Brushing your dog is just as essential as feeding, petting and training him. The reasons why dogs need to be brushed regularly are quite obvious, starting with the animal's own wellbeing. A coat tangled with knots can lead to skin inflammations that are extremely uncomfortable for our pet, not to mention the parasites or foreign bodies that can work their way into the fur — especially if we make a point of taking him out for walks in the park. Let's find out how to brush a dog correctly and how to care for your dog's coat…
How to care for your dog's coat
We should never underestimate the natural shedding that our four-legged friend goes through on a regular basis during moulting season, when the undercoat falls away to make room for new growth. Dead hair needs to be brushed out so that the dog's skin can breathe properly. Consistent coat care will certainly be appreciated by our four-legged friend and will help strengthen the bond between the two of us. For this to happen, however, the dog must not experience grooming as an ordeal, but rather as something positive — similar to a game or a cuddle session.
This is why it is essential that the dog gets used to the dog brush and the slicker brush from puppyhood. A good idea is to get your dog into the habit of being brushed just before mealtime, so that he learns this is the rule: duty before pleasure. Talking to him in a soft, soothing tone during grooming will calm him down and make him more willing to be cleaned. We also need to pay close attention to our dog's mood — trying to brush him when he is particularly agitated can be counterproductive, as well as pointless.
Caring for long-haired and short-haired dogs
How should you brush your dog? Naturally, the first thing to do is get the right tools for your dog's coat type. For smooth-coated dogs such as Dobermanns, a dedicated grooming glove is all you need — simply run it over the coat like a caress to remove dead hair on a weekly basis. In this case, a slicker brush is unnecessary, as there is no risk of the coat becoming tangled.
If you have a short-haired or medium-length dog, such as a Labrador, knots are more likely to form — partly thanks to a fairly dense undercoat — so you will need to devote a little more attention to coat care. In this case, use a dog comb to tease out any knots and remove small leaves or insects from the dog's coat. Then move on to the brush, working it gently over the dog's entire body without neglecting the less accessible areas.
A long-haired dog, such as a Collie, requires constant coat care. The process is the same: comb first, then a long-hair dog brush, taking great care not to pull too hard when you encounter knots — instead, work the comb in a zigzag motion to help loosen them — and avoid applying too much pressure so as not to hurt the dog. If you have a curly-coated dog, such as a Poodle, use a small rake rather than a comb to detangle knots, and a dog brush with wide metal bristles. In this case, remember that regular clipping is also necessary, as the Poodle's coat grows continuously.
How to brush a dog with a slicker brush
To brush your dog effectively, there are a few simple but fundamental rules to follow. With the exception of smooth-coated dogs, the slicker brush should be used at least once a week. The dog brush, on the other hand, should be used as often as possible — particularly after a walk in the countryside.
The slicker brush gives the coat a deep clean, removing foreign bodies and working out knots. Work from the legs upward to the back, following the natural direction of the coat. Use a firm yet light touch so the dog does not sense any hesitation on your part — which could make him nervous — while also avoiding any excess pressure that could cause him discomfort. When done once a week, this process not only keeps your dog's coat healthy but also stimulates healthy blood circulation.
How to brush your dog with a brush
Brushing should be done more frequently — at least twice a week. Start at the dog's head and work your way down toward the tail, paying extra attention to the neck and hindquarters, where dead hair tends to accumulate most. Again, always follow the direction of the coat and never brush wet fur. If the brush meets resistance in the coat, do not pull — to avoid hurting the dog — but instead work in a zigzag motion. The most important thing is always to be very gentle, and never forget to reward your dog for staying calm during brushing.
Remember that a frequently brushed dog is a healthier dog, as well as a cleaner one. What's more, the massaging action of the brush helps relax your dog's muscles, leaving him generally calmer and more at ease. As for us, seeing our dog relaxed and in good health is undoubtedly a wonderful reward — but if that is not enough, keep in mind that the more hair you remove with the brush, the less you will find on your clothes and sofas…
