Learning how to brush a dog is one of those simple routines that changes daily life at home: less loose hair on the sofa, a healthy, shiny coat and a calm moment with your pet. On top of that, brushing is the perfect time to spot mats, parasites or small wounds before they turn into something bigger. In this guide we explain which brush suits which coat, how often to do it and what to do if your dog will not let you. You do not need experience, just consistency and the right tool.
Why brushing your dog matters
Brushing is not only about looks. Running the brush through removes dead hair and spreads the skin's natural oils, which keeps the coat soft and hydrated. It also improves circulation and cuts down the amount of hair that ends up on the floor, especially in spring and summer when shedding is at its heaviest. And there is a bonus: it is time spent in contact that strengthens the bond with your dog and gets them used to being handled, which is very useful at the vet or the groomer.
Which dog brush to choose for each coat
Not every dog is brushed the same way. Picking the right tool makes all the difference:
- Short hair: a rubber glove or a soft-bristle brush is enough to lift the dead hair.
- Long hair: a pin brush and a comb to work through mats carefully.
- Double coat (such as a shepherd or a husky): a slicker brush and an undercoat rake to reach right down.
- Curly hair (poodle, water dog): slicker brush and metal comb to stop the coat from felting.
If in doubt, start with a soft slicker brush and a comb, which cover almost everything. You can browse a selection of brushes and accessories for your dog and pick whichever suits their coat type best.
How to brush a dog step by step
Take it slowly and turn brushing into something enjoyable. This is the method:
- Choose a quiet moment, ideally after a walk, when they are more relaxed.
- Always brush with the coat, in the direction the hair grows, using gentle strokes.
- Pay attention to the areas where mats form: behind the ears, the armpits and the back of the legs.
- If you find a mat, hold it at the base and work it loose bit by bit with the comb, without pulling on the skin.
- Finish with a treat and plenty of praise so they associate brushing with something good.
Do not press the brush into the skin: the idea is to comb, not to scrape. A few firm but gentle strokes are more than enough.
How to brush a long-haired dog
Long hair needs the most care, because it tangles easily. Frequency is the key: a long-haired dog benefits from daily brushing, or close to it, so that no stubborn mats have a chance to form. Work in sections, lifting the hair layer by layer, and use the pin brush first and the comb afterwards to finish. If you hit a very tight mat, do not pull: better to trim it out carefully or leave it to the groomer. A well-brushed long coat not only looks better, it also saves your dog tugging and discomfort.
How often to brush a dog
It depends on the coat type, but as a guide: short-haired dogs once or twice a week; long-haired or double-coated dogs almost daily, particularly during the shedding season. In spring and summer you will notice far more hair coming out, so it is time to step up the pace. Regular brushing dramatically reduces the hair left around the house; if it still piles up, it helps to know how to get dog hair out of the house with a few simple tricks.
What to do if your dog will not let you
A dog refusing to be brushed is usually a matter of habit. Start with very short sessions of a minute and stretch them out as they relax. Let them sniff and chew the brush first so it stops being scary, and reward every small step forward. Never force them or hold them down: all you achieve is that they link the brush with something negative. With patience, most dogs end up enjoying it.
At Velia Select you will find practical brushes and accessories for looking after your dog. With the right tool and a bit of routine, brushing stops being a battle and becomes your favourite part of the day.