Tips for Brushing a Long-Haired Dog

Grooming is more than just aesthetics; it’s a vital part of your dog’s overall health. For any of the breeds listed above, or any dog with a demanding coat, establishing a positive and effective grooming routine is key. Here are some essential tips for brushing a long-haired dog.

Choose the Right Tools

Using the wrong tools can be ineffective and even painful for your dog. A basic kit for a high-maintenance coat should include:

Slicker Brush: Features fine, short wires packed closely together on a flat surface. Excellent for removing tangles and loose undercoat on medium-to-long-haired dogs.

Pin Brush: Looks similar to a human hairbrush and is best for finishing and fluffing long, silky coats like an Afghan Hound’s after tangles have been removed.

Metal Greyhound Comb: A sturdy comb with both wide and fine teeth. It’s the essential final step to check your work and find any small tangles the brush missed.

Undercoat Rake: Designed to penetrate a thick double coat and remove dead, loose undercoat. A must-have for breeds like the Samoyed.

Dematting Tool: Use with extreme caution. These tools have sharp, serrated blades. Improper use can easily cut the dog’s skin. For significant mats, it is always safer to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

Make it a Positive Experience

Grooming should not be a battle. The goal is to teach your dog to tolerate, and even enjoy, the process. This is best achieved through positive reinforcement, a training method that uses rewards (like treats or praise) to encourage desired behaviors. Start when your dog is a puppy, if possible.

Cooperative Care Training Mini-Example:

Goal: Teach the dog to calmly accept brushing.

Step 1 (Day 1): Show your dog the brush. The moment they look at it or sniff it, say “Yes!” in a happy tone and give them a tiny, high-value treat (a pea-sized piece of cheese or chicken). Put the brush away. Repeat 5 times.

Step 2 (Day 2): Hold the brush. Gently touch the non-bristle side to your dog’s back for one second. Say “Yes!” and treat. Repeat 5 times.

Step 3 (Day 3): Use the bristle side to make one gentle stroke on their back. Say “Yes!” and treat. Repeat 5 times.

Continue this gradual process, keeping sessions short (1-2 minutes) and always ending on a positive note. This builds trust and a positive association with dog grooming tools.

When to Call a Professional

While daily maintenance is the owner’s responsibility, a professional groomer is an invaluable partner in caring for high-maintenance dogs. They have the right equipment, such as high-velocity dryers and hydraulic tables, and the expertise to handle difficult coats and perform complex haircuts. If you discover a mat that is tight against the skin, do not try to cut it out with scissors. It is incredibly easy to cut the skin, which is often pulled up into the mat. A professional has the tools and skill to shave it out safely.