How to Brush a Dog Properly: Step-by-Step Guide
Brushing is the foundation of coat care. It removes dead hair, spreads skin oils, prevents mats and gives you a regular chance to check your dog's body. Done well, it is relaxing. Done badly, it can be painful and put a dog off for life.
Before you begin
Choose a quiet spot with good light and a non-slip surface. Have the brush, a comb, treats and a towel ready. Let your dog sniff the brush. If you have not yet identified the coat, see how to identify your dog's coat type, because tools differ by coat.
Choosing the right tool
- Rubber curry or mitt: short coats.
- Slicker brush: medium and long coats, and curly coats. See best slicker brushes.
- Pin brush: silky and long coats. See pin vs bristle brushes.
- Undercoat rake: double coats. See how to use an undercoat rake.
- Metal comb: checking every coat type. See how to choose a grooming comb.
Step by step
- Start with a gentle pass over the whole body with your hand to find tangles, lumps or tender spots.
- Brush the easy areas first, such as the back and shoulders, so your dog relaxes.
- Work in sections. Hold the coat up with one hand and brush the layer beneath with the other.
- Use line brushing. Part the hair, brush a small section from the skin out, then lower the next section of hair onto the brushed area and repeat.
- Brush with light pressure. The brush should glide, not scrape the skin.
- Finish with a comb. If the comb passes smoothly to the skin, the section is done.
- Reward and release. Offer a treat and praise.
Trouble spots
Tangles gather behind the ears, under the collar and harness, in the armpits, along the belly, on the tail and around the back legs. These areas have thin skin, so use a gentle touch and, if needed, hold the hair near the skin to avoid pulling. See how to remove mats if you find a stubborn knot.
How to handle tangles
Do not drag a brush through a knot. Hold the hair at the base, use your fingers to loosen the outer edge and then brush from the ends toward the skin. A little detangling spray helps. See detangling sprays.
Checking while you brush
Treat every session as a health check. Look for fleas, ticks, lumps, scabs, redness, hair loss and odor. Mention anything new to your vet.
Making it pleasant
Brush after exercise, when your dog is calmer. Keep sessions short at first and build up. Pair the brush with treats, and stop before your dog becomes stressed. See how to brush a dog that hates it.
Frequency
Short coats need weekly brushing, long and curly coats need daily brushing, and shedding season means extra sessions. See how often to brush a dog.
Mistakes to avoid
- Brushing only the top layer
- Pressing too hard
- Brushing a dirty, matted coat that should be bathed or clipped
- Using the wrong tool for the coat
- Ignoring skin irritation
The takeaway
Brush gently, in sections and down to the skin, with the right tool and plenty of rewards. A calm routine keeps the coat healthy and your dog comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Which direction should I brush a dog?
Usually with the direction of hair growth, though some coats are brushed in layers from the roots out.
Should I brush a wet or dry dog?
Brush dry for most coats. Brush out tangles before a bath, because water tightens mats.
How long should a brushing session last?
Five to fifteen minutes is enough for most dogs, and longer for large, long-haired breeds.
What if my dog bites at the brush?
Go slower, use treats, and see our guide on dogs that hate being brushed.