The Complete Guide to Hand Stripping Dogs

Hand stripping is an essential part of dog grooming, especially for breeds with double coats. It's a technique that requires patience and practice to master.

The goal of hand stripping is to remove dead hair and promote healthy growth, which can be done by pulling the hair out at the root. This process can be time-consuming, but it's worth it for the health and appearance of your dog.

Some breeds, such as Old English Sheepdogs and German Shepherds, require regular hand stripping to maintain their unique coat texture.

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Hand stripping is a grooming process that involves removing dead hairs from the coat by hand instead of clipping. It's a natural way to keep the coat tidy and healthy.

Wire-coated dogs benefit from hand stripping, as it encourages the growth of new, healthy hairs to replace the old and dead ones. Terrier breeds, in particular, have thick, wiry coats that were designed to protect them while hunting and digging.

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The process is usually completed twice a year in spring and autumn, speeding up the natural process of growth and shedding. Hand stripping is a precise process that involves plucking the outer guard hairs from the coat entirely by hand when the coat is blown.

Tools such as stripping knives and stones are sometimes used to help with the process, but true hand stripping is done entirely by hand.

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Hand stripping your dog has several benefits over clipping or shaving. It's a more natural way to remove hair, which is essential for maintaining a healthy coat.

Textured hair only grows in when the previous hair is removed completely, from the root. This is why hand stripping is a better option.

Soft hair can create a nightmare of mats and tangles that are difficult to manage. Regular grooming is essential to prevent this.

Your dog's coat may lose its natural color and appear faded or grey if it's clipped instead of hand stripped. This can be a significant change.

Soft hairs retain bad odors and become difficult to clean. This is because they don't shed properly.

Here are some key differences between hand stripping and clipping:

Hand stripping is a safe process for dogs, and many of my client dogs have even fallen asleep during the process.

The key to a pain-free experience is understanding the natural cycle of hair growth in wire-haired dogs, which reaches a maximum length and is ready to be removed at a certain point, known as a "blown coat".

This is the optimal time for hand stripping, as the hairs are easily pulled out and cause no discomfort.

Proper technique is also essential for ensuring the dog's comfort during the process, including being aware of sensitive areas and knowing how to properly use tools.

Understanding when and where to stop is also crucial to avoid causing any pain or discomfort.

Hand stripping is a grooming technique that's essential for certain breeds with wiry coats. Most Terrier breeds require hand stripping to maintain their breed standard.

Some breeds that benefit from hand stripping include Airedale Terriers, Australian Terriers, and Cairn Terriers, among others. These breeds have a wiry coat that's easily removed through hand stripping.

Here's a list of some breeds that can be hand stripped:

These breeds have a wiry coat that's perfect for hand stripping.

Dog breeds with wiry coats tend to require hand stripping to maintain their breed standard. This includes most Terrier group breeds.

Some breeds that require hand stripping include Terriers, Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Irish Wolf Hounds, and Wire Fox Terriers.

Many mixed breeds, especially those with a Terrier-type coat, can also benefit from hand stripping. These dogs often have a "strippable" coat that can be easily maintained at home.

A list of breeds that are commonly hand stripped includes:

If you have a dog with a wiry coat, it's essential to use a shampoo specifically formulated for wiry haired breeds to prevent drying out their hair.

Bathing a wiry coat too often can cause the hair to dry out, so it's crucial to find the right balance.

You should bathe your dog and dry them before grooming to make the job easier, especially if they're dirty.

Wiry coat breeds have different skin than many other breeds, which requires separate care considerations.

Using a shampoo made from all natural ingredients, such as Houndsley shampoos, can be a great option for home grooming.

Houndsley shampoos are environmentally packaged and cruelty-free, making them a perfect product for home grooming.

At The Pet Retreat, they understand how to care for all different coat types, including wiry coats, and can create a personalized grooming plan for your dog.

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Wiry coats grow in a unique way, with four distinct phases: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen, and Exogen.

The Anagen Phase is the growth phase, where hair follicles move into the growth phase.

In the Catagen Phase, the hair stops growing and the outer root sheath attaches to the hair.

The Telogen Phase is the resting phase, where the hair is at a standstill and does not grow or shed. This is the ideal time for hand stripping, as the root follicle detaches from the dermal papilla.

The Exogen Phase is the fallout phase, where the hair falls out and a new hair grows. Hand stripping targets the older hairs that are in the Exogen Phase of growth.

Here are the four phases of wiry coat hair growth:

You can learn the tools and techniques to start hand stripping with a free crash course that covers the basics.

There is a learning curve to hand stripping, which requires research, practice, and patience. This process can be simplified with an online course like the Hand Stripping Masterclass.

To avoid common mistakes when starting, it's essential to know the "Do's and Don'ts" of hand stripping. These best practices will help you achieve award-winning grooms in a short time.

The entire hand stripping process is explained in detail in the Hand Stripping Masterclass, including step-by-step instructions on how to hand strip dogs from beginning to end.

Some of the tools you'll need for hand stripping include the best tools for the job, which are covered in the Hand Stripping Masterclass.

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If you're wondering if your mixed breed can be hand stripped, it's worth determining if terrier is in their lineage, as this is a good indication. You can also feel the texture of their coat; if it feels wiry and bristly, that's another good sign.

To confirm, you can pull a tiny bit of hair from the jacket and read your dog's reaction. If they don't flinch or show discomfort, it's a good indication they can be hand stripped.

If you're unsure, you can also check if they have an appropriate coat for stripping. Many mixed breeds have a wiry coat that can benefit from hand stripping.

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Can My Mixed Breed Be Hand Stripped?

If you're wondering if your mixed breed can be hand stripped, the answer lies in their lineage. If terrier is in their ancestry, there's a good chance they'll be suitable for hand stripping.

Determine if your dog has a wiry and bristly coat by feeling the texture of their fur. This is a strong indication that hand stripping might be an option for them.

If your dog seems comfortable when you pull a tiny bit of hair from their coat, that's a great sign. They shouldn't flinch or show discomfort, and you can proceed to test a small patch of fur to see if it grows back wiry and textured.

Many mixed breeds with a terrier lineage can benefit from hand stripping, and some breeds that are often hand stripped include:

A groomer who does hand stripping can tell if a coat is ready just by looking at it and touching it.

They'll be able to determine if the coat needs a little more time to grow out, and schedule the next appointment accordingly.

If the coat is not quite ready, the groomer will let you know when to make the appointment to have your dog stripped at the proper time.

It's essential to follow the groomer's advice to ensure the coat is stripped at the right moment, as this affects the overall health and appearance of the coat.

A well-timed hand stripping session can make a big difference in the look and feel of your dog's coat.