How to Brush a Small Dog's Coat

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How to Brush a Small Dog's Coat

Easy

15 - 30 Minutes

1 Week

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Introduction

Groomers charge so much today, that many people are looking at ways to cut costs. If this sounds like you, then maybe it's time you learned how to groom your small dog's coat. Not only is this a good way to save money, it is a fantastic way for you and your pup to spend a little time bonding. Once you get the hang of this easy task, you and your pup will find a way to make it fun.

It might take a little time to master this skill, but when you have, it should take less than half an hour to complete the job.

Dog's Perspective

Every dog like to look his best, this is why they spend so much time licking and grooming themselves, right? Yet, when you approach him with the brushes and clippers, he turns and runs away. This is because the various "tools of the trade" tend to be a bit scary at first. Give your pup time to get used to them before you try to get to work. You should also always take your pup out for a nice walk before grooming. This gives him time to go potty and will tire him out, making it easier for you to groom him.

The Tip to Tail Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Comb

Step

Start at the top

Start out by brushing your pup's face, head, and muzzle. Since the skin in these areas is very sensitive, especially around the eyes and ears, you need to be gentle. If you encounter any tangles or mats, use a sharp pair of shears to cut them out. If your pup has ears with long hair, be sure to brush this hair out thoroughly.

Step

Going down?

Next, up his neck. Start at the top just behind the back of his head, brushing down towards his chest using a slicker brush. This type of brush is designed to separate and smooth out his coat. Make sure you are getting all the way down to his skin to ensure a thorough brushing.

Step

At the corners

If your pup is one of the many breeds that have long hair on their legs, it has to be brushed as well. Work each leg from top to bottom, taking the time to remove dirt, debris, mats, tangles and more. Do the outside first and then lift each leg to brush the inside.

Step

Body brushing

With your pup laying on his side, brush from the center of his back around and down his sides until you reach the center of his belly. You need to be very gentle in these areas, especially around his genitals, as the skin is very sensitive. Roll him over onto his other side so that you can brush the other side.

Step

It's all behind now

The final area to brush is your pup's rear end. Much like his belly, the area around your pup's bum is very sensitive (especially for females) and you need to exercise extreme care when brushing. If your dog has a lot of long fluffy hair in this area, be sure to go over it very thoroughly as it is prone to tangles and mats that must be cut out. All done now, your pup should look his best.

The Simple Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Step

Brushing from the top down

When brushing your small dog's head, take your time and be gentle to prevent injury to your pup. Brush the hair on top of his head, then work around the rest of his face. Use a slicker brush, as this type of brush is typically gentle.

Step

Ah, those ears

When you have a pup with long ear hair, it tends to get tangled very easily. Take your time and brush through this hair very gently as his ears are quite sensitive. Go from top to bottom, gently removing any tangles. If you can't remove them easily and quickly, you may need to trim them out with shears.

Step

To the neck

Using the slicker brush, work your way down his neck starting at the back of his head. Be sure to take off your pup's collar so you can give his ruff a good brushing.

Step

He's got legs

And you know how to brush them--or at least, you will. Start by brushing the outside of his legs, moving from top to bottom following the way his hair grows. Then lift each paw so you can brush the insides of his legs.

Step

The mid-section

You can brush your pup's back, sides, and belly with him standing up if he will let you and you can get underneath him to his belly. Otherwise, you may be better off with him laying on his side. The area around his genitals and belly is pretty sensitive so be very gentle as you brush from top to bottom on each side.

Step

And in the end

Go over your pup's hindquarters with a slicker brush very gently, as this area is also very sensitive. Brush the in the direction of growth and then brush out his tail to finish the job. Ta-da! Your pup now looks amazing. The only thing left is to repeat this process at least once a week.

Caution & Considerations

Make sure you have the right tools to get the job done. The wrong brushes can make the task more painful than it needs to be.
Be sure your shears are sharp; dull shears pull hair instead of cutting it.
Make sure you give your pup lots of time to get used to the tools you plan to use. This will make brushing your pup's coat much easier for both of you.
It's okay to use treats while brushing your pup's coat as rewards and to help settle him down.
Take your time and make brushing your small dog's coat a fun time for both of you. It can be a great bonding time if you let it be.

Conclusion

The most important part of learning to brush your small dog's coat is to remember to take your time and be patient. While you should be brushing your pup's coat on a weekly basis, there is nothing wrong with brushing it every day. This will help keep your pup's coat looking his best at all times. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a brush and start helping your pup look his best at all times.

How to Brush a Small Dog's Coat

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Tip to Tail Method

The Simple Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

More Dog Grooming Guides