According to Wikipedia, hand-stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of the coat of a non-shedding dog, either by using a stripping knife or the fingers. A hard, wiry coat has a cycle where it starts growing and then sheds as it reaches maximum length. Hand-stripping coordinates the shedding and makes room for a new coat to grow.
Stripping is the proper grooming method for all wirehaired dogs, including Cairn Terriers, Fox Terriers, German White-Haired Pointers, Jack Russell Terriers, Schnauzers, Wirehaired Dachshunds. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, West Hyland White Terriers, Border Terriers, and Bouvier des Flandres.
All show dogs must be hand-stripped all over, whereas with pet dogs, you can simulate the look of hand-stripping by using a thinning shears. However, the area of the coat that has been cut with shears will lose its hardness, so it is a choice to consider when picking your tools and planning your cut. As such, when at all possible, it is best to shape the dog to comfortably tolerate hand-stripping all over its body.
The hair is removed either by bracing it against a stripping knife or a stripping stone with the topcoat removed to reveal the dense soft undercoat. If done correctly, the procedure is painless. Many dogs are reported to enjoy having their coats stripped, especially when they are introduced to the process as puppies.
Why do we hand-strip terriers? What is hand-stripping? What skills are needed to be successful at hand-stripping (for both groomer and dog being stripped)?
Hand-stripping is a technique that allows a wirehaired terrier’s natural coat to be maintained. By this, we mean maintaining a coat that is virtually dustproof as well as waterproof, while keeping its rich look intact.
With hand-stripping, we are constantly removing the hard outer hair. The soft undercoat provides the insulation and is not removed. One important skill for groomers is understanding and recognizing the difference between the undercoat (the soft hair) and the outer coat, consisting of the wiry hair.
As each animal is a “study of one,” we determine, on an individual basis, exactly what each dog is able to tolerate and is comfortable with at any given time.
Of equal importance are patience and observation: patience, as it is a lengthy process, and observation, in order to realize at which point the dog may need to take a break. To ensure the dog’s comfort, groomers want to be certain not to pull out too much hair at one time, and to only pull out those hairs that are loose enough to come out easily.
It is also important to take care that you are pulling the hair that’s ready to come out in the proper direction, and to be cognizant of the amount of time you are asking the dog to remain standing still while being handled on the table. We recommend, as always, clicking (or using verbal marker word) and treating throughout the process for the dog’s calm behavior.
Remember, all the extra care and time that you as the groomer take with the process is valuable. Most families understand this, and will pay extra for your sensitivity to their dog’s needs.