The directive for nail clipping is ‘little and often’. From the age of three weeks, puppies should have their nails clipped regularly. Just about a mm a time, taking great care not to cut into the blood vessel or nerve. This is painful to the puppy and once it has happened, the puppy will be reluctant to let you touch its paws again.
The amount of natural wear on the nails depends upon how much road walking the Border does, and also how much digging in the garden. Do not forget the dew claws, as they do not get any wear and tear. Whether the new puppy has the dewclaws or not, depends upon the breeder. Some remove them when the puppies are a few days old, others do not.
Grooming:
Border Terriers have a double coat, consisting of a tough waterproof top coat and a soft undercoat for warmth. There are a few Borders which have either one or just a sparse undercoat. This is incorrect for the breed. There are also a few which grow a very long rather sparse top coat. These are often blue and tans. Border terriers need little grooming. They should be brushed every day for a few minutes. This will remove any dead hairs, and also loose undercoat. Brushing will remove any dry dirt on the coat.
A Border should never be bathed unless in a dire emergency, like rolling in a cowpat. Most ordinary dirt once it is dry will brush out. The top coat is waterproof and shampoo, even the mildest can remove the oil. Once the oil is removed, the coat will not be water resistant and will pick up dirt far more easily. Far better just to use luke warm water with no shampoo or detergent at all.
Developing a Cleaning Routine
Question How can I calm my dog down when they are nervous to take a bath? Lancy Woo Certified Pet Groomer Lancy Woo is a Certified Pet Groomer and the Owner of VIP Grooming, a pet grooming salon based in San Francisco, California. VIP Grooming has served San Francisco for over 35 years. Lancy received her pet grooming certification from the WWPSA (Western Word Pet Supply Association). VIP Grooming has been voted “Best in the Bay” in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and won Bay Woof’s “Beast of Bay” in 2014. In 2018, Lancys work contributed to VIP Groomings acceptance onto San Franciscos Office of Economic and Workforce Developments Legacy Business Registry. Lancy Woo Certified Pet Groomer Expert Answer Some people have noticed if they sit on the floor with their dog for a little while and wait for the dog to approach them, it gives the dog time to get comfortable. It also gives you time to read your dog. Are they sound sensitive? Fear based or overwhelmed? Knowing these things about your dog can help you avoid perpetuating fear for your dog.
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Grooming and stripping your border terrier might seem like a lot of work, but you don’t need to worry about making it look pristine. While some terrier cuts require precise lines and elaborate furnishings, border terriers should look shaggy instead of over-groomed.[29] ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you’re not confident about stripping your border terrier’s coat, ask a local breeder or border terrier club for a referral to a good groomer.[30] ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Make sure any groomer you use is knowledgeable about stripping a border terrier, and tell them that you do not want your dog clipped.[31] ⧼thumbs_response⧽ Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
Slicker brush
Metal comb
Conditioner or mat spray
Damp cloth or wet wipes
Small pet toothbrush
Dog toothpaste
Dog shampoo for wiry coats (optional)
Dog nail clippers
Blunt safety scissors
Grooming Guide – Border Terrier Handstrip – Pro Groomer