Checking for Knots and Tangles

After successfully drying your dog, the next step is to carefully inspect the coat for any knots or tangles that may have developed during the washing and drying process. Even if you brushed your dog before the bath, the grooming process can reveal new tangles or expose ones that were missed in your initial preparation. Employ your comb to go through all areas of the body, with special attention to the ears and tail. This becomes particularly crucial if you've bathed your dog a day or two before the grooming session or have allowed your dog to air-dry.

Establishing a Routine: Developing a consistent routine for both combing and brushing that mirrors your clipping routine is essential to ensure no areas are overlooked. A helpful approach is to start from the back end of your dog and work your way forward. Begin at the tail and back legs, progressing to the ribcage, then the front legs, chest, and head. Make sure to complete each section before moving on to the next.

Key Trouble Spots: Apart from the ears and tail, be mindful of other areas that are prone to knots and tangles, such as between the toes and the neck where the collar rests. When brushing between grooming sessions, always remove their collar and brush underneath.

Brushing the Head: When brushing the head, lift the ear to the top of the head and use a metal comb to brush through the cheeks. Ensure that the comb is angling downward, with the comb teeth not pointing toward the eyes. When combing the muzzle, gently hold your dog's mouth closed to prevent the comb teeth from catching on their lips and mouth.

Dealing with Matting and Knots: Removing matting and knots is an essential part of grooming preparation. For tight matting behind the ears, you'll need to use a shorter blade than the rest of the haircut, with a 10 blade being the safest choice. There's a considerable amount of loose skin around the ear, as well as skin flaps that can potentially get caught in the clippers, so it's crucial to work with care and patience in these areas.

Mat Removal Technique: Begin by folding the ear forward to tighten the skin and protect the ear's skin flaps. Gently push the excess hair away to ensure the mat is clearly isolated, providing a clean access point for your clippers. When turning on your clippers, keep them away from the dog initially to gauge their reaction to the noise and vibrations. You can also use the back end of your clippers, with the blade facing away from your dog, to gently introduce them to the sensation. Once they are comfortable, use a scooping motion to slide underneath the matting and then out and away from the coat once the matting is released.

After Mat Removal: After removing mats, you may find some residual knots surrounding the area where the mats were located. These knots may be manageable and can be brushed and combed out once you've removed the anchor point.