Hi there

Looking for some advise please. I have a 14 week old Westie pup that I'm hoping to show. I really want to handstrip her myself - I know the basics but would like a little more info and tips from those that know.

Is 14 weeks an ideal age to start stripping?

Thanks in advance

I dont know about actually stripping as I would assume puppy still has puppy coat, however it is ideal to get any pup used to the grooming they will have to have as an adult, as early as possible. So get your pup used to being combed and having a few hairs plucked out every day, pair the grooming with lots of treats and pick a time to groom when puppy is warm and tiredy from playing. This way you will get the least amount of resistance and puppy will learn to associate grooming with chill out time and treats.

Thanks for your reply. This is what I've been doing everyday so far - I've bought a grooming table to get her used to it as well. I've pulled a few hairs out these last few days...it comes out easily so I'm thinking she's ready for her first strip. I've been on some westie breeders websites and they seem to do a light strip at around 13/14 weeks.

Anyone else?

If the hair seems ready, I would say go for it.  I have an Airedale pup, and I started stripping her back at about this age.  She actually seems to find it relaxing and often snoozes.  Her face hair is only really ready now at 7 months, so we are now tackling that.  Not sure how much of a WHWT is hand stripped, but with an Airedale it's an almost full time job!

when i get a puppy i strip it for the first time when its 12 weeks old (border terrier) i think its easier to start them young