INTRODUCTION
Dog grooming is a team effort.
As dog groomers we want to give your dog the haircut you want them to have, but without proper brushing in between, this often can't be done without causing trauma to your pet.
It is up to you as a pet parent to brush your dog frequently and to get them used to the process early so they learn to like it. Put simply, If you cannot brush your dog, how do you expect your groomer to?
Keeping your long-coated dog’s fur in top condition requires regular grooming and maintenance and the longer the coat, the more frequently it will need to be done.
Whether you have a Poodle or Maltese Terrier that you want to keep in long coat, or you have a Siberian Husky or Golden Retriever leaving hair all over your house, understanding how to brush will help maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and help prevent the dreaded shave down at the groomers.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, share helpful tips, and provide links to the tools we use to get the job done.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to keep your furry friend looking their best!
REQUIRED TOOLS
A slicker brush with appropriately sized pins.
Use a brush with small straight pins for short coats
Use the longer L shaped pin slicker brush for longer coats.
A greyhound comb to check your brushing.
Detangling spray (optional).
A high surface such as a table or bench to brush your dog on. Ideally you should be aiming for a surface that puts you at a heart-to-heart height.
Your dog’s favourite treats.
PREPARE YOUR DOG
Make sure your dog is calm and comfortable.
Let your dog sniff the tools to get familiar with them.
Gently touch your dogs face and feet. first with your fingers and then the back of the brush.
Praise and reward them for calm behaviour.
FOCUS ON ONE SECTION AT A TIME
Use your fingers to separate small sections of fur and brush all the way to the skin gently.
Start with the foot of the back right leg and work your way up and across your dog’s entire right side before moving on to the left side and both ends.
Pay extra attention to areas prone to matting such as: armpits, ears, chin, feet, legs, collar and harness areas.
BRUSH WITH THE HAIR GROWTH
Only ever brush the hair down and out, never up, as this can damage the hair follicle
Be gentle and avoid pulling on tangles.
USE THE COMB TO CHECK YOUR BRUSHING
Use a fine-tooth comb to check for any remaining tangles.
Comb through each section gently and thoroughly.
If your comb snags or does not pass through the coat to the skin with ease, re-brush that area with your slicker brush gently and try again.
If your comb still snags after a few attempts at brushing, your dog is most likely matted and will need to be seen by a groomer for a shave down.
CONCLUSION
Now that you know the tools you need and how to use them, all you need is 10 - 15 minutes a day to apply these tips to your dog and you will be able to keep their coat long and healthy.
Remember that dogs thrive on predictability, and maintaining a consistent grooming routine will get easier with time.
By adhering to the same schedule and following the same brushing pattern each time, your dog will gradually associate brushing with positive experiences and over time, they’ll eagerly anticipate this bonding time with you.
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