Grooming

Grooming

Rule Number 1: NEVER SHAVE A SIBERIAN HUSKY! Shaving them will compromise their ability to deal with weather and temperature and could cost them their life. In hot climates, Huskies will lie on hard, cold surfaces and if they don't have their coat, they can bruise under the skin and hurt them. Rule Number 2: Exercise caution with pre-wash brushing! In standard grooming practices the groomer brushes out the coat prior to bathing. Siberians have very sensitive skin and brushing out clumps before bathing can hurt them. Gentle combing of the fur can be done, but nothing excessive. The best technique for taking care of a Husky is commonly known as, "blowing out the coat."

Introduction

Siberian Huskies come in a variety of colors, sizes, and coats. Some are long-haired double-coated, known as "Woolies" and some are short-haired double-coated. What that means is that most Huskies have an undercoat of fur that needs to be properly removed. Twice a year, a Husky will go through a major shed, once in the spring and once in the fall. To correctly groom a Husky, there is a technique commonly called, “blowing out the coat.” Blowing out the coat will greatly reduce shedding, will preserve the quality of the coat, and will greatly benefit both dog and owner.

Steps

1. Secure the Husky safely on a grooming table. Gently comb out as much of the loose fur as possible. If the fur is matted on the underside/belly, rake out as much as the animal will tolerate. Do not worry if you don’t get all of the matts- applying conditioner in the bath will help loosen any that remain.


2. Move the Husky from the grooming table to a washtub and secure the dog so that it cannot jump out and injure itself.


3. Hold the water hose away from the dog, then run the water until the temperature is warm, but not hot. Thoroughly wet the dog, careful not to aim the hose directly into the animal’s ears.


4. Using a small amount of tearless shampoo, gently wash the Husky’s face. Then take a handful of hypoallergenic shampoo, wash the animal, starting with the neck, and work your way to the tail, scrubbing everything in between. Apply more shampoo if needed. Rinse completely.


5. Work a generous amount of detangling conditioner through all of the fur, except the face. Let soak in for 5-10 minutes, depending how many clumps or mattes are in the fur. Rinse completely.


6. Use a groomer approved hair dryer to dry the coat. Hold the end of the hose close to the dogs skin and move it back and forth. If you are doing it right, you will see the tight knots of undercoat ‘blowing out’. Continue the process, utilizing brushes and rakes, until the coat is dry.


7. Return the Husky to the grooming table and re-secure. Comb out the coat until there are no more tangles.


8. Use a clipper to trip excess fur around the paws. Be very careful around the pads and claws.


9. Trim the claws if needed. Be very careful not to cut into the quick, which would injure the Husky. Hold the nail trimmer at a 45-degree angle to the claw and clip the tip of the nail.