MANE - Brushing Out a Norwegian Elkhound Male

Brushing out the inner coat on MANE, he is blowing his coat out. He is a stunning big male and it's a good illustration of the inner coat coming out.
You can learn more about these dogs at www.kamiakenne...

[@catherinemitchell2919]

Thank you. I've had a buhund for the last three years and I couldn't understand why a Norwegian breed would get soaked to the skin in rain and then take hours (literally) to dry. I used to brush him every two or three days. I've not brushed him at all since I watched your video and he's become waterproof. So much more comfortable for him and his coat's different, too, much softer and smoother.

[@MervCarlson]

That is so cool to hear that it's sealing up for him. It will continue to seal as the guard hairs come back in tight as well. Good Work!

[@eileenquinto3733]

Watching your videos brings back such memories of my wonderful Norwegian Elkhound. She was the best dog. Lived to 17 y.o. Irreplaceable. I consider myself so lucky to have had her. She loved the snow & claiming the trampoline as her spot. Hated when my son played the trumpet.

[@lextrueno]

I just found this channel! I really like how calming the videos are. I am hopefully adopting a rescue norwegian elkhound this weekend! I'm very excited and thanks for your insights into the breed

[@MervCarlson]

Good luck with your new dog, it will wonderful. Thanks, Merv

[@gregorykiernan7849]

Beautiful Mane...reminds me of my Shadow. So well mannered. Miss him

[@canislupis3129]

It’s hard to watch Elki’s still to this day. I became closer to mine than any dog in my life. She would sometimes get cysts and we dealt with them at home. When she was 7 she got cancer. We did everything we could but the surgeries were expensive and I had 3 kids to provide for. Never had a better baby sitter. We knew she would never allow anyone to enter the home of the kids were on their own. We tried it several times and were really pleased with how well she did. To us she was the sweetest dog ever, but to strangers she care care less. If our family was out in public and an adult came up to talk to us or more so the kids, she would put herself between them and would lean against the stranger. That person would take a step back, and she would move over and lean on them again. She was sly but we knew her mind on her having strangers next to the kids. In 7 years we never saw her display any ill temper to the kids, not even a growl. From a pup we exposed her to the kids every chance we got. Experts tell you to keep your child away from a dog that is eating or has a bone, so do what the experts say. But even our youngest would go over and take food out of the dish and give it back to the dog. Even when Sasha was very hungry she was fine with kids interacting with her. We kept her crate in the kitchen and our youngest was constantly going inside the crate to be with her dog and never a problem did we see. The only thing was that if we were all out in public, the dog was a bit high strung if the 3 kids went separate ways. If we stopped for a break the kids would sit together and she would actually lay down across all 3 of them to try and keep them together. We decided right from the beginning that her behavior with the kids was so good, we let her do anything with them. Some of our friends were critical of that, but we never saw any trouble. As soon as we started running a bath for the kids she got excited. You couldn’t turn sideways for a moment and she would be in the tub with the kids. It looked like a hurricane went through but no one minded. We only used plain water to wash the kids, our doctor assured us they didn’t need any soap, so that was better for the dog too. You shouldn’t use soap on Elk hounds at all. When they got out of the water to get dried off, it was a happy cyclone going on. They all liked it, but our bed was always wet from drying them all off on the bed. Sasha was very vocal and she loved being around our kids. She would grab their towels and shake them like a monster. They are very energetic dogs. The problem at bed time was 3 kids in 3 different rooms as they got older and Sasha was fretful about sleeping with them. She would start with one, then move to another, and finally ended up with our youngest. Lots of times they would sleep with their throats touching. I think she thought they were all dogs. At night when we were all together in the rec room watching tv or just visiting, we would give her a rawhide chewie. Man this dog had crushing bite strength and would work that thing frantically, even so hard she would bleed a little. The youngest would lay on the floor with her coloring books and Sasha would drape herself over the kids legs and just destroy that raw hide. At first I worried that if the dog ever slipped and bit down on the wrong leg, that would be that, but she never did and had the most gentle temper with the kids.

[@gregorykiernan7849]

I feel for you...I lost both my Elki's to cancer around 11 years. Both Smoke and Shadow had two entirely opposite personalities but were both loyal, loving and the best dogs I ever had... Smoke was my first Elki and was around while my brothers kids were young. My nephew was just learning to walk, but still needed the furniture for balance. Smoke was sound asleep when my nephew stepped on his ..... There was a growl and a lot of crying. My mom witnessed the whole thing and assured my Smoke did NOT bite my nephew, but the startled dog jumped up and knocked my nephew over. Unfortunately, while my nephew was okay, he did suffer a black eye. Poor Smoke was buried in the corner of the room, shaking thinking he did something wrong. I had to assure the dog he did nothing wrong. 5 minutes later they were best of buds...nephew feeding him animal crackers. I miss both Smoke and Shadow...

[@johnfeeney6930]

Merv, Merle and I thank you for the instructions

[@silkenaria]

Mane is so handsome, and calm for the entirety of the brushing. My sweet Elkie girl was always very patient during her brushing as well. Though, the promise of a "cookie", may have been what motivated her.

[@metalkingtohorses]

the birds love fluffy dog hair for their nests

[@comraderaichu6940]

He is handsome.

[@raulantonioelias9781]

Hermoso perro.

[@cristinasindhu8858]

What type of furminator do you use? There are many varieties and I want to make sure I get the right one for my elkhound.

[@MervCarlson]

I have the Yellow with grey release, black rubber handle furminator deshedder teeth are hard 1/4 inch long. I don't know any number or anything. Sorry. Merv

[@SinisterAngel1]

Patience is a key to this breed and it pays off in the end. You're absolutely right never take them out for a hike when the temperature is hot. The best breed to own.

[@lestariabadi]

Some lucky birds will have the fluffiest nest…

[@canislupis3129]

Calm and compliant. We also used an expensive filter queen vacuum set on low. The attachment had soft rubber teeth that really dug in. She used to close her eyes she liked it so much. You could hardly believe how much came off and filled the vacuum.

[@WallyG47]

That's exactly what my dad used on Thor. The dog loved it, and my dad made it a regular routine. When he got close to the vacuum, Thor would just come and sit by his side waiting.

[@missc8870]

•💟• Oh my goodness. MANE is so handsome! What a good boy. Thank you for all of the good information. I didn't realize how very important plenty of fish is for their double coat. I believe we fed ours very healthy food though. I've never heard of feeding them frozen food before. Is that good for some reason other than them getting raw food & working for it a little? We had a Norwegian Elkhound. She was a treasure for nearly 18 years. She lived until 5 days short of 18. We remember those piles of fluffy undercoat from her brushings. 😂 Lol, when she was a puppy, she didn't want us removing or taking away any part of her, not even her excess fur! She tried to keep the pile of fur! 😆🐕 Of course as she got a bit older, she enjoyed the brushings. We think she was good about it because she appreciated the help & relief. 😄😅🐶🐈We had a cat that dove into the pile of fur, like children dive into the piles of raked autumn leaves. 😂🐈 I understand that the brushed out fur is used by birds in their nests to make warm, soft & luxurious linings. You must have a lot of happy, & warm birds nearby. •💟•

[@logannewman7141]

I love everything you believe in! It’s so vital when caring for our animal families. I adore my Elkhound Freya. They are all incredible!!

[@parkerhowerton249]

Our elkhounds name is freya too

[@tiger.ntashamoneyworthmo2959]

I am wondering how much it would be to A. I. All the info. Also how many lbs. Of food per day. I am on a raw diet but she has gained too much. Where are you located now?

[@MervCarlson]

as to food, a pound morning, pound at night should be maintenance in normal conditions. You can increase or decrease slightly. Hard to say what is too much increase unless you use the rib cover. Muscle weighs more than fat, so going by scale is sometimes not accurate gauge really. Use the rib cover. Thank you.

[@canadacitypreppers]

I got one 4.5 months old , first time ever, really happy

[@shannonherb2048]

The white inner coat is like down almost. Leave it laying and birds love to make nest from it. I tried to spin it but well I suck. It's so cool to hear someone else say what I have been preaching. Great video.

[@MervCarlson]

Appreciate your feedback, yes, the birds love it. Yeah I know, I wish I could spin it for some inner mitts or something. Thanks for sharing, Merv

[@jeffvancleave3277]

Such a well behaved and beautiful Elkhound.

[@alexandravladmets8206]

Aw, the ears!

[@shelbygraham63]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been trying to manage my elkhound’s shedding and didn’t realize I was doing more harm than good with the frequent brushing and lack of fish in his diet. Great information to know!

[@bladehoner3185]

Thanks for making this video. I just adopted my second Ellkhound, a retired show dog. She is transitioning into becoming a " real" dog and doing great. If I don't have access to fish, can I add supplimental fish oil in her diet?

[@MervCarlson]

Yes, fish oil is perfect to add, just top dress the ration, works like a charm. Thank you, Merv

[@5610winston]

I've seen one blown out with a master blaster. effective, and my elkhound loved it.

[@wehaveasituation]

What a beauty!

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

I love my sam but he is a mix norwegian elkhound and shetland sheepdog. He shreds alot more when I brush him. Mabe i shouldn't brush him so much. I do it every other day. the only thing I did get right was his raw meat and fish but I'm going to give him more fish to se if that helps.

[@taydorbz]

i’ve got a norwegian elkhound and australian shepherd mix. Stature and face like the elkhound (and thick poofy fur) but has the split face of an aussie and coloring of an aussie and LONG hair on his tail and legs. very interesting combo but a smart as hell dog!

[@tedm2922]

I lived in Anchorage Alaska for 15 years and friends would often say I went halibut fishing yesterday. You want some, then give me a 20 pound or more package. I would always share it with my elkhound. She loved it more than I did, which was a lot.

[@RyggCochran]

Very handsome devil. ;)~

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

All sam's behavior is of an elkhound.

[@stormvanderzee1300]

How are elkhounds with other dogs? I have read yes and no. I have family that has dogs and would want to socialize them with them. Good idea or no?

[@MervCarlson]

They do well with other dogs, no worries, we have lots of families with a different breed they had before. So it blends well. Thank you, Merv

[@kiarimarie]

I’m watching this to try to understand my mutt’s coat a bit better. Just found out he’s half Norwegian Elkhound and it explains a lot with his coat.

[@MervCarlson]

Hahaha, if he is half Norwegian Elkhound, he is only half mutt then, and half Super Dog! Thanks, Merv

[@vandammit2558]

Such a beautiful boy! Just wondering, so you think fish oil pills would be beneficial?

[@MervCarlson]

Fish oil pills are very good and an easy way to add to the diet, for sure.

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

He is so handsome 😍

[@markkarjaluoto5628]

What a beautiful elghund :)

[@MervCarlson]

Thanks, he is a good boy that fella, no doubt. Merv

[@123RayChay]

Hello Merv! I absolutely love your dogs and love your channel! I am in search of a Norwegian elkhound to bring home this november. Do you know of any reputable breeders ik ontario?

[@MervCarlson]

Hello There, thank you so much for the compliments on the dogs. Oh, you should just get one from our upcoming litters, they will be ready around that time. We have all seriously good pups and we have dogs go to Ontario all the time. Email me at [e-mail] and I'll talk to you about it. Thank you again, Merv

[@123RayChay]

@@MervCarlson just emailed haha

[@Seetheebebe]

Do you sell your puppies internationally? I'm in Scotland but it is a rare breed here - however my mother used to have an elkhound and loved the breed, and after my research across other breeds sew Elkhounds would be the best fit for our lifestyle.

[@shreyasnampalli5250]

Thanks for showing the technique and very nice dog. Do you have any input or opinion on neutering the dog? Our Elkhound will be turning 10 months old this month and we are still on the fence about neutering him.

[@MervCarlson]

Hi there, no need to neuter males. They can stay intact for life, my opinion is anyway. I believe they retain more muscle and stay healthier. There is no issues of any kind I could think of. I would leave intact. For sure don't ever rush to neuter, never before they are fully framed which is after two years. Thanks, Merv

[@shreyasnampalli5250]

@@MervCarlson Thanks for the reply Merv. I was thinking the same but needed some experienced advice.

[@madisonh5036]

@@MervCarlson What happens if you neuter too early? Made the mistake of doing that with my Elkie 5 years ago.

[@MervCarlson]

@@madisonh5036 Potentially issues that can arise are immaturity in behavior. The dog never matures, it is always a pup, stays goofy. Muscle and bone development. They don't match, meaning bones are longer, thinner, narrow, while muscle is thin, and the dog gets fat. Issues in development of situational awareness, he never becomes a true male, so approaches situations much more like a pup. Not with the confidence a male has. There are more too but from my opinion there are no good reasons to neuter early at all, and in my opinion very few to neuter at all, but for sure never early, meaning at no time before two years at least. Full development takes at least two years. Thanks, Merv

[@vbbzburrows5218]

Another great video! I always learn something. My Elkhound that just passed had a thicker/longer coat than all our other Elkhounds. Now I know why.