Regular grooming appointments are essential, but what you do between those visits is just as important for keeping your dog’s coat healthy. Proper at-home brushing helps reduce shedding, prevent matting, and maintain skin health. However, different coat types require different tools and techniques. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your pup’s coat in top shape!

Choosing the Right Brush for Your Dog

Not all brushes are created equal! The best tool for your dog depends on their coat type:

🛑 Short-Haired Breeds (Beagles, Boxers, Labradors)
✔️ Best Brushes: Shedding blade, rubber curry brush, Furminator®
✔️ Technique: Use gentle, short strokes in the direction of hair growth to remove loose fur and dirt.

🐶 Long-Haired Breeds (Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Collies)
✔️ Best Brushes: Slicker brush, pin brush
✔️ Technique: Line brushing (explained below) helps prevent mats and keeps the coat silky smooth.

🐩 Curly-Coated Breeds (Poodles, Bichons, Doodles)
✔️ Best Brushes: Slicker brush, pin brush, metal comb
✔️ Technique: Frequent brushing (3–4 times a week) using line brushing ensures their coat stays mat-free.

🐕‍🦺 Double-Coated Breeds (Huskies, Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers)
✔️ Best Brushes: Undercoat rake, slicker brush
✔️ Technique: Regular deshedding and line brushing help remove loose undercoat without damaging the topcoat.

Mastering the Layer Brushing Technique

One of the best ways to prevent tangles and mats is layer brushing. Here’s how to do it:

1️⃣ Start at the bottom – Begin at your dog’s hind legs or tail.
2️⃣ Lift a section of hair – Use your hand or a comb to separate a small layer of fur (about 1–2 inches).
3️⃣ Brush from the skin outward – Use a slicker brush with short, gentle strokes from the base of the coat to the ends.
4️⃣ Work your way up to the next 'Layer' – Once a section is tangle-free, move up and repeat the process.
5️⃣ Don’t forget sensitive areas – Pay special attention to spots prone to matting, like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
6️⃣ Check with a comb – Run a wide-tooth metal comb through the coat. If it moves smoothly, your pup is mat-free!

Tips for At-Home Grooming Success

✅ Brush regularly – At least once a week for short-haired breeds, 2–3 times a week for long-haired and double-coated breeds, and every other day for curly-coated breeds.
✅ Avoid air drying after a bath – Use a blow dryer on low heat while brushing to prevent matting, especially for curly coats.
✅ Be gentle – Brushing should never hurt! If you encounter mats, work through them slowly with a detangling spray and a metal comb.
✅ Check paws, belly, and armpits – These areas often get overlooked but are prone to matting.

Keeping Your Dog’s Coat Healthy Between Grooming Visits

Taking a few extra minutes each week to brush your dog saves time and money by preventing severe matting, excessive shedding, and skin problems. A well-maintained coat means a happier, healthier pup—and an easier grooming experience when they visit the salon!