You brush every day, yet your groomer still says 'we have to shave.' Here is why surface brushing is failing your dog.
Standard brushes only reach the top 'guard hairs.' Meanwhile, the soft undercoat is twisting into pelting—a dense, felt-like layer tight against the skin.
Pelting traps slush and salt against the skin, leading to hot spots. In Canada's damp climate, this is a recipe for fungal infections and pain.
Stop guessing. Use one hand to push the hair up and expose a 'line' of skin. Brush downward from that line, root to tip, every single time.
If your metal 'Greyhound' comb catches, you aren't done. Use it after the slicker brush to verify you have reached the skin without resistance.
Armpits, behind the ears, and those fluffy 'trousers' mat the fastest. Check these areas immediately after every harness walk or slushy hike.
When ice balls melt, the hair swells and then shrinks as it dries, locking tangles into mats. Never let a wet Canadian dog air-dry without brushing.
Road salt dries out the hair, making it brittle and prone to breaking. Brittle hair is the primary ingredient in a mat. Use a coat conditioner for 'slip.'
Don't drag the brush through a knot. Use a 'pat-and-pull' motion. Hold the base of the hair so you don't tug on your dog's sensitive skin.
Keep sessions to 15 minutes. Use high-value rewards like freeze-dried liver to make your dog associate the brush with something delicious.
Never 'cut out' a mat. Dog skin is paper-thin and stretches into the knot. If a mat is larger than a loonie, it is time to call a professional.
Line brushing prevents the infections, pain, and traumatic shave-downs that Canadian seasons demand. A clear coat means a happy, mobile dog.
See the full tool list, seasonal schedules, and the step-by-step guide to mastering the line.