While at the “Island Animal” pet store, the owner demonstrated how to use the furminator on one of her two GSD’s. She prefers the 2.65″ edge (which is narrower, for dogs 21-5- pounds), because she said it can be used with more precision than the wide edge, and do areas like legs better. Also, she preferred the one for medium to short hair length. I bought the one 2.65″ edge, but instead I chose the new long hair deshedding edge, which is for dogs with hair longer than 2 inches. Dutch’s hair on his shoulders is already that long. Do you think I should keep this one, or return it for the wider edge, or for the one with cutting teeth for dogs with shorter hair?
I need to know soon, because we’ll be heading home after this weekend. Thanks!
I only use the Furminators when they are really blowing coat. I only use it on their body and not on their legs. For the legs I use a slicker brush:
http://www.petedge.com/product/Grooming/Grooming-Tools/Combs-Brushes-Rakes/1-All-Systems-Slicker-Brushes/pc/190/c/214/sc/276/43796.uts
or
http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Christensen-Slicker-Brush-Medium/dp/B000ES6ELW
A good quality slicker brush will not damage the coat but do a good job removing dead coat.
Thanks, Julie! I remember you said to only use it when they’re really “blowing coat,” which I assumed meant sometime after next winter. At his age, is Dutch even likely to “blow coat” this year?
I remember that that back of the upper legs of my GSD were always very heavy with fur, and that’s the area I was referring on the legs. Don’t worry – I’d never use it on other leg areas.
I’m still wondering, though: Should I keep this narrower furminator, or get the wider one, and do you think I should keep the one for longer hair (over 2″), or get the one for dogs with short/medium hair?
I would get the wider one, and the one for short/medium hair.
I use the wide one on Libby and my two previous dogs about every other week. I would not use on them wet-I furminate before bathing, swimming etc. I have never used anything on the legs other than a regular brush. I use a metal comb on the tail and butt fluff behind the legsonce or twice a week. If they are blowing coat you may need to step it up or you will have huge hair tumbleweeds that will take over the house instead of the smaller wispy ones that are always around unless it has been less that 5 minutes since you vacuumed 🙂