Getting tangles out of the fibre

Oh help! Newbury is coming up and I do want to bring along a llama that looks half-decent this year. Trouble is, my interest is training not showing so I don't go in for a lot of grooming and the llamas don't seem to mind...and the knots build up!
So..can anyone tell me if they know of any substance like hair conditioner or fabric softener that might help me to get tangles out of the tail of my boy. The rest of the coat is tangle-free as I've shorn him, but he doesn't like me shearing his tail, though I can brush it. It's a mass of matted dreadlocks at present.
If all else fails I can desensitise the tail and shear..but I'd rather brush it out.

Any ideas?

I've tried a 'leave-in' spray hair conditioner but decided it was unfair to inflict such a strong smell on them. I'd look for a fragrance-free one if I tried again. In your case, I'd go for 'surface brushing' i.e. just get the top layer smoothed out a bit and free of hay. :-)

If you hose him down, apply a gentle shampoo and rub in well, rinse the llama off so that all the suds are off the coat. Pop into the tumble dried for 30 mins of a cool temperature. When he is done he will look like a big puffball   

By the way, you will need a very very big tumble drier......and a very cooperative llama;) 

Rgds, Mike L

You don't mention whether to shove him in feet or bum first, Mike.

If they are well trained they should just pop themselves in on their own and pop out when they are all done and fluffy    If they refuse to go in, the best method is to get your other half to climb in and let them see how it is done first.  As soon as they get it right give them a handful of (by now) soggy treats  

Rgds, Mike L

You don't tell me, Mike, if I should chuck any "easy-ironing" tablets into the drum.

One should always exercise caution here. If you intend to iron out any wrinkles from the fiber after washing, then yes, it is imperative that you add easy ironing tablets" to the wash. If however, you are looking to achieve a Suri (dreadlocks) look, then absolutely not and of course you do not need to iron. If your llama has naturally flat fiber but your desire is to achieve a Suri look, then may I suggest an investment in curling tongs.      

Kind Regards, Mike L

You know, for all your tumble-drier advice Mike, I still suspect that pegging the little dears out on the washing line by their banana ears, in a strong wind, would work just as well.

Err..yep...did'nt think of that one. Just goes to show that sometimes it pays to think outside the box  

Now, when is that last baby we are still waiting for going to show its head  

Kind Regards, Mike L