How to Brush a Dog With FURminator

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How to Brush a Dog With FURminator

Medium

20 - 60 Minutes

2 Weeks

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Introduction

The FURminator is a brush tool made of plastic and metal made to pull loose fur out of your dog’s coat. FURminators come in various sizes for different sized dogs as well as different fur types. The tines of the FURminator are like those of a short comb or brush, but the interior tines have sharp edges to pull out the unwanted excess fur. The FURminator is a perfect tool for year-round use, but especially for the times of year your dog sheds the most. In between the seasonal changes where your dog may be blowing his coat, the FURminator will likely get more fur loose and off of your dog before he drops it all over your house.

Dog's Perspective

If your dog loves to be brushed, he will love this tool just as much as any other tool, if not more. If he's apprehensive about being brushed with the FURminator, give him some treats and some extra love while you groom him. He will get used to it.

The Dos and Don'ts Method

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Step

Do: Work dry

Be sure your dog's coat is dry. Use the FURminator on a dry coat to pull out excess fur that is close to dropping or blowing on its own.

Step

Don't: Use immediately after a bath

Don't use the FURminator right after a bath. Be sure all of your dog's fur, including his undercoat, is well dried before using the FURminator

Step

Do: Use the right angle

Always angle the FURminator and brush from head to tail including your dog's stomach in the same direction the fur is growing.

Step

Don't: Go against the grain

Don't brush your dog's fur from tail to head or bottom to top. Pulling against the grain can hurt your dog.

Step

Do: Take it easy

Use long gentle strokes. You want to use even strokes with slow motion to remove as much fur you as you can while being as gentle as possible.

Step

Don't: Press hard

Don't apply a lot of pressure against your dog's skin using the FURminator as you may scratch your dog. It is also important not to spend too much time on one area as you may cause irritation on the skin.

Step

Do: Cover more than once

Be gentle and go over areas more than once without being excessive to remove as much undercoat as you can.

The Good Brushing Method

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Step

Set up

Put your dog in an area where he is comfortable. If this is the first time using a FURminator then it will likely pull out more fur than when you use it again.

Step

Body

Starting at your dog's neck, brush with long strokes down his back and sides. Be cautious of your dog's bony areas such as his spine, shoulders, and hips.

Step

Stomach

Roll your dog to one side and brush in the direction the fur grows along his side and stomach. Be careful of the sensitive skin on his stomach and don't push too hard; you don't want to cause any scratching. When you are done with one side have your dog roll over to get to the other side. A treat may help with this.

Step

Neck and head

If your dog has a fluffy neck, he will love the FURminator on his neck. Lift his chin up and with long strokes brush the fur along his neck. Also, work on the back of his head in long gentle strokes.

Step

Tail

If your dog has a long fluffy tail, the FURminator is going to be perfect for pulling out any excess hair on his tail. However, be careful because his tail might not shed as much as the rest of his body and you don't want to pull on this sensitive area.

Step

Maintenance

Be sure while you are brushing your dog with a FURminator that you are pulling excess fur out of the FURminator after every few strokes.

Step

Reward

Always end a FURminator session with a great reward for your pup. He would love to have a tasty treat, because for your dog, a beautiful coat just might not be enough

Caution & Considerations

A FURminator works best with long strokes.
Be cautious of bony areas such as the dog’s spine and hips.
Be gentle with soft strokes.
Go over the same area several times as the FURminator will pull some fur out at first, and each pass will pull out more fur.
FURminator comes in various sizes, so be sure to get the right tool for your dog
Regular grooming with the FURminator will help prevent shedding because it pulls out fur other brushes do not.
Be prepared, especially the first few times you use the FURminator, for piles of fur. The next few times you use this tool, you may notice less fur coming out. This is normal if this is a new tool for your dog’s coat.
Be careful when pulling knots and tangles so you do not bend any of the tines of the FURminator.
Always brush in the direction the fur grows from head to tail.
This tool is great for a dog who is blowing coat in the spring and fall.
Be sure to clean out the FURminator as your groom to avoid clogging the tool.

Conclusion

The Furminator is a great tool to help with shedding dogs. Be sure you get the right size and style for your dog's type and size. Terminate shedding issues by brushing your dog with a fabulous FURminator.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Starr

Mixed

10 Years

1 found helpful

Question

1 found helpful

Starr

Mixed

10 Years

I’ve been using furminator about the last week and my dog is itching now. Could it be like razor burn from furminator and be itching her?

5 years, 3 months ago

Starr's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Thank you for the question. Starr is a real beauty! I have not used the FURminator before but I agree with you that it is irritating Starr's skin. I would discontinue using it. After she heals, you could try it again (I would give it several weeks) and if she starts itching again, then you will know that it is the FURminator. If you stop using it now and she is still itchy after a few days, consult the vet in case there is something else going on. Good luck!

5 years, 3 months ago

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Grooming Success Stories

Success

Mabasa

German Shepherd

4 Years

I suffer from mild asthma and could not give up my love for dogs, horses, cats. Now I just have dogs, 1 GS and 1 Labrador. At first I looked at the price and said no no. So I discussed with my partner and went we purchaced it. The GS as you know constantly sheds and the office and home was thick with GS hair and now it has reduced by 75% because I use the Furminator. I love it and now both my dogs love it. At first it was what the heck and not happy. I started then to be gentle and now months later the dogs can't wait to be brushed.

4 years ago

How to Brush a Dog With FURminator

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Add a comment to Starr's experience

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