Learning To BrusH, COMB, & GROOM Your Pet.

Over bathing, coat dryness and neglect of a pet's coat is a huge concern. But, good news! Here are a couple tips for a  healthy brushing and combing regimen which could help benefit both you and your pet,  

Poor equipment is often the reason pet owners fail to give their pets once or twice weekly brushings. For success in coat maintenance, throw out your worn brush with bent or missing bristles. A gentle slicker brush is needed for basic grooming. These brushes contain hundreds of soft, short bent wires mounted in a firm rubber backing. A good quality brush won't hurt your pet. Another essential piece of equipment is the comb. A solid metal comb with combination coarse and medium teeth will do nicely. Buy your equipment from your pet care professional. You aren't likely to find the right kind of equipment in your local supermarket.Brushing for Pet's Health ... Brushing is essential to a healthy, glowing coat. It terminates mat and tangles, removes dead hair, dirt and burrs, and distributes the natural oils, producing a healthy skin tone.

Where should you work on your pet?

The floor is your pet's playground and should be used as a last resort. A sturdy table or the top of your washer or dryer will offer a solid surface and a comfortable working height for you. A rubber bath mat provides a non-slip surface for your pet. Working on a surface like this teaches your pet that you are serious about its care. Plus, it resembles the conditions that your pet encounters in the grooming shop.

You must have a serious attitude while working on your pet. A firm "NO" should suffice when your pet bites at the brush or comb, or tries to charm you with playful antics.

Begin by working in one area. Don't allow your pet to twist and turn as you " hit or miss" in your  brushing attempts. Your pet will definitely win at that game, and you'll exhaust yourself while vowing to never " brush" again.

Mats, tangles and burrs should be worked in small sections, separated with your fingers if necessary. Begin with the coarse teeth of the comb. After the coarse teeth slide through an area of fur, use the medium teeth to finish. Anti static grooming sprays, coat conditioners and powders can reduce coat breakage; however, use these items with caution around the eyes. Serious mats are best left to the groomer's expertise.

Take your pet's head in your hand and begin by gently, but thoroughly, combing the whiskers, ears and head. Look your pet in the eye and say a firm "no" if it begins to misbehave. Through this exchange, you can gain an under­ standing with your pet that will lastthrough the brushing session. Now move to the legs. The legs are probably the most neglected part of the home grooming process. Alternate the comb and brush operation so you can locate the little snarls that quickly turn into big ones. Brush up or down, but work in small sections and work down to the skin. A serious fault of  the pet owner grooming is the overworking of the top coat and neglecting the hair nearest the skin. Lift the leg towards you to get at the inner leg. Proceed to the tail and back.

Terriers and long-coated breeds should be finished by combing in the direction of the hair growth. A fuller appearance  can be achieved on the Poodle, Bichon and Bedlington by brushing against the hair growth. Now give him a special treat.

Poor coat condition usually results in a shorter clip on your pet and a larger grooming bill. If you find that you just don't have the time or desire to brush your pet, more frequent professional grooming is recommended to prevent matting and tangling.

A shorter, more manageable clip on your pet may be another alternative. Your professional groomer will be able to assist you in making the best decision for you and your pet.