How to Brush a Dense Coat

  1. Home
  2. Grooming
  3. How to Brush a Dense Coat
Easy
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week

Need regular grooming services?

Browse Wellness Plan Options Browse Wellness Plan Options

Introduction

There is more to keeping your dog's dense coat brushed than just making him look his best. It is also very good for his overall health, especially that of his skin. When a dog has a very dense coat, he tends to shed virtually non-stop. This means your home is literally always covered with a fine layer of dog hair that has to be cleaned up. Brushing your dog's dense coat will significantly reduce the amount of hair your vacuum has to work overtime to clean up, and it's a great way to bond with your pup. Keep in mind that a dense coat consists of multiple layers of hair, making it important for you to know how to brush it properly.

Dog's Perspective

Chances are pretty good your pooch couldn't care less whether or not you brush his coat. But at the same time, he is sure to appreciate being brushed and having all that loose hair pulled out of his coat. Not only will he enjoy being brushed, but you may save your vacuum cleaner from an early death. In the wild, a dog will use virtually anything as a scratching post to remove this excess hair. At home, you become his scratching post--or at least your furniture and carpet do--unless you brush him regularly. 

The De-Matting Tool Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Dematter
Step
1
Start out right
To start out right, you need a de-matting tool. This type of tool is designed to brush out your pup's coat and gently cut out any heavy mats you come across.
Step
2
Shedding tool next
This tool is designed to help remove all of the loose hair in your pup's coat. It is especially handy during your pup's natural shed cycle to help remove the loose hair in a more controlled fashion.
Step
3
From the top
You always start brushing your pup from the top of his head going down to his neck and around the front to the front of his chest and throat.
Step
4
Back and belly
Start at the bottom in the middle of his belly and slowly work your way up to his spine on both sides. This will give you a more even result and allow the hair to lay more evenly.
Step
5
Rump and legs
Finally, brush his rump, the inside and outside of his legs and, if needed, his tail.

The So Many Brushes Method

Effective
0 Votes
Spray
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Deshedder
Dematter
Comb
Step
1
Gather your brushes
To brush a dog with a dense coat, you need a de-matting tool, an undercoat rake, a slicker brush, a boar hair brush, and some vet-approved detangler.
Step
2
The first step
The first step is hard and is going to take up the most time. Using the undercoat rake, work your way through every inch of hair on your pup's body. Do this until his coat feels nice and smooth. If you encounter any mats, leave them alone, we'll get to them in a minute.
Step
3
City slicker
Go the back end of your dog and go over it with the slicker brush.
Step
4
Break out the comb
Go over the hair on the back of your pup's rear legs. This is an area where the hair tends to get the most mats. If you encounter any mats here or elsewhere in your pup's coat, use the de-matting tool to remove them.
Step
5
Tangle removal and finishing up
If your pup's coat has small tangles in it, use a vet-approved detangler and a grooming rake or comb to remove them. Finally, go over his entire coat with a boar's hair brush to restore its natural shine and make your pup look his best.

Caution & Considerations

  • Never pull hard on tangles or mats. Ripping the hair out of your pup's skin can be very painful.
  • Should you find any signs of serious injury, be sure to take your pup to see his vet.
  • Remove any fleas or ticks you find (you may have to give him a flea bath).
  • Clean the shedding brush frequently as it will make it more effective.
  • During your dog's normal shedding periods you should brush him daily, but the rest of the year once a week should be sufficient. 

Conclusion

When you have a dog with a dense coat, keeping him properly brush can seem a bit challenging. However, the longer you let his coat go without being brushed, the harder it is going to get. In time, you may have no choice but to take him to a professional groomer. The good news, spending time brushing your dog is a great way to bond with him. 

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

More Dog Grooming Guides

Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Book My Walk!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd