The Zen of Grooming a Corgi

I’m sitting here having my breakfast wine, covered in dog hair. Well…covered in MORE dog hair than usual; there’s always fur sprinkled all over the house! I just finished brushing my corgi, Lizzie, for about an hour. Right now, she’s lying (or is it laying?) at my feet; she’s become very clingy with me since I’ve been home more often (no gym, theatre, or beer busts!) due to the damn pandemic. I guess she considers me to be the alpha in pack – poor dear. Anyway, she’s not upset over the intensive combing and brushing she just endured. And I’ll be taking a shower later this morning after I sunbathe in my speedo (see prior entry HELLO MARK SPITZ for further insight), provided that the sun breaks through the haze of the wildfires decimating Northern California. What an awful tragedy for so many people!

There’s a certain Zen involved in combing and brushing a corgi. And it also helps you reflect and work on your own issues. Now a corgi has two coats, and inner coat and an outer coat….just like everyone has their inner and outer…oh, I don’t know…inner or outer personas. Do you follow me? There’s really no point in attacking the outer layer until you address the inner layer (or what’s inside). First, I like to use a wide –toothed comb to smooth the inner coat, untangle any rough spots, and eliminate any excess fur (or excess baggage). This can be a time consuming process and great patience (from the groomer and the corgi) is paramount. Our last corgi, Whizzer, hated to be brushed and we had to muzzle him, and even then, it was quite a challenge. If either party, the dog or the groomer, don’t have the required patience….then it’s easier on both to seek the assistance of a professional groomer….just like if you aren’t able to work on you own issues, then it’s best to seek the help of a professional therapist.

Anyway, the inner coat is the most difficult because you really have to untangle it. And, in doing so, there’s a chance that you’ll grow impatient or the corgi will resist. Just remember to trust your instincts and pay attention to any non-verbal canine communications. Lizzie will flinch and look at me if I’m being too aggressive with her grooming. She really is a sweetheart, and I don’t deserve such a good, kind and patient dog. Back to combing….work in small sections…be slow and gentle…just like you would be gentle with yourself. You’ll be amazed at how much unneeded fur begins to accumulate on the comb. I’ve removed enough fur to knit myself another corgi!

And, really…it’s best to brush out any issues every couple of days…but life…crazy, distracting life….gets in the way. Just don’t berate yourself for it…you’re only human. Give yourself some slack…especially now. You’re living through a pandemic, remember? There will always be more inner fur….and you’ll drive yourself crazy trying to get it all…because, guess what? You won’t! Just accept that fact, and you’ll be much more forgiving to you and towards your pet.

Next, I use a slicker brush to remove any inner fur which is lying (or is it laying?) on the outer coat. The brush also helps smooth the outer coat, and addresses any loose outer coat fur. It’s a much, MUCH easier process than addressing the inner layer. Surface issues are much easier to address than the issues buried deeper inside, right? Did I hear that form Dr. Phil?! And, like any toxic people in your life, if there are any stubborn tangles, it’s best to cut them out and remove them.

Usually at this point, your arm in tired and the corgi’s patience has worn at bit thin. It’s best to clean up and applaud your efforts. Remember, you never ever get rid of all the fur…so cut yourself some slack…give the dog a treat…and pour yourself a glass of breakfast wine.