Brushing: the right technique for a well-kept coat

Good brushing looks after the coat without pulling, irritating the skin or needlessly breaking the hair. For a show dog, it is a foundation of preparation that is built up regularly.

What is brushing for?

It helps remove dirt and dead hair, and limits tangles forming where this technique suits the coat. It is also a chance to look at the skin and spot a sensitive area.

How often depends on the coat, its length and the dog's activities. Long fur and short hair do not have the same needs. Corded coats, for their part, need specific care: you don't try to undo their cords with a brush.

Choosing the tool before you start

A suitable brush should work effectively with light pressure. Depending on the coat, you can use a bristle brush, a rubber glove, a pin brush or a slicker brush. The choice depends in particular on the length and density of the coat.

A comb can complete the job on coats that suit it. Ask the breeder or a groomer who knows your breed to show you the appropriate tools and techniques.

Beginner: three tips for building good habits

1. Start with a short, pleasant session. Pick an easy area, make a few gentle strokes, then reward your dog. Gradually increase the length according to its tolerance. Several short, calm sessions are better than one long battle with the brush.
2. Keep a light hand. With a slicker brush in particular, pressing hard can cause discomfort. If the tool catches, stop the movement and look at the area instead of pulling harder.
3. Learn to recognise a difficult tangle. A tight mat, close to the skin or painful, deserves a professional's help.

   MyDogShow tip: don't try to cut it out with scissors: you could injure your dog.

Intermediate: three tips for working methodically

1. Work in small areas. On a long coat suited to this method, gently part sections to reach the different layers. Get someone to show you the technique: brushing only the surface can leave tangled areas underneath.
2. Check gently with the comb. When the coat allows, run a comb through carefully after brushing. Resistance shows an area to check; it doesn't mean you should pull harder. Here the comb is for checking, not for tearing through.
3. Check the friction areas. Pay particular attention to places in contact with the collar or harness, as well as feathering and behind the ears. Adjust your routine to the areas that really do tangle on your dog.

Advanced: three tips for preserving the show coat

1. Tell maintenance from finishing. Maintenance removes what needs to go and prevents tangles. Finishing puts the coat back in place for the presentation. Before the ring, focus on what is needed at that moment rather than starting a full brush-out again out of habit.
2. Assess how effective your technique is. Look at the result and at the dog's comfort. If you have to keep going over the same area for a long time, have your method or equipment checked. The number of strokes is not a goal in itself.
3. Check the products used with brushing. A grooming spray is not automatically suitable for showing. At FCI international events with CACIB, substances that alter the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose are prohibited.

Once the session is over, your dog should be able to go back to its activities comfortably. The quality of the brushing shows in the coat, but also in how it accepts the next session!

Sources

• American Kennel Club: How to choose the right dog brushes
• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF)