Handstripping & Carding In Verona

Handstripping & Carding

Certified Vet Tech & Groomer with 50+ Years of Experience

The Platinum Pooch LLC

What Is Handstripping & Carding?

Handstripping is a traditional grooming technique in which dead outer coat is removed by hand rather than by clipping or scissoring. Instead of cutting the hair, the groomer pulls it out from the root, which encourages a fresh, healthy coat to grow back with the proper texture, density, and color the breed was meant to have. Carding is a related technique that removes the soft, dense undercoat using a specialized tool, keeping the topcoat laying flat and looking its best.

Together, handstripping and carding are the gold standard for maintaining the working coats of wire-haired and rough-coated breeds. At The Platinum Pooch, this work is performed by Donna M. Walko, a Certified Veterinary Technician and master groomer with over 50 years of experience and a deep understanding of breed-specific coat care.

The Platinum Pooch LLC

When Is Handstripping & Carding Necessary?

Handstripping and carding are specifically suited for wire-coated and rough-coated breeds whose coats are designed to be stripped rather than clipped. Common breeds that benefit from this technique include Wire Fox Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Welsh Terriers, Border Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Irish Terriers, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, and many others in the terrier and sporting groups.

If your wire-coated dog has been clipped rather than stripped over time, you may have noticed that their coat has become softer, lighter in color, and harder to manage. This is because clipping cuts the hair rather than removing it from the root, which gradually changes the coat's natural texture. Returning to handstripping can help restore the coat over time. Whether your dog is a show dog or simply a well-loved pet, proper coat maintenance makes a meaningful difference in their appearance, comfort, and skin health.

The Platinum Pooch LLC

What Is Required For Handstripping & Carding?

Handstripping and carding require patience, both from the groomer and the dog. This is a more time-intensive process than a standard clip and trim, and it is important that your dog is comfortable being handled for an extended period. If your dog has not been handstripped before, please let us know when you book so we can discuss what to expect and determine the best approach for your pet.

We ask that all pets be current on their rabies vaccination and that you share any known health conditions or sensitivities at the time of booking. Because handstripping involves working close to the skin, a thorough skin assessment is part of our process. Donna's certification in skin assessment means any concerns are identified and addressed with care and expertise, not overlooked.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Handstripping & Carding Customers Say About Us

The Process

Our Simple 3 Step Process

Contact Us

Start by filling out the form on our website. Let us know a little about your dog and what you’re looking for with Dog Grooming. It helps us understand your needs and get things started smoothly.

Schedule Your Visit

After we review your info, we’ll reach out to find a time that works well for you and your dog. We’ll walk through what to expect and make sure everything feels like a good fit for Dog Grooming.

Pick Up Your Happy Pup!

Once your visit is scheduled, you can rest easy. The team at The Platinum Pooch LLC will take great care of your dog with attentive, gentle, and dependable Dog Grooming.