Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Trimmer's Remorse - Thoughts on Dog Grooming
While I'm not a fan of trimming G's lovely coat, DH has always convinced me she's happier when I trim her because she's cooler. The first summer we had her, we lived in an apt in LA without air conditioning, and last summer, I ran her most mornings between April and October, so his arguments made sense to me.
Today, DH convinced me to trim G because he thought she had been hot in the apartment. So I did, to the usual 1/4th to 3/8th inch. Her gorgeous winter coat is gone and I'm experiencing trimmer's remorse.
I've read Aussies are usually trimmed on the bums, ears, and paws, and then the use of several different kinds of brushes can remove enough fur to keep them cool in the summer. My question is, what do y'all do? Does anyone feel passionate, one way or the other? I know this sounds stupid, but does it matter that she runs during the summer? Is my hubby right?
Her coat seems to grow back just fine, but I've also internet scared myself into thinking it'll never be the same again.
Edit: I mean for anyone with a longer haired dog, not just Aussies. 
Also, Gloria's new look:
.
"Wanna go for a run, Momma?"
Re: Trimmer's Remorse - Thoughts on Dog Grooming
I have VERY long haired goldens, and I do not cut their hair. I live in the foothills, it is well over 100 every day for months during the summer, but I don't trim them. They also run 10- 20 miles a week with me, every week, year round. If it's extra hot outside, we wait until dusk, or just walk instead of run. I'm not sure about your pup, but goldens have a double coat that helps maintain their body temperature- undercoat to keep them warm in winter, top coat that dries quickly. Sure, they get hot, but I'm sure they would anyway. During the summer, we play with the hose outside most days, I gave them ice as treats, fill a kiddie pool and brush them a lot to get rid of any extra fluff (under coat rake + furminator + kong brush + pin brush). Had your pup started blowing his coat yet? Mine still have their full winter coats, and we still have a bit of winter left.
I don't judge, you can do what you feel is right for your dog. I do feel a little sad when I see shaved goldens at the park, though. And insanely jealous of my friend's with a standard poodle they shave every few months.
Aussies also have the double coat, it seems very similiar to those of goldens that I've seen (in the length and thickness). I don't think she'd started blowing her coat but we've never experienced that, since we've trimmed the past two summers. On this occasion H was just insistant that she was too hot in the apartment when we're home at night.
The undercoat rack + pin brush + minimal trimming (paws, ears, sanitary) was what I was thinking I might try this summer. Is there a significant difference in the thickness of their coats from winter to summer? What time of year do you usually brush them out, or is it a weekly task during the summer?
Sorry for so many questions! I think I'd like to transition to not trimming her (she hates it anyway), but I'll need a plan if I don't want to come home one day to a sad, shaved dog, and a husband with bitten fingers.
A Spring Day on the Katy Trail
I wrote a message last night, but then the Nest ate it.
1st- why does your H think your dog is hot? Panting? One of my dogs pants all the time, when she's happy, playing, worn out, etc. Even when it's 35 degrees. When dogs are actually hot, then find a way to cool down- lay in the bathroom (mine like the tub), drink a lot of water, minimal movement. But you're in the house, too- are you sweltering or dying of heatstroke? Then your dog isn't either.
2- you will know if your dog is blowing coat. She will shed huge amounts of hair over a short period of time, usually when the weather starts warming up (mine are usually March/ April). Think snow drifts along your walls. But all that they are shedding in white, fluffy, undercoat NOT the colored top coat. I brush weekly year round, but when they are blowing coat, I brush for a few minutes every day for the two or so weeks it takes. When it's done, you will have a less fluffy (and cooler) dog for the rest of the summer until winter. There is very minimal work for the rest of the summer.
Their coat protects them and helps them self regulate their temperature. I don't have AC, so I use fans to keep us all cool and they are fine. It's just unnecessary to cut their top coat- it helps repel water and protect their skin.
Yes, it's mostly the panting and doing it after minimal exercise. She'll drink half her bowl of water and lay on the tile part of the floor panting after running around the inside of the apartment for maybe five minutes. She'll do the same after I take her for an outdoor run, too.
Her coat should be back by April/May. When, it's back, I'll try keeping her on a weekly brushing schedule and see if I can convince H it's normal, not heat stroke. Thanks for the brushing tips and advice!
THIS, As a groomer I don`t believe in trimming double coated dogs...