Can someone explain in detail wet clipping?

[ferretlov]

I wanna know it all-
Why do you do it
how you do it
when its called for
do you use special clippers/blades
when you DONT do it
does anyone feel strongly agenst it?
I have read conversations you have had about it but I cant grasp the whole story.
thank you so much for your help

[itsgot2bme]

There is an entire forum for this: http://www.petgroomerforums.com/chat...play.php?f=145

[petpalswi]

the reason to wet shave is that the dog is matted and will need to be clipped very short. if you chose to clip before bathing, you are clipping dirty hair. this is bad for your blades, also, you dont know whats under the matts, bugs, injuries, foreign objects. wash the dog thouroughly and rinse, you might rewash after clipping, but this first bath should get the coat clean enough to clip. towel dry, you want the dog more than damp but not dripping. start clipping. I usually use a #5 or #7 wet, then I can go over with a #4 after hes dry. if the coat is the right wetness the hair should come off quickly and smoothly. wet clipping is easier on you and the dog, and there is much less chance of injury. the blades will stay cool and because the hair is wet it is more elastic, if you are doing a large dog you may need to rewet as you go. you can use a cordless clipper, or you should have gfi outlet.
particentral has a website that goes into great detail on wet shaving.

[Helly]

the reason to wet shave is that the dog is matted and will need to be clipped very short.

That's not the only reason to wet shave. I do it if I have a really overgrown dog, even if it's not matted. I don't want to work on dirty hair, but I also don't want to spend the time drying it, either. The solution? Wet shave, then dry it.

It's also useful when you have those doodles that the owner says "Don't make him look like a poodle." Bathe him, wet shave him, and let him air dry. He'll be scruffy looking, which is what most doodle owners really want. The only finish work you need to do is face and feet. Leave the rest scruffy.

[lillysmom]

That's not the only reason to wet shave. I do it if I have a really overgrown dog, even if it's not matted. I don't want to work on dirty hair, but I also don't want to spend the time drying it, either. The solution? Wet shave, then dry it.

It's also useful when you have those doodles that the owner says "Don't make him look like a poodle." Bathe him, wet shave him, and let him air dry. He'll be scruffy looking, which is what most doodle owners really want. The only finish work you need to do is face and feet. Leave the rest scruffy.

Great advice Helly - thanks!!

[Poodleluv]

Another bonus is wet shaving pelted ears it is so much easier on bot you and the dog,and much less likely to have head shaking,scracthing,hematomas ,etc. I just put the clump of wet hair that usly resembles a giant hairy ear muff in a baggie,so the owner can see what happens.

[ferretlov]

WOW-
thats awesome!!! and its ok to use whatever clippers? I mean does it matter what kind of clippers you use? I have regular oster goldens.

[Gracy Rose]

I also will wet shave dogs that Mom's want longer than my combs- I will wet shave since it leaves about 2 lengths longer.

I also do what Helly does.

[hairlessdogmom]

Got a doodle tomorrow I'm going to try..........wish me luck!

[Particentral]

WOW-
thats awesome!!! and its ok to use whatever clippers? I mean does it matter what kind of clippers you use? I have regular oster goldens.

Read up on it at my blog and website and her as well before you do it. I talk clipper safety in my handout which is o both the site and blog.