Dog Grooming Video: How to get all the dead hair out of your double coated breed when they shed.

[@dereklackey1]

Thank you very much for your great videos! I recently adopted a Bernese mountain dog. He was not cared for very well. Your videos have been a huge help in getting him back to a healthy place!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

If I can help out in any way, please let me know! Congrats on your new addition, sounds like he is in a great place now!

[@shootermcgavin4999]

I love how large your yard is. I live in the city and my backyard is like 15 ft by 15 ft.

[@ginaanderson9333]

Love that tool wish I knew about that a long time ago, she’s so sweet

[@bubbletoes3560]

I’m going on a binge of your videos! Planning to get a Bernese and my mom doesn’t want to pay for the groomers so I have to learn!!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Just let me know if you have any questions! A table and dryer are going to be a must have! Also an outdoor bathing area!

[@bubbletoes3560]

SitStay with Stacy Slade are they expensive?? Just wondering what the difference would be if I were to have them on the ground and use a regular dryer? Also what are some features/requirements of a bathing area???

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@bubbletoes3560 You don't want to use a people hair dryer as they are too hot and don't have enough power to get the job done. You will want to get a dog dryer, they run from maybe $100-$400. The more power the faster they dry. Drying them on the ground will kill your back and prevent you from getting the whole dog dry. You can make a grooming table I am sure! I find them invaluable. It also signals to your dog that you are grooming now and to stay put.

[@bubbletoes3560]

SitStay with Stacy Slade ok, thank you so much! How often are you supposed to wash them? I live in Canada so I’m scared to wash them outside during the winter. Also during the summer is it ok to use a hose or is that water to cold?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@bubbletoes3560 I have a hose hook-up to my water heater so I an get warm water through my hose. Can you wash in a garage and rig a hose to funnel the water outside? Canadian winters are probably too cold to wash outside. And yes, I usually always use warm water, unless we are having a heat wave and the dogs appreciate cool water!

[@GeorgiaPeachiePie]

Thanks for the videos. We adopted a Great Pyrenees/Burnese mix & I am learning how to take great care of him. ❤️

[@janalaughlin2197]

Good info. Agree about the furminator cutting. I noticed Chase doesn’t have long feathers and the back that I think you call pants. My Reesie has very long pants and feathers. I brush him 4 times a week with a pin brush and rake. Sometimes a comb too. I have a dog blow dryer but can’t seem to get him completely dry. I do all of this and vac a lot and still our house is hairy.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

So Chase is still young and she is also completely out of coat due to her heat cycle in this video. It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to completely dry Deuce, if it is a humid day, it takes longer. I use the rake when I dry them as well as the dryer to get down to the skin to get the hair out. Yes, there will always be some hair in the house but washing/drying completely every month and combing will drastically cut down on the hair in your house.

[@bjornmaxson3597]

Hello Jana, how're you doing today!!!

[@stefanibriana3340]

This video was so helpful! I'm getting a Berner later this year and am trying to be as educated as I can so I can have a healthy, happy dog! The video I saw before yours she SHAVED their coat! Not super short but enough that it's definitely a problem.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Oh geez! No you don’t want to shave their coat as it is built to keep them cool when clean and free of dead coat. Check out my playlists. I have one on Raising Bernese (all things puppy-teething, crate training, potty training etc) and a playlist on how to find reputable breeders.

[@elizabethmalini2414]

Did you get your puppy??

[@t.jewell5033]

We have a 4 month old Berner and and I was wondering what to use on her coat that would not cut or break the hair. Thank so much for the wonderful videos!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I would use a pin brush on her right now and then move to a rake when she is older. Consistent baths and forced blow dried will help to always get the dead coat a comb can help too!

[@t.jewell5033]

SitStay with Stacy Slade Thank you so much for the additional info. We have been using a comb with rotating teeth, so it is gentle, but it only removes a little.

[@GypsyGirl317]

Thank you so much for your instructional video, I really appreciate it. You keep it simple and clear, but still impart the maximum information needed for thorough training for us. I am studying various dog breeds in preparation for my last dog once I retire in a couple of years time, and the Bernese Mountain Dog is on my short list. I have had a Samoyed/Labrador X, and a Border Collie/Labrador X in the past, so I definitely understand the coats!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I'm glad it was helpful! It isn't too hard to take care of if you have a good understanding of the maintenance and care it needs. The Bernese is an amazing breed!

[@oofydoofy6883]

beautiful berners. informative video. nice owner. cool!

[@mbmccamey2]

Learning so much from your videos

[@healthylivingoz9650]

This is such a great informative video - thank you. They are two beautiful puppers. I wondered what dryer/blower you recommended for grooming. We have two chow chows :-)

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I love the K9II, or any of the K9 dryers. They are worth the money.

[@healthylivingoz9650]

SitStay with Stacy Slade wonderful! Thank you 🤗

[@Wob-rt1sc]

Loved this video - thank you for the simplicity. I have a 2.5yr old Newfoundland, a ton of grooming equipment, none of which I'm sure is 'right' and would like to groom her myself at home after a little nick caused by the last groom at a dog groomers 🤬 I'm so confused about which grooming table to get and how I'd get her onto it. I have a weak back which doesn't help. She's not huge - 39kg. What would you suggest?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

If you are willing to spend some money I love the table works tables, Otherwise You could get a cheaper table and with bolt cutters cut the legs off so it is low.

[@belle2154]

Hey Stacy. I’m watching your fabulous videos...can you refer where I can get the comb you are using with the wood handle. Great tool but can’t find it.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

If you look in the comments of the video a few people posted where they found it. Unfortunately mine is ancient and I don't remember where I got it (probably a dog show).

[@belle2154]

SitStay with Stacy Slade awesome. Thanks again for sharing your generous wisdom in these videos

[@Neevkl_7]

That dog walking around in the back is so huge lol

[@lindasvensson7574]

Thank you for all your helpful videos! I have a question, what do you use to brush the short hair on the legs? I take care of a Bernese mountain dog and I have noticed that she sometimes are botherd by some loose hairs on the legs and I want to help her and remove them so she doesn't gnaw on her legs and get hotspots trying to get rid of them her self. The brushes and combs I got have'nt been working so good so I would be thankful for a sugestion.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Would a slicker work to comb them? Use thinning shears to remove them.

[@lindasvensson7574]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade I have tried a slicker brush and it is the best of what I have tried so far but is'nt really effective. Is there different typs of slicker brushes more then the size and brand of the brush? Maby how close the "spikes" are spaced togheter? What do you think about a Equi Groomer? Does it damage/cut the fur like the Furminator? It seems to work well on short haired dogs so it is similar to the short hairs on the front of the legs on a Berner I think. Thank you so much for your input.

[@lindasvensson7574]

Equi Groomer/Easy groomer

[@Jaypee4]

Disregard my question. Found answer further down in comments. Thank you very much 😀

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Oh good! Let me know if I can help!

[@Jaypee4]

Question-Where can I find that specific rake tool? The ones I’ve found don’t have the long two tier pins?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I believe someone posted a comment on the video where they found one!

[@rachelmvmm1973]

Hi Stacy. Has any of your dogs had very dry skin? Our dog’s skin is really dry in winter. Any tips on how to treat dog dandruff?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Typically dandruff occurs when they are shedding and dead hair is coming out creating dead skin (dandruff). I recommend a monthly bath and complete blow out (with a dog dryer). I also use a good quality fish oil.

[@thefreshwater2727]

Hi Stacy, Is it ok to have a Bernie’s hair cut like for a summer cut? We have a 5yo whose hair gets so long that she picks up redwood fronds in the woods and they get snarled in her “skirts” and ears when she sits or lays down on our walks. I’ve had it cut the last two years and don’t see any detriment other than she looks like she came from ToysRUS which is kinda cute... we cut it to about 3” long. She gets so snarled up that it’s difficult to bathe her. I appreciate your thoughts and videos. Thanks!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Its okay to trim the long hair but don't shave the coat as they need the outer coat to protect the undercoat which keeps them cool. You have to wash your dog every 6 weeks or so to get the dead undercoat off to allow for circulation. I have trimmed the back pants or feathers on the front to help cut down on debris :)

[@thefreshwater2727]

Thanks so much Stacy. Thanks for your vids!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Tim Kerr You’re welcome!!

[@t.jewell5033]

I really need to get a table for my girl. How do you get your dogs on the table? Lift them, stairs, or do they jump? Do you have a table recommendation and height?

[@dudeno9870]

Unforunately you probably have to lift them. I wouldn’t recommend letting them jump up due to the chance of them missing (high because Berner 💀) and causing injury.

[@shammycassy]

Hi! Thx for video. What is name of that rake?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Greyhound brand undercoat rake

[@Bublito]

Meanwhile the neighbours: OH MY GOD ITS RAINING FUR!

[@stephanieblake6968]

Hi Stacy, I have 13yr Bernese and Australian Shepard mix. I had a woman that was coming and grooming her for a while. I stopped it because I started noticing Kasi Jo was itching more and had bad dandruff. I've been doing her myself but just can't seem to get all the built up shampoo and undercoat that the lady left behind. Now poor Kasi is itching so bad and has big bald spots. I got an under coat rake but it seems to pull so hard on her but not really get the built up undercoat. I've looked for one like you used but can't seem to find it. Could you tell me the brand so I can get that one? It seemed to work really well and not hurt or tug so hard. Also have you had issues with skin allergies or the fat tumors under their skin? Kasi is getting a lot of them, the Vet said they move and don't hurt her but she seems to be sensitive when you pet or brush over them. Oh do you have a recommendation for something for arthritis that you use? I love my beautiful girl and I just want her to be as comfortable, healthy and happy as possible. Sooo Sorry for all the questions, but you are the first I've come across that seems to know the most about Bernese.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

It sounds like she needs a good bath an blowout to get out the dead coat? The brand of undercoat rake is Greyhound Comb. Ashley's grooming usually carries them. You might try an oatmeal based shampoo. I hope she is okay!

[@georgianaberg9000]

Stacy what is the best way to thin out a huge tail? Our 2 year old is shedding her spring coat and her tail has gotten really huge and fluffy with undercoat. What should we use to help loosen that hair? She hates to have her tail brushed (as you mention in the video).

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I have found a round pin brush works the best with starting at the fringe (end) and working toward the tail. You might also take thinning shears to it to help thin it out.

[@georgianaberg9000]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade Awesome, thank you Stacy. I knew you would come to the rescue! I am trying to get as much undercoat out before her bath as she is not fond of standing nicely on the grooming table and really dislikes the blow dryer. 😑

[@Neevkl_7]

That rake tool is really neat, I’d like to order one for my bernadoodle but your description link seems to be a little outdated. Know another place to find a good quality one?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Greyhound Combs carry a rake similar to it.

[@Neevkl_7]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade thanks

[@Isabelleedh]

Hi! Great video, what brand is your rake?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

It is a Greyhound brand rake.

[@Isabelleedh]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade do you know where to buy it?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@Isabelleedh I get it online at: greyhoundcomb.com

[@sjvche7675]

My male will not tolerate the yanking on his coat like she does, do you use any shampoo rinses, messaging to loosen dead undercoat, what about high velocity blowers?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Check out my grooming playlist, I wash all my dogs about every 4-6 weeks and use a dog dryer to get out the dead undercoat. You can use a conditioner to help release dead undercoat. Practice and training help them to learn how to be groomed. :)

[@robertvandriest-harrington3651]

Weekly i could fill up a half to a full pillow, with my former Bernese odin!

[@awife7581]

Dumb question. Did you cut her hair or is it that short naturally? Seems it was longer in your other videos so just curious if you trim her up as well.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

No, I never cut their hair. She is out of coat due to season shedding. With intact girls they loose more than boys and more than spayed girls.

[@priestof1]

What do you think about those rakes double sided one with wide curved teeth one with curved teeth closer together? Where did you get the one your using? I have a husky

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Without seeing it, it is hard to comment. The curved teeth usually have a blade and aren't good for the coat unless you have mats. I believe my rake is similar to the Greyhound brand rake. I hope this helps!

[@Dustin922]

We are nervous to get a Bernese for this reason. How bad is the shedding if you stay on top of the brushing and grooming?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

They shed a lot. They are a large double coated breed who completely shed out twice a year. Monthly baths and blowouts help, but there is always hair in the house. It is part of having a dog. :)

[@Dustin922]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade we have had Labradors and Goldens in the past so we are used to the hair balls 😀 just wasn’t sure if it would be much worse lol

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@Dustin922 Well in some ways it's better, short lab coats get stuck in everything and show up on all clothes, the black hair blends in and is mainly on the floors!

[@Dustin922]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade we bring bernese pup home next week 😀 she will be 8 weeks

[@latosa18]

Hmm. And I usually swear by the furminator...didnt know that. Thanks. I have a mixed breed(12 different according to dna test) I dont think she is double coated, just long haired "Border collie appearence". She sheds non stop. BUT i have been using furminator. How do I cut back on hair?!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

She likely has a double coat, under coat and outer top coat. A comb, undercoat rake and monthly baths with a dog dryer to get out the undercoat will help a lot. Kinda like us, they need regular grooming to stay clean and healthy :)

[@devinburr1051]

I have a furminator that I use on my BMD. Should i stop using the furminator and use a rake instead?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I would, the furminator has a blade that cuts the coat and damages it. The rake just takes out the already dead coat.

[@johncharlesfarrell3144]

You got your combing thing where?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Greyhound Combs

[@amandalehew5641]

So I know you should groom once a month, but how often do you brush with a pin brush? Do you only take after grooming?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I will use the rake daily/weekly when they are dropping coat, I use the pin brush on feathers and pants or when I need to spruce them up quickly.

[@amandalehew5641]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade thank you! You are my lifesaver!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@amandalehew5641 You are welcome!

[@thealize808]

I live in Las Vegas. Looking at shelters. I want to adopt not shop. Would this breed ok in Las Vegas weather?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

You won't find many Bernese in the shelters to adopt. You can work with BMD breed clubs Rescue group to find dogs who have been surrendered by their owners. There isn't a club in Nevada (likely the weather) but you should google BMD Club of the Rockies and Grand Canyon State BMD Club. The heat is a concern, you would need to make accommodations with really good AC and walking early morning and later evening.

[@deneenwiers]

Hello! How long does grooming normally take?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

For a bath and blow dry, depending on the coat 45 min to 2 hours (naked girl to adult make thick coat). Trimming depends on the dog, but ears and feet 20-25 minutes. :)

[@deneenwiers]

SitStay with Stacy Slade Thank you for responding! I have never commented on a video before but my fiancée and I are looking into getting a Berner when we get married in November! Thanks again!!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@deneenwiers That is great! I would get started now finding your regional club and getting their list of reputable breeders. Where are you located? Many reputable breeders only have one or two litters a year so it's important to have a relationship with them early (squeaky wheel theory) and learn as much as you can about finding a healthy dog. I would learn how to read health clearances in Bernergarde.org (look my name up and my dogs for an example) so you can verify any health clearances on potential parents of a puppy. I'm happy to help!

[@deneenwiers]

SitStay with Stacy Slade Our neighbor bread her Berner back in September and plans on again on August. She doesn’t bread for show dogs, but for maximum health and life expectancies. I take the mama Berner for walks 3 times a week, testing if I’m truly ready to take on a dog full time. I’m in North central Ohio, outside Cleveland. I always had a dog growing up, more like a family member than a “pet”. I love animals! But I’ll definitely look at that link as well, what a helpful tool.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@deneenwiers I would definitely watch my video on 'How to find a healthy Bernese." If she has done the OFA hip and elbow certifications on her dogs, great, but if it is just her vet saying "they are healthy" I would not risk it as you have NO idea how much dysplasia is in the pedigree. I would be very scared to get a puppy from them. There are many great breeders in Ohio, IN, PA etc. It isn't worth any discount as hip or elbow dysplasia costs $4,000 on average for each joint. I see it a lot, you don't want to go there. Please watch the video (in General Ownership Playlist). I'm happy to answer any questions.

[@OMENATOFFEEKPHYA]

nice

[@cindypreston8470]

where do you get the rake comb you use

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Greyhound brand

[@tarawatt6778]

Does anyone know it this works well with short hair breeds?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Slicker brushes work better for short hair breeds. :)

[@Captivate5]

Anyone know where to find that wonderful comb??

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

There are many places that sell undercoat grooming rakes online. I would start with Amazon.

[@6themegamom]

Do you remove they're dew claws?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

As a responsible breeder I remove the rear dewclaws at 3 days old. After that, I would not remove them.

[@6themegamom]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade ohh ok. My husband and I have a 4 month old puppy. I wish they had removed them. I'm afraid it's going to get caught on something. They really do stick out!

[@HL99DMD]

💝💗

[@lemonjuice9292]

Could you make a video where you show how to shave their privates? I have a male Bernese Mountain Dog that I self-groom and I’m not sure if I’m doing it correctly.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I do not trim anything besides their feet and ears. I wash and dry (with a dog dryer) every 4-6 weeks throughly and that keeps them clean and mat free.