This is what I've done with my longcoat gsd, who suffers with terrible skin problems, has grown a doubly thick coat this year, which could be due to his cushings or could be down to his steroids, he's overweight and hot even though he gets a darn good grooming every other day at the very least, otherwise he would be itching like crazy. I've taken off the belly really short. I've then used the longest number to go around his trousers and thighs, just to get some air through to his skin, and I also went very gently along his back, again with the longest attachment and the blades at their longest, so as not to actually take the fur off, more to thin it out a tad. It's worked a treat for me, my dog looks thinner, cooler and happier and he's not scratching. I would never do this with my other gsd who has a much finer, longer coat, but the dog I've done it with, has a coat more like a sheepdog than a gsd!

If you haven't got clippers yet, then you must go for the battery ones, coz mine have the wire and it's a right pain keeping that wire tucked out of the way to get to places, remember that!

Thanks Helena 54,

I will try that

Going off topic I know, but I just had to say what a FAB sounding cross, Lafleuk! I bet he's absolutely gorgeous.

Thank you....Yep, I think he is simply gorgeous, but then again, I may be a bit biased
Wanted to use his pic as an avatar, but I don't have one small enough. I have however substituted his face for mine on my profile though, so you can check him out.
Have a great day!