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These five steps are the fundamentals of Shih Tzu and any dog breed grooming procedure is:

1. Brushing and Combing
2. Bathing
3. Blow Drying
4. Ear Cleaning
5. Nail Trimming

The Shih Tzu is typical of a longhaired breed requiring constant coat care and most frequently require services of a professional groomer.

Brushing and combing melody:
Brushing out the coat of a Shih Tzu is the most important step in Shih Tzu dog grooming. The importance of regular Shih Tzu brushing is underscored by the fact that a Shih Tzu can be made presentable by brushing alone. Brushing your Shih Tzu is the foundation for all that follows and more time and effort should be devoted to it. The main ingredient to brushing the coat of a Shih Tzu is 'manual labor.' Thorough Shih Tzu brushing is mandatory before bathing since wetting a tangled, matted coat will only cause the coat to tangle and mat more. Combing out the Shih Tzu coat is a close second step to brushing. Combing the Shih Tzu coat should be considered an accompaniment to brushing, thus creating a melody of brush and comb, brush and comb, brush and comb the beautiful coat of your Shih Tzu.

Brushing and combing techniques:

The approach to your Shih Tzu consists of starting each step from the hindquarters. The theory behind this approach is if the Shih Tzu cannot see what you are doing, he will be less likely to object. Staring from the hindquarters proceed to groom the Shih Tzu systematically, part by part, step by step.

The actual technique of correct Shih Tzu coat brushing and combing is to first grasp the left rear leg of your Shih Tzu and while holding part of the hair in one hand brush the other part. To get to the undersides of your Shih Tzu's leg, lift the leg of your Shih Tzu up and while holding firmly with one hand, brush the undersides.

Lay down your brush and pick up your comb. The main function of the comb is to find and remove tangles, mats or knots left in the Shih Tzu coat after brushing. Run the comb through the leg coat you just brushed out. If you find a knot in the Shih Tzu's leg coat, hold the bottom part of the knot firmly with one hand and comb or tease out the knot with the other.

When you are finished brushing and combing both hind legs of your Shih Tzu, do exactly the same with the two front legs of your Shih Tzu. When all four legs of your Shih Tzu are done, go back to the hindquarters of your Shih Tzu. This time, you will concentrate on the tail of your Shih Tzu. Proceed to do the entire body coat of your Shih Tzu, first left side, then right side, then underside, then the front or chest areas of your Shih Tzu. The most systematic way of brushing out the body coat of your Shih Tzu is from rear to front, layer by layer, lifting up with one hand a layer of Shih Tzu coat and brushing down to the skin with the brush hand.

The final step is the head, including the ears. The heavy furnishings on the head of your Shih Tzu are part of their beauty. No effort should be spared in thoroughly brushing and combing this area of your Shih Tzu. You now have the face of your Shih Tzu to do. Once you have mastered the technique of the brushing and combing melody, no area of your Shih Tzu should present a problem. Combing your Shih Tzu is always the final, finishing touch.

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