(Part 2) Top products from r/doggrooming

I like Andis 2speed or 5speed clippers for at home use. They are easy to use and maintain.

Most doodles even with a double coat it doesn’t really matter the way it would on a Golden Retriever. If you want to go smooth use a 2g clip on comb. This can be used over a 10 or a 30 blade. I prefer a 30, but 10 works.

You can go longer, of course, but that’s the most manageable length I’ve found.

Make sure your dogs are clean beforehand. Bathe the dogs as close to grooming as possible.

Get a good pair of thinners, you can use these in front of eyes, around feet, to give a natural look, and can also help blend out spots if you’ve had to remove mats, or even to help remove mats from some areas.

The brushes I've had and been pleased with:

[Mars] (https://www.amazon.com/Mars-Professional-Grooming-Horses-Stainless/dp/B00OGLMZWU/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?keywords=pet%2Bgrooming%2Bpin%2Bbrush&qid=1558320722&s=gateway&sprefix=pet%2Bgrooming%2Bpin&sr=8-11&th=1&psc=1)

[#1 All Systems] (https://www.amazon.com/All-Systems-Molded-Plastic-Handle/dp/B001VPAD00?ref_=bl_dp_s_mw_3015818011)

Chris Christensen is an excellent brand if you see something in your budget (look for 16-22mm pins). I use their "T-handle" and love it. JW pet, Mars, Safari, and Andis generally get good reviews as being good quality tools that perform well.

I love this lotion http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Therapeutics-Gardeners-Repair-Fluid/dp/B0006O0UAU actually all their products are pretty awesome. :)

I’ve used plenty of dremels, but this one has been my favorite. It has a removable protective cap with a large and small hole for nails, and a bright light so I can see what I’m doing better. Since I’ve gotten it I’ve actually been able to keep my nails painted and at a decent length!

I ditto what’s been said about clipping a clean well brushed coat. I’m not familiar with your clippers but I would skip the lower speed and stay on the highest speed you can. A new blade is fairly cheap. You can get some from Amazon for around $15-20. You kind of contradict yourself saying you want him fluffy but also he gets too warm? Why not get a good 5f blade (the Andis Ultra Edge are my favorite) take him down shorter and in about 2weeks he’ll be fluffy like you want. You won’t have to groom him as often and I find the 5f goes thru better than any 4 blade, be it a steel clip on 4 blade, or an ultra edge 4f blade. Or you could 5f his back and 4 his legs... Kool Lube (sprayed onto the blade as it’s running, will not hurt the coat or the blades) is another product that might help your blades to glide through a cottony coat. Just start the clippers, point away from pet or you, and spray the blade as it’s running. You will hear the blade start to run smoother and faster and know you’ve sprayed enough onto it. Always make sure your blades are not hot, that tends to make them drag. Touch the blade occasionally to make sure it’s not too hot. A hot blade will also hurt your dog. Hope this helps :)

This brush: Miracle Coat Slicker Dog Brush, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFRY76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AhnHDb03FP7BJ

Saves me sooo much time dematting, it just glides through way easier. If the coat is very long then

This brush: Chris Christensen Long Pin Slicker Brush, Large, Coral https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KAJQJ74/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zwnHDbP5YZG89

This one is a dream, pricey but will save lots of time, there is a learning curve with this one though so don't be discouraged if it's a bit awkward at first. Pair each one with a metal grey hound comb.

This might be a weird suggestion, but a month ago when I was looking at buying cordless clippers, one of the reviews said they oiled a part of the clippers with mutton tallow. So then I looked for mutton tallow on Amazon to go with my clippers, and in the reviews for that a few people said that it's a super awesome remedy for cracked heels/feet. Might help with hands? The reviews said it has a musky smell to it which did bother some people but I just opened up mine and smelled it and I don't think it's too bad.

Here's a link if you wanna look

Thank you for the compliments :)

>Personally I loathe the Furminator

That's interesting to hear. I don't know much about it, outside of the fact is will get a lot of fur off of him. I only used based on info online so I'd interested to hear more if you don't mind.

Specific kinds of brushes you mentioned are talked about here:

• Rubold Pet Rake (rake)
  
• HaloVa Pet Comb (pins / bamboo bristles brush)
  
• Chris Christensen Oval Brush (pin brush)
  
  For a weekly routine at home, what would you recommend for day to day brushing (without bathing)?
  
  We plan to take him to the groomer for a bath (either by them or ourselves) every 4 - 8 weeks (once we figure out what works).

Yeah, I looked at our Shed Ender Pro, and it's either naturally got round edges, or was used heavily before (quite possible, we've had quite a few dogs. And judging by the teeth marks on the handle I'd say it saw some action with our St. Bernard puppy when he lived with us). Would a brush like [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/M2Pets-Long-Snap-N-Clean-Brush-Small/dp/B0009YYMZG/ref=sr_1_3?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1406397017&sr=1-3) work as well for topcoar? I know that it says it's for undercoat, but it seems like the pins are set too far apart to be effective for that (granted,I know next to nothing about dog grooming). I know we used to have a zoom groomer, but I have no idea where it may be.

Here is the best book to setup a business for house call. https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-House-Call-Grooming/dp/0692916377

The only thing I've found that saves my hands is called Corn Huskers Friend and it's aaaaaaaaaamazing. Works better than any lotion I've ever tried.

Andis ProClip 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper, Professional Animal Grooming, AGC2, Black (22340) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018KVHBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FtJ1Cb1RETZRM something like these? With a #7 guide?

I seriously love my Kenchii, I don't let anyone but me touch them.

I would absolutely be tempted to steal the one on the left. What a sweet face.

Also, if you make your own bandanas, using scissors like this can help you avoid all of those annoying little string frays.

If it's not against the skin, I use a little dematter to work them out. Be careful, the inside of those hooks are bladed. You can get between the knot and the skin and work at it, follow with a metal toothed comb to make sure it's all out.

If it is tight to the skin, delicate clipper work can get it right out without it even being noticed.

As for the groomer doing more than you requested. Not cool. If you were explicit in wanting the feet and sanitaries trimmed but that's it, I don't know why they'd do more. If it was just a scissor trim, you're dog's no worse for wear, not going to affect her coat, life is good but the groomer wasn't listening to what you had to say. As far as the groomer goes, that was totally a waste of time as well! Could have used that time on another dog.