Use a stiff bristled brush and a steel comb with rounded (not flat) teeth. Groom daily, or as frequent as is possible. At first it will take a little while to do it thoroughly, but as both you and your Cairn get use to it, you will be surprised how little time is actually needed. Your Cairn will be clean, without smells, and looking smart - you will be both pleased and proud to introduce your Cairn to people. With the brush gently brush the coat down the back and sides, lift the tail and brush down the hind legs, and then lift up the chin and brush down the neck and chest. To do underneath, make your Cairn lie on its back. Even old dogs will learn to do this after a short struggle - be firm or get another member of the family to help hold them. First, brush the chest, then under the armpits and the inside of the hindlegs; afterwards, do the whole thing again with the rounded toothed steel comb. When this is finished, we come to the head. Comb the hair from behind the eyes back towards the neck and the side of the cheeks, downwards and then forwards, then comb the fore-face and chin very gently and firmly. Never let this knot-up or it will go beyond combing and need cutting, which will make the dog look dreadful. Every Cairn Terrier needs proper trimming about twice a year and it is most important that this is done by somebody who will take the time to hand-strip out the old dead hair, and trim the head, tail, legs and feet correctly. Avoid pet shops or grooming parlours that use knives, scissors, or clippers on your dog. Using these tools on a Cairn Terrier's coat ruins it, and it could take a year or longer to get the coat right again, and occasionally it never recovers - ever. Cairns can be clipped, but this will result in a softer coat which will need to be washed more often. Frequent bathing can dry the skin out and lead to skin problems. The only way to keep the coat in top condition and looking beautiful is hand stripping. Cairn Terrier Clubs will be able to tell you of a Cairn breeder/exhibitor in your locality who will trim your dog in the approved way. If you are really interested in your Cairn then it is well worthwhile joining a Cairn Terrier, Kennel, or Dog Companion Club - check out our links page to get in touch with various clubs in the Canberra region. This way you will meet others who have pet, breeding, or show Cairns, and who all have the same interest at heart - the love and care of the Cairn Terrier.