Brushing Your Heeler!

 The saying goes “Heeler’s shed twice a year, for six months.”  😂

As I’m seeing many posts regarding the issues of loose dog fur, I’ve decided to write an article on what works for us. ❤️🐺❤️

BRUSHING YOUR HEELER!
Australian Cattle Dogs are double coated.
The top coat, or guard hairs, help protect against moisture- thus keeping the dog warmer in rain and snow.
The fluffy undercoat works as insulation, keeping the dog cooler when it’s warm and warmer when it’s cold.

I find that taking five minutes every day to brush Kenji produces the best results for a healthy coat, as well as minimal loose hair around the house.

-First I use a slicker style brush that specifically has the tiny coated tips at the ends of the pins, as they scratch the skin less and are better tolerated by the dog.   
-I use this slicker brush on the neck, back, sides, and hindquarters of the dog. 
-The key is to first use the slicker AGAINST the direction of the hair to get the dead undercoat out. 
-Then go back over the coat in the direction of the hair. 
-I brush lightly, as even the best slicker brushes can be hard on sensitive skinned dogs. 
-Try not to brush more than five strokes in the same spot, as this can cause over sensitivity and irritation.
-After the slicker I use a soft Boar’s Hair brush for the dog’s legs, face, and belly as well as the areas I went over with the slicker to remove any stray hair and dander. 

Kenji doesn’t especially like to be handled, much less being brushed. He works for all his kibble, and brushing daily keeps him in a structured routine of acceptance for the procedure.
When I first started I would brush one stroke and reward with one kibble. Gradually added more strokes, and less kibble. 
Currently I use the slicker in the opposite direction of fur and reward with a few kibbles, slicker in the same direction and reward, then use the soft brush and reward.  Having solid basic obedience of sit, stand,and down is also very helpful.

I personally prefer the Glendan large dog brush/slicker, and the Arabella 100% natural boar bristle brush. They are well made, effective, and reasonably priced. 

More detailed information on calm nail trimming, restraint training, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and pad care are available at my link below. The site is open to the public and free of charge.  ❤️🐺❤️

https://www.facebook.com/AllBasicsDogTrainingKimChappell/