Shih Tzu

MISHKA

Mishka is a fabulous, sassy Shih Tzu who has a lot to say and can be difficult to groom! Michelle talks us through the finer points of dealing with dogs that do not enjoy the grooming process while styling her in a short body and long leg groom. This is a great groom to do if the dog wears a jacket in the Winter. Mishka has had her basics, bath and dry completed prior to filming.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

PART 1 Clipping the body. Michelle uses a #4 wide blade to clip the body.

PART 2 The head study.These dogs have a brachycephalic face, and care needs to be taken when holding and scissoring these little faces. Michelle sets the head in using thinning shears and a curved chunker

PART 3 The front and back legs. Michelle checks in on Mishka's behaviour during the leg and feet work. The Groomers Helper can be handy if you are grooming on your own. Michelle chooses to scissor rather than clip her legs so it is easier on Mishka.

PART 4 Trimming the tail and finishing touches.

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ALFIE

Alfie the Shih Tzu is a cheeky soul. He has come a long way but can be a handful. Michelle shows you a few alternative handling techniques for fussy floofs. She uses an extension comb on this drop coat. Alfie has had his basics and bath done prior to filming.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

PART 1 Alfie’s body trim using the dark blue extension.

PART 2 Michelle takes Alfie through a head study using a yellow comb and thinners and curves. These dogs can be stubborn, and Alfie is ticklish near his ears! Michelle uses light grips and a gentle hand.

PART 3 Alfie’s feet, tail and legs are scissored using straights and thinners. Check out Alfie’s magnificent toe beans!

HARPER

The makeover of a pure breed pet Shih Tzu, Harper. Colleen demonstrates handy tips for bathing and drying a Brachycephalic breed, and then a pretty pet salon groom, scissoring a longer leg and cute round head (those eyes!)

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

PART 6

PART 1 Techniques for protecting the eyes and nose of a brachycephalic breed when bathing

PART 2 HV dryers can be very dangers for brachycephalic breeds. Colleen demonstrates tools to use, and how to use the HV dryer safely

PART 3 Starting the body leaving a longer head and legs, demonstrating where the transition points are

PART 4 Quick and easy to maintain long legs, and how to blend into the transition point, now the leg has been completed

PART 5 Colleen demonstrates how using small, sharp scissors can create a perfect little foot that blends nicely into the leg

PART 6 Shih Tzu heads are always fun to groom! Due to the Brachycephalic skull type, they are naturally round. Watch as Colleen also shows you a safe way to clip out the eyes. Towards the end, Harper has had quite enough - Colleen has some tips on managing this.

This tutorial is available as a fastForward