My shih tzu's hair is a mess what to do?

[bbsmom]

Hello,

I have a six month old Shih tzu and a 15 week old Jack Russell Terrier.

Well at first my shih tzu's hair was ok but the we got the JRT Tessa and they play so much his hair as become a big mat, and I know part of it is I didn't brush him enough.

I am pregnant and havent been feeling well, but anyway I think I should just shave it off. There are not any groomers around here that are open when I can get to them.

So should I just cut with scissors what I can and then shave the rest? What are some good relatively inexpensive clippers?

Thanks!!!

[Moo]

Shave it off and start a new. And when it starts to grow back, try to comb in every day to prevent the mats from coming back.

But make sure she doesn't sun burn when she is naked.

I don't know anything abotu clippers though.

[bbsmom]

Yeah, I think that right now is the only thing I can do..

HE hates for me to brush his hair though, that is why it is so hard..

I am going to just buy some clippers from wal-mart tonight..and give that a try..

I guess I need to keep the hair around his rear clipped because there is always poop getting in it.

[Moo]

A dog needs to be warmed up to the idea of a comb.

Put it on the ground and invite him to sniff it. Later, sit on the ground praise him for being there while you hold the comb in your hand. Then comb his back. Work slowly, gradually to get to combing his body. Give lots of praise and maybe some treats at the end of it all.

[bbsmom]

My poor Chewy! I started cutting his hair. Using scissors to cut off the long parts and I accidentally gave him some bald spots.

Then the clippers I bought didnt work then the others the blade slipped back and made even more bald spots.

My hubby laughed at him all night..He also doesnt think I would make it as a dog groomer.

[LittleSpike]

I also have a shih tzu and have always had that problem... my dog wants nothing to do with a comb either... so he's always shaved pretty short... always... it's a lot of maintenance to keep the hair on the longer side...and if your pup is fussy like mine.. it's great having it short.

[TashasMom]

dont hold me to this butttttttt.
laughing at ur dog after his hair cut lowers their self esteem.
and it may make them depressed.
they dont feel "pretty" after the change in hair.
and the buzzer thing. My best friend has a pekinese and hher bf tried to clip his hair but the clip didnt work. so they tried to buzz a part of my dog and the buzzers worked just fine she had a bald spot on the back of her butt for weeks lol

[Aria]

to get rid of tangles u can use childrens detangler, just spray on coat and comb through. That might help ya.

[bbsmom]

I tried the detangler first, didn't work..

His hair is growing back but now it looks kinda curly

[2ndchance]

If you cut out the mats be very careful that you don't mistake the skin as well and cut it, or grooming will be a nightmare. Place a dog comb between the matt and the skin so you are sure you're only getting the matt. Try using a detangler made for dogs and soak the matt in it before cutting it. If you want good clippers because you intend to do all the grooming with the dog, don't buy the clippers sold in walmart or pet stores they usually only last for one cutting. Invest in the ones that a groomer would use. You can find them in dog catalogs for about 150.00. Call a groomer and see what clippers they recomend. Keep the hair short if you don't have time to brush daily. (About 2 inches)