Australian Shepherd (en)

When is an Aussie not a true Aussie? Well, when it actually is an Australian Shepherd as they did not originate in Australia at all. This glamorous dog was likely from the Basque region between Spain and France and adopted and adapted into the American ranch way of life. A lovely double-coated breed with a great variety of colours in a coat that is weather resistant. It stands out in any show ring. Best shampoo to use is to decide just where the coat is at in the ever-evolving process of a double-coated breed - it is either coming or going so it seems.

Different stages of the coat necessitate a different shampoo to get the maximum benefit. Different colours also require different approaches too. When the coat is just right then use the Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo for super shine. This works well on all colours. Dilute all the Plush Puppy shampoos at 5:1 (5 parts water to one part shampoo). For dry, old coat grooming, use the Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo with Evening Primrose. This will give extra moisture when the coat gets dry and brittle prior to shedding or after long hot summer days. Use the Plush Puppy Body Building Shampoo when out of coat or for a coat that is not abundant enough. This works really well and helps to puff up the outward look of a dog that could use some bulking up. Use the Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo to tone or rid the coat of unwanted warm tones especially good on a blue merle, black that has turned rusty red or to tone down unwanted orange tones on a red coat. Good also on the white areas.

For difficult stubborn stained white areas switch to Plush Puppy Wonder Blok this product is one of our proudest achievements in helping to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but with the use of modern technology and high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.

For faces use Plush Puppy Let's Face It - An amazing product for faces using the very latest technology combined with natural holistic properties. Its tearless formula with anti-inflammatory benefits is hypoallergenic. Key ingredients are Blue Cypress extracts, panthenol and Pro Vit B. Apply a golf ball-sized amount directly to the face and eyes, massage in without causing any irritation. In addition, can be used on ears for the same benefits.

So, to keep this abundant, full look and to enhance the picture of a solidly built dog, don't use a conditioner. It will flatten and soften the coat. The instruction and focus is to keep a weather-resistant texture and the best way to do this, especially when shampooing and drying each week is to oil the coat using Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil. This is just great and not at all oily or difficult to remove, nor does it collect dirt and grime. Sourced from Evening Primrose Oil, Calendula Oil and other goodies, the Seabreeze Oil is applied after shampooing and rinsing at a ratio of approx. 1 tablespoon to 1 gallon/4 litres of water. However, you apply it and ensure you get it right down into the coat as it is wonderful for the skin too. Don't rinse out. After 4 - 6 weeks just watch the healthy glow and vigour on the coat. Can't live without this product - this is a real must-have for outdoor coats. For really brittle and damaged coats or coats that have done their fair share of hard knocks, use the Plush Puppy Coat Rescue at 2 tablespoons to 2 cups and leave for at least 5 minutes and preferably up to 20 minutes. The longer the better. Then rinse. Mid-week as a treatment use with Seabreeze Oil and leave in.

Now the show presentation grooming starts with a good dose of Plush Puppy Volumising Cream. I am of the school that asserts a good bit of lift to the coat is good and more is better. By the time the dog rolls around in the crate or trailer, it is a lot flatter than when I started! Use 1 tablespoon to 1 cup water and spread evenly and liberally. Now blow dry with a force dryer with as much lift as possible to the coat lifting up and forwards towards the head to create a nice full ruff. We also have now Plush Puppy Volumising Spray a 'Ready To Use' for quicker, easier and fuller coat results. Perfect either before blow-drying or used to 'fluff' up the coat at the show. A light even spray, brush in until dry or use a dryer. Produced for easy use and scientifically balanced for all coat types. This is a hair thickener to add volume - not a hair stiffener and not easily detectable as it leaves the coat with a natural fuller look and feel.

For drying the Aussie use Plush Puppy FAST Blow Dry Spray that combines the latest active ingredients together to dramatically reduce drying time, adds moisture and conditions while protecting the coat. It contains a recently discovered ingredient from the Australian Native Flame Tree that makes dry or old coat feel and look perfect. It also protects the coat from damage from sun and heat. It contains a slight hold ingredient for better coat management and a special active ingredient that eliminates static electricity and stops the flyaways. FAST is probably the most technically advanced formula in the Plush Puppy Range to date.

The secret to a good double coat is to dry thoroughly. I hate it when people leave it half dry and it starts to mat at the skin after time. The dog can also get hot spots with this damp undercoat situation. A good weather-resistant coat doesn't get wet naturally down to the skin, but we all push the envelope with jet forced bathing, etc and therefore you must ensure we do dry well. If the coat is a tad dry on the ends or the ends are starting to flip a bit, then apply Plush Puppy OMG is a revolutionary grooming spray that lives up to its name. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. Using at an approximate mixture of 1-part OMG to 30-40 parts water using this break down form the OMG concentrate. The stronger the mix the stronger their effects. For this type of double-coated breed, a lighter concentration works best. Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. An amazing product for regular brushing also. The perfect product to allow all the benefits of putting a moisturising product into the coat without over softening the coat. OMG never builds up, never goes stringy. A product that took years to develop using the latest technology for maximum effects. A true necessity for the tool kit.

Then dry, for dogs that coat is kicking up or wavy use Plush Puppy Blow Dry Cream. Blow Dry Cream flattens and softens. Using them correctly and in the right place will tailor your dog to its best. Apply 1 dessertspoon to 250ml (oz) of water. Sponge into the area needed and dry.

On any stains use Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream with a light dab onto a barely damp sponge and pat lightly onto any stained or less than white areas that ought to be white. Add a flurry of chalk to dry and then brush. For legs use Plush Puppy Chalkestral Apply evenly to areas before chalking. Either put a small amount into your hands and rub together to "warm-up" and then rub into the area. Or swipe a small amount into a damp sponge and evenly rub/wipe into the area. Appy chalk or white powder with brush immediately. A unique product that conditions the coat to minimise chalk dry out plus adheres chalk to coat. Totally water soluble
This stays on the coat well and will last the day till washed off Last minute stuff is to brush the coat up and forwards with another light mist of the Volumising Spray using a Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush which is an oval cushioned pin brush. Finish off with a Plush Puppy Anti-Static Porcupine Brush for a smoother look from the half bristle/half dialon cushioned action. I usually just use the Pin Brush, liking the lift and fullness.

Your wonderful smooth gaiting dog is now ready for action and ready to take on the flashiest of breeds in the ring. He is dressed to perfection and will draw gasps of pleasure and excitement as he uses that ground covering stride to his best. His quick and intelligent personality will endear him to all as he performs as you ask and you will have had that extra bonding that you have created during the quiet times of grooming - the laying on of your hands on this magnificent dog is a treat and one to be enjoyed and never a chore.

Plush Puppy Australia