Grooming
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A healthy, well groomed coat shines in the sun! A healthy, glowing coat starts with a good diet, and good grooming just brings out what is already there.
This is just going to be a basic grooming your pet page since there are great videos out there for more complicated grooming such as for show dogs. The amount and texture of coat will vary from Aussie to Aussie, and some will need a lot more grooming than others. Being spayed or neutered also changes the coat due to the changes that causes to the endocrine system. Spayed or neutered dogs will shed more and often not as properly, making them more prone to matting. Most Aussies should be brushed well at least weekly, and some may need more especially around the backs of the ears and britches.
The basic things to remember is to keep the dog clean and brushed, and if you want to tidy up some of the coat on the ears, around the tail dock, and feet, that is something you can learn to do at home.
I recommend a mild shampoo or shampoo conditioner that does not have a strong odor. Rinse well and ideally invest in a good dog blow dryer. I have a Chris Christensen Kool Dry which I LOVE! It dries them fast and blows out any loose coat.
Here are the basic tools I use - a slicker brush, a comb, good quality thinning shears, scissors and Millers Forge nail trimmers. Some people prefer to dremel nails and that works great too. I DON'T recommend product like a Furminator since that damages coat.
Here is a bit of what I to do tidy up feet and tail area. I'll add some of ears as soon as I get some taken.
To Shave Or Not To Shave
It is generally not recommended to shave a double coated dog. The coat, if health and not matted, serves as protection from heat and sun. Dogs don't sweat like us and their coats are helpful in keeping them cool and from being sun burned. The exceptions would be a dog who has not been well cared for who has a badly matted coat, or a senior dog who struggles with grooming. Shaving a double coat, especially on a spayed or neutered dog, runs the risk of permanently damaging the coat, causing it to not grow back in normally.
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"The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you."
Deuteronomy 28:8
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