Author: Connie Limon
If you want that perfect show dog look in your Shih Tzu you
might as well relax to the fact that it involved brushing,
brushing, brushing, and daily brushing. A thorough head-to-tail
groom is often needed at least every other day if not "daily."
However, Shih Tzu coat textures are very different. You might
get by with once weekly brushing if the Shih Tzu's coat is the
type of texture that does not mat and tangle easily.
If you have only one Shih Tzu, grooming should not be a
problem. It can be quite pleasurable for you and your Shih Tzu.
It can be an excellent time to bond with each other, and have
nice close little chats with each other.
Where do you start?
A good place to start grooming your Shih Tzu is on the tummy,
the chest and inside the legs...perhaps..there are other
opinions of course, but in this article I will direct you to
start with the tummy, the chest and inside the legs.
You will need to have your Shih Tzu lie on his side on the
table (be sure you have a nice, sturdy table to groom your Shih
Tzu). There is nothing worse than a grooming table that wobbles
around, except of course a grooming area that is not organized.
You also need to have all your equipment organized and ready to
use.
So now that you have your Shih Tzu lying on its side on the
table, with his legs towards you (this can be an accomplishment
in itself that may take several short training sessions to get
done). If the Shih Tzu just will not cooperate with you, you
can start trying to train him by having him lay tummy upwards
in your lap with his head facing your chest. Do this exercise
first for a few days if he absolutely refuses to lie this way
on the grooming table.
If the above fails, you might try to groom the chest and tummy
while the Shih Tzu sits on the table facing you, holding him up
into a begging position by the front paws; this is not easy,
since both hands are needed for some parts of the grooming, but
you might have to try this as a last resort. If your Shih Tzu
mats the tummy will be a prime target for matting.
The tummy side of a Shih Tzu is sensitive also, so be gentle in
this area. Check where the legs meet the body, this is a prime
target area for severe matting as well. Something you don't
want to deal with is severe mats in these areas. These are
extra sensitive areas on your Shih Tzu. The best rule to follow
is pay close attention to these areas on a daily basis and never
allows the mats to occur. The hair around the male penis can
also be a very sensitive trouble spot. It is best to keep this
area clean and shaved off. Your male Shih Tzu will give you a
sigh of relief when you remove the hair in this area.
How do you remove knots and mats?
If you come across a mat or knot first try to tease it apart
with your fingers. Then take a comb and use the end with coarse
teeth to tease out the tangle slowly, working from the outside
inwards and holding the hair between the knot and the body
between your fingers so that you don't pull too hard and hurt
the Shih Tzu. If all else fails, a knot may have to be cut out.
Cut into the knotted hair away from the dog several times before
gently using the comb to clear away the knot. Never cut across
the coat. This will leave an obvious hole. If you will cut down
through the length of the coat you will cause much less damage.
Note: The hair on the legs is more likely to tangle than
anywhere else. So...pay particular attention to these areas as
well to avoid those awful and painful mats.
This article continues in Part II of "Life with the Shih Tzu."
About The Author: Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu
puppies in a variety of colors especially the silver blues,
reds and solid blacks. We have the AKC small standards,
imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. Our website
provides you with an educational experience all about the Shih
Tzu. Please visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and
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