A Complete Guide to Brushing a Dog the Right Way, According to a Pro Groomer

For pet parents with dogs who have short hair, use rubber brushes, like the Kong Dog ZoomGroom, at least once a week. Run it along the fur using medium to firm pressure.

Dogs with smooth coats typically don’t shed much, but if your dog is the exception, you can use the FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool no more than once a week. Use short, gentle strokes, and don’t go over the same spot more than three times; you can cause bald spots or brush burn.

For dogs with short double coats, like Labrador Retrievers and Pugs, use a rubber brush, like the KONG ZoomGroom, at least once a week—and as often as every day using medium to firm pressure.

If your pup has a medium double coat, like German Shepherds, Corgis and Huskies, start with a slicker brush, like the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. Use medium pressure to brush in the direction of fur growth.

To help reduce shedding, use a metal comb, like the Andis Steel Comb, or an undercoat rake, like the ConairPROPET. Pull the comb or rake through your dog’s hair, being careful not to pull too hard when you reach a clump of fur.

When the fur really flies, you can use a deshedding tool, like the FURminator, no more than once a week. Use light pressure, and don’t go over the same spot more than three times.

This coat type is tricky because it sheds a lot and can get matted. A few times a week, use a slicker brush, like the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush, to remove undercoat and prevent mats.

Once a week (and more often during shedding season), pull a rake, like the ConairPROPET, through your dog’s fur to remove more undercoat. Up to once a week, you can also use a deshedding tool, like the Pet Republique Dematting Rake. Use short strokes with medium pressure to get out more undercoat than the slicker brush and rake can manage.

If your pooch has mats you can’t brush out, use the Master Grooming Tools Dematting Tool to gently pick them apart, from the top of the mat to the bottom. Keep a comb between the mat and your pup’s skin, as you can cut your dog if you aren’t careful! Let a dog groomer shave mats that are next to the skin.

Curly and wavy coats mat easily and require daily, regular brushing unless you keep your dog’s coat clipped short. Every day, use a slicker brush, like the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Brush, followed by a metal comb, like the Andis Steel Pet Comb.

The key is to make sure you’re brushing down to your dog’s skin. Here’s how:

1. Start at your pup’s feet, lift a section of hair, and brush underneath the raised hair. Move your way up your dog with this technique.
2. You can then use the metal comb to check for mats and tangles you missed with the brush.

You should be able to get the comb through all your dog’s fur. For mats you can’t brush out, use a dematter, like the Master Grooming Tools Dematting Tool, to pick them apart gently. This tool is sharp and can cut your dog, so keep a comb between the mat and your pup’s skin. If you notice mats that are close to the skin, enlist the help of a professional groomer to shave them.