Prepare the coat
Begin with a dry coat. Lightly mist with detangling spray when extra slip is needed.
Avoid brushing a soaking-wet coat.
We Love Doodles brush & comb guide
A smoother, healthier coat starts here
The right brushing routine helps prevent tangles, remove loose fur, and keep your dog's coat soft and easier to maintain.
Why it matters
MORE THAN A FLUFFY FINISH
Regular brushing supports your dog's comfort while helping you stay ahead of tangles, shedding, and buildup.
Helps prevent tangles
Consistent brushing separates the coat before small knots develop into difficult mats.
Removes loose fur
Brushing collects shed hair before it gets trapped in the coat — or ends up around your home.
Distributes natural oils
Gentle brushing spreads the coat's natural oils for a softer, healthier-looking finish.
Makes grooming easier
A regularly brushed coat is easier to bathe, dry, trim, and maintain between appointments.
HOW TO
Find the right tool
Different tools do different jobs. Many dogs need more than one in a single routine.
- Slicker brushBest for curly, wavy, long, and dense coats. Separates the coat, removes loose fur, and gently works through light tangles.
- Pin brushBest for long, flowing, or regularly maintained coats. Gentle everyday brushing, smoothing, and finishing.
- Grooming combBest for checking your work and finding hidden tangles. Reaches through the coat to identify areas the brush may have missed.
- Face combBest for the face, ears, and other small areas. The smaller size gives more control around delicate or hard-to-reach spots.
HOW TO
Brush your dog in 5 Steps
Divide the coat
Separate the fur into small, manageable sections. Working in sections lets you reach the coat close to the skin instead of brushing only the surface.
Brush in layers
Begin near the feet and work upward. Lift a small layer of fur and brush from close to the skin toward the ends with gentle, controlled strokes.
Focus on friction areas
Pay extra attention behind the ears, under the collar, beneath the legs, around the tail, and anywhere a harness rubs.
Check with a comb
Finish by passing a grooming comb through each section. If the comb catches, return to that area with your brush or detangling tool.
How often
SHOULD YOU BRUSH?
Four coat types, four rhythms.
Curly + wavy coats
Brush every one to two days. Check high-friction areas daily, especially when the coat is long.
Long + silky coats
Brush three to four times per week, or more often when tangles develop easily.
Thick + double coats
Brush two to three times per week, and more often during seasonal shedding.
Short + smooth coats
Brush about once per week to collect loose fur and support natural shine.
Your dog's ideal schedule may vary with coat length, activity level, and how quickly tangles develop.
Better together
COMPLETE YOUR GROOMING ROUTINE
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How often should I brush my dog?
It depends on coat type and length. Curly, wavy, and long coats may need brushing every one to two days, while shorter coats may only need weekly brushing. Check high-friction areas such as behind the ears, under the collar, and beneath the legs more frequently.
Which brush should I use?
Use a slicker brush to separate curly or dense coats, remove loose fur, and work through light tangles. A pin brush is better for gently smoothing, fluffing, and finishing longer coats. Follow with a grooming comb to check for hidden tangles.
What is the difference between a brush and a grooming comb?
A brush separates, smooths, and removes loose fur from the coat. A grooming comb reaches through the coat to identify tangles closer to the skin. The comb is best used after brushing, to check your work.
Should I brush my dog when the coat is wet or dry?
Brush a dry coat, or one lightly misted with Detangler Spray. A soaking-wet coat is more vulnerable to stretching, pulling, and breakage. See the detangler guide for full application instructions.
How do I know when the coat is completely brushed?
Pass a grooming comb through the coat from close to the skin through to the ends. If the comb moves smoothly without catching, the section is properly brushed.
What should I do if the brush catches on a tangle?
Stop rather than pulling through it. Support the fur near the skin, add Detangler Spray if needed, and work through the knot gradually from the ends toward the base. Visit the dematting guide for stubborn or compacted tangles.
What if my dog does not like being brushed?
Begin with short sessions in a calm environment and reward relaxed behaviour. Use gentle pressure, avoid repeatedly brushing sensitive areas, and stop if your dog shows pain or significant discomfort. Increase the length of each session gradually as your dog becomes more comfortable.
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