Use medium pressure to brush in the direction of fur growth. To help reduce shedding, use a metal comb, like the Andis Steel Pet Comb, or an undercoat rake, like ConairPRO's Undercoat Rake. Pull the comb or rake through your dog's hair, being careful not to pull too hard when you reach a clump of fur.
Improved coat health and appearance
Wet brushing promotes a healthier and shinier coat. By brushing when the coat is wet, you can effectively remove loose hair, dirt, and debris that may be trapped in the coat better than dry brushing. This helps to keep the coat clean and prevents the accumulation of mats and tangles.
Always start by giving your pooch a treat. Have them sniff the brush first to introduce them to it. If your dog doesn't react well to a brush, try a grooming glove that fits your hand to make it seem like they are being petted, not brushed. Start by brushing one small section at a time.
The Dos and Don'ts Method
Always angle the FURminator and brush from head to tail including your dog's stomach in the same direction the fur is growing. Don't brush your dog's fur from tail to head or bottom to top. Pulling against the grain can hurt your dog.
Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers. Although some dogs may feel down after grooming, this quickly goes away and they truly appreciate the benefits of grooming.
Frequency of Brushing
Smooth, short-coated dogs can generally be brushed once every few weeks to remove loose hair. While short, dense-furred dogs should usually be brushed once a week. Long-coated or double-coated dogs must be brushed weekly to prevent mats and to remove tangles.
This is a great all-around tool because it has a bristle brush on one side and a pin brush on the other. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Don't use too much pressure so that it hurts your dog's skin; instead, apply firm strokes that will help remove dead hairs.
Do not move your hands towards the dog's face or over the top of the head. This may make the dog fearful or defensive. Begin to gently pet the dog in areas like the front of the chest, the upper and middle back, sides of the chest, and behind the ears. Stop petting the dog if you notice resistance.
Excessive brushing might cause skin irritation in your dog. The dog may become irritated by this and begin scratching and chewing the spot. This can lead to skin lesions and secondary infections over time. Veterinary assistance is sometimes required.
Groomers make the dog feel at home by offering him treats and giving him love before getting down to the bath. Letting the owner help get the dog into the tub might help, if the owner is present. If not, groomers quickly lift the dog into the tub. Some groomers have a loop in the tub to restrain finicky dogs.
If hair stays matted for too long, it can lead to skin irritation, bacteria growth, and even parasites. No matter the length of their coat, you should brush your dog's hair every couple of days.
Conclusion. Don't forget your dogs face when brushing. Your dog's beard can easily become stained with food or dirt from the garden, and should be cleaned and brushed out regularly. Work carefully around his eyes and check ears for knots which trap moisture and can contribute to ear infections.
Brushing them every day for at least 15 minutes during their coat blow will help speed up the process, keep them comfortable, and stop the furballs from falling out all around your home.
Just like wetting your pet and shampooing them are vital pieces to the bathing puzzle, so is drying your dog. If you're wondering if you should let your dog air dry, the answer is no, you shouldn't. You should consider drying your pet to be an integral part of the bathing process, just like scrubbing your dog is.
Dogs absolutely love being fussed and rewarded when they behave well and they enjoy being brushed, cleaned and groomed regularly so that their coats and skin are healthy. They also love having a fresh bowl of clean water at all times, as well as a feeding routine so that they know when their mealtime is.
Dogs benefit the most when touched in places they feel comfortable with and when approached in a 'non-threatening' way. For example, most dogs prefer being touched with long gentle strokes along the chest, shoulder and base of the tail.
You may begin by brushing your dog's head and ears before moving on to his chest, back, and belly. Once you have finished these areas, you can end the session by brushing the fur on his legs, rump, and tail. Pay close attention to the areas where your pet's legs meet his body; these spots are notorious for mats.
Even veterinarians and experts disagree on how often you should bathe your pup but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends a baseline of once every three months.
Stop brushing when you can no longer pinch out a tuft of hair, says Bird. Avoid brush burn.
Bathing your dog regularly and grooming them using brushes or de-shedding tools once they're dry can significantly help to combat shedding.
Many dogs don't like being brushed and will need to be trained to it. Think of it the same way as training a child who doesn't like baths to take a bath before bed. Establishing expectations and healthy boundaries keeps you in control, which in turn helps keep your dog safe.