beautiful...they are very intelligent, loyal, loving and have really
unique personalities too!
Here are a few of the questions I have gotten over the years, along with my answers! I am
sure they will put you at ease that it is not that hard to take care of a Shih Tzu in long
coat...But never forget you can groom them in a puppy cut, and they can stay like that
also...There is no need to keep them in long coat, unless of course its what you want and you
have the time to spend on keeping it beautiful..which like I said is not as hard as you may
think! Take a look....
Q. How often do you bathe your shih Tzu and what products do you use to keep that
beautiful coat???
A. I bathe my Shih Tzu 2-3 times a month if in long coat or short. When you own alot of dogs they tend to get dirty faster. One time a month for full grooming. If my Shih Tzu is cut down, which is the way I normally keep them they get a full grooming once every 6 to 8 weeks. I use an almond and honey
shampoo in the summer and an aloe shampoo in the winter to keep them from getting dry skin. I would suggest you buy the deluitable kind this way one bottle gives you 9-16 bottles! My 1 gallon of shampoo makes 8 gallons, so it is 8 to 1.
Q. How often do you brush your Shih Tzu and with what kind of brushes?
A. I brush my full-coated Shih Tzu daily. A really good time to brush is
when everyone is settled in for the evening..and my dog and I have some quiet time together.
Chance's are they have been running all day with the kids and been outside to play and potty!
So now they are all tuckered out and this is a welcoming grooming session...Shih Tzu's love,
not only the attention but they love to be brushed...Long coat or short!
You will need a few different brushes available depending on your Shih Tzu's coat.
If longer coat...and you see tangles...a slicker brush and a de tangling comb are your best
friend...
However if you groom daily or at least ever other day...you won't tangles often.
I always have a finishing comb which does something extra to the finishing touches of combing
and brushing out your Shih Tzu. Short coats of course are usually tangle free but you want to
keep those brushes handy for ears
and tails.
Q. What about the hair that grows around their eyes and how do I keep that area clean?
A. That's a good question..Since I don't show my long coated Shih Tzu I trim the hair just
over
their nose..so that it doesn't grow out to hit them in the eyes...this could be trouble...and
cause
eye alzhers and we don't want those!!! Keeping the eye area clean is another trick..
they do tear alot because of the hair that grows..which in a white colored hair can turn
colors.
First I always wash their faces...just like a babies face...next there a few products that
help to keep that area clean, one is called Diamond Eyes, there are plenty on the market you
may want to shop around for price...but the best remedy for that is like
I said..trim that hair around and over the nose so it doesn't hit them in the eye's and make
them water...and you will find a much nicer and cleaner looking face.
Q. What if my Shih Tzu gets matted???
A. First of all don't panic and second...NEVER ever wash them when they are matted!
That will only cause a it to matt even worse...What you do is get your slicker and your
dematting comb out.
Patience and persistence is in order here...However always keep in mind..if you are grooming
regularly...
this isn't going to happen! Make sure you get all matts out before washing...If you Shih Tzu
ever gets so bad
that you just can't get them out...the only thing left is to cut them down...and if this was
to occur,
Promise yourself...that you will never let that happen again! Matts are a great place for
dirt and grim
to stay in your Shih Tzu's coat causing skin irratations, and many other
problems!!!
Q. How do I get my dog to sit still while grooming him?
A. That's a easy one! If your relaxed and your dog knows it, chances are he will sit for you.
First of all you start bathing him right away as soon as you get him at 8 weeks old. I am
almost certain
that the breeder you purchased your pup from has already given him baths.
You will want to talk to him the whole time. Let him know what a good boy he is and how
beautiful he is. Talking to him will keep him calm. Never Yell at him or hit him...This is
not only
unacceptable in my book but it will make grooming your Shih Tzu worse than better!!!
By the time the dog is old enough to be really groomed with his beautiful coat, you will not
have any
problems with him. He will sit so perfect for you and not move..If taught right in the
begining.
I love to groom my dogs they are so good! But it took time and patience..
I know you probably have more questions and I would be happy to answer them the best I can,
if you e-mail me with them! Thanks Christy |
