If your groomer keeps telling you your dog is matted despite your effort, you are missing the most important technique.
Surface brushing makes your dog look great on top, but the problems start at the skin. Dead hair stays trapped underneath, turning into a solid wall of knots.
Deep mats form a 'pelt' that acts like a shield. It traps moisture and bacteria against your dog's skin, leading to painful infections and restricted movement.
You cannot reach the skin with a generic store brush. You need a long-pin slicker brush and a metal 'Greyhound' comb to penetrate the thickest coats.
Brushing dry hair causes breakage and static. Spritz with a detangler like 'Cowboy Magic' first. It adds the 'slip' needed to slide through knots without pain.
Always work from the bottom up. Start at the back legs and move in horizontal rows. If you start at the top, you'll just push tangles further down.
Pull the hair up with one hand to see a line of skin. Use the slicker brush to pull a tiny bit of hair down. If you can't see skin, you're missing the mat.
After brushing a section, run your metal comb from the skin all the way out. If it catches on even a tiny snag, you haven't finished the job yet.
Scrubbing one spot too hard causes wire bristles to irritate the skin. Use light, flicking motions. If the skin turns red, stop and move to a new area.
If a mat is closer than a pencil's width to the skin, do not cut it. Dog skin is paper-thin and easy to slice. When in doubt, let a pro handle the tight ones.
Groomers shave matted dogs to stop their suffering, not to be lazy. Line brush 3 times a week at home to keep that fluffy look you love.
Line brushing is the only way to ensure your dog is pain-free under that fluff. It turns a chore into a bonding moment that saves you from the 'surprise shave' at the salon.
See the exact tools and the 5-minute daily routine to keep your dog's coat long and healthy.