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West Highland White Terrier

POPPY

Poppy is a much loved pet and is having a #6F wide blade trim. This demonstration by Alicia showcases a pet style trim on a Westie with an optional spray up on the head at the end for a sleek finish. 

PART 1 Setting the clipper lines on a Westie. Alicia uses clippers to blend and smooth transition lines. Poppy has been pre-bathed and dried and is ready for her clip.

PART 2 The tailset on a Westie using a carrot as an example. Blending and shaping the transitions lines will help to shape and style this fabulous Westie trim.

PART 3 Setting in the head. Poppy has sore ears and not a lot of ear coverage. Alicia sets the head in, working with what she has. Tune in to the end to see a spray up version of the Westie head.

TIMESTAMPS AND TRANSCRIPT SUMMARY

  • Introduction and Pet Trim Style Cut (00:05 to 00:27)
    • Alicia introduces herself and Poppy the Westie.
    • Explains that she will be giving Poppy a pet trim style cut.
    • Mentions using a six blade instead of her usual preference for a four blade.
    • Talks about the importance of blending in the style cut.
    Clipping Techniques (00:32 to 03:05)
    • Alicia discusses using a six wide blade for clipping.
    • Starts behind the head and works her way around.
    • Mentions Poppy's bad skin condition but assures she is being treated.
    • Demonstrates how to clip the chest and front leg.
    • Explains the desired hair length on the chest and shoulders.
    • Discusses the importance of blending and avoiding harsh lines.
    • Talks about the advantages of wider blades for blending.
    • Mentions the difficulty of blending with a short blade but not impossible.
    Tail Clipping and Blending (03:59 to 05:23)
    • Alicia demonstrates how to clip the back and tail.
    • Emphasizes the need to stretch the skin and avoid big indents.
    • Discusses the challenges of blending with a short blade.
    • Shows how to clip the tail and blend it with the body.
    Skirt and Transition Lines (05:23 to 07:11)
    • Alicia explains how to clip the skirt and create transition lines.
    • Describes the desired line from the base of the tail to the skirt.
    • Talks about maintaining a straight line from the shoulder to the ground.
    • Emphasizes the importance of avoiding dips and filling in the chest area.
    • Mentions the misconception of leaving a bib across the chest.
    • Stresses the importance of shortening the shoulders and leaving the center close.
    Conclusion (07:11 to end)
    • Alicia summarizes the key points of the haircut technique.
    • Concludes by mentioning the proper stopping point at the pro sternum.

  • Introduction to the Carrot Tail (00:05-01:44)
    • Description of the tail and the goal of creating a carrot tail shape
    • Starting with trimming the tip
    • Fluffing and trimming tighter towards the tip
    • Tapering out towards the base on both sides
    • Blending in the clip and ensuring no hanging bits
    Trimming the Feet (01:56-05:29)
    • Note about the dog's bad skin affecting the hair on the back
    • Describing the desired shape for the hair on the back feet
    • Tight trimming and blending on the back feet
    • Creating an angled skirt from back to front legs
    • Trimming the front feet tighter than the rear, but not too tight
    • Shaping the pasterns to look like cylinders
    • Combing down any sticking out hairs for a cylindrical appearance
    • Creating a straight line from the shoulder to the front toe
    Blending and Scissoring the Body (05:29-09:36)
    • Shaping the chest area to have depth
    • Scissoring and blending the chest hair
    • Creating a straight line from the shoulder to the front toe
    • Shaping the body on a slight angle from the knee
    • Trimming the back feet tightly
    • Shaping the front feet to appear small and blending them
    • Ensuring no hair longer than the toe on the front feet
    • Creating a cylinder-like appearance
    • Removing excess hair above the shoulder and below the elbow
    • Tidying up and maintaining a straight line
    Tips for Blending and Tools to Use (09:36-11:35)
    • Importance of blending and difficulties with westies' thick coats
    • Using a stripping knife or carding knife to remove undercoat for better blending
    • Demonstrating how the undercoat is removed
    • Results of using a stripping knife for blending
    • Recommendation to use a stripping knife or carding knife for better blending
    Conclusion (11:35-End)
    • Recap of the importance of removing undercoat for blending
    • Encouragement to try again after using a stripping knife or carding knife
    • The visual difference it can make in achieving a smooth finish

  • Introduction to Poppy's Head (00:05 - 00:25)
    • Introduction to Poppy's head and her skin condition
    • Mention of the ear infection and its effect on Poppy's ears
    Trimming the Inside of the Ears (00:30 - 01:30)
    • Using the shortest blade to clip the very tip of the inside of the ears
    • Emphasizing that only the tip should be clipped, not the entire ear
    • Using the thumb as a guide for clipping
    Clipping the Back of the Ears (01:35 - 02:40)
    • Switching to a ten blade to clip the back of the ears
    • Clipping to the point of the ear
    • Ensuring the hair is combed out and blending it into the clipped ear
    Creating a Semicircle Shape (02:48 - 03:43)
    • Using curves or straights to create a semicircle shape from the nose to the tip of the ears
    • Holding the ear up to follow the natural line
    • Tidying up and ensuring a symmetrical semicircle on both sides
    Trimming Excess Hair (03:53 - 04:44)
    • Trimming excess hair behind the back of the ears and under the chin
    • Making sure no hair is taller than the ear tip
    Styling the Eyes (05:22 - 06:12)
    • Leaving a cheeky look by keeping hair in front of the eyes
    • Using thinners to thin out the hair around the eyes
    • Maintaining a bit of hair to cover the eyes for better visibility
    Layering the Sides (06:15 - 07:15)
    • Adding layers to the sides to create a rounder shape
    • Using thinners to remove bulk from the cheeks
    Finishing Touches (07:31 - 07:42)
    • Checking for any remaining hair that is longer than the ear
    • Using curves to trim a circle all the way around
    • Achieving a round Westy head shape
    Spray Up for Competition or Show (07:50 - 10:43)
    • Demonstrating how to spray up a Westy's head for competition or show
    • Spraying a line and brushing the hair
    • Adding layers and repeating the process
    • Focusing on the sides to create the desired look
    Enhancing the Look with Chalk (10:46 - 12:22)
    • Using white chalk to enhance the finished look
    • Sprinkling a small amount of chalk to create a show dog's head appearance
    Conclusion and Final Look (12:22 - 12:31)
    • Recap of Poppy's style cut and pet trim
    • Mention of the spray up and show head techniques
    • Note about the use of chalk to further enhance the look

 

HAMISH

Chuckie Lund takes us through a breed specific groom on a West Highland White Terrier. This is not a full show or competition groom, but a very upmarket pet trim, and looks like the real deal encompassing both carding and clipping techniques. Carding a coat like this before clipping has many advantages - Chuckie shows us how!

PART 1 Setting in the body using clippers

PART 2 Setting in the legs and skirt with texturisers and blenders. 

PART 3 The head study. 

 

HEAD STUDY

Nicky completes a Westie pet trim head to match with a pre-clipped body. She uses a layering technique to achieve a cleaner finish on what is typically a rougher looking cut.

Basic head study on a pet trim Westie

FULL PET TRIM

Nicky performs a pet trim on a Westie, using attachment combs to clip in the body. She also shares a handy tip to help finesse the blend line.

Nicky details the lines and techniques to utilise when completing a Westie head.

Nicky completes the West Highland Terrier groom by scissoring the legs, skirt and tail.

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Bedlington Terrier