[OutWest]

I see lots of people recommending different tools and such for home grooming, but I don't know what they all are. Am wondering if someone has some pictures of rakes, etc. and can post them? I have spent so much money over the years buying this and that, and would really like to know what is best to use and when....Any and all help appreciated!

 

[HiTideGoldens]

I'm not a groomer professionally but I groom my own dogs and have learned a great deal from showing our dog. Although we use a handler, I can get my dog ring ready if need be at this point. I use a Mars Coat king to get out dead undercoat. I have the double-wide 18 blade. Here's a link: The Groomer's Mall - Mars Coat-Kings

 

[LibertyME]

Undercoat rake - stiff teeth...some have rotating teeth.
Pretty darn safe and easy to use.
Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Undercoat Rakes | PetEdge.com

This also called a rake:
However...this one has blades that will cut coat and should be used with caution.
http://www.petedge.com/product/Oster-Pet-Grooming-Undercoat-Rakes/45156.uts

 

[LibertyME]

An example of a Pin brush
Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Pin Brushes | PetEdge.com

 

[LibertyME]

Slicker Brush
Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Slicker Brushes | PetEdge.com

 

[AmbikaGR]

What areas are you looking to groom?

My entire set of grooming tools consist of
Necessities (in my opinion)
Table
Dremmel for nails
Comb
Pin brush
Straight scissors
Thinning scissors
Blow dryer

Optional (again in my opinion)
Mars Coat King
drying coat/wrap

 

[LibertyME]

However if I had to choose just one piece of equipment a good quality, comfy, strong, 7-1/2", medium/coarse, comb would be it ... hands down.

 

[LibertyME]

exact same list for me Hank...

 

[AmbikaGR]

Here is a link to an excellent site to show you when and how to use these tools.

Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club

 

[HiTideGoldens]

The Oster rake and Mars coat king shouldn't be cutting coat. Mine never have and I'm sure I would hear it from our handler if I inadvertently cut all of Jack's topcoat off! lol They aren't like furminators, they strip out undercoat but should be leaving the top coat intact. I think the term blade is what throws people, the Oster rake and Mars coat king don't have razor blade type blades like the furminator does.

 

[goldensrbest]

An example of a Pin brush
Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Pin Brushes | PetEdge.com

Don't get those pin brushes, they do not last, invest in a good pin brush. chris christensen, has good brushes,and they last.

 

[LibertyME]

respectfully disagree...
My Mars Coat King is sharp enough to cut paper....and they are 10+ years old.
They pull out dead coat no doubt...but they can & do cut guard hair...
Im not saying they should never be used (clearly I own one)....but just must be used with care.

The Oster rake and Mars coat king shouldn't be cutting coat. Mine never have and I'm sure I would hear it from our handler if I inadvertently cut all of Jack's topcoat off! lol They aren't like furminators, they strip out undercoat but should be leaving the top coat intact. I think the term blade is what throws people, the Oster rake and Mars coat king don't have razor blade type blades like the furminator does.

 

[HiTideGoldens]

That's good to know, I don't go crazy with it and only use it (clearly) where he needs stripping a bit. I've never had an issue but I definitely don't over do it so that's probably why. Thanks for the info

 

[OutWest]

Everybody--thank you! I finally had time to sit down and look at all the links and pictures, etc. This is great information. I have about half of these tools. Mostly I just want to keep the dogs looking good, keep their skin healthy, and keep the fur from flying too much around the house. (And I love it when people tell me how beautiful they are! People tell me all the time how wonderful their coats are...)

When we got Tucker, I decided to try and do most of the grooming at home myself. Being out of work, taking two dogs to the professional groomer is not in the budget...

 

[Yuki]

i just use a slicker brush regularly, it gets all the shedding undercoat without damaging the guard hair. i kinda like that brush more than the other pin/bristle brushes. when my golden is shedding i brush more often to get the hair off, thats it. if there are any tangles i use a comb to detangle.

since we are on the grooming topic....i have never used deshedding tools before. are they really helpful? is a slicker brush safe and good enough?