Not sure if it is the knowledge or experience you spoke of....but went to a show one night and a camp/combine brought three. All three were shaved up the spine, maybe a three inch strip. I had never seen it and just had to ask.

I was told it was done for two reasons. One it had a cooling effect on the dog. I couldn't see the logic in it that night and to this day can't see it being a viable means for a dog to stay cool or provide any extra cooling. Second, was a tingling/awakening effect when rubbed the against the grain. Like after a fresh hair cut and rubbing your hand against the grain. Maybe, but I sort of didn't see that one either.

Another guy told me it was more to make stupid people ask stupid questions. Maybe I fell for it. EWO