At-Home Brushing: How to Maintain Your Dog's Coat Between Grooms

Most matting we see isn't from neglect — it's from brushing that only reaches the top of the coat. A few small technique changes fix that.

Get the right two tools: A slicker brush to open the coat and a metal greyhound comb to check your work. If the comb won't pass cleanly from skin to tip, that section isn't brushed yet.

Use line brushing: Part the coat with one hand, brush the exposed layer from the skin outward, then move the part up an inch and repeat. This is the single biggest upgrade to most owners' routine.

Cover the friction zones first: Behind the ears, under the collar, the armpits, the groin, the tail base, and the back of the legs mat before anywhere else. Do them every session.

Frequency by coat: Curly and doodle coats need daily or near-daily work; long silky coats 3-4 times a week; double coats 2-3 times; short coats once a week to manage shedding.

Never bathe a matted dog: Water tightens mats into felt. Brush out first, then bathe.

Use a light detangling spray: A quick mist reduces static and breakage, and makes the comb glide.

Keep it short and positive: Five focused minutes daily beats a 40-minute struggle on Sunday, and your dog will tolerate it far better.

Not sure your technique is working? Ask your Woofers groomer at the next appointment — we'll show you on your own dog.