COAT CARE

Step 1.

First, strip out the fluffy undercoat. Combe out the knots and if needed trim out the matts. I find it helpful to use Crown Royale spray with the knots. Brush the coat over in long strokes with the slicker brush. Take extra care of the fur behind the ears as the fur there matts easier.

Take care of the paws and claws.

The underhair on a paw can grow long and make it hard for your sheltie to walk. Snow and mud can get stuck in it. And it is harder for the dog to get proper traction. Then it is time to cut the nails. If the nail is white you can see the pink quick inside the nail, that should not be cut. Do not forget to cut the dew claws on front feet. The nails should not be too short as they nails give dog traction but the nails should not touch the ground when the dog is standing.

Step 2.

Shelties should not be washed more then four times a year, even once can be enough. When washing a sheltie first make sure to get all the fur wet. Be careful areound the ears, not to get water in the ears. Then troughly shampoo the fur. Use dog shampoo meant for double coated dogs, i recommend Crown Royal. Troughly wash out the shampoo and dry the dog.

Step 3.

Dry the dog first with a towel. There are special ultra absorbent dog towels that are very useful. Next blow dry the dog. If the dog remains wet, it can develop into a hot spot.

Step 4.

After drying brush all of the fur. Be sure to get all the excess hair out. I usually first brush the tail, skirt and underbelly. Then i brush the head and the topline.

Step 5.

Then trim the paws and ears