How to Hand Strip a Cairn Terrier

The Cairn terrier is an active, hardy dog equipped with a weather-resistant double coat characterized by a harsh, wiry outer coat and a soft and furry inner coat. Keeping the coat in top shape is a must whether you are in the show dog business or just a dedicated owner. The purpose of grooming is to promote health, good hygiene and to ''preserve type'' for those in the show dog business. Hand stripping is a process where the Cairn terrier owner will pluck out the dead and dying hair for a shinier and healthier coat.

Things You'll Need

• Grooming table
• Dog comb
• Dog brush
• Grooming chalk
• Stripping knife
• Treats

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place your Cairn terrier on the grooming table. Groom your Cairn terrier's coat with the brush and comb. Focus on removing mats. Make sure the coat is clear of any tangles before going to the next step.

   • 2

     Apply some grooming chalk on your hands to give you a better grip. Grasp a few strands of hair between your fingers or between your thumb and the teeth of a stripping knife, and pull steadily in the direction of growth.

   • 3

     Pluck the hair smoothly and with a steady rhythm, using a gentle touch. Work the coat a few hairs at a time, keeping the wrist locked while pulling in the direction in which the coat grows, explains certified master groomer Kathy Salzberg. This way, the weakly rooted dead hair is easily removed.

   • 4

     Praise and reward your Cairn terrier for cooperating. Your Cairn terrier will appreciate it and will learn to enjoy any future grooming sessions.