how to condition lab coat?

[littleLABgirl]

i want to know how to condition a lab for show

[GretaJack]

What is the skin condition and coat condition currently like?

I am a big believer in Lambert Kay's Linatone Plus......shiny coats, reduced shedding....

But I have never shown labs in the conformation ring. I just stick with obedience....

[RoughCollies]

I don't know about labs, but we use color shampoo.
Black Lab - black dog shampoo (tri collie)
Yellow Lab- White dog shampoo (blue collie, white collie)
Chocolate- red dog shampoo (sable collie)

There a lot of brands availabe, but any higher quality shampoo works. then, use a creme rinse to soften the coat. Blow dry it, brush through with an undercoat rake, and finish off with a slicker brush. Also, spray on conditioners work well. Try this a while before you show, to make sure it works for your dog. Labs have thick undercoats and flat, coarse, waterproof on top, so you want to make sure you get that effect in the end.

[RoughCollies]

Definantly put something in the food. Lineatone works well as well as grizzly oil. It gives the coat a shine and does reduce shedding. All show dogs should get some kind of skin/coat supplement, in my opinion.

[littleLABgirl]

in her food i give her ketchup( vitamin E ) and olive oil i used to give her hard boiled eggs but they ade her sick....

[BabyElephant]

Poppy has had real trouble with her coat since her fur fell out due to the skin infection. The vet gave her an Essential Fatty Acid supplement (which contains evening primrose oil) called Effavet but it does take at least 6 weeks of giving supplements before you will see any effect. Her fur is growing back really thick and shiny - she looks great!

Lab's coats are not supposed to be soft, the are supposed to be coarse and rough so I wouldn't suggest using a softening conditioner but like Greta I don't show my lab. I will contact my friend who does (she's a judge as well) and let you know what she says.

[RoughCollies]

Originally Posted by RoughCollies

Labs have thick undercoats and flat, coarse, waterproof on top, so you want to make sure you get that effect in the end.

That's what I said, I just contradicted myself, lol. I just said what I do, but I'm not sure a conditioner would be good for a lab, either.

[AroHawk Collies]

All my show dogs get the following:
Vit E
Garlic - for fleas, tics, and flys
Fish Oil
Ester C - to help the body absorbe the glucosamine
and Glucosamine. I start the glucosamine at 1 1/2 - 2 years of age because it helps keep the fluid between the joints in a liquid form.
Also you may want to check whats in the dog food. My one collie was having a coat issue. I got talking to a poodle breeder friend of mine and her poodle had the same issue. Come to find out her poodle was allergic to Corn. I switched him off of food that had corn in it and his coat improved dramatically.

[littleLABgirl]

ok thanks alot everyone!