LLAMA GROOMING TIPS
By Alaine Byers

A well groomed llama in the show ring is always an eye catcher. You are not only trying to catch the attention of the judge, but the attention of prospective customers, new llama owners and colleagues.
A well groomed animal illuminates itself. Healthy, flowing fiber shows off the overall condition of your llama as well as its physical strengths. It is important to "groom according to fiber type."

Take some time out to do a conformational analysis on the llamas you are considering for the show ring. It is important to make yourself invisible and your llama stand out.

In regards to suri fiber, begin by picking any large debris from the fiber. A "wand" type tool can also be used. Use a blower to "skim" the surface, always pointing the same direction that the fiber grows. Blowing disturbs the fiber the least. On suri fiber, I do not recommend use of a grooming paddle or brush to break up the lock structure.

After blowing all dust and visible debris, blow again while spraying in a grooming product. Blow some more to loosen even more debris and open the fiber.

Again, with regard to suri fiber, working a section at a time, begin pulling each individual lock away from the felted area.

Pull and pick as you go, section by section. Pull up a bucket to sit on, put on some music, and enjoy a relaxing time with your llama. After you have separated the locks and restored openness and movement to the suri fiber, bathe your llama.

At this point, rinse and "squeegee" the excess water out of your llama's fiber with your hands. At that point, I recommend using the Lock & Luster Leave-In Treatment Spray in full strength, then align the fibers with your finger tips and/or a "rubber textured tool." Gently lift and separate the fiber, restoring the lock definition.

Put your llama in a clean area, preferably on our stall sheet, and allow to drip dry. Avoid windy areas, if possible.

As your llama dries on that first day, prepare a "diluted" mixture of the Leave-In Treatment spray and continually spray your llama's fiber by lifting it using a grooming wand or your hands. The purpose of spraying is to continue to add moisture to the fiber in order to bring out definition with regard to lock structure and to keep your fiber hanging closely to the body.

After your llama is fully dried, you can use a very soft rubber brush to remove the "crunch" off the top of the fiber.

On show day and before your llama enters the ring, finish your llama's grooming experience by using the Lock & Luster Silk Screen Finishing Spray. Apply a fine mist on the surface of your dry, clean fiber. Gently work it in with your finger tips or smooth over shorn areas. Rejuvenates locks and adds shine. Dries with no residue.

Questions & Answers

Question: What is the first thing you do when you begin grooming your llama for the show ring?

Answer: Evaluate the fiber. There are different methods for different fiber types, and keep in mind that among those 'types' every single llama has unique fiber. There are no two quite alike.

Once you've made a decision on what the best possible outcome can be on this particular animal, you should start by using a blower. No matter what the fiber type, I always begin with a blower. And fairly aggressively. As long as you "blow with the fiber" direction you can get in close and accurately. I call this method "topline" blowing.

Also take into consideration the age of the llama and the condition of the fiber. Are you starting with mats? Are they mats on suri-type? Mats on a five year old, double-coated llama? No mats? Just a messy single coated llama? Some fiber takes to grooming (use of grooming paddle) and after being washed with the correct shampoo, will regain its wave, curl or lock structure. If the fiber is old and with dead ends, it has less of a chance to "come back."

In those cases (when shearing is not an option), I will not groom them out but pick instead.