Dog Deshedding Steps: The Ultimate Guide

🐾 DESHEDDING: Gear up with your rubber curry brush, slicker, preferred de-shedding products, and trusty HV dryer, because I'm about to unveil the ultimate de-shedding magic! 💫

Please note: There are various theories on the most effective dog de-shedding techniques.

While I outline our approach that works best for our busy salon in Regina, I'm always open to additional ideas to make this "hairy" task easier and ensure optimal results for our furry clients.

Please feel free to add your suggestions in the comment section below this blog. 

With nearly 18 skilled groomers on our team, we've experimented with countless methods. But guess what? We always find ourselves returning to one reliable technique that consistently wows.

Many groomers kick off the de-shedding process with a dry blowout of the dense coat to break up dirt and debris. We used to follow this method at my salon, and it did yield great results.

However, after attending a seminar with grooming expert Jodi Murphy, where she shared the health implications of this practice, we took her advice and made a significant change.

We decided to skip the pre-shampoo blowout due to health concerns. Inhaling dry hair, dust, and debris can pose risks, so we prioritize safety above all else. Although the images in this blog show me unmasked, we highly recommend masking to protect your respiratory system. 

Trust me, stick with our tried-and-tested de-shedding routine, and you'll achieve outstanding results without any unnecessary risks. 🌟

Get Organized!

Gather Your Products and Tools

Steps For Deshedding In the Bathing Phase

Step 1: Secure Your Dog: 

Always ensure your dog is secure in the tub and supervised 100% of the time!

Step 2: Saturate Coat With Water

Ensure the water is at the right temperature, saturate the coat from the

highest point behind the head, and move downward toward the feet.

I leave the head until last to prevent the dog from shaking.

Step 3: Apply Coat Appropriate Shampoo

Pre-mix coat-appropriate shampoo and start applying behind the neck

at the highest part of the body and work downwards.

Step 4: Scrub With Rubber Curry Brush

Use a rubber curry brush and muscle power to scrub the

shampoo right to the skin level over the entire body.

Step 5: Pay Extra Attention To Dirty Areas

Scrub between the pads, toes, back of legs, butt area, and underbelly.

These are areas the dog tends to collect the most dirt and debris.

DO NOT RINSE!

Step 6: Shampoo Blowout

Blow out the first shampoo with your HV dryer. By doing this,

you loosen up the coat even further.

Because the coat is soapy, significant amounts of dead coat

will slip out - it works amazingly well!

Step 7: Rinse First Shampoo

The first shampoo can be a quick rinse-off.

The purpose of the first shampoo is to loosen the dirt.

Step 8: Second Shampoo

Apply the second shampoo like the first from the highest point

and disperse it towards the dog's feet.

Step 9: Scrub 100% Of The Dog!

The beauty of a great groom comes from a thorough bath! 

Scrub your dog from head to toe- not missing any spots! 

DO NOT RINSE!

Step 10: Slicker Brush Magic

Slicker brush the entire coat with the shampoo on. You will need to

clean your brush often as the dead coat will easily brush out.

Optional: You can also use the slicker in unison with the

HV dryer for extra-incredible results. 

Step 11: Face Wash

Using a tearless shampoo, scrub the muzzle, ears, between the

eyes and top of the head thoroughly.

Step 12: Coat Conditioner

It's crucial to condition your dog's coat to seal the hair shaft

and maintain moisture, especially for this type of coat. Bathing can

strip the skin and coat of moisture, so using a conditioner suitable

for the coat type will replenish moisture effectively.

Step 13: 100% Rinse Out

It is essential to rinse out 100% of any shampoo or conditioning residue.

You will know when the coat is rinsed 100%, and it will be squeaky clean!

Step 14: Towel Dry

I used a water-magnet type towel on Farmer- starting at his head and

forcing the water down with gravity.

The better you towel dry your dog, the shorter the time with the high-velocity dryer.

Steps For Deshedding In The Drying Phase

Step 1: Prepare For The Best Dry Using a Coat Conditioning Spray

Coat conditioning spray: A groomer's favourite helper.

This spray detangles and assists in deshedding,

as well conditions the coat at the same time.

Step 2: Happy Hoodie Time

Not only does this hoodie protect the dog from the loud noises of the high-velocity dryer,

but it also calms them.

Step 3: Section Dry

Methodically dry section by section until the coat until it's approximately 80% dry. 

At this point you can add your heavy hitter- the slicker brush.

Simultaneously brush in partnership with the force of the dryer.

Hint: For this coat type, always dry with the lay of the coat. 

The coat should lay flat and close to the body.

Step 4: Line Brush Your Dry Dog

Take time to line brush your dog.  This will allow you to methodically locate

any remaining compacted coat. 

Step 5: When Your Slicker Isn't Enough-Bring Out The Heavy Hitting Deshedding & Dematting Tools

When the slicker can't conquer the job, thats when we bring out the amazing big hitters-

the dematting combs, matt busters, rakes, coat king- the list is extensive. 

In this picture I am using a dematting rake.

Step 6: The Judge & Jury- Your "Comb-Check"

Checking with the comb is crucial to ensure you've accomplished your task flawlessly,

glide it through 100% of your dog.

If it encounters resistance at any stage, there's more to be done!

Address the area either with a slicker brush or a deshedding tool & recheck with the comb!

Step 7: Be Proud Of Your Finished Result

You did it! If you completed all these deshedding steps, you will have a beautiful,

well-groomed, healthy, vibrant dog. 

Download your Ultimate Deshedding Cheatsheet Here!