A ? about the furminator--
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Good question...I used mine this weekend on a lab who sheds a lot, and wondered the same...when am I finished??
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I only use my furminator about 3 or 4 strokes in the same place. I have never done it more so I am not sure if it will continue to pull out hair, but the 3 or 4 strokes gets enough. Then I use a regular brush for the rest of the dog, including the underbody and tail. Whatever you do dont use the furminator on his long hair, only his coat.
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I have several cues..... my arm or back is aching or the dogs have gotten antsy !!!! Seriously, I brush each for a few minutes (maybe 3-5 min/each). I figure that's a ton of hair that is now outside and not on my floors or bed. I'd much rather do a little at a time than to do one marathon session.
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It only takes out the undercoat, which has a different texture and color than the rest of the fur (it's really light colored on Dusty, and on Boo the black Lab it's sort of dull and gray). So I don't think it could leave the dog bald. But when Dusty was shedding really badly, the first time my mom and I used the furminator we took turns brushing him for at least an hour and there was still fur coming out.
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Well I am outside brushing Bella and holy gobs of fur is flying everywhere !! Wow--I bet if I brushed for for hours there would still be fur. She isn't too crazy about sitting still, she get very impatient with being still. Is it possible to ever get all the undercoat out or is that asking too much??
I haven't purchased the furminator yet. My vet told me to be careful if I bought one because I could have a bald dog. He suggested I use a slicker brush. I had Ginger brushed after a training session at Petsmart and they used the furminator. I'm having her bathed there this Saturday after class but will ask them not to use the furminator.
Why can't you use it on the long hair?
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You're not supposed to use it on the feathering of the legs/tail (there's no undercoat there to get out, and the hairs seem thicker or something so they're more likely to get caught in the brush and torn or pulled out). A slicker brush would not be anywhere near as good at getting out the undercoat. The only thing I've found comes close is an undercoat rake, but even that takes a lot more time and takes out less hair.
I know several conformation people who use the furminator on their conformation dogs (including Goldens and Flat-coats) with no problem, and they would be the first people to notice if there was any damage to the dog's coat. So I highly doubt that it really could make a dog bald or otherwise damage the coat. It's just a lot more efficient way to get rid of the shedding undercoat that's going to end up on your couch or carpet otherwise.
I know several conformation people who use the furminator on their conformation dogs (including Goldens and Flat-coats) with no problem, and they would be the first people to notice if there was any damage to the dog's coat. So I highly doubt that it really could make a dog bald or otherwise damage the coat. It's just a lot more efficient way to get rid of the shedding undercoat that's going to end up on your couch or carpet otherwise.
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This really made me laugh. The first time I used mine, I did so inside and OMG, the fur was EVERYWHERE. It looked like a dust storm inside !!! LOL
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I could brush Wrigley for days and never get rid of all the fur. He enjoys it and loves to chase his fur as it blows around the back yard.
I don't think you could ever brush them bald, but it can scratch their skin if used too often. I usually use it once or twice (tops) a week.
It gets my vote for the greatest dog invention ever!
I don't think you could ever brush them bald, but it can scratch their skin if used too often. I usually use it once or twice (tops) a week.
It gets my vote for the greatest dog invention ever!
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It works amazingly well on my Husky. My golden is too young for shedding, so I haven't used it on him yet.
I was able to get out all of his shedable undercoat this summer. His top coat looks fine, and he doesn't look bald at all. I don't think it's possible unless you start hurting your dog.
I was able to get out all of his shedable undercoat this summer. His top coat looks fine, and he doesn't look bald at all. I don't think it's possible unless you start hurting your dog.
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Whst fo you mean by do not use the furminator on long hair and just his coat? Thank you.
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Right after you open it. Seriously, send it back.
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I'd return it. The furminator takes off healthy top coat hair due to the design of the teeth. Invest in a real undercoat rake and it won't damage your dog's coat and only remove the undercoat. I wasn't happy with it but your experience may be different.
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Can you recommend a good undercoat take?
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