The Dog Bow

Tying hair in colored adornments is a long standing tradition. For a dogs owner it is functional, loving and just plain fun! For top knots, pig tails, ear bows, dog collars or just dog hair bows- whatever you may call them, we love them and the pet knows it and shows it too!

Owners have choices from pastels, prints and neons to the standard like "Yorkshire red". Bows for spring, summer and festive holiday colors, there's always something new and fun to try! Ribbon materials such as Grosgrain, Satin and Picot lend different character to that finishing touch you choose for your precious pet. Centerpieces can be added to the dog bow as well, Crystals, rhinestones, faux pearls- your choices are as varied as the color of the bow itself.

I would like to provide a bit of guidance to those who may be new to the use of dog bows- not on which style to choose, but in the proper care of the pet's hair coat.

Attaching a dog bow is fairly easy, convincing your pet to be still long enough may be another thing. Be firm but fair. This task demands patience from you and the pet. When using one show dog bow or top knot bow use a comb to section an area of hair from just behind the outside corner of one eye back to the middle of the head between the ears. Do the same from behind the other eye, gathering up the new "ponytail" in one hand. Comb towards the back of the head, not straight up. Use one or both of the bands attached to the bow to loop over gathered hair once. If the bow slips off easily try bending the ponytail over to double the width of hair. Of course you may wrap the band twice or more, but the object is to not wrap too tightly, causing pulling or irritation to the pets skin. If this is a puppies first experience with bows, you may want to try using a small plain latex band or girls hair tie first, then graduate to the bows as she acclimates to this new style. Check to ensure you have not gathered skin into the ponytail by  sliding your comb between (under) the new band and the skull. If the comb slides through easily, the band is set properly. When using a barrette, use a second band placed slightly above the first band and attach the barrette between the two bands. For ear bows, choose a section of hair about 1/4" by 1/4" (at the skin) taking the same care to not pull in the skin, wrap the band once or twice, settling the bow against the ear when done.

 This same technique can be applied if adorning the hip or shoulder. Regular ribbon bows work easier on ears and pom-poms while the stiffened show dog style bows are great for topknots and pigtails.
 
It is very important that you remove the bands daily, comb through the hair, then reset the bands. Leaving a dog bow in too long can cause hair matting, tangles and itching on the pet. You might have to cut the bow out and that's no fun for either of you.

Now, go choose from the assortment of colors and centerpieces, and "step out in style!"

 Carol is a Nationally Certified
Master Groomer,
certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.
 A pet groomer since 1993, she attained National Certification in 2002.
Visit her website at http://www.carolsbows.com