SV showing and blown coat - Page 1

My 12 month old decided to blow her coat 2 weeks before an SV show. She has tufts coming out everywhere. Thoughts on showing in the SV world with a dog who is blowing coat? I have no idea if it is acceptable....

Thanks,
Sara

In Germany it's equialent to showing up at the alter in your underwear. They have a show each weekend though. In the US shows are few and far between. Most SV judges understand that and don't hold it against you as much. Give them a bath as close to the show as possible, like a couple hours, and blow them dry.

Wouldnt do 2 hours before a show, made that mistake before. Hair just kept on flying off, even with blowing and brushing like crazy.
For me still works best to bath about 3 days before the show/event. This loosens all the shedding undercoat, then dry and start raking like a champion till the show. Dont use a furminator though; double rake, slicker brush and a very fine soft bristle brush (like for horses).

Good luck with the SV show!

Ok, thank you both!!!  Yes, there are only like 2 or 3 WDA shows in my region. :-(

Sara

I would like to add that I dont want to discredit Dog1. I have seen that SL folks and AKC show'ers do give their dogs baths right before a show. This just did not work for my WL dogs possible due to the different texture of the coat. I saw this especially in my male (avatar). He is sable with grey under coat and black tipping. The black looked dull and too fluffy, the greyish under hairs kept on magically appearing, which overall gave him an unkept impression.
With bathing him 3 -4 days before an event, the under coat really blows out and the top coat has time to "lay back down" and getting the oil replaced to make him look shiny. The soft bristle brush I use for the head and a smooth brushing over like one would do with a horse.

2-3 shows is actual pretty decent. Once you start going you will be surprised how far people are travelling. Please dont be discouraged by anything, but keep on going and showing!

I agree with Elkoorr.....

We do not bathe any dog less than 3 days before a show (unless absolutely a must)....

They tend to shed more right after a bath...especially the very next day.

Use conditioners and a "thickening" product during brushing...it will help "weigh" hair down a little, and keep in clean looking.

Best of luck....we have all been there....just this past weekend to be truthful! LOL!

Considering how few and far between, I would risk it and go show. JMHO

If you have a dog dryer (force dryer) i would recomend using Best Shot Shampoo system. It's a shampoo, conditioner and finishing spray that gets the dog very clean, I've been amazes at what comes out of some dog's coats!
Use the conditioner watered down to about two table spoons in a gallon of water. Work it into the coat in every direction. Let it soak for a couple of minutes. Then rinse, rinse and when you think all the soap is out of the dog, rinse one more time. Towel or allow to shake dry for a few minutes.  While still wet spray the coat with the spray working it into the fur with your fingers.
By this point you should have huge clumps of coat coming out of the dog by the hand fulls. Have no fear, it's dead hair that was held in place by natural oils and static.
Then break out the force dryer.
Start with the head and neck region and blow the water and coat off the dog going with the natural growth of the coat. It's ok to back fluff some areas as this will help remove stubborn clumps. Keep working the nozzle back and forth until the coat is completly dry. At this point you cna break out the slicker brush and catch those last few stray hairs still stickign around.
I'd recomend doing this outside if at all possiable because you will be decorating the inside of your home with tons of flying shepherd coat.
What i really liek about this shampoo is that it is very light and hardly any smell (a little minty). There is not residue, the animal just feel clean. I've used this product with on hundreds of double coated dogs, including show dogs and their owners loved it.
Some of the best coats i've worked on here Bernese mountain dogs (OMG can they shed!) Samyoeds, long coated shepherds, Black Russian terriers and Standard schnauzers.
Man i was i had pix from when i was grooming.

http://www.bestbullysticks.com/home/bbs/page_12909/best_shot_ultramax_professional_strength_kit.html

Here's a link to a package deal. I'm not a saleman, i'm a retired groomer that was really impressed with their products.
And best of luck in showing your dog. :D

Thank you all for the additional replies!!!!

Dragon..very neat! I will definitely look into the products you mentioned! I have a grooming table and new blow dryer!! :-)

I figure..worse case scenerio, I can use the show for experince like another fourm member had pm'd to me..Lord knows, I need all the "practice" I can get!!!

Thanks again,
Sara

i bathe my dogs 2 days before the show and they are not bad at all, i would not worry about a little shedding its the big blow out is what looks bad. i would go  get the expereince so you will know for next time what others are doing - have fun with it.