HOW TO CORRECTLY BRUSH YOUR DOG AND AVOID THE SHAVE DOWN

How to brush your dog correctly.

Let’s get straight to it: no one wants to see their dog walk out of the grooming salon shaved to the skin when they were hoping for a nice tidy trim. But here’s the reality — if your dog’s coat is matted and tangled, there’s not always another option.

At One Fur All Dog Grooming in Glen Alpine, we’re here to help dog owners across Campbelltown and the Macarthur region understand why that happens, and more importantly, how to stop it from happening again.

We’re not here to sugarcoat it or sell you something you don’t need. We just care about dogs, and we know their comfort starts with proper coat care—not just during your appointments, but at home too.

Why Your Groomer Can’t Work Miracles on a Matted Coat

Whether your dog’s a floofy Poodle, a Maltese, or a full-blown double-coated Husky or Golden Retriever, brushing between grooms isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential.

Mats form close to the skin, and once they’re tight, trying to comb them out is painful and sometimes even dangerous. No amount of magic scissoring can save that coat without hurting your dog. So, if you want to keep that longer, styled look, regular brushing at home is your only option.

Tools You Actually Need (No Fancy Gear Required)

You don’t need a grooming van parked in your driveway. Just a few solid tools:

• Slicker brush (long pins for thick coats, short pins for finer coats)

• Greyhound comb (metal, straight, and no-nonsense)

• Optional: detangling spray for stubborn areas

• A safe raised surface (a bench, table, or washing machine top works)

• A couple of treats (we’re not monsters)

  
  

No bows, no glitter. Just the basics that get results.

How to Brush Properly (Without Overcomplicating It)

Start at one of the back paws and work in sections beginning with the foot and moving up. Lift the hair up and brush it back down in the direction of growth.

Make sure you’re brushing all the way to the skin, not just the surface. This matters. Mats start underneath, and if you’re only fluffing the top, you’re missing the real issue.

Go with the direction of the hair growth—down and out. Never against it. Take it slow. If you hit a tangle, work gently—no yanking. Brushing should never be painful for your dog.

When you’re done with a section, run your greyhound comb through. If it glides through easily, job well done. If it snags, go back with the slicker and try again. If after a few tries it still won’t budge, give us a call before it turns into a full-body mat.

10 Minutes a Day is All it Takes

We’re not asking for a lifestyle change—just 10 to 15 minutes a day. That’s it. A quick brush while the kettle’s boiling, or before heading out for a walk. Over time, your dog gets used to it. You get better at spotting knots early. And your groomer? They’ll be able to keep your dog’s style just how you like it, instead of having to start from scratch every time.

Trouble Spots to Watch

Pay extra attention to these high-risk areas:

• Behind the ears

• Under the chin

• Armpits

• Between the toes

• Where the collar or harness sits

• Any areas covered by a jumper or pet clothing

  
  

These spots mat fast, especially in warmer months or swimming.

Real Talk from Your Local Groomers

At One Fur All, we’re not here to judge. We’re here to help. Our team knows dogs, and we’re not in the business of turning every pet into a show pony—we just want to keep them comfortable, clean, and feeling good.

If you’re in Glen Alpine, Campbelltown, or anywhere in the Macarthur region, and you’re not sure where to start, book an appointment with us and come have a chat. We’d rather spend five minutes teaching you how to brush properly, than spend 45 minutes shaving down a sad, stressed-out dog.

Looking after your dog’s coat at home isn’t about perfection. It’s about effort. And if you bring that to the table, we’ll meet you there every step of the way.

Want us to show you how to brush your dog properly in person? Ask during your next appointment—we’re happy to walk you through it.

One Fur All Dog Grooming – No frills, just fair care.