How To Use Dog Grooming Brushes

Learning how to use dog grooming brushes is very important to your dog's comfort. Choosing the right dog grooming brush is equally important as not all dogs have the same types of coat. Working dogs who have been bred for cold weather have an undercoat which keeps them warm and dry whereas smaller dogs bred to be companions might only have a coat made of the top layer of fur (guard hairs). Knowing how to use a dog grooming brush on each type of coat will keep your furry canine friend groomed and more comfortable throughout all seasons. The below instructions are for use of a dog grooming brush designed to strip the undercoat of the woolliest dog.

1. Purchase the dog grooming brush in the correct size. Dog grooming brushes comes in a variety of sizes from a 1" blade for smaller dogs (or cats) up to a 5" blade for removing the fur from larger dogs, such as St. Bernards or Newfoundlands. Selecting the right size is critical in your dog's comfort level. You might need to purchase different grooming tools for different parts of your dog's fur. For example, a dog who has feathers on his tail (such as a Golden Retriever) needs a stripping grooming brush but the rest of his body may need just a bristle brush to remove excess fur and prevent massive shedding.
2. Brush from the head back to the tail. To keep your dog the most comfortable during the grooming session, brush only in the direction of the hair growth; never against his coat. Start at the head and use small strokes around his cheeks, under his ears and chin. 
3. Start with very light strokes on the brush.  Dog grooming brushes may be harsh on your furry friend's skin as some brushes may contain blades. With more constant brushing, your dog may accept more pressure but start off with light strokes. Do not go over the same patch of hair more than twice without moving on. You can always go over it again later but breaking up the brushing pattern will help keep your dog more comfortable.
4. Clean the brush of fur frequently. Pick out the dog hair from the brush frequently so that the brush is clean and will collect the most hair. Spread the excess dog hair around your garden plants to ward off deer.