Detangling: easing out knots gently

For a show dog, preserving the coat matters. But keeping every centimetre of hair must never come before its comfort.

Brushing and detangling: two complementary tasks

Brushing maintains the coat and helps prevent tangles. Detangling comes in when the hairs are already matted.

A small, loose knot can sometimes be worked out gradually. A compact mat, pulled tight against the skin, needs a professional assessment. Corded coats also need specific care: their cords are not knots to be removed.

Before you start: assess the situation

Look at the size of the knot, how close it is to the skin and how the dog reacts. Choose the tools suited to its coat with the help of the breeder or groomer.

MyDogShow tip: take time to choose these tools carefully and keep a light pressure with the slicker brush.

A detangling product can help with the work as directed on its label, but it never justifies forcing the comb through.

Beginner: three tips to learn the right movements

1. Start with your fingers on small tangles. For a loose, accessible knot, try gently separating a few hairs around its edge. If nothing comes apart easily, stop and ask a professional for a demonstration.

   MyDogShow tip: for some knots, your fingers and a suitable comb are enough.

2. Do not pull to get the comb through. Resistance is a signal to look at. Work on small strands with the movements you have learned, without pulling on the skin. If your dog tenses up or tries to move away, take a break.
3. Leave the scissors alone. The skin can be hard to make out beneath a clump of hair.

   MyDogShow tip: don’t cut out knots yourself with scissors: the risk of injury is real.

Intermediate: three tips to work effectively

1. Break the job down. On a coat suited to detangling, treat small sections rather than the whole knot at once. Get shown how to hold the strand to limit pulling. The movement must stay light and controlled.
2. Check before the bath. Washing does not replace detangling. For a heavily matted coat, have a professional set the order of care.

   MyDogShow tip: prepare the coat before the bath, notably by removing tangles, which can tighten when wet.

3. Spot the places that often tangle. Regularly check the friction areas: behind the ears, under the armpits or where the harness rubs. Note the ones that give your dog trouble and adapt the upkeep between appointments.

Advanced: three tips to preserve the show coat

1. Fix the cause of recurring knots. If the same area tangles quickly, go back over the upkeep frequency, the tools and the technique with your groomer. Also look for possible friction. A suitable routine saves you having to redo a difficult detangling before every show.
2. Set a limit for the session. Plan breaks and watch your dog. If the work becomes long, painful or ineffective, a professional can decide whether a cut or a clip is preferable. If there are sores or marked pain, ask a vet.
3. Check the products used before the show. At FCI international CACIB shows, substances that change the structure, colour or shape of the coat, skin or nose are forbidden. A maintenance detangler must therefore be assessed on its effect and on the rules that apply.

The best result is a well-kept coat and a dog that accepts care calmly. A few small regular checks can spare it a long catch-up session.

Sources

• FCI: Dog Show Regulations (PDF, in French)
• FCI: Basic Principles for Show Judges (PDF, in French)
• American Kennel Club: How to groom a double-coated dog