How to Comb Your Dog
The specific brush used to comb your dog depends on whether your pet has long or short hair. Long-haired dogs require a brush that has widely spaced, long bristles. Short-haired dogs require a brush with bristles that are short and packed closely together. While some dog breeds require specialized brushes, most breeds can be groomed with an appropriately sized bristle brush and a slicker brush. You should brush puppies every day to help them grow accustomed to the practice. Older dogs should be groomed on an as-needed basis, anywhere between once a week to every day.
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Instructions
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Lay your dog down on the carpet. Use a collar and lead, if it is prone to squirming. Kneel down on the lead, so that your dog's range of movement is restricted.
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Feed your dog a treat, then brush it a few times with a bristle brush. Reward your dog for enduring the first cursory brushing by giving it another treat. This calms your dog and gives it incentive to let you continue brushing.
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Start at one side of your dog's head, and use the bristle brush to comb backward against the natural direction of hair growth. Work your way to the rear of the animal, in small sections, always parting the hair down to the skin. Repeat this process, starting on the other side of your dog's head, working all the way back to the rear.
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Starting at the rear of your animal, brush your dog's hair again with the bristle brush. This time, brush in the direction of natural hair growth. Brush the entire coat, from rear to head.
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Use the slicker brush to lightly comb your dog one last time. Comb out any tangles or mats that formed during your bristle brushing. Brush from head to tail, until your dog's coat is shiny and untangled.
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Give your dog another treat at the end of grooming.
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Tips & Warnings
Double-coated dogs, such as the Siberian Husky, require grooming with an undercoat rake before using a standard bristle brush and slicker.
Dogs with long, feathered hair benefit from the use of a dog comb to untangle and style hair, as a finishing touch.
De-tangling spray can be purchased at most pet stores, to help you comb through the most matted portions of your pet's hair.
Be gentle when combing your dog in sensitive areas, such as the groin, arm pits and stomach, or you may injure your pet.
References
Resources
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