Bringing a long-coated dog into the show ring means showcasing their natural beauty. A well-prepared coat is essential. It should be clean, hydrated, and have the right texture. This routine helps you achieve that look.
The Essential First Step: Deep Cleaning
Start by preparing the coat. This means removing all residue and product build-up. A deep clean opens the cuticle. It makes sure the coat can fully absorb the treatments that follow.
Use Stripper for this first step. Apply two lathers in warm water. Rinse the coat thoroughly after each lather. This shampoo is designed to purify and lift away any unwanted layers, leaving the coat truly clean.
Choosing Your Mask: Hydration or Volume
After cleansing, the coat is ready for a mask. This is where you can target specific needs like hydration, shine, or volume. Blot the coat gently with a Big Size Microfiber Towel until it is damp, not dripping wet.
Apply the mask in three zones: chest, front legs, neck and head; then the back and underside; finally, hips, skirts, tail, and rear legs. Massage the product into the ends of the coat. Allow the mask to work for 45 to 60 minutes.
For maximum benefit, wrap your dog after applying the mask. Use a plastic cape or bag directly against the coat. Then wrap with a towel and a warm blanket. Do not use an absorbent towel directly on the coat, as it can pull the product out. Let your dog relax for 20 to 30 minutes in the wrap. After this, let your dog cool for five minutes before rinsing. Always finish with plenty of cold water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
Your choice of mask depends on your dog’s coat needs:
- Fortaleza Treatment is an excellent choice for maximum nutrition and extraordinary shine. It hydrates without changing the coat’s natural volume and seals dry or damaged ends.
- Greed offers intensive hydration with a high protein load, providing both moisture and body.
- Gossip is a collagen concentrate that delivers expansive volume without drying the coat. You can explore all our masks on the Treatment collection page.
Preparing the Coat for Drying
After the cold rinse, blot the coat again with your Big Size Microfiber Towel. Then, it’s time to apply a styling or hydrating spray. This prepares the coat for drying and helps achieve the desired finish.
- For professional texture and a UV barrier, spray Flattery generously onto the coat. This is ideal for show days.
- If your dog’s coat needs extra hydration, consider a leave-in spray. Jealousy is the most concentrated hydration spray. You could also use Desire for keratin-based strengthening and hydration, or Fortaleza Spray for light daily conditioning. You can view all our spray options on the Sprays collection page.
The Final Styling for the Ring
As the coat gets nearly dry, apply Flattery again. This helps build the desired texture. Next, use Pride. This is a very concentrated pomade for hold and volume control. Work a very small amount into specific areas like the neck, tail, and legs where you want more control. Then, brush it out without using the dryer. Remember, a little Pride goes a long way; too much can weigh the coat down.
Finish brushing the coat to perfection. Once it is completely dry, take a Professional Comb. Run the large comb from root to tip through the entire coat. This is your final check to ensure there are no hidden knots or tangles. Your long-coated dog is now ready for the ring.
What you need
- Stripper: used for the initial deep cleanse.
- Big Size Microfiber Towel: for blotting the coat before and after treatments.
- Fortaleza Treatment: for maximum hydration and shine during the mask step.
- Flattery: applied before and during drying for texture and UV protection.
- Jealousy: for concentrated hydration after the mask and rinse.
- Pride: for hold and volume control on specific areas before the final brush-out.
- Professional Combs: for final detangling checks and defining the coat.
For a personalized grooming plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs, consult our Grooming Advisor.