10/04/2025
Let's talk about coats. More specifically, coat prep and maintenance.
It is super important to understand your dog's coat and what it needs. If you, as a dog parent, want specific haircuts for your dogs, you must put in your part of the care...join in with your groomer on the proper maintenance.
So many dog parents decided to get high maintenance coated dogs, for example...poodles, doodles, and all the mixes in between. These breeds, as well as others, need the extra cost care. So here are some tools and tips I recommend as a 13 year groomer.
Greyhound Comb: this is typically a long silver comb with wider teeth on one side and narrow teeth on the other. Think of your greyhound Comb as your ground work. You need to get to the root of the hair because that is where matting begins and gets the worst. Comb from the root out. Comb in lines, separate the hair. Properly brushing and combing your pooch not only is an attempt to avoid matting and having your pup shaved down (which I don't like doing unless it's the pet parent's request), but it also creates a safe time in which to bond with your dog. It gets them used to the tool, the motion, and the quiet time. This NEEDS to be started at puppy hood. And breeders, if you aren't doing this from 2 weeks old til go home with your pups, please start. This is prime desensitization time for puppies to get them prepared for something they will need to endure throughout their life.
Slicker Brush: in my opinion and experience, I call a slicker a 'surface brush'. It's a great tool for fluffing out the coat, but you can utilize this brush for line brushing (research proper line brushing on YouTube).
There are other tools that are useful so if you are curious about those, feel free to reach out. But these 2 inevitably are used on every dog that a groomer touches. Highly effective and necessary.
For more tips and tricks, or to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out. Or for all of our regular clients, we will see you at your pups next groom appointment ๐๐ซถ
Erika ๐