[crashdummy]

Are their any groomers in the area that hand strip? Would love to hear from other Cairn owners in The Villages and their grooming advice. Thanks

[Topspinmo]

We have Cairn about 14 years old and new here. I too will also like to find good Groomer? With pass experience in other areas not to many know how to hand strip. They seem to think they are scottie's and cut them same way. Anyway awaiting to see what responses you will get.

[wendyquat]

I have an 8 year old Cairn and don't do hand stripping because of time and expense. He gets a fairly decent "Cairn cut" at Bone Crazy!

[Bonanza]

I've had wirehair dachshunds which are always hand stripped for show purposes. I currently have a rescue terrier/dachsie mix (and heaven knows what else!) with that same kind of coat.

I've always felt that if you aren't showing your dog, why would you hand strip him/her? It is painful for the dog and is very time consuming. If it serves no purpose, and you can still get the look (the cut) with a regular grooming and just let them be happy puppies less the pain for them and the cost for you.

If you show your dog, then it's a different story, however.

[perrjojo]

We have a Westie and tried several groomers before we found one that does a true Westie cut. Natures Pet Spa on 441. It is a bit of a drive from our location but well worth it. Ashly does a great job but it is not a hand strip. 352 347-5745

[Wandatime]

Good luck finding someone to hand strip. I am from Richmond, VA, a pretty big city, and could not find anyone to do it. I love the wiry Cairn/Westie coat and read that using shears to groom will soften it over time. I also read that some dogs hate hand stripping and some dogs don't mind it. If you aren't showing your dog there really doesn't seem to be much reason to hand strip, especially if your dog is uncomfortable with it. I have had my Westie groomed twice in five years, and while he looked cute it sure didn't last long. Usually I groom him myself using a steel comb. I do kind of a cross between stripping and combing. Sometimes I'll hand strip around his ears. Bentley doesn't seem to mind the combing or the stripping , and he especially loves the full body massage he gets afterwards.

Anyway, as I said, good luck on your search and please post if you do, in fact, find someone.