07/13/2025
Ever wonder why you brush and brush and brush your dog, but the groomer still says they're matted?
First off, every dog sheds. Every. Single. Dog. While it is true that some shed less, there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. The difference is in the coat. The shedding coat of a golden retriever drops easily, as is seen all over your clothes and floor. When a doodle drops coat, it gets caught up in the curls rather than shedding all over your furniture. If this coat isn't removed with regular brushing, then it will remain, often forming what we know as "matting". If it stays too long, the matting worsens, tightens, and will have to be shaved.
"But we brush him every day." Yes, but are you taking the time to brush all the way to the dog's skin, or are you just brushing out the top coat? This is a common mistake made by many and often why people are so surprised when their groomer has to shave a dog completely. This is where the proper tools and technique are necessary.
1. A slicker brush. These brushes have flexible wire bristles that reach through long, thick coats, and separate the stands or remove undercoat. But just using a slicker brush isn't enough. You have to follow up with...
2. A metal comb with closely spaced teeth that are long enough to reach down to your dog's skin. This is what I like to call your "proofreader". As with any project, the work has to be edited. After brushing with your slicker, your metal comb must also pass through the dog's hair. If it doesn't, then you have to go back in with your slicker and repeat the process until it does.
3. A high-quality detangling/conditioning spray. This will help keep the coat from being overly damaged by brushing. Just a note: damaged coat forms matting easier than a non-damaged coat, and sometimes it's counterproductive to de-mat when the coat is consistently matted.
Line brushing is a technique your groomer will use to work out any knots or tangles that remain in your dog's coat. Every inch of the dog is thoroughly brushed with a slicker, parting the coat line by line, and combing to be sure it's tangle free before moving on to the nextt. Groomers know that they've fully brushed a dog when their comb glides through with no resistance.
This process takes time, effort, and product and often incurs an additional charge. Sometimes, a dog does not respond well to the process, and so shaving is a much kinder option. And many times, a dog's coat is far too matted to be brushed and shaving completely is the only logical option.
Considering that dogs require care at home in between grooming appointments, it is unfair to expect your groomer to undo 6-8 weeks of inadequate or absolutely no home care in a 2-3 hour grooming session. Not to mention that it is an unpleasant and often painful experience for your dogs.
So, please. Don't be so angry with your groomer for opting to shave a matted dog. It's our job and our duty to the dogs in our care to do what is best for their health, comfort, and safety. While a shaved dog may not always look the way you'd like it to, trust us when we say that no coat is better than a matted coat.
Most groomers live by the "humanity over vanity" motto, and this is a sign of a quality groomer rather than a "lazy" groomer. We love dogs and that's why we want the best for them, and while we are capable of making them look absolutely fabulous, we need our pet parents' help at home!
Thank you for coming to my TED Talk and please feel free to ask your groomers for their best recommendations! 🐶🐾
