If you have a Miniature Schnauzer, you will know that combing and brushing is an important part of their grooming routine. So it’s important to know how to properly brush and comb their fur. This includes knowing exactly which tools should be used and in which order.
Why Brushing and Combing Your Miniature Schnauzer is Important
Regular brushing and combing of your pupper is crucial for maintaining their coat’s health and well-being. Neglecting to do so can lead to a host of problems, including: matting, skin irritation, and even infection.
By regularly brushing and combing your doggo, you can remove tangles and mats that can cause discomfort and pain. Brushing also helps to distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any skin irritations, bumps, or lumps that may require veterinary attention. By catching these issues early, you can ensure that your mini schnauzer receives prompt and appropriate care.
Another important aspect that may be overlooked, is that regular grooming also provides an opportunity for bonding between your doggo and you. Take that time to cultivate a trusting and special bond between the two of you. This will not only bring you closer to your pooch, but allow them to complete the necessary grooming ritual in a safe and loving way. This will create positive lasting effects, especially when they then transition to regular groomer or veterinary appointments.
Brushing also helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, which can reduce shedding. This also helps to reduce the amount of loose hair and pet dander within your home; thus reducing the increased risk of exposure for allergy sufferers.
It is recommended to brush your miniature schnauzer at least a couple of times a week, preferably a quick brush through daily if able.
What You’ll Need:
Before you start brushing and combing your mini schnauzer, make sure you have the following:
- Brush Types
- A pin brush
- A bristle brush
- Comb Types
- A greyhound comb
- A dematting comb
- A flea comb
- Other Tools
- A mat table or high surface
- A detangling spray
- A treat to reward your mini schnauzer for good behavior
Preparing to Brush and Comb Your Miniature Schnauzer
It is important to start the grooming process as early as possible. For pupper up to 4 months of age, you should brush several days a week with a metal pin brush in order to begin to establish a grooming routine. Always make sure to remain patient and gentle when completing. Place the puppy on an elevated surface with a non-slip mat such as a dog grooming table in order to complete the grooming routine (brushing, combing, teeth, and nails). Get them comfortable lying on their side and standing while on the higher surface. Just make sure you grab all the necessary equipment required prior to placing your pup up high, and if you have forgotten something then lower them back down to the floor so as you’re making sure not to leave them on a high surface unattended.
Bringing them to a higher work surface will not only signal to your pup that ‘now it’s time for the grooming routine,’ but will also save your back. It will allow you to have proper body mechanics, which will become especially important as they become bigger and stronger. Also, please make sure to incorporate praise and treats prior to and after completing the grooming routine. This will not only help solidify the bonding experience, but will signal to your pupper that the grooming process is a safe and loving space for them.
How to Brush a Miniature Schnauzer
Brushing #1
- You should start by removing all mats, dirt, debris, and loose hair from their coat. Attempt to use your fingers firstly, by gently pulling apart small sections at a time and working your way from outermost mat sections and moving closer to the skin. You can use your comb or metal rake to assist, trying to work the tangle out delicately and in small sections at a time. And a detangling spray is always a good option in order to ease the tangles out more freely.
- You will want to use a technique called ‘line brushing,’ which is parting the hair down to the skin where you can see a distinct ‘line’ in the fur and systematically brushing each section before moving onto the next section.
- Using a pin brush, you will want to start at the buttocks. Then brush the bottom of the rear legs, working a small section at a time. Then continue this process as you move to the front legs. Be sure to pay special attention to the armpits, as these are prone to matting. Brush the tail. Remember to brush in the direction of hair growth when completing.
- Then move to the belly. This can be done by holding the two front paws in one hand while they’re in a standing position. Make sure to be gentle around the belly, as this area is more sensitive.
- When brushing the furnishings, make sure to brush against the flow of hair. You can look at using your dematting comb for especially hard tangles.
- When moving to the head, brush the eyebrows and beard forward. Make sure to be gentle around the sensitive areas of the face.
How to Comb a Miniature Schnauzer
Combing #1
- Then when completed with brushing, move on to the steel greyhound comb.
- You will want to start at the buttocks. Then comb the bottom of the rear legs, working a small section at a time. Then continue this process as you move to the front legs. Be sure to pay special attention to the intersection where the legs meet the body, as these are prone to matting. Then comb the tail.
- Now move to the belly. This can be done by holding the two front paws in one hand while they’re in a standing position. Make sure to be gentle around the belly, as this area is more sensitive.
- When moving to the head and ears. Comb the eyebrows and beard forward. It’s time for the beard to be combed, so be sure to be gentle around this sensitive area.
Combing #2
- Then you can go over their entire coat with a flea comb. Start at the root and comb through to the ends.
Brushing #2
- When finished combing, go over the coat one final time with a bristle brush. Make sure to brush in the direction of hair growth. This will help to lay the hair flat and make sure the coat looks smooth and shiny.
Tips for Maintaining Your Miniature Schnauzer’s Coat
- Brush their entire coat at least a couple of times a week
- Use a pin brush to remove tangles and matsUse a comb to remove loose hair and debris.
- Be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the coat.
- Pay special attention to areas that are prone to tangles, such as behind the ears and under the legs.
- If you encounter a mat, use your fingers first. A detangling spray and/or dematting tool or scissors to carefully remove it are also options.
- After brushing, use a damp cloth to wipe your pupper’s coat and remove any remaining debris.
- Always give a treat and praise for good behavior.
By following these tips, you can maintain your Miniature Schnauzer’s coat and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
As long as you are able to maintain regular brushing, shedding will be minimal and consistent stripping will drastically reduce shedding as well.