Grooming
The Kerry
Blue’s coat is one of his finest features. To keep that coat
in good condition requires basic tools and skills. As
Kerries do not shed, grooming is a big part of Kerry
ownership. You can use a local groomer or learn to do the
work yourself. Keeping your Kerry in a neat and clean pet
clip is not difficult. Whether you use a groomer or groom
yourself, you need certain tools.
Prior to your
pup’s arrival, have the following items on hand:
Soft Slicker
brush (Doggie-man, or Millers Forge 1), hard slicker brush
(Universal), comb (medium/coarse), ear cleaner and ear
powder (R-7), nail clippers, Kwik Stop gel, teeth cleaners,
dog shampoo and conditioner (Best Shot Ultra Wash shampoo
and Ultra Plenish Conditioner are nice, though many will
do), human grade eye rinse.
If you intend
to do the grooming yourself, add:
Clippers, 10,
30, 4 or 3 ¾ blades, grooming table (many owners build their
own tables), arm, noose, and scissors (8 ½ is a good
length). The 10 or 30 blade can be used for the head,
throat, belly, tail and anus; the 4 or 3 ¾ blades for the
body. Legs are best done with scissors.
Important
routine maintenance includes cleaning the ears of both hair
and dirt, brushing the coat, cleaning teeth, and clipping
nails. Kerry hair will matt between the pads of the feet
and must be cut or clippered out. Hair grows inside the ear
and can contribute to both eye and ear infections if not
removed.
There is
extensive Kerry grooming information available at:
www.kerryblues.info
Products and
tools available at:
www.petedge.com,
1-800-738-3343
Upbringing
The Kerry Blue
is all terrier; bold, tough, fearless. He can be difficult
to manage with other dogs and is a strong guard dog around
the home. All puppies, and especially terriers, must be
socialized from the day they come into their new homes.
Socializing a terrier means exposing him to as great a
variety of different situations, people, noises, sensations
and animals as possible, and continuing to do so well into
his first year. Puppy kindergartens are a good start, but
do not stop there. A Kerry must learn to be confident and
curious without being aggressive. He is perfectly capable of
learning good manners and conducting himself with courtesy.
After Puppy K, basic Obedience is a must. Contact your local
kennel club or veterinarian for information about classes.
Dogs should be
crate trained and the Kerry is no exception. A crate
provides your Kerry with a bed of his own and is a step on
the way to successful housetraining. Depending upon the size
of your Kerry upon maturity, a Vari Kennel Intermediate
Kennel (32”L x 22”W x 23”H) or a Large (36”L x 24”W x 26” H)
will be the correct size. Vari-kennels are airline approved
washable plastic, and can be easily dismantled for cleaning
or storage. Calix will provide you with page on crate
training in the information packet that comes with your
puppy.
There are many
quality puppy-raising books on the market. Two we recommend
are:
How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With, by Clarice Rutherford and David Neil, Alpine Pub., ISBN:
093186657X.
What All Good Dogs Should Know, by Jack Volhard and Melissa Bartlett, Howell Pub., ISBN:
0876058322.
Read about breed temperament, care, and upbringing at
www.uskbtc.org, the United States Kerry Blue
Terrier Club extensive site. Contact us with any questions.
