How to Brush a Dog With a Double Coat

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Easy
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week

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Introduction

Keeping a dog with double coat properly groomed can be very challenging. But, unless you plan to invest a fortune in trips to your local professional groomer, you need to learn how to brush your dog properly and keep him looking his best. Keeping your pup brushed on regular basis will also help keep your house a lot cleaner and will definitely help keep your vacuum cleaner from exploding every year or so. Consider brushing your pup's coat a great to spend personal bonding time together and make the most of it. 

Dog's Perspective

As the owner of a dog with a double coat, you are probably already aware, at least to some extent, that your pup sheds twice each and every year. During this time, your house becomes a literal sea of dog hair that gets everywhere and threatens to kill your vacuum cleaner. But taking the time to brush his hair once a week with a shedding tool and boar hair brush, you can remove the vast majority of loose hairs during this time. Your pup will love it and so will everyone else in your home. 

The Undercoat Rake Method

Effective
0 Votes
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Deshedder
Dematter
Step
1
De-mat first
Start by using a de-matting rake to go over your dog's entire coat. This is a special tool that is designed to be used to go through your dog's long hair.
Step
2
Remove the mat
When it encounters a tough mat, a special cover retracts and allows a sharp blade to cut the mat out. Work slowly and gently and let the cutting blade do its job. Never tug on it as the hair may get trapped in it and be painfully ripped out of your pup's skin.
Step
3
The undercoat rake or shedding tool
Your dog's hair grows from front to back. Take the undercoat rake and gently go through your pup's hair in the direction it grows.
Step
4
Start at the top
Start by brushing the hair on top of your pup's head, work your way down his neck, and then around the front to get his throat and chest.
Step
5
In the middle
Working from the center of your pup's back down to the middle of his chest, work the shedding tool through his hair. You must keep the brush cleaned out or it will not be able to do its job.
Step
6
At the bottom
Brush his rump, around his tail, down the outsides of his legs, and then lift each back leg one at a time to brush the inside.
Step
7
Make him a pretty boy
Once you are done with the shedding tool, use a boar hair brush to go over his coat one last time. This will smooth out his coat, remove any last tangles, and spread his natural body oils to give his coat a nice shiny look.

The Dog of Many Brushes Method

Effective
0 Votes
Spray
Slicker Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Step
1
Gather up your tools
In this particular case, you need an undercoat grooming rake, a slicker brush, a comb, detangler (one made for dogs), a de-matting tool, and a boar hair brush.
Step
2
Go deep
The first step is the hardest, but be prepared to spend the longest part of your grooming session working an undercoat grooming rake through your pup's long hair. Brush every inch of him until it all feels nice and smooth. Any bumps you find are probably mats.
Step
3
Be a city slicker
Use a slicker brush on your pup's hind end where his fur is likely to be at its thickest.
Step
4
Comb time
Use a comb to work through the hair on the back of his legs where it tends to mat easily. You can also go over the rest of his body to catch any mats or tangles the grooming rake missed.
Step
5
Just a spritz, please
If you find any tangles or matted areas, spray them down with a little vet approved de-tangler. Go over his coat with a de-matting tool to ensure you have removed all signs of mats and you are almost done.
Step
6
The final brush-down
Using a boar hair brush, go over your pup's entire coat to smooth it all down and help spread his natural oils through the hair.

Caution & Considerations

  • Never pull on a mat with a brush, comb, or dull shears. This could cause your pup unnecessary pain.
  • If you see any signs of injury, take your pup to see his vet.
  • If you see any ticks or fleas, be sure to treat your pup for them and remove any ticks.
  • The shedding brush must be cleaned frequently while you are brushing your pup; it doesn't work if it's all clogged up with hair.
  • In the months between sheds, your pup may only need to be brushed once a week, but during shedding times, you may want to brush him daily or every other day at least. 

Conclusion

Taking the time out to brush your pup's double coat might seem a bit challenging and time-consuming at first. But, if you allow it to go too far without brushing, your pup's coat can quickly become a tangled matted mess that only a professional groomer stands a chance at being able to remove. On top of which, brushing time is a great way to bond with your dog. 

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