For many dog owners, especially those preparing for the show ring, achieving precise coat control and targeted volume is essential. Starfire’s Canine Care offers Pride, a concentrated pomade designed to help you shape and manage your dog’s coat exactly where it’s needed. It focuses on structure and hold without weighing the coat down.
Understanding Pride Pomade
Pride is a structuring pomade developed to give hold and control to specific areas of the coat. It is very concentrated. A small amount provides resilient support and helps manage volume. This keratin-based complex was crafted by Tony Cabrera, an American Kennel Club Toy Breeder of the Year. It is designed for professional-grade quality.
When to Use Pride
Pride is particularly useful in show preparation routines. It helps define and control the coat in key areas for double-coated breeds. You will work it into the neck, tail, and legs. This gives a finished look and maintains desired volume and shape right before entering the ring. For a complete overview of show preparation products, visit our show prep collection.
How to Apply Pride for Best Results
Because Pride is so concentrated, a very small amount is all you need. Using too much can weigh the coat down. Here is the process for effective application:
- Preparation: Start with a clean, well-conditioned coat. The “Best in Show” protocol begins with a deep cleanse using Stripper to remove residues. This opens the cuticle. Follow with a mask like Fortaleza Treatment for maximum hydration and shine. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Initial Drying and Styling Spray: After rinsing, blot the coat with a Big Size Microfiber Towel. Then, spray Flattery, a show-day styling spray for professional texture and UV barrier, onto the damp coat before drying.
- Applying Pride: Once the coat is nearly dry, spray Flattery again. This is when you apply Pride. Take a very small amount on your fingertips. Work it into the specific areas where you want control and volume, such as the neck, tail, and legs. Massage it gently into the coat.
- Finishing: After applying Pride, finish brushing the coat. Do this without using the dryer. The goal is to set the structure and volume. Once the coat is completely dry, use a large Professional Comb from root to tip. This checks for any remaining knots and ensures a smooth finish.
Integrating Pride into a Show Routine
Pride fits into the final stages of a comprehensive show preparation routine. It works with other products to achieve a polished look.
- Step 1: Deep Cleanse: Bathe your dog with Stripper. This removes all previous product build-up and opens the coat cuticle.
- Step 2: Mask for Condition: Apply a mask like Fortaleza Treatment for 45 to 60 minutes. This provides deep hydration and shine. Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle.
- Step 3: Initial Styling Spray: Blot the coat dry with a Big Size Microfiber Towel. Then, spray Flattery before you begin drying.
- Step 4: Targeted Control with Pride: When the coat is almost dry, spray Flattery again. Then, apply a very small amount of Pride to the neck, tail, and legs. Brush it through without using a dryer.
- Step 5: Final Check: Once the coat is fully dry, use a large Professional Comb to check for any knots from root to tip.
What you need
- Pride: Applied to specific areas of the coat when nearly dry for hold and volume control.
- Stripper: Used as the first shampoo to remove residue and open the cuticle.
- Fortaleza Treatment: The mask used after shampooing for deep hydration and shine.
- Flattery: Sprayed before drying and again when the coat is nearly dry for texture and UV protection.
- Professional Combs: Used for final knot checks once the coat is dry.
For a routine built specifically for your pet’s needs, visit our Grooming Advisor.