Equipment Guide
Brushing is a huge part of grooming and is done at every step. When dogs have knots or matting, this process can be painful. Matted hair twists and becomes tighter and more compacted over time, which pulls on your puppy’s skin and hurts! Not to mention all kinds of dirt and bacteria that can become trapped and grow. It becomes incredibly overwhelming, stressful and painful for your pup when there are mats, which is why groomers usually opts for cutting or shaving them out.
Establishing a good grooming routine is essential, especially for dogs with long hair (looking at all you oodles!). Light brushing a couple of times a week, for no more than 10 minutes each session, is a great starting point. Alternating where you brush - one night one leg, another night the ears, etc - is one way to ensure all bases are covered while not overwhelming your dog.
It’s important to focus on your dog’s face, neck and their “under arms” when grooming, as these areas are frequently handled and tend to develop mats more quickly than other parts of their body. Regular attention to these regions can help keep your dog's coat healthy and prevent tangles.
Not all brushes are the same, and using the wrong tool can take you a step backward! While brushes work well for some coat types, combs are often more suitable for dogs with longer hair, curly coats, or breeds prone to matting. In saying that, all dogs will benefit from a soft massage brush or mittens!
Make brushing a positive experience by having a handful of treats to reward your dog as you go! For apprehensive dogs, introduce brushing slowly with short sessions and lots of positive reinforcement, such as cuddles and treats. Try using a quality conditioner and/or conditioning spray, combing through the coat to make sure it penetrates every strand for an easier brush and a silky finish
Our system of brushes makes things easy to ensure you have the right tools for your dog.
If you are struggling and unable to untangle a knot, visit your professional groomer or vet. Avoid attempting to cut the knot yourself, as you may accidentally cut your dog’s skin
We have included a basic guide, but for more information scan the QR code below. Unsure what type of coat your dog breed has? Just ask us!
This pamphlet is a basic guide, but for more details and in-depth instructions, scan The QR Code.
RAKE
For thick double-coat breeds, the Rake will be your new best friend. It removes the thick undercoat and helps manage shedding.
For especially tricky knots, apply some Leave-in Conditioner and use the Comb or Rake to separate the knot. Follow with the Slicker Brush.
The easiest way to clean your Slicker Brush is to slide the Comb or Rake into the bristles to lift out the fluff.
SLICKER BRUSH
The Slicker Brush is the perfect everyday brush - an all-rounder tool which can be used on most dog coats. The short bristles will grab and remove loose hairs and debris, and help get out some undercoat, leaving your dog feeling softer and fluffier. You can use it on knots to help loosen them so they can be removed from your dog's coat and prevent more from forming. A daily brush will help reduce the amount of hair shed around your home and minimise tangles and matting.
Available in two sizes, the Small is suitable for mini breeds or as a face brush for larger dogs. The Large, naturally, is for bigger dogs.
DEMATTING COMB:
If you are having trouble removing some bigger knots, a dematting comb will be a great tool to have. You use it to gently TAP at the mat so it comes away from the skin. It is very sharp, so be careful of your fingers! The blades will slowly slice through the mat to help it become easier to remove.
We also recommend a detangle solution to help get out knots using a slicker brush and comb.
METAL COMB
If your dog has a curly or long coat that frequently tangles, adding a Comb into the mix will help manage their mane while preventing future tangles. A spritz of Leave-in Conditioner Spray will be necessary in your arsenal, too. For dogs with medium to long hair, use a metal comb to go through the hair and ensure no smaller knots have been left behind. If you can easily comb through your dog's coat with the metal comb, you know they are knot-free!
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