To Clip or Not to Clip…. That is the Question!

By: The Jodi Murphy Grooming Employees

As groomers we are likely to assume that when a canine enters our salon for a haircut we instantly pull out our clipper. Nevertheless, there are a lot of breeds and combined breeds which have a flat pure again coat that wants nothing aside from just a little carding and thinning shear work to shine the looks.

Breeds just like the Irish Setter, Longhaired Dachshund, Cocker Spaniels, Brittany Spaniels, Sussex Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Area Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, for instance, have one of these coat.

When these breeds are clipped the coat can change texture and grow to be very thick and wooly. If that is so, clipping often is the solely choice.  If clipping has beforehand been performed, eradicating undercoat along with clipping will assist the blades glide by way of the coat with ease.

Surprisingly there are canine which were clipped prior to now and but their coat will nonetheless stay flat and pure. On this case clipping the coat shouldn’t be essential.  To shorten the size of the again coat on these breeds, backcombing and tipping the ends of the coat with thinning shears may be performed for a pure look. When utilizing these strategies on these breeds it not solely saves time by pointless clipping it additionally saves time from mixing the clipped traces into the longer furnishings. Carding and thinning shear strategies will give a phenomenal seamless look.

When puppies come into the salon for the primary time, their coat sort must be evaluated. If the again coat seems flat and pure…. don’t clip it! They’re your clear slate to start these strategies on. 

Carding strategies are crucial  for canine which have a double coat like many Sporting and Terrier breeds. Undercoat is outlined because the brief, delicate, dense hair that helps the outer coat or guard hair. The time period “carding” describes the strategy of eradicating undercoat from the follicles with the usage of a stripping knife. Maintaining undercoat at bay by utilizing carding strategies is helpful to the pores and skin and the looks of the coat.

This system will promote wholesome pores and skin and coat by clearing the follicles of extreme undercoat. Undercoat is delicate and uninteresting in shade and may stop the pores and skin from respiration if it turns into extreme. As soon as the surplus undercoat is eliminated, the coat will shine and the pores and skin will be capable to breathe and might be more healthy.

When utilizing a stripping knife it is very important maintain the pores and skin taut with one hand whereas combing by way of the coat with the opposite. If the pores and skin shouldn’t be held taut it is going to transfer with each stroke, which may be uncomfortable for the pet. When the pores and skin strikes the device is not going to be productive. The stripping knife must be held at an approximate 30 diploma angle.

When canine aren’t carded, blades will typically depart monitor marks within the coat. It is not uncommon to need to shave them with very brief blades to make sure a smoother end. Nevertheless, the undercoat is what causes the blade to go away monitor marks, virtually just like the look of corduroy. Carding strategies will get rid of the corduroy challenge so an extended blade can then be used which is able to lead to a extra pure look.

Carding strategies take little or no time and might be helpful in the long run for the groomer and the pet. Sustaining a flat pure again coat with the usage of carding and thinning shear strategies not solely saves time, however will give a phenomenal, shiny and pure look to those breeds.

Introducing the Coat Tender®, the last word carding device designed and patented by world-renowned groomer/educator, Jodi Murphy.

The Coat Tender® includes a patented, user-friendly design appropriate for all ability ranges. Its ambidextrous inline deal with and preset blade angle make it straightforward to realize correct method, even for rookies. The distinctive versatile design helps get rid of wrist pressure and reduces fatigue generally skilled with conventional carding knives.

The Coat Tender® is manufactured, and packaged within the USA, product of high-quality chrome steel to make sure sturdiness!

We’re thrilled to announce that the Coat Tender® has been honored with the distinguished Barkleigh Honors “New Product of the Yr” for 2024! This award acknowledges innovation and excellence inside the pet grooming trade, and we couldn’t be prouder to obtain this recognition. This device was designed by Jodi to make grooming simpler, extra environment friendly, and comfy for pets and this accolade displays our dedication to delivering top-quality options for pet care professionals. Designed by a groomer for groomers!