09/09/2026
🐾 WHICH BRUSH SHOULD I USE TO BRUSH MY DOG? 🐾
One of the questions I get asked most often is “What brush should I be using at home?” — and the answer really depends on your dog’s coat! 🐶
Using the right tools (and the right technique!) makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping your dog comfortable, preventing knots and helping me achieve the best groom possible. ✂️
Here’s a little guide…
🩶 SHORT-HAIRED COATS
Examples: Labradors, Pointers, Staffies, Pugs
A rubber curry brush, grooming mitt or soft bristle brush is ideal for removing loose hair and distributing natural oils through the coat.
➡️ Aim for a quick brush 1–2 times a week, increasing during heavy shedding periods.
Remember — even short-haired dogs benefit from regular brushing, especially around areas where loose hair builds up.
🤎 FLAT/LONGER COATS
Examples: Spaniels, Retrievers, Cavaliers
A slicker brush + metal comb is your best combination.
The slicker removes loose hair and helps separate the coat, while the comb checks that you’ve actually reached through the coat.
💗 TIGHT CURLY/WOOL COATS
Examples: Poodles, Bichons, Cockapoos, Cavapoos, Maltipoos
These coats generally need much more frequent maintenance.
A good slicker brush + metal comb is essential, and brushing should ideally be done daily.
This is where LINE BRUSHING becomes really important! 👇
🪮 WHAT IS LINE BRUSHING?
Rather than simply brushing over the top of the coat, use your hand to separate a small section of hair and brush from the skin one small line at a time.
Move your way through the coat, creating new sections as you go.
The aim is to brush from the skin right through to the ends.
Then comes the VERY important part…
👉 THE COMB TEST!
Once you’ve slicker brushed an area, run your metal comb through it.
If the comb glides all the way through easily — brilliant! ✅
If the comb gets stuck, you’ve found a knot or an area that needs more work.
A slicker brush can make the coat look fluffy and brushed when there are actually still knots underneath, which is why the comb is such an important part of your home grooming kit.
⚠️ DON’T FORGET THE “HIDDEN” AREAS!
Some of the worst matting can happen in places you don’t immediately see:
👂 Behind the ears
🦵 Armpits
🐾 Between/around the legs
🩷 Groin area
🦴 Collar/harness areas
🐕 Under the tail
🪮 Around the base of the ears and neck
These areas should be checked regularly — especially if your dog wears a harness or collar all day.
💡 A FEW GOLDEN RULES
✨ Brush little and often rather than having one big brushing session.
✨ Always work gently — brushing should never hurt.
✨ Use the correct brush for your dog’s coat.
✨ Don’t just brush the surface — get right through to the skin using the line-brushing technique.
✨ Always finish with a comb!
✨ If you find a tight mat, don’t repeatedly pull at it. If it’s close to the skin, it’s often safer to leave it for your groomer rather than causing your dog discomfort.
And remember…
A slicker brush makes the coat LOOK brushed.
A comb tells you whether it actually IS brushed! 🪮😉
If you’re ever unsure what brush, comb or products are best for your dog’s particular coat, just ask me at their next appointment and I’m always happy to show you how to use them properly. ❤️
Happy brushing! 🐾
