DO YOU HANDSTRIP?

Firstly, some of you may be wondering what exactly hand-stripping is, and what breeds it's necessary for! Hand-stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of the coat of a non-shedding dog, either by using a stripping knife or the fingers.

A hard, wiry coat has a cycle where it starts growing and then sheds as it reaches maximum length. Hand-stripping coordinates the shedding and makes room for a new coat to grow. Stripping is the proper method grooming for most terriers, and is required for show dogs of many hard-coated breeds.

The hair is removed with either a stripping knife or stripping stone, with the top coat removed to reveal the dense, soft undercoat. If done correctly, the procedure is painless. Many dogs are reported to
enjoy having their hair stripped, especially when they are introduced to it as puppies.

The main reason a client may want the relevant breed (I will cover that in a moment) handstripped, is to maintain the natural wiry texture of the coat. It is important to note that once a wiry coat is clipped, the wiry texture will usually be permenantly lost - so be sure before you let a groomer unknowingly cut your pets hair!

Breeds this most commonly applies to include Border Terriers, Minature Schnauzers, Norfolk Terriers, West Highland Terriers (though most Westies are kept in a low maintenance clipper groom).

I am fully trained to handstrip, and an additional charge will be incured - however Denise will state the price clearly before proceeding with the groom - so no nasty bills at the end of the groom!

For any additional queries you may have, please don't hesitate to contact me! ;-)