Regular grooming is about more than looks—it keeps skin healthy, prevents painful mats, allows you to spot health problems early and helps desensitize dogs to handling. Many rescue dogs have had little grooming and may fear brushes or clippers. Taking it slow, using the right tools and turning grooming into a rewarding experience will help build your dog’s confidence and comfort.
Brushing basics by coat type
Short sessions with light pressure and plenty of treats keep grooming stress-free. Choose tools appropriate to your dog’s coat:
- Smooth/short coats: Use a rubber curry brush or grooming gloves to lift loose hair and massage the skin. Finish with a soft bristle brush to smooth and add shine.
- Double coats: Use a slicker brush to break up tangles and an undercoat rake to remove dead undercoat. A high-velocity dryer outdoors can blow out heavy shedding. Avoid harsh de-shedding tools on the top coat.
- Curly/wool coats: Detangle with a bent-pin slicker brush and line-comb with a stainless steel comb. Use a light detangling spray for stubborn mats—never yank.
- Silky/long coats: Float through with a cushioned pin brush and finish with a fine comb on ears, armpits, tail and feet. Latex-free bands help keep hair out of eyes.
- Wiry/broken coats: Maintain texture with a carding knife or stripping stone. Between stripping sessions, a soft bristle brush tidies without softening the coat. If unsure, consult a groomer.
How often to brush
- Daily: Smooth, silky and curly coats to prevent tangles.
- Weekly: Double-coated dogs once or twice a week, more during shedding seasons.
- Seasonally: In spring and fall, increase brushing and consider a professional de-shed.
Bath basics (all coat types)
Bathe every 4–8 weeks, or as needed. Use dog-specific shampoo (oatmeal or hypoallergenic). Wet with lukewarm water, lather, rinse until clear, and rinse once more. Towel dry or use a low dryer kept moving. Never use human shampoo.
Nail trimming: calm and safe
Long nails affect gait and joints. Trim every 2–4 weeks. Use guillotine or scissor-style clippers, a grinder, and keep styptic powder handy. Desensitize paws with gentle touches and treats first. Clip small amounts; smooth edges with a grinder. If you cut the quick, apply styptic powder for 30–60 seconds.
Ear care: clean, dry, monitor
Check ears weekly for redness, odor, or wax. Clean gently with a vet-approved solution and cotton pads—never swabs deep in the ear canal. Dry after baths or swims. Signs of infection (head shaking, discharge, odor) mean a vet visit.
Picking and maintaining your tools
A basic kit: slicker brush, undercoat rake, pin brush, bristle brush, rubber curry brush, comb, dematting tool, detangling spray, nail clippers, grinder, styptic powder, ear cleaner, cotton rounds. Wash tools with warm soapy water and dry fully.
Simple home grooming routine
- Daily–Weekly: Quick brush, wipe eyes, check ears and feet.
- Every 2–4 weeks: Bath, full brush, nail trim, ear clean.
- Seasonal: Undercoat removal, check mats behind ears, armpits, groin, tail.
When to see a professional groomer or vet
Seek help for tight mats, hot spots, parasites, persistent ear issues, or breed-specific cuts/hand-stripping. Fearful dogs may need fear-free groomers. Grooming should be positive—take breaks, use rewards, and keep sessions short.