Brushing tools explained
Most matting we see does not start because an owner never brushed. It starts because the tool only tidied the surface, or because it was used in a way that was uncomfortable, so the dog stopped standing for it.
A comb — ideally one with both wider and finer teeth — is the honesty tool. If it will not travel through to the skin, the coat is not really detangled, however fluffy it looks. A slicker brush is useful on curly, wavy and medium coats for working section by section, with light pressure and the pads of the coat lifted, not scraped. Used heavily, a slicker will scratch skin; used only on top, it will hide mats.
A bristle or pin brush can finish a longer coat and lift dirt, but it is not a substitute for a comb on a fleece. A rubber brush or grooming mitt is often the right everyday tool on a short coat, and it lifts a surprising amount of loose hair from a labrador or a French bulldog. An undercoat rake is for blowing double coats; used gently, following the lie of the hair, it helps dead undercoat out. Used like a hook, it can break the top coat or irritate the skin.
Whatever you use, work in short sessions, keep the tool clean, and never saw at a tight mat. If you are unsure which tool you have, or whether it suits your dog, our brushing tip is the practical companion to this piece, and you are welcome to call and ask. We don’t sell a kit on this site; we would rather you have the right habit than a particular brand.
Give us a call to book your dog in at our Banbury salon, or to ask for directions.