Thistles in Shelties Coat

[KypsMom]

I'm hoping someone has some advice for me. I have a 1yr. female Sheltie who has a very think coat. She got into some thistles and has 4 or 5 stuck in her coat...around her collar, above her shoulder, and in her flank. She is not an easy dog to work with. She came to me with some serious trust issues. She likes to be brushed, but snaps at me when I try to get the thistles out. I am hoping to avoid going to such extremes as drugging her, and I'm afraid a muzzle will undo all the progress I've made with her. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
Suzanne

[Sheltiemama]

I have had burdocks in the coat of my shelties and the only advise I can give you is to make both yourself and the dog comfortable and work them out with a steel pinned comb. We used to have to muzzle Kelsey cause he's snap if we pulled too hard on his fur. I don't think muzzeling them will undo all of your hard work. Just remember to praise and treat him often as you work out the matts. Take a regular comb or an undercoat rake and hold the mat and then take just a little of the hair in the tip of the steel comb and pull down so it comes free of the gnarled hair. Do a little bit of the pulling and give him a little treat and let him rest for a minute and go at it again. It'll take a while but that way you don't have to cut clumps of hair off that pretty puppy.

[.Little Texas.]

Instead of a muzzle, get a halti and tie her head to something with the ring on the halti, It will keep her head from moving. My Rough Collie, Harrison Ford, nips frequently whenever I get those nasty prickly things out from him, but he so loves to play in the bush!

[Sheltiemama]

That's a great idea .little Texas. The halti is much easier for them to accept. Thanks.

[KypsMom]

Thanks for the good advice. She's worked some of them out herself and at least doesn't look as miserable as she did. I'll go out today and get a halti. That's a great idea. I hadn't thought of that. I also will also make sure I have plenty of treats.

Suzanne

[OhBoy!]

Thistles are the WORST. Sorry, I just had to say that. xD

[Moo]

If I have to, I'll muzzle up my dog when he's getting difficult. He gets into his snappy dominant alter-ego modes, and I have to put him in place. I don't have a muzzle. I use a leash tied around his muzzle, a knot under his chin, then tied again behind his head.

[.Little Texas.]

That's just about the same as a halti Moo Good that your getting lots of treats. Harry prefers the beef flavoured ones more than lamb. Ninka, on the other hand, likes the vegetable and lamb flavoured ones. Halti's in NZ (New Zealand) are only $7.00, I don't know what they are in America, but I've never seen one for over 7.00$ anywhere in NZ, and that's what we payed for Harry's.

[Rio Vista Grooming Expert]

Have you tried Canine Shine by Rio Vista Products. Cainine Shine is an instant grooming spray that is an alternative to silicone-based coat polishes. It releases tangles, matting and prevents shedding. This non-greasy formula keeps the coat clean, soft, shiny and healthy. Since Canine Shine releases tangles and matts, it will probably help remove the thistles with less work...and help prevent them from getting tangled next time.
Please visit our website for more information Rio Vista Products !

[muttlover]

I would work a good conditioner into the coat and then the burrs etc.will come out easier.If they are burrs,crushing them first also helps to release them.