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Tools you will need 

  • Undercoat Rake

  • Detangler rake (see video)

  • Slicker brush

  • Comb with handle

  • High speed animal blow dryer

  • A good sense of when to admit defeat and you need professional help:

Taking the RMCD to the groomer

As a 30 year veteran groomer and breeder of the dogs you will be getting - I would like to share my experience for you to share with your groomer.  All RMCD puppies are taught to receive grooming and have been introduced to a bath, being kenneled and dryers.  The following tips will help introduce and establish a good relationship for both your dog and groomer:

Call a few different groomers and expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $160 for the complete groom.  

Please ask to have the groom split into two days. TRUST ME! This is easier on your dog and the backs of people handling the big dog your puppy will become.   Brush and prepare the first day for no more than 2 hours. The next day bathe and finish up no more than four hours.   Practice with puppy going into the groom shop twice. Walk in - walk out. Treat and praise.  For the "big day", of drop off, you will probably be asked if you would like a basic bath and brush service, or a specialized removal of dead undercoat. This may be a necessary step if you have fallen behind with brushing.

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"De-Shedding" process is a different service than basic bath and brush.  Specialized products are used to eliminate dead hair while holding in live healthy hair.   Shampoos must be thoroughly worked into the coat with a soothing massage. A high pressure rinse in necessary to push the dead hair up away from the skin. Warmed conditioners are applied that will close follicles and soak times can last up to fifteen minutes before full release of dead coat is reached. Again, a high pressure rnise is absolutely necessary to push the coat apart and allow the coat to release shed-hair.

Please remember to advvise your groomer that your dog has dew claws. Sometimes they are not evident under the fur, be careful not to scrape them when brushing that area.

 

Grooming the Colorado Mountain Dog

Understanding 3 Layered Coats

Most dogs that shed, have a "top" layer of hair - thicker and less  dense than the "under" layer of hair which is softer and sometimes very dense.  The CMD has in  THREE layers of coat, prominent on the rear and mane.

Shedding season is determined by the hours of daylight the dog is exposed to. Traditionally, indoor/outdoor dogs have a prolonged shedding season, and outdoor only dogs tend to drop it all at once. The worst of the shed comes from the undercoat. Not much of the third longest layer will fall out. Matting and compacted coat will happen if the dead undercoat gets tangled up in the live outer coat on its way off the dog.  
This video of W2E Mithril being brushed shows the first stage of loosening up the coat so shed can happen.

After a few days the first part of the shed should be able to be taken out. Once its loose enough, a bath is recommended.  Don't try to use a bucket or a shower unless you plan on spending the day rinsing. Use a self service dog was or hire a professional. Most CMD's range between $100 and $200 for a seasonal professional grooming, depending on coat condition and your local market.   

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SHAMPOOS TO USE

Any good quality shampoo will work but a whitening shampoo will make the white CMD sparkle. Blue CMD's will also pickup highlights from a whitening shampoo.

Always use a conditioning rinse and rinse and rinse and rinse and rinse. Then rinse again.

A Conditioning spray is a good idea between baths.

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