Hand Stripping

Specialist coat care for wire-coated breeds

Hand stripping is a specialist grooming technique used for certain wire and rough-coated dogs. Rather than clipping the coat, mature outer hairs are carefully removed by hand or with specialist stripping tools.

This helps maintain the natural texture and appearance of the coat. Not every coat is suitable for hand stripping, so our team will assess your dog’s coat before getting started.

Care in every detail

What’s included in a Hand Stripping appointment?

Coat assessment
Removal of mature outer coat by hand or specialist stripping tools
Groom out
Nail trim
Ear clean
Plenty of fuss

A little extra love, included.

Hand Stripping

A specialist approach to your dog’s coat

Hand stripping is very different from simply clipping a coat, which is why it’s important to first establish whether it’s the right grooming method for your dog.

Our team will assess your dog’s coat before beginning and take its type and condition into account. As with all of our grooming services, we’ll work patiently and take your dog’s individual needs into consideration throughout their visit.

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Hand stripping involves removing mature hairs from the outer coat by hand or using specialist stripping tools, rather than cutting them with clippers.

Hand stripping is commonly associated with wire and rough-coated breeds, but suitability depends on the individual dog’s coat rather than breed alone. We’ll assess your dog’s coat to determine whether hand stripping is appropriate.

For suitable coats, hand stripping helps maintain the coat’s natural texture and appearance rather than cutting the outer coat with clippers.

When the coat is ready to be stripped, the mature outer hairs are removed as part of the natural coat cycle. We’ll work carefully and take your dog’s comfort into account throughout their appointment.

This will depend on your dog’s individual coat and how quickly it matures, so there isn’t one schedule that suits every dog.

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About Us

Small salons. Qualified groomers. A personal approach.

We have four family-run salons across Poole, Christchurch, Lymington and Ringwood, each deliberately kept small and calm. By having a maximum of two dogs in the salon at a time, we can maintain the more personal environment that’s important to us.
Every member of our grooming team is City & Guilds qualified and we aim to keep your dog with the same groomer wherever possible. Our team specialises in nervous and anxious dogs, where a familiar face can be particularly helpful.

Reviews

Love your dog, love our service...

5.0 out of 5 Stars - thousands of reviews across our four salons

"I HIGHLY recommend For The Love of Dog"

He has NEVER had a successful trip to the groomers. This miracle worker had removed every bit of matting, every tangle, every twig and every seed. She even clipped his claws which usually takes a team of 3 people.

Line Morley

"Absolutely love FTLOD!"

A very special mention has to go to Lottie — she has worked wonders with my dog who was very nervous of grooming. Thanks to the time and patience she gave him, he loves his spa day and comes out...

Sarah

"Happy dog, happy owner!"

When your dog jumps out of the car and runs in, you know you've found the right groomer. Can't recommend highly enough — happy dog, happy owner, and a perfect groom on a tricky poodle-type coat.

Chris

"Wouldn't hesitate in recommending them"

They have patience in taking time to settle my nervous dog, who loves the staff there. Excellent at everything they do. Very reasonable rates.

Jacqueline