“How should I groom my Shih
Tzu dog”?
By following these steps and remember “Practice
Makes Perfect”.
Instructions
COMBING: Fill a small spritz bottle with warm water and a cap-full of
conditioner. Dampen your Shih Tzu's coat with the spray to help soften any mats
in the fur.
Brush
your dog with the brush. Start at the feet and work your way up to the legs,
belly and finally to the back. Untangle matted hair gently by starting at the
bottom of the section and work to loosen the hair until you reach the skin. Use
the metal comb after brushing; this will ensure that you have removed all knots
and mats.
Comb
the fur on your dog's face and ears daily. If it is easier, use the comb on
your dog's paws as well. Wet a soft cloth with warm water and gently wipe the
inner corners of your Shih Tzu's eyes to remove any crusting.
BATHING:
Place
a rubber mat at the bottom of a tub. Place your Shih Tzu on the mat after
brushing and wet his body thoroughly. Using a quality dog shampoo, follow the
directions on how much to apply. Work the shampoo into a lather and rinse your
Shih Tzu's body with warm water; avoiding the face. Repeat so that you have
washed and rinsed twice.
Wash
your dog's face using a tearless shampoo. Avoid getting shampoo in the eyes,
nose or ears. Carefully rinse with warm water.
Apply
the correct amount of conditioner according to the directions, diluting if
necessary. Work it over your dog's body and allow it to sit for at least five
minutes before rinsing.
Remove
your dog from the water and wrap him securely in towels to absorb excess water.
Move to a dry area with an outlet to plug in your dryer. Set the blow dryer to
warm to
dry your dog using a brush as and begin you blow dry to prevent tangling and to
part the fur for swift drying.
TIE A TOP KNOT: Section out
fur from the top of the head using the edge of your comb. Create a horizontal
part from the inner corner of one eye to the inner corner of the other.
Make
a part from the outer corner of each eye going back to the center of the head.
Brush the parted section of hair back and away from the eyes; brush down any
hair beneath the
part towards the ears.
Create
another part at the middle section of the head. Gather the hair within the sectioned
off area and secure it with a small latex band, being careful not to pull too
tightly.
TIPS & WARNINGS: Always brush out any mats prior to shampooing as excess water will
make them lock or set in.
The
eyes of a Shih Tzu are large and extremely vulnerable. You must be careful of
them when grooming.
Brush
your Shih Tzu daily or at least once a week.
Shih
Tzu's must be shampooed every 3 to 4 weeks. Dirty coats are more easily matted
than clean ones.
A
top knot will keep the long fur of the Shih Tzu from getting in and irritating
his eyes
