Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My husband and I got out Airedale at 10 weeks. He is now 5 months. He is in his 'teddy bear' stage but I know that more than just combing is going to need to be done soon. I think that we want to have him stripped. We are not going to be showing him. I can't find anywhere that says if there is a time that is appropriate to start stripping an Airedale pup. Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks.

Stripping does cause some pain, especially if you have to take the dog to a groomer for it, instead of doing it constantly at home as hair is ready to shed. Your best bet with a dog you are not going to show is almost surely to have the dog clippered regularly instead of stripped.

Clipping, provided you keep your dog combed out (use a Greyhound comb or better yet, one from Chris Christensen) so the groomer won't have to deal with mats.

I also believe you will have a softer coat if you have the dog clipped instead of stripped. Very nice for petting.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

I forgot to mention, your dog needs groomer experience NOW--a really good, gentle groomer, and not a chain pet store where there is a lot of commotion in the grooming section. Your dog needs to go in for grooming frequently enough that it will be familiar and pleasant. You don't want a groomer having to deal with an angry Airedale! Since this will be a lifelong thing for your dog, get a good groomer and keep that same one. It will make everyone's life better: yours, the groomer's and the dog's.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47