Last brushing was on Oct 21, 2016. The process for cording involves no brushing, just dedicated and vigilant splitting of the developing mats into the appropriate size. Weekly baths are recommended to help the cords tighten up and stay clean. Drying must be done carefully; a high-velocity dryer will straighten the hair and prevent proper cords from forming, but letting the hair stay damp for too long can develop mildew.
![Image](http://66.media.tumblr.com/c51062414a82767a43d5b0eda4aba322/tumblr_ofefgg6KEO1tjetf4o2_540.jpg)
Delta post-brushing. I had already decided to cord his bracelets, so I didn't brush out his legs. After this brushing, I was looking at cording resources and decided to go for the full look.
Oct 26, 2016
![Image](http://66.media.tumblr.com/963aef9b7f91bf4791b0d65d04935897/tumblr_ofor6pgp9G1tjetf4o1_1280.jpg)
The day after a bath, I did a face/feet/tail trim, and shaved his armpits too (which you don't do for a show dog, as far as I know? but which is recommended for pet dogs). The full continental cut will have to wait for a day when I have a good few hours to make sure I do it right. You may be able to see the remaining long hair beginning to separate into chunks that will form the basic shape of the cords.
Oct 29, 2016
No picture, but hair on his head and neck is beginning to form dense, tight mats of appropriate sizes, and I have to keep a careful eye on the fur where his harness sits to keep those mats from joining up into an unacceptably large one.