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Too Young to Strip?

ShaabaMcShaabsons

By ShaabaMcShaabsons
in Grooming

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ShaabaMcShaabsons Community Member

ShaabaMcShaabsons

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Hello! Let me first say I am so happy to find this forum. I'm one of those people who has to read EVVERYTHING, and get all the info, before making a decision. With that being said, I'm sure someone can help me with my questions! I have lots, but I'll keep this post to my stripping questions...

I have a three month old Cairn. He is my first pet EVER, so I'm not interested in showing him or anything like that, but I have a love for that "show coat". I've read that his puppy coat should be taken off completely to allow the adult coat to grow in properly. His coat is not ready to come off yet, but can I take off the super long hairs from his ears now? If so, what is the best way/tool to use?

When do I know his coat is ready to come off? I brush him a few times a week, and I see undercoat in the brush, but few if any hard hairs. Will the hard hairs really just kind of fall out when they are ready, or is there something to look for? Should I be more worried about age or hair length for the first strip?

He doesn't have to look perfect; it's just that I really prefer the shorter coat look...

Thanks in advance!

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dinib CairnTalk Enthusiast

dinib

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Gracie is 4 months old today. I started stripping her long whispy hairs this week. I just started with a couple and gave a gentle tug on the very ends to see if they came loose. If they do, and the puppy doesn't have an adverse reaction (squawking, jerking, etc.), then gradually start doing it. Beware: it can be addictive. My husband said I am OCD about it. :whistle:

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kittdog Community Contributor

kittdog

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Try pulling a few hairs and if they come out easily then he is ready to be stripped. If it doesn't come out then wait a week and try again. There's no perfect age as to when to first strip them. Usually I strip a puppy coat at about 12 weeks. You can strip off the top 1/3 of the ear as soon as you want to. I use my fingers for almost everything. I use a stripping knife on the tail and around the feet. You don't need any tools but your fingers. A laytex glove can help grip better if your fingres have a bit of trouble. I usually take a few days to strip a puppy so as not to wear them and me out. Good luck!

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Hawkeye CairnTalk Mentor

Hawkeye

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I do a lot of the stripping with my fingers, but also use the rubber fingers. Your fingers will get sore at first and these help...you can find them in Staples. Also use a fine stripping knife for around the legs.

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ShaabaMcShaabsons Community Member

ShaabaMcShaabsons

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Thank you everyone! I got his ear hair off easily...he didn't seem to mind at all! D, I totally understand your "itchy fingers"...hahaha.

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