Choosing a dryer

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

I'm trying to decide which dryer would be best for use on Harley.  The list below shows different ones I've looked at.  The only reason I am even considering the pricy K9 dryers is because of a video on youtube in which a lady was using one on a standard poodle and she was able to dry the coat in about 30 minutes.  Harley has a pretty thick wavy to curly coat with the curls being more tight on head neck and legs.  I would appreciate anyones thoughts or knowledge on this.  I really don't understand the air volume vs speed thing???

metro air force commander dryer

motor: 4.0 hp, 11.5 amp

air volume: 130cfm 

speed: 14,000-28,000 fpm

air temp: warm air (no heating element)

154.05 @petagree.net/store

http://petagree.net/store/dryers_&_accessories/force_dryers/met...

recommended by Barb on doodle kisses 

air force commander 3 compact dryer (can't figure out what is different about this one from above)

motor:  4.0, 11.5amp (2 speed)

air volume: 65-130 cfm

speed: 14,000-28,000fpm

air temp: warm air

169.95 @ theairmovers.com

http://www.theairmovers.com/pet-dryers/58-air-force-commander-model...

K9II (all steel)

motor: 2040 watts, 17 amps, (two 22,500 rmp motor) 

air volume: 218 cfn

speed: 59,329 fpm

air temp: warm

355.99 @ petedge.com

http://www.petedge.com/product/K-9-II-BlowerDryer/44513.uts

[Val,Cooper and Bently]

I have the K 9 II dryer and I love it.A little pricey but well worth it.It is very powerful.I can dry cooper when he is at one inch in about 30 minutes or less.I had to get an electrician in to gear us up for a 20 amp plug.

[Val,Cooper and Bently]

They are so powerful I could blow leaves right across the lawn lol !!! Not that I would but there really is no comparison in a hair dryer and the k9 II dryer.

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

I blow out my furnace filter with mine. :)

 

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

my understanding is that heat should not be used on a dog.  These states warm air, but it only means room air temp as there is not a heating element.  

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

maybe it means not to put a dog in a crate and leave a heated dryer on him???  I wish there was a     1-800-doodlegrooomer line I could call with all my questions that arise.  lol

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

You have a doodlekisses groomer to answer questions. :) The second blower, has a variable volume of air. Very handy for doing delicate areas and also looking for ticks.

The blower is supposed to blow water out of the coat before you brush dry with a heat dryer that has a lower volume of air but high heat. Blowing the water out of the coat is the most hated part for my doodles. They freeze. I quickly blow water out of the coat and then start using the heat dryer.

The blower is great for coat maintenance between groomings. Blows dust etc out of the coat. It straightens it a bit so it's easier to brush and you can identify matts.

I don't really need to blow water out of the coats as much as I need the high speed high volume dryer to aid coat maintenance between baths.

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

Barb, I know you must get inundated with questions...thanks so much for being available!  I don't think that any of the blowers i listed are heated.  So do you have a blower that has a heat setting also?

[Tammy & Gracie]

I have an older metro and am very pleased.  Once it burned out (long past warranty) and they replaced the motor at no charge.  All I had to pay for that was $15 shipping.  I used to use a human hair dryer on my dogs (before doodle) but found they quickly burn up on a thick coated doodle.

[Kathy, Harley & Roxie]

Tammy, approx how long does it take you to dry Gracie with the metro?

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

I have the Metro Air Force Quick Draw (Metro's lowest price, and smallest, high velocity dryer) and love it. Its held up very well for the 3 yrs I've had it. Its solidly made. It dries Lucy's woolly coat (at 1" long max on her body) in about 30 minutes (its probably more like 20 minutes, although I've never timed it). I do think there's a bit of an art to drying a doodle. I run my hand over the coat to separate it down to the skin and that's where I concentrate the air flow, and then slowly move my hand to continue drying/blowing. The air literally blows the water droplets off the hair. Her coat never looks like it does when she comes back from the groomer (with that velvet coat look), but it does look soft and fluffy.

[Val,Cooper and Bently]

I worked at a grooming shop for awhile and learned how to dry them and your right there is a bit of art lol the first dog I blew dry I actually put Matt's in him from not knowing what I was doing.The dryer are great for checking for matts ,ticks ,fleas.they blow the hair apart so you can see their skin.I use mine when they get dirt,leaves etc. in them.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

So how should you dry a dog correctly?