How to Brush a Dog's Coat

Your dog is your best friend so you want to make sure he looks his best. Giving him a good brushing improves his coat and makes it shine. Follow these steps and everyone will think you take your dog to a groomer every day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Dog brush
• Dog comb
• Conditioning spray

1. Pick your brush based on your dog's coat. Long haired dogs need a pin brush that will painlessly get rid of loose hairs and also get all the way down to the skin. Use a stiff natural-bristle brush for short haired dogs, then a soft-bristle brush to distribute natural oils to the hair.

2. Put small dogs on a table and large dogs on the floor. Use a leash if the dog will not stay still.

3. Start on one side and brush from front to back. Brush against the coat to fluff the hair up. Start with a small section, brush down one side and then the other.

4. Work the brush from the tail to the head once you finish the initial brushing. Brush in the same direction of the coat this time.

5. Use a spray coat conditioner if you find any mats within the fur. Spray the conditioner directly on the mat, let it sit for a couple of minutes and use a wide-toothed comb to untangle it. Work from head to toe with the comb to smooth the coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Be as gentle as possible. If you're too rough, Fido may run away every time you come at him with a brush.
• Brush a puppy once a day to get it used to grooming. Short haired dogs need to be brushed every couple of weeks and long haired dogs need to be brushed weekly.
• Dogs may need to be brushed more often during shedding season.
• Use a "hound glove" for short haired dogs that don't like to be brushed. The glove fits on your hand and your dog will think you're simply petting her while you remove loose hair.