Do you have a Border Collie that's an industrious herder? Chances are, its coat is either smooth or rough. Generally, smooth-coated Border Collies need to be groomed often to maintain their smoothness, while rough-coated ones do not need as much maintenance. Regardless, if your dog is young, you need to introduce the grooming process to it. This way, they can quickly get used to it and not fight back.

That said, if you've never groomed your beloved Border Collie yet, here are some tips for doing so effectively and efficiently:

1. Get the Right Tools

Begin with the brush your dog is used to. If you haven't started before, then pick a specific type of brush and stick to that brush. For example, if your dog is used to a wire brush and you suddenly switch to a slicker brush, there is a good chance that your dog will get frustrated and turn around to nip you. As such, it is important to get the right tools and stick to them. This way, your dog isn't surprised by a new sensation and forces it to fight back.

2. Start Slowly

Never rush the grooming process. Take it slow, and gently brush your Border Collie. If you notice that your dog's fur rolls up into tangles, then stop and shave the fur off. Do this slowly to prevent the fur from splitting and to ensure your dog doesn't get hurt.

3. Start on Damp Fur

After you've showered or washed your dog, you can start by combing it with a wide-toothed comb. This way, you won't hurt your dog as you brush it. Once that's done, slowly comb the rest of the body. 

4. Groom the Head

Brushing the dog's head is one of the most crucial parts of the grooming process. This is because it's the most sensitive part of the dog. Use a couple of hair clips to secure your dog into a grooming chair. Then, start with the brush and down to the skin.

5. Groom the Legs

Then, move down to the legs. Make sure to take your time in grooming the dog's legs. This is because the dog's fur is very soft, and there are a lot of tangles that you need to work through.

6. Groom the Tail

After you're done with the legs, you can then proceed to the tail. Use a brush or a comb to work through the dog's tail. You can also use a toothbrush to help you clean the dog's tail, as it can reach the harder-to-reach spots and make grooming a lot easier.

Conclusion

If you've been putting off the grooming process because of your dog, don't. Groom the dog properly, and the dog will warm up to it. Take it slow, and do not rush your dog. This way, you can groom your dog and ensure that it remains soft and silky for as long as possible. Also, grooming helps your dog to stay healthy, allowing your Border Collie to live a long, happy, and comfortable life!

The Ruff Life Mobile offers professional grooming services made mobile for your convenience.  If you need mobile grooming in NYC, reach out to us today!