How to groom a German Shepard?

[littleLABgirl]

My friend wants me to wash and comg out their German Shpeard. NOw i know there are bunches of German Shepard people here so what kind of shampoo do i use how much creme rinse and how do i go through coat greyhound comb slicker please help thanks

Kris

[sheplovr]

You do NOT bath a German Shepherd unlesss an American Bred on the Showline.
All that is needed is to brush them ten minutes a day to rid of loose undercoat and WALLA, u have a well groomed Shepherd.
If it gets wet or dirty take a hose and hose underneath its belly and front and back legs, take a big towel and run back and forth to towel dry excess water. I have all new carpet in my home, this is what I do and I keep a bucket of water on front porch to dip the feet in one at a time and place on a towel and dab a bit to dry and they have not ruined my carpet of Berber at all.
Never groom a Shepherd they are almost none maintentaince if taken good care of, good feed, supplements, and daily brushing. Bathing strips the coat of natural oils it builds up to make a healty shiny coat and healthy pliable skin so healthy. Just leave the Shepherds alone to the owner to brush and groom the small doggies that need a trim and shampoo.

[Aria]

I would use a rake brush and a metle comb, This wil get the undercoat out ( and more than likey their will be alot), the other thing i would use is depending on how oily the skin it, either Dawn dish detergent ( the blue stuff) or if you wanted to human shampoo.. like thermasilk. The conditioner , you can use anything you want... including whatever you put on your hair. Also i would recomend a detangler ( same stuff you would buy for your children) in case there is a strong matt.

[Deidre]

I have a german shepherd and I recommend bathing him once a month with a good quality dog shampoo or even human baby shampoo. I wouldn't use a cold hose on him esp. in winter and water alone will add to the smell. A good wash with shampoo will leave him and your place smelling fresh. Slicker brushes are the best.

[barnjess]

Sheplovr, what would you recomend for my dads friends dog, he is in a bad state he has a few health probs (irritable bowl and arthrits), I have only meet him the once but felt like I had to wash my hands quick after stroaking him, he stinks, and I mean really bad has huge mats under his ears and has ezma, the house he is in is clean, but the owner is very cluess

[sheplovr]

Hi, I would give him one Oatmeal bath and rinse with same Oatmeal conditioner. Then just brush and get a bunch of baby wipes I am using on my babies, wipe any poop or otherwise immediately. They sanatize also, help with smell and just get generic ones like I did and cheaper than anything else. Brushing Shepherds or raking first to rid of undergrowth that is loose, then brush against the growth good to rid of any particles, then smooth it down. Get some doggie cologne also. Take Care.

[sheplovr]

By the way, do not mean to be harsh but NEVER use human shampoo on dogs. Get what is made for them or the Oatmeal that is so soothing. Our shampoos have so much perfume or smell, drying agents despite what we buy them for, just take a look at the ingredients in a good bottle of. Take Care.

[barnjess]

I said that I would like to bath their dog and groom him, but i am worried about tackling the mats under the ears they are like tennis balls

[GermanShepherds]

Originally Posted by barnjess

Sheplovr, what would you recomend for my dads friends dog, he is in a bad state he has a few health probs (irritable bowl and arthrits), I have only meet him the once but felt like I had to wash my hands quick after stroaking him, he stinks, and I mean really bad has huge mats under his ears and has ezma, the house he is in is clean, but the owner is very cluess

Sheplovr was just giving advice, she didnt know what you wanted in peticular because you didnt say anything about bathing him or taking his mats out. Good luck with the dog, and the bathing and mats!!

[GermanShepherds]

if the mats are really bad you may have to cut them out.