We live and we learn and that’s exactly how it has gone for me over the years in regards to grooming and owning Newfoundlands.
I’ve brushed my dogs the wrong way and then, with the help of some pretty fantastic people, I learned how to brush them the right way.
As a long-time owner of double-coated dog breeds, I understand the challenges of grooming these beautiful breeds.
Double-coated dogs, such as Newfoundlands, Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Great Pyrenees, St. Bernards, Corgis and Doodles, have a dense undercoat beneath their topcoat, which requires special maintenance.
Even if you take your double-coated dog to a professional dog breeder on a regular schedule, they still need to be groomed at home to keep their coat in good condition.
Here are my top tips for effectively brushing your double-coated dog, ensuring their coat stays healthy, shiny, and mostly free from mats.
Choose the Right Brush
Selecting the appropriate brush is crucial.
The best brushes for double-coated dogs are usually going to be a pin brush with longer pins and a metal dog comb with long tines so that you’re able to get through the coat down to the skin.
I use the Chris Christensen 27mm T-brush for my Newfoundlands and Corgi.
An undercoat rake, slicker brush and de-shedding tool are also grooming tools that are great to have on hand as well.
The pin brush helps to remove loose hair and detangles the topcoat, while the undercoat rake reaches deeper to eliminate dead hair from the undercoat.
The comb is great for line-combing the coat in sections and works for the top coat and undercoat.
Investing in high-quality grooming tools makes a significant difference.
Brush Correctly
3 techniques are often used to brush double coats:
- Surface brushing
- Line brushing
- Line combing
Surface Brushing
Surface brushing is brushing the top coat.
Brushing this area removes debris, dried drool, etc.
Line Brushing
Line brushing is when you divide the coat into section and brush one area at time.
This technique is called line brushing and it’s an important step to remove loose and dead undercoat.
You should be able to see the skin when line brushing, if you can’t, you’re still surface brushing.
Line Combing
Line combing is the same as line brushing except you’re using a comb.
The comb is able to catch any tangles or mats that the brush might have missed.
With each brushing technique, start from the head and work your way down to the tail, focusing on the legs, belly, and underarms where mats are more likely to form.
And line combing and line brushing a double coated dog requires the use of both hands.
Brush Regularly
Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Aim to brush your dog at least two to three times a week.
During heavy dog shedding season, which typically occurs twice a year in spring and fall, increase the frequency to daily brushing.
This helps manage the excessive shedding and keeps your home cleaner.
Be Gentle and Patient
Double-coated dogs can be sensitive to brushing, so it’s important to be gentle.
Start brushing when your dog is a puppy and begin with short sessions.
Gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Pay attention to their reactions; if they show signs of discomfort, or if they’re trying to bite the brush take a break and try again later.
Having a dedicated grooming area is helpful, even if it’s in a small corner in your home.
And always make sure that every grooming session involves snacks and kisses.
Use a Detangling Spray
A dog detangling spray can be a lifesaver, especially if your dog’s coat is prone to tangling.
Lightly mist the coat before brushing to make it easier to glide through tangles and reduce the risk of breakage.
This also helps in keeping the coat hydrated and shiny.
I use a few different detangling sprays and I also use Cowboy Magic & Shine.
If you don’t have a detangling spray, you can use diluted dog conditioner or even a small amount of water.
Check for Mats and Tangles
While brushing you double coated dog, keep an eye out for mats and tangles, particularly in specific areas that are prone to matting like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the collar area.
If you encounter a small mat, use your fingers or a mat splitter to gently work through it before brushing.
Never pull or force the brush through a mat, as this can cause pain and damage to the coat.
If you’re dog’s coat is pelted to the skin, it’s best to have a professional groomer clip that area.
Bathing and Drying
Regular baths are important for maintaining a healthy coat.
Use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner designed for double-coated breeds and make sure that the coat gets wet down to the skin.
After bathing, ensure your dog is completely dry before brushing to prevent mats and skin issues.
A high-velocity dog dryer can help speed up the drying process and blow out loose fur.
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Seek Professional Help
Doing a full groom on a double-coated dog can be overwhelming and it’s not for everyone.
Your main goal should always be to maintain your dog’s coat in between their regular grooming appointments and that’s why proper and regular brushing is important.
A professional dog groomer has the experience and tools to handle challenging coats and can provide valuable advice on maintaining your dog’s coat at home.
Regular grooming not only enhances their appearance but also keeps them healthy.
Happy brushing!
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