It's generally best to brush your dog dry for routine deshedding to avoid breakage, but brushing when damp (with conditioner or spray) during/after a bath is excellent for removing stubborn mats and deep cleaning, as the slip helps hair slide out gently and effectively, preventing damage from rough dry brushing. Always brush before bathing to remove loose fur, and after (while damp/conditioned) to tackle tangles before drying, then finish with a final dry brush for smoothness.
It's generally recommended to brush your dog's coat when it is dry. Brushing a wet coat can potentially cause more tangling and matting, especially in long-haired breeds. Wet hair is more prone to breakage, and brushing may be less effective in removing loose hair and preventing mats.
Brushing and Detangling:
Post-bath brushing is generally smoother because the fur is cleaner and softer. Use a suitable brush for your dog's coat type to remove any tangles and loose fur. This step is crucial for maintaining coat health and ensuring that any styling or trimming can be done more efficiently.
The #1 rule for grooming a dog is to prioritize the dog's safety and comfort, which means being gentle, patient, using appropriate tools, and creating a positive experience to build trust and prevent injuries or fear, as emphasized by professionals like Clipit Grooming, QC Pet Studies, and The Pets Workshop. This involves careful handling of tools like scissors and clippers, taking breaks, and recognizing when a dog has had enough.
You should generally cut your dog's hair dry, after a thorough bath and brushing, to avoid cutting it too short because hair shrinks as it dries, preventing uneven cuts and making it easier to see the fur's natural fall, though some groomers use a slightly damp or wet cut for specific coat types or heavily matted fur with proper technique.
While dogs will tend to instinctively shake off excess water after getting wet, you will probably also need to help them dry off with some large absorbent towels. After this, most dogs can be allowed to air dry naturally. Avoid using hair dryers as most dogs don't like air blowing at them and they can also get too hot.
However, even the most well-intentioned dog owners can make grooming mistakes in their routine, such as over-bathing, leading to dry skin, or under-bathing, which can cause buildup of dirt and odors; using human products that can be harmful to a dog's skin; not drying their dog properly after baths, creating a breeding ...
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
In dog grooming, FFF stands for "Face, Feet, and Fanny" (or "Fa... [lady bits]"), referring to a quick touch-up service that trims the hair around the dog's eyes (Face), paws (Feet), and sanitary area (Fanny) to keep them clean and tidy between full grooms. It's a popular add-on service to prevent mess and maintain hygiene in these key areas, especially for longer-haired breeds.
Mastering Self Dog Grooming: Pro Tips for At-Home Pet Care
Make the experience easier with these dog bathing tips.
When brushing a double coat, it is best to begin brushing the undercoat first using a slicker brush. Longer double coats may require an undercoat rake to ensure the brush reaches the dog's skin and can get through any tangles. For heavier tangles, an undercoat dematting comb can be used.
Brushing After a Bath
Post-bath brushing ensures your dog's fur dries neatly, especially for long-haired breeds. Sometimes, a bath loosens fur that brushing after can catch. If your dog's coat needs trimming, post-bath brushing makes it easier to style.
Brushing your dog regularly removes dead hair, distributes natural oils, and prevents matting. Matting can pull on the skin, limit your movement, and even conceal skin infections or parasites. A clean, brushed coat allows the skin to breathe, reduces shedding, and improves your dog's comfort.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
"Silent killer" in dogs usually refers to deadly diseases that progress with few early symptoms, primarily Heartworm, Hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer), and sometimes Leptospirosis or Canine Parvovirus, all characterized by vague initial signs, rapid progression, and severe organ damage, making prevention and early detection crucial.
Red flags for dog grooming include rough handling (causing fear, cuts), unsanitary conditions (dirty tools, strong smells), ignoring health issues (mats, skin problems), poor communication (not listening to instructions), and a generally bad vibe or lack of professionalism (unlicensed, no insurance, poor reviews). Your dog's extreme fear, new aggression, or unexplained nicks and scratches after a groom are major warnings to find a new groomer.
Every pup should know the 7 Basic Common commands: SIT, STAY, DOWN, COME, OFF, HEEL, and NO.
A high-velocity dog dryer makes all the difference — and when used with a Fast Dry spray, results are even quicker.
“For the face, use a wet washcloth to carefully wet your dog's face,” Askeland instructs. “Put a very small amount of shampoo on the washcloth or use your hands to massage in the shampoo. Then rinse with your washcloth again.”
The vet-proven advantages of air-dried food
Since air-dried food comes naturally packed with the vitamins and minerals dogs need to stay well both mentally and physically, it's a good way to keep their behaviour under control. Especially if your dog is known to be excitable or aggressive.