Grooming has a double benefit. Brushing distributes protective oils throughout the coat, keeping the skin clean and healthy. Starting early means dogs get used to being handled and this also makes any veterinary examinations much less stressful in the future. There's even scientific evidence that grooming sessions reduce stress, and blood pressure, for both of you! Because different types of coats need different grooming techniques, you need to know how to deal with different lengths of hair. If you are not sure what type of coat your dog has, or how best to groom it then have a chat with your breeder, a groomer or your veterinary practice.

Grooming a smooth coat

Dogs with smooth coats, don't usually need a lot of grooming. However, they should have a regular brush once a week, which helps to remove dead skin cells and shed hair and remember to continue handling practice more frequently e.g. touching feet and opening the mouth, this is particularly important for puppies. First, use a rubber brush to loosen dead hair and dirt, then remove the dirt and hair with a bristle brush.

Grooming a short coat

Breeds with short coats need regular brushing to prevent matting and this will also reduce the amount shed in the house. Begin with a pinhead (metal) brush or comb gently to remove mats and knots, then follow with a bristle brush to remove the dead hair and dirt. Never cut out matts using scissors or you risk injury to the dog. A rubber brush maybe used to remove dead hair.

Grooming a long coat

Longer coats need daily attention to avoid knots. Begin using a pinhead brush or comb to untangle matted hair. Never cut out matts using scissors. Comb the hair with a wide-toothed comb, taking particular care around the backside, tail and legs. Trim any hairs that have got out of control. If your dog does become very matted, don’t pull at them or try and cut them out. You may need help from your vet or a professional groomer to remove the matts. You may prefer to keep long coats shorter to avoid such problems so again a professional grooming may be better in the longer term.

Grooming a silky coat

Silky coats need a lot of attention and are usually long too. Start by teasing out tangles with a pinhead brush or comb, then, to bring out the natural shine, use a bristle brush. To give your dog a bit of style, opt for a centre parting, brushing downwards on either side. Trim wayward hairs. As for dogs with long hair professional grooming, including a short back and sides may make such a coat more manageable. Consult your vet/vet nurse or professional groomer.