An aussie sheds steadily all year and heavily twice a year. The part owners underestimate is where the loose coat goes when it does not fall out: into knots behind the ears and in the pants. Here is how to stay ahead of both.
A naturally oily topcoat over a dense undercoat, with a mane, feathered legs, and full pants.
A steady baseline, then a big release each spring and fall. Intact females can add extra sheds around their cycles.
Shed undercoat that stays in the coat knots up behind the ears, in the pants, and under the collar.
Most aussies are our medium wash ($95) plus the $15 de-shed. Big males over 60 lbs are $130.
The australian shepherd coat is working equipment: a naturally oily, weather-resistant topcoat over a dense undercoat. Unlike a husky or german shepherd, an aussie also carries a lot of longer, softer coat: the mane, the feathering on the legs, the pants, and the fine hair behind the ears. That is where shedding turns into a grooming problem. Dead undercoat released in those areas does not drop cleanly. It catches in the soft hair around it and tightens into mats, especially where a collar rubs or the dog sits.
The same oil that keeps an aussie dry in the field makes the coat hard to wash through, which is why a home bath often leaves the undercoat untouched. Our australian shepherd bathing guide covers that problem and the bath schedule in detail.
A de-shed is not a dematting service. Loose undercoat and small tangles come out in the process. A tight mat against the skin is a different job, and pulling on it hurts. If your aussie already has mats, see how to demat a dog for which ones a brush can still save.
The daylight trigger behind the fall blow is explained in our fall shedding guide.
More home basics in how to reduce dog shedding, and the rake versus blade question in furminator vs undercoat rake.

Behind the ears, the pants, and the collar line first, where loose aussie undercoat knots up. Small tangles are worked loose dry, because water tightens a mat.
The aussie topcoat beads water off, so the coat is soaked against the lay of the hair until the water reaches the skin. Then diluted de-shedding shampoo, so it spreads through the oil instead of sitting on top, left to dwell, and rinsed until the water runs clear.
Forced air blows the released undercoat out of the mane, pants, and body, and dries the dense undercoat all the way down so it cannot sour.
A last pass through the feathering and the ears to catch anything the dryer lifted, and a look at the skin.
Our medium wash at $95 plus the $15 de-shedding treatment. Big males over 60 lbs are our large tier, $130 with the de-shed. Nail trimming and ear cleaning are included in every wash. The whole job happens in our van at your driveway, so the undercoat leaves with us instead of settling into your carpet.
The full treatment, for every double-coated breed, is on our de-shedding treatment page.
De-shed wash and a full forced-air dry for an aussie, $110 at your driveway. Nails and ears included.
or text us at (408) 599-8317

Owner-operated Β· Local service
I run Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash myself β Iβm the one who shows up at your door. Every visit is one dog at a time in the van at your curb: warm water, a full brush-out and a proper dry, with no salon drive and no cage waiting. Big dogs, heavy shedders and nervous seniors are the reason this service exists.
What our customers say
SUCH a great - and easy! - experience! Asa was immediately responsive (I love when businesses actually answer their phone!), worked Moose in within 24 hours, was communicative throughout, bought unscented products specifically for us, did a great job with my 12 year old doodle β¦ all in all: amazing service!
Ace at Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash was absolutely wonderful with my senior dog. He was so gentle and patient with him, which meant everything to me given his age β I could tell he genuinely cared about his comfort throughout the whole process. Beyond the excellent care, Ace was warm, loving, and clearly an animal lover at heart, while also being completely professional from start to finish. It's rare to find someone who balances that kind of tenderness with real expertise, and my dog came out looking and smelling great without a hint of stress. Highly recommend Ace and Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash.
Ace was great with my 3 small dogs. They got washed and towel dried, their ears checked, their nails trimmed. One star off because he trimmed one nail too far and it bled for a long time, plus distressed my already anxious dog. Important to know that this service isn't van-based (yet). Ace brings a portable wash station to set up outside. He brings his own water and supplies. He doesn't do any hair cuts, just basic wash and towel dry. I'll call him again in the future!
Ace did a great job with our little old chihuahua mix. Our appointment was for the evening and he came prepared with warm water, and made our sure our dog was comfortable the entire time. Don't let the lack of reviews on yelp scare you away, his prices are good, and he takes time to ensure that good work is done.
He did such an amazing job with my dog! He came out looking so nice, clean, and well-groomed, but what stood out to me most was how happy and comfortable he seemed afterward. You can really tell he was treated with care throughout the entire process. I'm extremely pleased with how everything turned out and would definitely recommend him!
Ace at Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash was absolutely wonderful with my senior dog. He was so gentle and patient with him, which meant everything to me given his age -- I could tell he genuinely cared about his comfort throughout the whole process. Beyond the excellent care, Ace was warm, loving, and clearly an animal lover at heart, while also being completely professional from start to finish. It's rare to find someone who balances that kind of tenderness with real expertise, and my dog came out looking and smelling great without a hint of stress. Highly recommend Ace and Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash. Price is great!
Ace showed up on time .was ready to go . my dog was scared but after he got started my dog calmed down and enjoyed her bath. Ace is very polite and respectful . i have a friend who uses Ace to and loves him ! .for the price and the care you canβt beat itβ¦!!! 10/10 no doubt !
We booked Bay Area Mobile Dog Wash for our 90-lb German Shepherd, Koda, who hates the groomer. Ace parked the van right in our driveway in Willow Glen, walked her up the ramp himself β no lifting, no cage, no other dogs β and I watched the whole wash from my doorstep. Bath, nails, ears, and she came back inside dry and calm. Flat $95 exactly as the website said, no surprise charges. We've already booked next month. πβ€οΈ
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