Brushing Your Dog- A Step By Step Guide
If you share your home with a long-coated dog, regular brushing is one of the most important things you can do to keep them healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. Whether your dog has a silky, flowing coat or a thick double coat, proper brushing helps prevent painful mats, reduces shedding, and keeps their skin healthy. At Dogology, we help pet parents maintain beautiful, healthy coats between grooming appointments. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the best way to brush your long-haired dog at home.
Brushing is about much more than appearance. A consistent brushing routine can:
Prevent painful mats and tangles
Reduce loose hair around your home
Distribute natural oils for a healthier coat
Improve skin circulation
Help you spot bumps, ticks, or skin irritation early
Make professional grooming appointments easier and more comfortable for your dog
Even dogs that visit the groomer regularly need routine brushing at home.
The right tools are critically important when it comes to brushing your dog. Make sure you have:
Slicker brush
Metal greyhound comb
Pin brush (optional)
Dog-safe detangling or conditioning spray
Plenty of treats
Lightly mist the coat with a conditioning spray before brushing. This helps reduce static and prevents hair from breaking.
Find a quiet, comfortable place where your dog feels relaxed. In front of the TV, on the couch, or comfortably on the floor are all good options. If your dog is still learning to enjoy brushing, keep sessions short and reward them frequently with praise and treats.
Oftentimes owners start with the top of their dog and don’t get down to the skin. Instead of brushing over the top of the coat, divide the hair into manageable sections.
Start with the legs and feet before working upward toward the body. This method helps ensure you reach the hair closest to the skin, where mats often begin.
Professional groomers recommend line brushing because it thoroughly removes tangles without missing hidden areas.
Here’s how:
Lift a layer of hair with one hand.
Brush the hair underneath using short, gentle strokes.
Lower another small section.
Continue until you’ve brushed the entire coat from the skin outward.
Taking your time produces better results than rushing through the process.
Mats commonly develop in areas where there’s friction.
Pay close attention to:
Behind the ears
Under the collar or harness
Armpits
Belly
Tail
Back of the legs
Neck
Between the hind legs
Checking these spots every few days can prevent small tangles from becoming painful mats.
Once you’ve brushed a section, run a metal comb through the coat. If it slides smoothly from the skin to the ends of the hair, you’ve successfully removed the tangles. If the comb catches, spend a little more time brushing before moving on. Use conditioning spray to help remove tangles. Be gentle when removing tangles from the coat. Never yank or pull on a mat.
Instead:
Hold the hair close to the skin.
Apply a detangling spray.
Work gently from the outside edges inward.
Loosen the mat gradually before using the comb.
If the mat is large or tight against the skin, it’s safest to have it removed by a professional groomer. Pulling too hard can cause pain, and trying to cut it out can cause injuries.
Once you finish brushing every section and checking with the comb, use a pin brush or a slicker to smooth the coat. It should feel soft, clean, and free of tangles all the way to the skin. Finish with lots of praise—and maybe a favorite treat!
Brushing your dog between grooming appointments is paramount to keeping them tangle free and feeling their best. Every dog is different, but here is a general guideline for how often you should be brushing.
Daily: Long silky coats and dogs prone to matting
Every 2–3 days: Most long-coated breeds
Weekly: Lower-maintenance coats that receive regular professional grooming
Dogs that love swimming, hiking, or rolling in the grass may need more frequent brushing. Even with regular brushing, dogs should see their groomer every 6-8 weeks to keep up with their coat and avoid matting.
Owners often express frustration that they are brushing their dog, but groomers are still finding them to be matted. Avoiding these common brushing mistakes will help you keep your dog’s coat in good condition, and avoid groomers having to take your dog short:
Only brushing the top layer
Skipping the armpits or behind the ears
Pulling through tangles too aggressively
Waiting until mats become severe
Using the wrong grooming tools
Forgetting to check your work with a comb
If you’re struggling with keeping your dog brushed and mat free, talk to your groomer or try bringing your dog in more frequently.
At Dogology, we know that home brushing and professional grooming work best together. Regular grooming appointments help remove excess coat, trim problem areas, and catch developing mats before they become painful.
Our experienced groomers are happy to demonstrate proper brushing techniques and recommend the best tools for your dog’s specific coat type.
Whether your dog needs a full groom, a bath and brush, or help with seasonal shedding, we’re here to help keep them comfortable year-round.
We look forward to helping your best friend look and feel amazing!
