Hand Stripping

Spring is the perfect time to give your dog’s coat a fresh start. For wire-haired breeds like Terriers, Schnauzers, and Gun Dogs – some breeds of Spaniel for example, regular brushing isn’t enough to maintain a healthy coat. 

Instead, hand stripping, a grooming technique that removes dead hair by gently plucking it out, keeps their coat in top condition. Hand stripping in spring not only improves your dog’s comfort as the weather warms up but also reduces shedding around your home. 

Why Hand Stripping in Spring Matters 

Wire-haired breeds don’t shed their dead hairs naturally like other dogs. Instead, the old hairs stay trapped in the coat, leading to dullness, overgrowth, and poor airflow to the skin. Hand stripping removes these dead hairs by hand, allowing healthy new fur to grow in and helping your dog stay cool and comfortable as temperatures rise. 

Benefits for Your Dog 

  • Preserves Coat Texture & Colour: Clipping can soften but sometimes damage a wiry coat. Stripping keeps the natural coarse texture and rich colour that’s typical of wire-haired breeds. 
  • Promotes Healthy Skin: By clearing out old hairs, hand stripping improves air circulation to the skin, reducing irritation and buildup. 
  • Keeps Your Dog Cooler: Removing excess dead fur prevents your dog from overheating as the days get warmer. 
  • Reduces Matting & Tangles: A stripped coat is easier to maintain, staying smoother and less prone to knots during active springtime play. 

Benefits for Your Home 

  • Less Loose Hair Indoors: Since dead hairs are manually removed, you’ll notice less shedding and fewer stray hairs around the house. 
  • Cleaner Home: A properly stripped coat repels dirt and debris more effectively, keeping your dog (and floors) cleaner after muddy spring walks. 
  • Improved Air Quality: Reducing excess hair can benefit allergy sufferers and keep your indoor air fresher. 

Hand Stripping Tips 

  • Start Early before the Summer: A spring hand stripping session refreshes the coat before summer heat and gives time for healthy new hair to grow in. 
  • Maintain a Regular Schedule: Our professional Groomer recommends hand stripping every 6 months, timed with your dog’s natural shedding cycle. During this period, we may strip every 12 weeks to effectively remove the outer coat until only the undercoat remains. This process is best handled by a trained Groomer to ensure your dog’s coat stays healthy and properly maintained. 
  • Use the Right Tools: Whether the groomer uses stripping knives, finger cots, or just their hands, they should choose what works best for them and your dog. 
  • Work Slowly & Gently: Hand stripping isn’t painful when done properly. Our groomer takes regular breaks and rewards your dog for staying patient. 
  • Consider Professional Help: If you’re new to hand stripping or your dog has a particularly thick coat, a professional groomer like our very own Sophie, can ensure the job is done safely and effectively. 

Hand stripping is an essential grooming routine for wire-haired breeds, especially in May when a clean, healthy coat sets the stage for warmer weather. With regular maintenance, your dog will not only look great but also feel cooler, more comfortable, and ready for all your summer adventures.