How to Brush Your Dog at Home (by Coat Type)
Most owners who feel like grooming costs too much are actually paying extra to compensate for what isn't happening at home. Brushing between visits is the single biggest thing you can do to keep your dog comfortable, your grooming bills predictable, and your full grooms shorter and easier on your dog.
There is no single brushing schedule that works for every coat type, so this guide breaks it down by what's actually on your dog. Find your coat and skip ahead.
Short and smooth coats (Beagles, Boxers, Pit mixes, French Bulldogs)
Short coats need less brushing than people think, but more than they get. A weekly five-minute pass with a rubber curry brush or a soft bristle brush will pull loose hair, distribute skin oils, and dramatically reduce the amount of dog hair on your couch.
Short-coated dogs benefit from a monthly bath at the groomer to manage skin oils and shedding. Between baths, the curry brush is your whole routine.
Double coats (Huskies, Goldens, German Shepherds, Aussies, Bernese)
Double coats need real brushing, twice a week minimum, more during shed season. Use an undercoat rake to pull the fluffy undercoat, then a slicker brush to smooth the topcoat. Never use scissors or clippers between professional appointments. Cutting a double coat can permanently damage how it grows back.
Pay extra attention to the ruff (neck), the pants (back of the thighs), and behind the ears. These are matting hotspots. Spring and fall shedding seasons typically warrant a professional de-shed appointment every four to six weeks; we'll do in 90 minutes what your home routine cannot.
Curly and wavy coats (Doodles, Poodles, Bichons, Portuguese Water Dogs)
This is the coat type that requires the most home work, and the one most owners underestimate. Curly coats mat in places you can't see: behind the ears, under the front legs (armpits), between the back legs, and around the collar.
Brush three to four times a week with a slicker brush, then follow with a metal comb to make sure you actually reached the skin. If the comb can't pass cleanly from skin to tip, the coat is matting and needs professional attention.
Doodles in particular need a professional groom every six to eight weeks. Stretching to ten or twelve weeks almost always ends in a shave-down. We have a full guide on that, if you want the details.
Wire coats (Terriers, Schnauzers, Wirehaired Pointers)
Wire coats need brushing once or twice a week with a slicker brush, plus stripping (hand-pulling dead hair) or grooming every six to eight weeks. Clipping wire coats softens the texture over time, which is fine for pets but not for show. We'll talk through what you want at your appointment.
Beards and leg furnishings on terriers and schnauzers mat fast. Comb those daily if you can.
Pair regular at-home brushing with a professional groom on your coat's recommended schedule and you'll spend less, your dog will be more comfortable, and the full groom appointments themselves will be shorter and calmer. Book your next groom at the location nearest you and we'll mark down the right rhythm on your dog's chart.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long should home brushing take?
A: Five to ten minutes for short coats. Fifteen to twenty minutes per session for double or curly coats. If it's taking longer, you're behind on the rhythm and should book a professional groom to reset.
Q: What's the best brush to buy?
A: A slicker brush and a metal comb cover most coat types. Add an undercoat rake for double coats and a rubber curry brush for short coats. Avoid the rotating-head brushes; they cut individual hairs and damage the coat over time.
Q: Should I brush wet or dry?
A: Always brush dry before bathing. Brushing a wet matted coat tightens the mats and hurts your dog. If you find mats during a bath, stop, dry the dog completely, and book a groomer.