Guide to handstripping by Heidi Anderton

Handstripping

Heidi is principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming, with over 30 years in the business, Heidi is a highly qualified and experienced industry expert as well as an award-winning groomer, former Groom Team England member and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA). This month Heidi shows us a basic guideline to handstripping dogs.

Handstripping is a term that is used in dog grooming. The term describes a technique that is used when pulling or plucking a dog hair from the root within the skin follicle.

Hand stripping simulates the natural shedding process of the coat. This process helps the hair to be removed from the follicle; which promotes the natural regrowth, colour and texture of the coat. Hand stripping can be carried out on a variety of breeds and textures of coat.

There are mainly two types of hair on a dog, a top coat hair (A Harsher Guard hair) and an undercoat hair (a softer secondary hair).

Handstripping can be carried out by hand or by using the New electric KARHIA machine.

Hand stripping can be carried out at any time as long as the hair is ready to be removed. From every week to once a year. The timing will depend on your breed and the desired look you wish to achieve.

How to hand strip

Hand stripping must be carried out on a dog that is accepts it, and one where the coat is easily removed. The skin is usually kept taught behind the area being stripped; hair is removed by gripping the hair and pulling it out in the direction the coat grows; along the skin.Usually we strip from the top of the coat down but in thicker areas I find it easier to lift the coat and strip from underneath first. The tools usually dictate the amount of hair being removed at one time, although removing less hair at a time, this helps the hair to be removed easily and without discomfort to the dog.

Terminology

A ‘blown coat’ is one which has grown out to its maximum length. Usually seen with dogs groomed once or twice a year. A blown coat is a dead coat that has stopped growing and is essentially just dead hair left in the hair follicles. When you hand strip, you take out all the blown dead coat so that the new coat has room to come through, leaving just an undercoat such as in the case of most pet border terriers.

Carding is a term commonly associated with hand stripping. Carding is carried out on wire coats and silky coats and is a technique of combing the undercoat out with a very fine stripping comb, carding tool or elasticated comb.

When you card the coat after stripping you will reduce the undercoat making it lay flatter and making room for the new top coat to grow through.

A Rolled coat describes the various lengths of coat which make up the Jacket. A dog which comes in every 6 weeks would have at least 2 clear

layers of hair, which make up the rolled coat. You could make more layers of hair with more frequent stripping such as in the case of a show dog, which are sometimes worked on weekly to keep them in tip top condition.

Hand Tools

There are a variety of hand tools that can be used for hand stripping such as; Hand Stripping Knives, Chalks, Powders, rubber finger bobs and elastic bands wound through combs. The tool of choice usually will depend on the type of coat; the area to be worked on and the thickness of the coat. Tool choice is usually an individual preference made by the user.

Electric KarhiaHand Stripping Machine.

I have been very impressed with the new Karhia hand stripping machine. This machine will be a great addition for those who offer a lot of hand stripping and want to cut down on the manual labour. It is especially beneficial for larger hand strip dogs.

I found it to be a lot quicker than hand stripping by hand and the dogs didn’t mind its use at all.

The machine works by moving against the lay of the coat. Rubber grips grab the hair and pulls it out in the direction of the coat; the hair does not break. You can also adjust the height of the rubber grips, which is great if you are working on a rolled coat or want to leave more hair.

When you should not hand strip

You should avoid handstripping on dogs that have skin complaints, are neutered or if the dog shows a dislike to the process. It is usually accepted on most hand strip breeds to thin or clip any sensitive areas. Some dogs have sensitive skins and bodies all over, if they object to handstripping, look at why that may be, then either change your technique or find another one like clipping or thinning, which the dog enjoys.

We have a duty of care to animals in our salon and they deserve our consideration and respect.This is explained in the Animal Welfare Act. One of the 5 Animal needs dictates that we shouldprotect them from pain and suffering. This extends to grooming as well as everyday general care.

Examples of: Wire coated breeds (Wire coats, Broken coats, Coarse coats is terminology often used to describe a wire coat) Examples of: Silky Coated Breeds

West Highland White, Border Terrier, Griffon Bruxellois, German Wire-Haired Pointer, Wire haired Dachshund, Italian Spinone, Giant Schnauzer Irish Setter, English Setter, American Cocker, English Cocker, King Charles Spaniel, Afghan Hound,

All Setters and Spaniels can be hand stripped using the correct tools. There are other silky coated breeds some in the Toy group and Hound Group also.

Down side of handstripping

Handstripping can be a lengthy process for the dog and the groomer. I actually find hand stripping quite a therapeutic process and you will get faster the more you practice. Handstripping is a skill of rhythm and technique. You must strip using your shoulder and not flicking your wrist or you will end up with pains in your hands and arms very quickly.

If you want to learn more about handstripping in general or breed specific, please contact me or consult a specialist.

Keep inspired, motivated, informed and be happy! Heidi Anderton LCGI ICMG

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