Furminator and dogs coat - Page 1

 Hey guys,

 I was just on a list for canine professionals and we were talking about the furminator. I was stating how I love it and how it gets out the undercoat etc VERY easily. But several of the pro groomers on the list spoke up and said that while it takes out the undercoat, it can also cut the top coat which explains why it will look like your dog has shorter hair after you use it, and it can also irritate the skin so must be used very carefully. (then again, I did bring up to them that ANY brush could irritate the skin but that's a whole other topic!) 

My guys are getting brushed with it and are SOOO much easier to keep clean. They get good food - California Natural herring and sweet potato for 2 of them, and raw diet for the other two) and a great supplement with fish oils/omega 3's, etc. etc ( vetraceuticals http://www.vetrapethealth.com )  I use Chris's systems shampoo and conditioner for the most part (www.chrissystems.com. So I don't think it's related to diet or anything as far as the coarser hair. I don't want FINE thin hair or anything, but it just feels different after the furminator.They look good, but I just want to make sure I'm not like ruining their coat or anything? Undercoat is lessened and they shed much less, but it looks shorter and coarser to me....anybody else experience this after they use a furminator?

Granted these are not show dogs (working lines) but I do like them to look their best, and the one in particular I want to make sure i"m doing best by is not a GSD. Anyways, I was just wondering if those using the furminator see this, and if it IS a concern of cutting the top coat and that IS a problem, then what DO you use to get out that undercoat? 

In my opinion, it ruins the coat and yes, if you look closely, you note you are cutting the fur and yes, it can irritate skin when used without great care. Sure, it gets out fur you missed, but there is a better way to do that....good old effort and elbow grease. 

I agree with Hodie.  It doesn't cut the outer coat IF you use very light pressure, but then you don't get down to the undercoat.  So what's the use?  JMO...

I have a furminator and occasionally use it.  I like my nice plain old undercoat rake better.  The furminator is a clipper blade and does cut the hair as you brush.

i love the furminator used at the correct angle and with the right amount of pressure it does not cut the guard hairs but if you go in cack-handed it will.

Lucky me, I just ordered a Furminator.

Can anyone share the best way/angle to use this little thing.

I'm not involved with showline, just good old working lines, but I only want the best for my "herd"

Thanks

Spence

spence-

 i posted on the new thread

The Furminator AND it's wannabe look a likes all contain a razor so yes it cuts the coat. I know several Shepherd people who have done major damage to their GSD's coat because they did not realize this - essentially creating a large hole in the dog's coat. This kind of damage can take  up to a year to regrow so it looks correct. Stick with the old fashion rake or a 99cent human pin brush. Together they will get out any amount of undercoat tho your wrist may be a bit more sore. But far safer for the dog.