I've heard so much about the furminator. It's pretty expensive though so I'm still considering. Does anyone have advice on using it for a dalmatian or a mini schnauzer? Thanks!

[oes forever]

i use a furminator on double coated breeds. either long or short.
you can use on coats that are stripped like the snauzer. it dousnt strip them its cards them, taking out some of the dead hair. be careful not to over the same spot too much, you dont want to pull out the new growth.
as for the dalmation i cant say about that because i havent groomed one yet. but you can get a deshedding blade, lookes a bit like a hacksaw blade bent round, this gets all the dead hair out, but also be careful with this as it can scrape a dogs skin. or you could try a zoom groom.
i love my furminator and i use it on a regular basis, to me its worth every penny. but if its your own dogs, then your as good with a good slicker brush combined with a deshedding blade or zoom groom but a furminator wouldnt go amiss!

1. It is to only be used on a clean, dry coat.

2. For full results it needs to be used as part of the FULL system which includes shampoo, de-shedding solution, blow dry with a force dryer, all followed by carding with the Furminator.

3. I am VERY CONCERNED that they are selling these to untrained pet owners (no offence meant). Unless you are properly trained in how to card a dog's coat (this is basically a #40 blade with a handle - something groomers have been using for years to card coats) you can do a lot of damage to a dog's skin. Burns and abrasions are common when used by untrained groomers. It is NOT a brush and is not to be used as one. I recommend using an undercoat rake at home and leave the Furminators for the trained professionals.

[rayter]

The furminator is OK. BUT It's a little pricey. Furminator is good to ease shedding and make dogs look beautiful.

most groomer use it.. watch some demo on how to use it on their site..

I also like to purchase one, but it really cost a lot.
It really depends on you if you would use it in your pupps...
Based from what I've heard and read, this tool is very useful and great!

In trained hands, the Furminator is a very useful tool. But as Orangedog pointed out, it can cause damage to the skin if not used properly. You can also create bald spots on your dog if you don't use it judiciously.

On smooth coated dogs like Dalmations, I find the Zoom Groom soft rubber curry does a much better job, and is less likely to cause skin injury or irritation.

On terrier breeds, like Schnauzers, I wouldn't use one if the dog is being clipped. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't use one on a terrier that is being hand stripped, either. Terrier coats don't shed in the same way other types of coats shed. A stripping knife is a much better choice. But just like the Furminator, one should be trained in how to use one.

Thanks for your advice!

I was worried about any skin irritation as the Dal's coat lies so close to his skin. Thanks much for the tip!

I've seen similar products for as little as $15.00. The handle is attached at the same angle as a comb.
Yes it can irritate the skin, but so can other shedding tools, so be careful. No matter what you use, look first for any breaks in the skin and use extreme caution on bony areas.