HAVE you ever taken your dog to the groomer and asked for one of those cute little fluffy cuts, only to be surprised by the reaction from your groomer?
Did she look at you, with an evil little look in her eye, and inform you that your dog was MATTED and you will have to pay a pricey MATT charge or worse ... your dog would have to be shaved?
My name is Crissy and I am a professional dog groomer. I know first-hand how your groomer felt that day. I want to offer a few tips to make this easier on all of us, including Princess.
Before you can start, you need the right tools. A Universal Slicker brush and a Greyhound comb are the most effective brushing tools available (check with any groomer anywhere). However, they are difficult for the average pet owner to find so I have included a link: http://www.jbpet.com/Shopping/default.asp
First, take your pet and have him or her groomed so you will have a fresh start. You will need to brush your dog at least every other day. Begin with the ears, beard and tail; these are most like brushing your own hair.
Start at the ends and work your way down to the skin. Be very careful not to use your brush too firmly as this can irritate the skin and cause brush burn (nasty). A lighter, shorter stroke is more effective than a long firm stroke. Next, use your comb to remove any tangles or snags all the way down to the skin. Over time, tangles that are overlooked become matts. Next, you will need to brush the coat on your dog's body in layered sections.
Start at the foot, lifting the hair above it to expose just one layer of hair around the foot, then brushing gently work your way up the leg layer-by-layer. Then, use your comb to check your work. Use this same technique to work your way up your dog's back, sides, chest and head. Double check your dog's underarms, matts form very easily there. I know this sounds like a lengthy process, but after the third or fourth brushing you will have brush time down to about 10 minutes or less.
If you use these tips on a regular basis, you will keep your dog's coat matt-free. And the next time you see your groomer, he or she will look at you with the happy anticipation of the beautiful little fluffy cut your dog will have.
