Handstripping an Airedale Terrier's Neck to His Shoulders

This is a progress video of documenting my thought process of how I handstrip my Airedale Terrier puppy Raja's neck into the withers and shoulders. Raja has been stripped ever since he was 8 weeks old, and I have been training him to enjoy the grooming process on the table. He is so comfortable on the table, that sometimes he takes short naps as I trim him. I am not affiliated with any of the companies of the products I used in this video. I purchased them all during the years of collecting my horde of grooming tools used in handstripping a broken coated terrier.

Handstripping is an ongoing process which is labor and time consuming. If a dog is being actively shown in the show ring, the coat will need to get worked on consistently every single week to keep it in tip top condition. However, if a dog is not being actively shown, the grooming would not be such a top priority and we could let the coat go. This would result in the dog looking woolly and shaggy like an ewok (from Star Wars). It is very normal to find a household with multiple Airedales with different hair styles because handstripping is really very time consuming. So it doesn't surprise me to find a handstripped Airedale looking like a Rastafarian with small dreadlocks.

[ALLinHerMovements]

He looks so relaxed! You have motivated me to work on my pups today. The Airedale coat requires so much work for new people to the breed.

[hipdogdsv]

Hey grrrrlfriend, I am glad you are doing these videos, my friend. My hands are shot after 40 year of grooming. Makes me sad I can't do this anymore. I loved the bonding between me and my show dogs while working coats. They would all just lay down and go to sleep on the table.

[Antfarmer]

Hi Sheila! I met you last summer (‘21) at the show in St Paul. I want to thank SO much for your kindness in answering my grooming questions so I can keep my former show/now pet Airedale in her wire coat. Meeting Raja in person was such a privilege. Enjoyed meeting Devon and his 6 Airedales 🥰 as well.
Thank you for taking time to make these videos. They’re great to refer to again and again.

[sheila]

Well what a handsome chappie he is and so well behaved. Gorgeous breed!!.. 💕👌❤️

[nadia]

Your videos are great! Thank you so much! I have a hard time doing the ears... will you make a video about that one day? Thanks again!

[panczenistka]

Thank you so much for making these movies. They are very helpful ❤️

[StellarStars]

I own a Airedale for 10years 🐶 (COCO) she’s the best dog 🙏🏻♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🙏🏻

[dorotheasalzberg]

Thank you for your videos. You spend lots of time on the details. It really helps. I have a Wire Fox terrier and many of these videos apply to the Wire. Thanks again.

[elliebellie]

I love these videos, thank you so much for these! Not an Airedale owner yet but hopefully one day, I'm learning so much 😊 Raja is gorgeous, such a well behaved baby.

[debbieborm]

Thank you for your video . It’s helps me a lot !! Love the airdailterrier 🥰

[xpipkinsx]

Another superb tutorial, thank you Sheila and Raja. ❤🐾

[tracierobinson]

Very helpful video! Which stone are you using?

[AgileCait]

Thank you so much for making these videos, Sheila. I've been stripping my Airedales for over 20 years, but was still uncertain about how to sculpt many of the details. Your videos demonstrate how to groom each part of the Airedale and I really appreciate your clear demonstrations. And also, I am amazed at how well your boys just lie there. Where did you get those nice pillows that they rest their heads on? And also, where do you get the rubber things that you wear on your fingers?

[Norman_Gunstan]

Hi Sheila, i can only find Franklin classic carding knife, is that the right one please? Also is it coarse or fine carding knife as there is an option for either or one of each on ebay?? Thanks so much! I'm writing from Australia. Love your work!! thanks so much again! x

[jamesgeorge]

I would be interested to watch a video on stripping v clipping for airedale?

[andreakonye]

Hi Sheila, Thank you for your videos. I've just started handstripping my Airedale terrier, Alma and to be honest, I'm not at all sure what I'm doing most of the time but your detailed instructions help immensely. I also have a question for you. My AT has been clipped in the most sensitive areas, on her chest, head, buttocks and tail by our breeder on several occasions. Now I have a hard time handstripping these areas because her coat got really soft and curly and the hair just wouldn't come off. What can I do about it? Can I somehow restore the quality of her coat? Thank you for your advice!!

[Norman_Gunstan]

Love this Sheila Thankyou!! love your stripping videos! :)

[ChristopherB]

Hi, Sheila! Great video. I’m wondering if you can help me out. I have a Parson Russell Terrier. I like the idea of using the Andis rake that you use in video. Do you think this rake would work well on a Parson? Also, I googled Andis rake and I can’t seem to find it in stock anywhere? Do you have any ideas where I can pick one up? I live in Canada, if this should help. If you think an Andis would be good for me and we can’t find one, would another brand work? Thanks for all the helpful tips and info! 👍🏻

[jamesgeorge]

How long to hand strip an Airedale? Sorry if you mention this before in this or other videos?

[tayelorg]

Can someone please show me how to strip to bald? I’ve been told I need to do this in sections for my schnauzer