Ultimate dog grooming

This large-format, colorfully illustrated handbook will find a place on library shelves where a good, general instruction manual for grooming one's own pet and even establishing oneself as a professional groomer is called for. The text is to the point and attractively arrayed across the page. The first chapter covers basic coat types, and subsequent chapters present information on maintenance of a healthy coat and on routine coat care. The path to creating a grooming career is carefully laid out, and most of the book is given over to the grooming needs of specific breeds of dogs. --Brad Hooper Copyright 2004 Booklist

While dog owners are often attracted to a specific breed's outward appearance (especially its hair or coat), few consider the time and effort required to maintain that appearance. Geeson, who has actively shown and judged one of the most grooming-intensive breeds (the poodle) for over 40 years, offers a three-part introduction to grooming for both owners and professionals. In Part 1, she briefly addresses what an owner needs to know about grooming as well as how to choose the right groomer. Part 2 is geared toward those who want to become professional groomers. As in Part 1, the information is quite basic; someone who is seriously considering going into the business would require more detail. The bulk of the book offers well-done profiles of 170 dog breeds arranged by coat type that include worthwhile tips and hints. Supplementing the text are more than 500 color illustrations, ranging from detailed drawings to photographs. Sturdily bound and stitched to lie open for easy use, this large-format book is highly recommended for any library that needs a solid overview of the subject. Edell Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Chapter 1: COAT TYPES Many people think grooming is all about clipping Poodles, but it is much more than that. Grooming is the act of keeping the skin and coat in a healthy, clean, balanced state. It also involves the maintenance of teeth, ears and nails. Grooming is an integral part of dog care. Not only does it keep the animal clean and looking good, but it is also a social act that strengthens the relationship between handler and dog. How you groom a dog depends on the breed, coat type and the owner's personal preferences. Anyone can put a dog on a table and brush its coat up and down for a few moments, but with a little thought and hard work, both dog and owner can enjoy the experience and, who knows, you may be a future Groomer of the Year as a result! Buying a Dog: Coat Considerations Among the many breeds of dog, there is a tremendous difference in the types of coat. Certainly, one should take this into serious consideration before taking on a breed of dog. Can you cope with the hair? Will the dog require professional grooming help? (See Chapter Four.) Can you afford the outlay of regular trips to the grooming parlor? Are you, or any of your family, asthmatic or allergic to shedding dog hair or dandruff or both? Could you cope with all those long curls that get covered with mud during a wet walk? These are just a few questions that need to be considered before deciding on the right breed for your family. It is wise to speak to owners of your shortlisted breeds before making your final choice. Your national kennel club will be able to put you in contact with breed clubs of those types of dogs you might be interested in. The club representatives can tell you how demanding the coat care is for their particular breed so you will know exactly what you will be taking on. It is a good idea to consult a groomer to inquire about the cost of grooming sessions before making a final decision on which breed is right for your family. Additionally, groomers, who have worked with dogs of many breeds for many years, often have valuable knowledge to impart about the characteristics of different breeds. For full information on grooming different coat types and the equipment needed, see Part Three. Puppy Coats Puppies of all breeds have a softer coat than they will have on gaining maturity, and it is easy to underestimate the grooming that is required as the dog matures. Poodles, for instance, have a soft, fluffy wool coat that is easy to keep until they are about 7 months of age, when the coat will thicken. Unless it is properly groomed, the coat will mat or felt against the skin, especially if the coat gets wet and is left to its own devices to dry. Basic Coat Types There are many different types of coats. Part Three of this book is organized into the following categories: The short coat (example: the Whippet) The long coat (example: the Yorkshire Terrier) The corded/curly coat (example: The Curly-Coated Retriever) The medium/silky coat (example: the Irish Setter) The thick coat (example: the Finnish Lapphund) The stripped coat (example: the Airedale Terrier) The trimmed/clipped coat (example: the Bichon Frise) Excerpted from Ultimate Dog Grooming by Barbara Vetter, Lia Whitmore, Eileen Geeson All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.