I have Samoyeds and Bernese - but basic grooming techniques for most double coated dogs are fairly similar.
*I* tend to not like a lot of product in my dog's coats - It is my belief that if you want more hair the dog should be BRED that way - not have a ton of hairspray and crap blown into it.
1) Pet Peeve of MANY judges - dirty teeth. There are a few judges who won't even consider the dog if it has dirty teeth... a bit extreme in my opinion but really, how hard is it to scale teeth so they are clean?
2) Fluffing - *I* believe the easiest way to do this is to line comb, then mist with water, then blow dry with a high powered blower. You can continue to comb while doing this. (after years of owning and breeding Sams with working coats I have the ONE dog out of a "working coat" line who has a super full European style coat - *I* am de-fluffing!!! blech!) - If the dog is blowing coat or needs more fullness in one area or another I will mist with BioGroom's Super Foam - it is the one dog hair care product (other than shampoo) that I haven't found an adequate substitute for (no, mousse is not equal). Line comb it into the area requiring more fullness.
3) Legs - Again - if you want more coat/substance then breed the dogs to have it. That being said - fluffing legs - rinse with conditioner during the bath to soften the coat. While grooming at the show - a small dollop of cholesterol (found at beauty supplies stores for far cheaper than a comparable "dog" product found from the vendors). Rub into legs- light mist with water and slicker upwards - blow or allow to dry til barely damp then chalk with a baby brush (cornstarch is MUCH kinder to the coat than chalk). Blow excess out with blower OR slicker until all the excess is gone. - The same basic applies for chalking a face.
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If your dog is clean, well brushed and of sufficient bone/coat you really don't need to do all of this for MOST judges. I've been complimented more than once on not having a ton of crap in my dog's coats.
