Re: [pyrnet] Dread Locks

["Tracy" <espinay@bigpond.com>]

<< Clipping them out with clippers (a #10 blade) is safest. I have heard of
so  many dogs being injured by owners trying to cut out mats with
scissors.>>

Yes, clippers are definitely safest.  If you don't have clippers though,
there are a few tips and tricks that can help make it a little less of a
problem.

The first way is to get the dreadlock/mats and instead of trying to cut it
off at the skin, cut it off about half way up.  In other words, cut the top
of the  mat off, leaving half of it still attached.  The bottom half is then
usually much easier to comb out.  To make sure you dont cut the skin, slip
the comb through between the skin and the mat first before you use the
scissors on it.

Next way is to get your scissors, and pass one side through the matt at the
skin with the blade facing up towards you.  Cut up through the mat from the
skin upwards, dividing the mat into smaller sections.  These sections are
then teased out with a comb.  With both this and the first method, spraying
some silicone based detangler (eg show sheen, cowboy magic, equinade show
silk, the stuff, chris christiansens ice on ice etc etc) on the mat and
working it in with your fingers before combing can help it come out easier.

If the mat is really tight to the skin, the best way to approach it is very
slowly.  Never try cutting the whole mat off in one go as that is the
easiest way to slice the skin. Instead pass the scissors through a small
section at a time near the base of the mat - only so much that you can still
see the blade - and cutting at a slight angle upwards and towards you cut a
small section of the hair at a time, gradually working till you have freed
the whole mat.

HTH

Tracy Bassett
Country Styles Grooming
Espinay Pyrenean Mountain Dogs
Murrumbateman, Australia
espinay@bigpond.com