How to Brush a Dog's Coat

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How to Brush a Dog's Coat

Easy

15 - 20 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

While your dog puts in a lot of hard work grooming his own coat, there is still one thing he can't do for himself. Because your pup lacks an opposable thumb, he can't exactly hold a brush and take care of brushing his coat. Brushing your pup's coat on a regular basis helps to remove loose hair, tangles, small mats, dirt, and debris. It also gives you an opportunity to check him over for fleas, ticks, and injuries. One last thing a good weekly brushing does is to help spread your pup's natural oils throughout his coat, restoring its natural shine.

Dog's Perspective

From your dog's point of view, getting his coat brushed regularly may start off being a hassle, but it won't take long before he learns to relax and enjoy the sensation of having you run the brush through his coat. He may not be able to tell you this, but your pup will also appreciate the fact his routine brushings make it easier for him to groom himself.

The Simple, Straightforward Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Comb

Step

Start at the top

One of the most important steps of grooming your pup's head is to take your time and be gentle. The skin on top of his head and around his face is very thin and sensitive. If your pup has short hair, use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of growth.

Step

Be careful with those ears

If your pup has long ear hair, place your hand between his ear and the comb to reduce the risk of hurting your pup by pulling on his hairs. If the mats or tangles are too bad, you may need to use shears or clippers to remove them.

Step

Next his neck

Using a slicker brush and undercoat rake, remove his collar and work your way through the ruff. Brush it in the way it naturally lays.

Step

Legs fore and aft

If your dog has short hair on his legs, you probably don't need to brush them. But if he has long hair, work your way down from the top with a comb inside and out.

Step

Be gentle with his belly

The skin on his belly is very sensitive, so use the slicker brush to brush with the flow very gently, especially around his genitals.

Step

Finish at the rear

Using a slicker brush, go over your pup's rear end. Be very gentle around his anus as this area is very sensitive and your pup may not like you getting up close and personal. Voila, your pup now looks his very best and you are a master groomer.

The From Head to Tail Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Step

Start with your pup's head

Begin combing or brushing your pup's head and muzzle. Be very gentle and if you encounter any mats or tangles you cannot remove with the comb or brush, use a pair of shears to remove them. Give his ear a good thorough brushing, especially those dogs with long hairy ears. Again, if you encounter any mats or tangles, clip them out.

Step

Moving down

Start at the top of your pup's neck behind his head and work your way down and around to his chest using a slicker brush. Be sure you are getting all the way down to the roots and work your way gently out.

Step

All four legs

If your pup has long hair on his legs, take the time to brush them from top to bottom, this will help remove dirt, debris, tangles, and mats. Be sure to lift each leg one at a time and brush them thoroughly.

Step

Back, sides, and belly

Have your pup lay on his side so you can brush his back, side, and belly. Be sure to be very gentle brushing his belly and around his private parts as these areas are very sensitive. Flip him over on his other side and repeat the process.

Step

The captain's quarters

Time to finish up at the rear, be very gentle around your pup's anus and genitals. Be sure to work this area over very carefully if your dog has long fluffy hair, as this region is prime territory for mats. You may need to trim a few out along the way to having a beautiful freshly groomed pup.

Caution & Considerations

Be sure you have the right brushes for the job. You will need a slicker brush, a pin brush, a shedding brush, a comb, and possibly a de-matting brush.
If you need to use shears to clip out mats, be sure they are very sharp and have safety tips.
If you encounter a mat or tangle that won't come out easily, do not pull on it as this can hurt your pup.
You can brush his hair in any direction at first, but for the final brushing, you should go in the direction of growth to give him a nice shiny and smooth coat.
Give your pup plenty of time to get used to the brushes and being brushed.
You can use treats to help during the training process as rewards.

Conclusion

Be patient and make brush time fun time for both of you. It can be a great bonding time for you and your dog. You can brush your dog every day if you want to and he will allow you to, but you should brush him at least once a week. Grab a brush and give your pup a nice brushing frequently. You will both come to enjoy the time together.

How to Brush a Dog's Coat

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Simple, Straightforward Method

The From Head to Tail Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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