Brushing is the single most valuable thing you can do for your dog's coat between professional grooms. It prevents painful matting, spreads healthy skin oils, and makes every groom faster and more comfortable for your dog. Here is how to do it well.
Brush to the skin, not just the top
The most common mistake is brushing only the surface of the coat. Mats form underneath, close to the skin, so that is where the brush needs to reach. Work in small sections, lifting the coat and brushing from the skin outward, a technique groomers call line brushing.
The right tools
- A slicker brush for most coats, to lift tangles and loose hair
- A metal comb to check your work, if it glides through cleanly, you are done
- An undercoat rake for double-coated breeds, to remove loose undercoat
- A detangling or leave-in spray to help the comb move and protect the hair
Where to focus
Tangles form first at friction points: behind the ears, under the collar and harness, the armpits, the back legs and around the tail. Give these spots extra attention, and check them every few days rather than waiting for the next groom.
Keep it positive
Short, calm sessions with plenty of praise, and the odd treat, teach your dog that brushing is a nice part of the routine, not something to dread. A few minutes every day or two beats a long, stressful session once a fortnight.
Why it pays off
A well-brushed dog can be styled longer and finished more beautifully, because we are not battling knots. A matted dog often has to be clipped short for their comfort. Regular brushing genuinely gives you more choice at every groom.
More advice: How often to groom by coat type · Grooming an Oodle