Learning How

[LaunderDog]

I was never taught how to hand-strip a dog in grooming school. I essentially taught myself from reading books and reading posts here and I have no idea if I do it correctly. The few dogs that I have done came out nicely IMO and my clients seem happy but I'm still not certain if I'm doing it properly. Are there educational videos or written material out there that specifically teaches hand-stripping?

[bow_wow_wheels]

It is pretty much a learned art IMO-practice makes perfect and all that good stuff lol. Can you go to a dog show and ask the handlers of the Terriers you like if your technique is correct? That's what I did! I also purchased a copy of Ben Stone & Mario Migliorini's book _Clipping and Grooming Your Terrier_ on ebay. It is out of print but a few are still floating around. The techniques shown in that book are still what is in use today. Good luck!!

[pamperedpups]

I've never actually had a request for hand stripping a pet and do not offer the service. Is this something you run into often?

[petstylist]

Thankfully not much anymore. Talk about killing your hands!
I learned to groom show scotties and mini schnauzers and talk about a pain!!! both the dogs and in my hands!

Tammy

[toomuchfunbnme]

Hand Stripping

I am curious how much difference in time would it take a groomer to hand strip instead of clipping a dog and how much more would it cost the client?

[diemonster]

I haven't started learning the hands-on method, but we did have an overview about the method.

From what I'm learning it seems like a terrier won't grow new coat unless the old is stripped out.. does this seem right? What happens to the coat if you just clip it, but it doesn't come out by the roots.. ?

[Pixie]

My first job was working with a dog handler. I was 16-17 yrs old, now I'm over 50, so it was a few years ago. lol She taught me how to hand strip and I remember it being very painful and time consuming. I don't do any hand stripping now, thank goodness.
diemonster--I haven't heard about the terriers won't grow new coat unless the old is stripped out but I do know if a terrier is clipped all the time the coat gets softer and isn't corse.

[toomuchfunbnme]

I've heard

I haven't started learning the hands-on method, but we did have an overview about the method.

From what I'm learning it seems like a terrier won't grow new coat unless the old is stripped out.. does this seem right? What happens to the coat if you just clip it, but it doesn't come out by the roots.. ?

I've heard that when clipped, terrier fur grows back softer and not the correct texture for the breed standard. I owned a rascally little Westie years and years ago and we always just clipped his coat. I thought that he looked very nice, but I'm sure that those who are into showing Westies would have been appalled. Ha Ha. Apearantly the terriers individual hair structure is such that when you cut the ends of it off, it leaves the bottom portion of the hair shaft which is different from the outer tip. At least so I have been told. I have heard that hand stripping removes the dead coat, but in my head I'm thinking that if it's attatched it isn't dead. Anyway, I'm also thinking that hand stripping is something that most pet owners would not want to pay for anyway. I would love to learn more about hand stripping form the experts on the forum!

[Nellie3]

hand stripping

I learned hand stripping is part of grooming the dog. Not only is it good for the dog's skin, but helps the hair to lay nicer. If the dog has not been stripped before it will take some time, but if done on a routine it makes your finished product look smoother and only takes a little time. If you have not seen much of it done, you may not know the difference until you have actually practice doing it. When I have a new customer and they see the dog that I have carded, they say the dog looks great and different, but will not be able to pin point just what they see is different. But you as the stylist knows the difference. Just 10 minutes of carding can make a big difference on the finish product. It also helps to elimanate all those little fuzzies without having to clipper down on some breeds. You must card and strip correctly or you can cause more problems with the skin and the direction of the new hair growth. If done properly you will be very pleased you have learned a new technique.

[Kim in SD]

I've had two requests in 8 months for hand stripping, I charge $25 over the regular price. It takes me about 30 minutes longer on a small terrier. I've heard rumored that shaving can change hair color? I wouldnt think so unless it was a surgical shave. Has anyone else every heard of this?

[pamperedpups]

Kim- Shaving doesn't change the color or texture of the hair, it simply exposes the coat further down the shaft where the color and texture is different. The reason why some coats seem to grow in a different color and softer after shaving is because a coat takes time to be replaced and grow out in normal lengths again, and soft (usually lighter) undercoat grows and is replaced the fastest.

toomuchfun- Hair grows in three phases. Hair that is done growing but still attached is in the resting phase, or telogen. Eventually, this hair will be pushed out by new growth or it can be stripped as we are discussing here...

[Bearmtn]

Here is a link that explains a little about coat texture and color change and stripping. http://www.harborside.com/~laurelt/handstrip.htm

[diemonster]

That's a great link! Thanks!

[Poodlefluff]

Cool link I have to hand strip an Irish Terrier tomorrow he is a retired show dog. I was noticing this weekend at the dog show that they take off the whole "skirt" only a little is left on the legs and short eyebrows and a little go-tee. I could see the dogs nipples I will show the dogs owners a picture of how I intend to groom the dog and see if that is what they want. I used to leave a little fringe on the chest but I guess it is not the way to do it now. I really like to hand strip providing I have the time.

[toomuchfunbnme]

Thanks, very interesting

Thanks all for the interesting information on hand stripping and the link. I was never really trained in hand stripping and never worked with anyone who did it before. I guess that there must be quite a few shops that don't offer it? I think that I should be looking into it more thoroughly now. Thanks!