http://www.zihala.com/stencil-dog/
Choosing the Perfect Pet Style
The important thing to consider is the reason that you want the style in the first place. Whether it will be for functionality, for breed standard, or maybe just to start a new trend with an original modified style that you put together on your own.
Functionality
This may be your only choice if your pet is in need of relief from heavy matting and long hair that is over-grown and too thick. You may want to also keep a low-maintenance short look if you do not have time to brush out your pet every day, or you would like your pet to feel more comfortable in the summer. During the winter, one solution would be to let your pet wear a sweater until the hair grows out (which usually takes about 2 1/2 – 3 months).
The “Furminator Treatment” is a great alternative to the “shave down” to decrease shedding. The Furminator Shedding tool used is extremely effective in removing at least 70-80% of the loose undercoat after grooming, leaving a noticeably thinner topcoat. Since pets shed over time and not “all at once” it may take a few treatments every 4-6 weeks to keep the undercoat under control. The second part of the treatment consists of a bath using the Furminator Shampoo and Conditioner formulated with all natural ingredients.
Some “Terrier” and “Spaniel” cuts can be modified so that the skirt is scissored shorter than breed standard making it easier to maintain and to keep a “fluffy” look that stays free of debris.
Breed Cuts
It is important to do your research on breed standards for your particular breed.
Keep in mind that there is a different cut for a “pet breed cut” than for the “show breed cut”.
Show trims can be slightly higher in price and usually require hand plucking (link and explain), blending and hand scissoring instead of using the blade set and pattern of the pet breed trim. The goal aspired to achieve in a “show” trim is to maintain the natural flow of the hair growth into a softer outline, rather than visible patterns and solid harsh lines in the “pet” breed trim.
Modified Styles
Modified styles are all about creativity. Some pet owners prefer a completely different style than what is normal for their pet’s breed. For example, a Schnauzer trim can be done on a Yorkshire Terrier. Many different breed cuts can be combined to make one unique style.
Another example could be a Cocker Spaniel with a Cocker Spaniel head, but with a Poodle Lamb Cut on the legs.
Poodle and Labradoodle owners sometimes request a “teddy bear” trim instead of the breed trim just for something cute and different.
For longhaired cats and dogs such as Chow Chows, you can also choose a Lion Cut. This cut resembles a real lion, leaving the scruff larger around the head down to the middle of the chest, with the rest of the body shaved closely. The legs are slightly fluffier (with what are called boots). The tail is usually shaved down to the tip on the very end. This cut is extremely low maintenance.
Still even more creatively you can use stencils, gels, sprays, colors, and “human” styles on your pet. A popular style is the “Mohawk” either on the top of the pet’s head or down the entire back of the body.
Some things you may want to focus on are:
Ears – If you have problems with getting food or tangles in them you may want to have them short for easy care. Be sure to notify the groomer of any ear infections, allergies, or sensitivities. Special products can be used to clean and dry the ears inside. The ear products used can only routinely clean and dry the ears, and cannot be used as a substitute for an ear flush and possible medical treatment that may be needed for chronic ear problems.
Head / Top knot – Try to take into consideration as to whether you normally keep the topknot hair in a barrette or rubber band and never down, or if you would rather have the hair to fall naturally into place without getting into the eyes.
Let the groomer know if you would like the head to be rounded, blended into the body, larger and more pronounced, or a specific shape (a terrier head is squared off instead of fluffy and rounded, etc.).
Tail – When clipping a pet short there are different tail shapes that you may want to consider such as a cipher, carrot, slick to the tail, or gradually blended natural tail.
Paws – Especially with poodles, try to be as specific as possible if you want closely shaved poodle feet or “teddy bear” feet, and if you would like the toenails showing or not.
Nails – There are several things to think about with toenails. Some nails have “quicks” that have grown out extremely long and cannot be cut short without bleeding.
(Ask your groomer to check them). If this is the case, the quicks will have to be cut back short and cauterized at a veterinarian’s office. After this is done- regular nail trims will have to be done to maintain the nail’s shortness so that it does not reoccur.
To soften sharp edges after clipping the nails, you can request filing or dremeling them to a rounded edge. Dremeling keeps the nails short 30% longer than just nail trims alone. It also prevents nail cracking, injuries from scratching and damage to hardwood floors.
Skirt Length – When making a decision on the length of the skirt, consider the time that you have available to spend brushing and combing out the pet. A long flowing skirt is beautiful, but not practical if you can never have the time to maintain it. A shorter skirt can be just as beautiful and easier to care for.
Skin – Give the groomer a “heads up” on the pet skin’s condition and if you would like a flea, conditioning, or medicated treatment added to the bath. Allergic pets will only worsen if you do not communicate sensitivities to the groomer ahead of time so that they can use only hypoallergenic products. Spa treatments can only help soothe the skin and are not capable of “curing” skin ailments that require veterinary care.
Teeth – A routine dental check up by a veterinarian is necessary for beautiful healthy teeth. Regular brushing during grooming appointments is an excellent preventative measure..
Bringing a picture of the style that you want for your pet is helpful, but remember that the groomer cannot be a miracle worker. Don’t be shy about the explaining the desired “look” that you would like your pet to have. Most groomers love a challenge, or to try something different. They will consider all of the factors involved (condition of the pet, timeframe, and work involved) and help come to a reasonable compromise between your expectations and what is possible.
About the Author
Michelle Howard, owner of Petkits.com, is an experienced Freelance Pet Stylist grooming and caring for pets as for over 17 years.
Creative Dog Grooming : How to Apply Dog Stencil Tattoos
|
|
Wilton 2304-1050 101-Piece Cookie Cutter Set $11.15 Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day…cookie cutters for every season, and more! With a complete set of letters and numbers, designs for cowboys, stars, cars and animals, you’ll be ready for any occasion. Durable plastic cutters come in a convenient storage container. Hand wash. (2-1/2 to 6-1/4)… |
|
|
Dachshund Metal Cookie Cutter – Weiner Dog for Cookies / Dog Treats $0.50 4 inch metal cutter…. |
|
|
Fox Run 5-Inch Dog Bone Cookie Cutter $0.99 Bake up beautiful homemade dog biscuits and cat treats shaped like a bone. Metal cookie cutters are each 2″ , 3″ and 5″ x 1″ deep and you will have a blast decorating them. You’ll receive one in each size so you can make small treats and large rewards your little fur baby. After all they deserve homemade freshness too : )… |
|
|
Dremel 290-01 0.2 Amp 7,200 Stroke Per Minute Engraver includes Letter and Number Template $17.46 Engrave, decorate, or personalize a wide variety of materials–from metal to plastic to wood and leather–with the Dremel 290-01 7,200 Stroke Per Minute Engraver. This handy tool includes a letter and number template for infinite artistic possibilities. It also features a soft-grip body, replaceable carbide engraving point, and variable stroke control..caption {font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue… |
|
|
Bench Dog Tools 10-050 Interlock Signmaker’s Letters Set $19.96 Create sign text easily with your router. Templates interlock to form a stable pattern as you rout signs with appropriate carbide router bits and bushings. Secure patterns to your work surface with masking tape. Letter set includes: A, A, B, C, D, E, E, F, G, H, I, I, J, K, L, L, M, M, N, N, O, O, P, P, Q, R, R, S, S, T, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z, ‘, 3-spacers, guide bushing, and router bit. For number … |
|
|
Dogs leave paw prints on your heart cute puppy wall art wall sayings quotes $13.99 ****Size: 23″x11″***** Wall sayings and designs are the latest trend in interior decorating and home decor. It is an easy and creative way to add personality and charm to Any Room! Vinyl Lettering is a creative way to transform any room into a stylish, unique space. By applying your favorite sayings directly to your walls you will create daily inspiration with a beautiful hand-painted look. Insta… |
|
|
Peanuts 1960′s Collection (A Charlie Brown Christmas / Charlie Brown’s All-Stars / It’s the Great Pumpkin / You’re in Love / He’s Your Dog / It Was a Short Summer) $20.21 Charles Schulz’s award-winning “Peanuts” comics and animated television specials are perennial favorites of adults and children alike. What is it that makes a story about a morose young boy struggling with low self-esteem and social ineptness so timelessly appealing? Perhaps it’s the universality of his struggle or Schulz’s social commentary that sometimes proved years ahead of its time–or maybe … |
|
|
Walt Disney Treasures – The Adventures of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit $19.49 Before Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney teamed with animator Ub Iwerks to create the lovable–and lucky–Oswald. This two-disc set showcases 26 long-unavailable silent Oswald cartoons, including “Trolley Troubles” (1927), “All Wet” (1927), “The Banker’s Daughter” (1927), “Empty Socks” (1927), “Africa Before Dark” (1928), “Ozzie of the Mounted” (1928), “Tall Timber” (1928), “Sleigh Bells” (1928), “Hot Dog… |
|
|
Fashion Angels Design A Heavenly Pet Wardrobe-small box $13.99 This pooch fashion design set includes 5 dogs, 100+ patterns, fabric, appliques, glitter paints, ribbons, stickers, glass beads, gems, sequins, instructions and more. This pooch fashion design set will provide hours of dog lover fun. Design and impress your friends. It’s a wonderful collection of craft activities for hours of fun and creativity.Product Dimensions (inches): 2.1 (L) x 10.2 (W) x 13…. |
|
|
HO Track Planning Templates $3.64 With Atlas Track Planning Templates, beginners can visualize the size and shape of their layout before they begin building; advanced modelers can determine whether or not a complex layout design will fit together the way they planned. The templates are exact paper replicas of currently available code 100 Atlas track, switches, bridges, piers and viaduct. Each template can be copied on a copy machi… |