Free Shipping over $99
FurHQ

Big Hair Net for Dogs - Double Coat Drying Containment

By Mondo Fluffarino | FurHQ Blog Author & Chief Education Officer

Table of Contents

Introduction: Solving the Double Coat Drying Mess

The big hair net solves one of the messiest challenges of double coat home grooming : fur flying everywhere during drying. If you have ever used a high velocity dryer on your Golden Retriever, Husky, or German Shepherd and watched undercoat coat your walls, ceiling, and every surface, you understand the problem.

This groomer-designed tool contains the chaos while you work, keeping loose fur inside the net instead of decorating your grooming space. For DIY groomers who have a grooming table and arm setup at home, this net transforms drying from a cleanup nightmare into a manageable process.


Where the Big Hair Net Fits in the FurHQ 5-Step

The big hair net integrates into the Dry phase of the FurHQ 5-Step Grooming Method.

During the Audit: Assess the coat and determine shedding level. Heavy shedding double coats benefit most from the big hair net during drying.

During the Prep phase: Not used. All brushing happens before bathing.

During the Bath phase: Not used. The two-step in-bath technique (Coat Release Method) handles in-bath deshedding. However, the amount of coat loosened during the bath phase makes the big hair net even more valuable during the Dry phase that follows.

During the Dry phase: This is where the net does its work. After bathing, conditioning, and towel drying, set up the net over the grooming table and arm. Complete HV drying with fur contained inside the net rather than flying around the room.

During the Finish phase: Remove the net once the dog is approximately 90 percent dry. Complete the finish with the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush or Long-Pinned Slicker Brush, then verify with the Undercoat Depth Comb. The comb must glide through every section.


What Is the Big Hair Net?

A professional grooming tool designed for containing loose fur during high velocity drying. The big hair net fits over your grooming table and grooming arm, surrounding your dog while you work.

Requires: A grooming table with a grooming arm to function. The arm creates the structure that holds the net open.

Features: Breathable mesh that allows airflow while trapping fur. Face hole for comfort and visibility. Toggle closures for secure, adjustable fit. Compatible with standard grooming tables up to 48 inches. Works with grooming arms and H-bars. Machine washable.

The big hair net is available in the FurHQ Store in pink and black.


Why Double Coat Drying Creates So Much Mess

Double coats consist of two layers: the outer guard coat for weather protection and the dense undercoat for insulation. During shedding seasons, dogs release massive amounts of undercoat. HV dryers penetrate through the guard coat and blast dead fur away from the skin. Without containment, loose undercoat becomes airborne, sticks to walls, coats ceilings, and infiltrates HVAC systems.

Breeds that benefit most: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Samoyeds, Corgis, Shelties. Any dog with a Short Double Coat, Medium Plush Double Coat, or Feathered Long Double Coat benefits from the big hair net.


How to Set Up the Big Hair Net

Secure your dog to the grooming arm using your grooming loop. Place the big hair net over your table with the face hole facing forward, draping over the grooming arm. Guide your dog's head through the face hole. Pull the neck toggle to secure comfortably (do not overtighten). Pull the bottom toggle under the table (tighter is better for containment). Tuck the drawstring into the elastic band. Begin HV drying.

Technique notes: The net is designed for the trunk, chest, and back end. Some fur may escape from the bottom when drying legs and feet. Point the HV nozzle downward when possible.


Desensitising Your Dog to the Big Hair Net

Like any new grooming tool, the net may require gradual introduction.

Days 1 to 3: Let your dog investigate the net on the floor. Pair with treats and praise.

Days 4 to 7: Briefly drape the net over your dog on the grooming table without securing. Reward calm behaviour. Gradually increase time.

Days 8 to 10: Guide head through the face hole without securing toggles. Treat and praise. Repeat until easy.

Days 11 to 14: Full wear without the dryer. Offer treats. Build comfort with the enclosed sensation.

Day 15 onward: Begin with brief drying sessions inside the net. Start with lower dryer settings. Gradually increase session length.

Signs your dog needs more time: Pawing at the net, trying to back out, excessive panting, freezing, whale eye. If you see these, slow down and return to an earlier step. Never force a struggling dog.


Using the Big Hair Net with the Coat Release Method

The Coat Release Method maximises dead coat removal during bath time. The big hair net pairs perfectly during the final drying phase.

Coat Release Method summary: First shampoo with Rubber Curry, HV blast while lathered, rinse. Second shampoo, brush through with slicker or Rubber Curry, rinse. Apply Coat-Quench Conditioner, rinse. Towel dry.

Where the big hair net fits: The final drying phase after towel drying. Set up the net, complete HV drying with fur contained.

After drying: Remove the net once approximately 90 percent dry. Finish with the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush or Long-Pinned Slicker Brush. Verify with the Undercoat Depth Comb. Always use a drain filter during the bath portion.


Safety Considerations

NEVER leave your dog unattended while wearing the big hair net. NEVER leave any dog unattended on a grooming table. NEVER force a struggling dog. Keep drawstrings tucked and secured. Ensure neck toggle is snug but not tight. Monitor breathing and comfort throughout. Remove immediately if your dog shows distress.

Not appropriate for: Dogs not yet comfortable with velocity drying. Dogs who struggle or panic during grooming. Puppies not desensitised to grooming equipment. Any situation without constant supervision.

Not a toy: Includes cords that could pose strangulation risks. Never leave with children. Store safely.


Caring for Your Big Hair Net

After each use: Remove, shake out fur over a garbage bin, discard accumulated fur.

Washing: Machine washable (use garment bag) or hand wash with laundry detergent. Hang to dry or tumble dry on low.

Storage: Clean, dry location away from pets and children. Keep cords secured.

Note: Tears from dog nails are not recognised as defects. Trim nails regularly.


Sizing and Compatibility

One universal size for tables up to 48 inches with single or double grooming arm. Works with H-bar configurations (may need to lower bar slightly). Tables smaller than 40 inches are not recommended (more fur escapes from the bottom).



The Bottom Line

The big hair net transforms double coat HV drying from a cleanup disaster into a contained, manageable process. Within the FurHQ 5-Step, it integrates into the Dry phase after bathing and towel drying. Combined with the Coat Release Method during the Bath phase and proper finishing with the Medium-Pinned Slicker Brush or Long-Pinned Slicker Brush and Undercoat Depth Comb verification during the Finish phase, you have everything needed for professional double coat maintenance at home.

Proper desensitisation ensures your dog accepts it calmly. Follow safety guidelines at every session. Never leave your dog unattended. And always finish with the comb test.

You got this. And we have got you. 🐾


Variation Clarity Statement

Every dog is an individual. Coat density, shedding volume, and tolerance for new grooming tools vary. The information in this blog represents general guidance. Your dog's specific needs may require adjustments to desensitisation timeline or setup. When in doubt, consult a Certified Professional Groomer. If you are unsure about your dog's coat type, use the FurHQ AI Coat Identifier to get accurate identification and the right kit recommendation.

FAQs

Can I use the Big Hair Net without a grooming table and arm?

No. The Big Hair Net requires a grooming table with a grooming arm to function. The arm creates the structure that holds the net open while your dog stands inside. The net drapes over the arm and table, with your dog secured to the arm via a grooming loop. Without this setup, the product cannot be used as designed.

What is the Big Hair Net and how does it work?

The Big Hair Net is a mesh enclosure that fits over your grooming table and arm, containing loose fur while you use a high velocity dryer on double coated dogs. Your dog's head stays outside through a face hole while the mesh traps airborne undercoat inside.

Will the Big Hair Net stop all the fur from my shedding dog?

The Big Hair Net is designed to contain the vast majority of loose fur, not every single strand. Some fur may escape when you direct airflow at legs and feet. Pointing your dryer nozzle downward helps keep more fur contained.

What size grooming table does the Big Hair Net fit?

The regular size fits tables up to approximately 48 inches. The extra large size accommodates tables up to 50 inches and is recommended for H-bar configurations.

Can I use the Big Hair Net with an H-bar?

Yes. The extra large size is specifically recommended for H-bar setups. The regular size can work but may be tight depending on your H-bar height.

How do I introduce my dog to the Big Hair Net?

Desensitization works best with gradual introduction over one to two weeks. Start by letting your dog investigate the net, then progress to brief contact, head through the hole, full wear without drying, and finally drying sessions. Always reward calm behaviour.

Is the Big Hair Net safe for my dog?

When used according to guidelines, yes. Never leave your dog unattended while wearing the net. Never force a struggling dog through a groom. Ensure the neck toggle is snug but not restrictive. Monitor your dog throughout every session.

Can I machine wash the Big Hair Net?

Yes. Use a garment bag for protection and tumble dry on low or hang to dry. Hand washing with laundry detergent and hanging to dry extends product life.

What if my dog paws at the dryer or struggles during grooming?

The Big Hair Net is not appropriate for dogs who struggle during grooming. Complete desensitization to velocity drying first, then introduce the net gradually. Never force a struggling dog.

Which breeds benefit most from the Big Hair Net?

Any double coated breed that sheds significant undercoat: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Samoyeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Corgis, Shelties, and similar breeds.

Can I dry my dog's legs and feet inside the Big Hair Net?

The net is designed for deshedding the trunk, chest, and back end. Drying legs and feet may force fur out of the bottom of the net. Most groomers remove the net to finish drying legs, feet, and face areas.

How do I clean up after using the Big Hair Net?

After drying, remove the net and shake out loose fur. Sweep or vacuum the collected fur pile. The net keeps most of the mess in one contained area rather than coating your entire space.

Does FurHQ carry the Big Hair Net?

Yes. The Big Hair Net is available in the FurHQ Store in both regular and extra large sizes.

What if my dog has never experienced velocity drying before?

Desensitize your dog to high velocity drying first before introducing the Big Hair Net. Learn desensitization techniques in our How to Introduce Dog to Dryer guide. Once your dog accepts HV drying calmly, introduce the net gradually.

Can I use the Big Hair Net on a small table?

Tables smaller than 40 inches are not recommended. On smaller tables, more fur may escape from the bottom due to reduced coverage.