How to Brush Your Dog at Home Between Grooms
Regular grooming appointments keep your dog looking and feeling their best—but what happens in between visits matters just as much. Brushing your dog at home is one of the simplest ways to maintain a healthy coat, reduce shedding, and prevent painful mats from forming.
Whether you have a short-haired pup or a long, fluffy coat to manage, here’s a step-by-step guide to brushing your dog at home between professional grooms.
Why Brushing Between Grooms Is Important
Many dog owners underestimate how quickly coats can tangle or how much loose hair builds up between grooming sessions. Regular brushing offers several key benefits:
- Prevents matting: Mats can pull on your dog’s skin and cause discomfort, and if left too long, they often require shaving to remove.
- Reduces shedding: Brushing helps catch loose fur before it spreads throughout your home.
- Distributes natural oils: This keeps the coat soft and shiny while supporting healthy skin.
- Builds comfort: Routine brushing gets your dog used to being handled, making professional grooming visits smoother and less stressful.
- Early detection: Brushing lets you spot lumps, bumps, parasites, or skin issues early.
Step 1: Choose the Right Brush for Your Dog’s Coat
Not all brushes work for all coat types. Using the right tool makes brushing faster, more effective, and more comfortable for your dog.
For short-haired dogs:
- Use a rubber curry brush or soft bristle brush.
- These help remove loose hair and distribute oils without irritating the skin.
For medium to long coats:
- Use a slicker brush to gently work through tangles and remove loose hair.
- Follow with a steel comb to catch any small knots or areas the brush may have missed.
For double-coated breeds:
- Use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool to reach the dense undercoat, especially during shedding seasons.
- Finish with a slicker or pin brush for the outer coat.
For curly or wavy coats (like doodles or poodles):
- A slicker brush combined with a comb is essential. Daily brushing is often needed to prevent tight mats.
If you’re unsure which tool is best, ask your groomer during your next appointment—we’re happy to recommend the right brush for your dog’s coat type.
Step 2: Start with a Calm, Comfortable Setup
Pick a quiet, distraction-free area in your home. Have treats handy to reward your dog for staying relaxed. If your dog is new to brushing, start with short sessions and build up gradually.
Position your dog on a non-slip mat or towel. Some owners find that brushing on the floor works best for smaller dogs, while others prefer a grooming table or elevated surface.
Step 3: Brush in Sections and Follow the Coat’s Direction
Work in small, manageable sections, brushing in the direction the hair naturally grows. Start at the neck or shoulders and work your way down the back, sides, belly, and legs.
For long-haired dogs, part the hair with your free hand so you can brush down to the skin without scraping or causing discomfort. Gently work through tangles rather than yanking the brush—if you hit a knot, use your fingers or a comb to tease it apart slowly.
Step 4: Pay Extra Attention to Problem Areas
Some areas are prone to tangling and matting, especially in fluffy or curly-coated dogs. Focus on these spots:
- Behind the ears
- Under the collar or harness area
- Armpits and inner legs
- Around the tail and hindquarters
- Chest and belly
These spots often develop hidden mats that can be missed during quick brushing. A slicker brush and comb are your best friends here.
Step 5: Reward and Make It Positive
End each brushing session on a positive note with praise, treats, or a little playtime. This builds a good association, making future brushing easier and something your dog actually looks forward to.
If your dog shows signs of stress or discomfort, shorten the session. Frequent, shorter brushing sessions are better than infrequent, long ones that become a struggle.
How Often Should You Brush?
- Short-haired breeds: 1–2 times per week
- Medium to long coats: 3–4 times per week
- Double-coated breeds: Several times per week during shedding seasons
- Curly or wavy coats: Daily brushing is often best to prevent mats
Every dog is different. Factors like coat texture, shedding cycles, and lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor) all play a role.
When to Call the Groomer
If you find mats that are too tight to safely brush out, it’s best to leave them to a professional groomer. Trying to cut or rip out mats at home can injure your dog’s skin. Likewise, if brushing becomes a constant struggle, we can show you techniques to make it easier.
At Gordie’s Grooming, regular brushing at home combined with routine appointments keeps your dog’s coat healthy, comfortable, and beautiful year-round.
Final Thoughts
Brushing your dog at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, a calm environment, and a consistent routine, it becomes a quick, bonding activity that keeps your pup happy and their coat in top shape.