How to Get Field Trial Paint Off a Dog

In order to tell which dog is which in a hurry at field hunting trials a number is often stenciled onto the dog's side with paint. This benefits the judges and spectators but can be annoying for the dog owner to remove once the trial is over and the dog is home. Wet paint is easy to remove from a dog's coat, but field trial paint has had hours to dry and firmly adhere to your hunter's fur.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog soap
  • Warm water
  • Towel
  • Brush
  • Comb
  • Vegetable oil
  • Peanut butter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wash the spot. Soak the paint spot with warm water and scrub thoroughly with dog soap and your fingers. Unless your field hunter came home completely muddy, you do not need to wash the whole dog. Rinse and repeat and dry your dog thoroughly.

    • 2

      Brush out the paint. Use your fingers to gently separate the paint-dabbed fur into as small clumps as possible. Take a fine dog brush and/or comb and work the rest of the paint out of the fur. Try not to pull your dog's fur too much.

    • 3

      Slick up stubborn paint. If the paint just won't break up or wash off, put vegetable oil or peanut butter on your fingers and work the oily substance into the painted fur. The oil will soften the paint and make it easier to remove with washing and/or brushing.

    • 4

      Let nature take its course. If the last of the paint just won't come out any other way, wait until the painted fur falls out on its own; dogs are always shedding. Continue to brush out the painted spot every week or so to help remove the loose, paint-tipped hairs.