[MustLoveDogs]

Cleo is only 4 months, so it can't be coat change, but since i trimmed her body, the hair does seem curlier, and it's almost impossible to tell if i'm brushing effectively with the slicker. I don't see mats, but I also can't see if i'm getting to her skin in a lot of places. I don't want to scratch her, so I'm doing more with the pin brush and comb instead.

What is the best combination to use when she still has her puppy hair, and it's shortish? Should I still be brushing every day, and should I use a spray of some kind, would that make it easier?

 

[Raven's Mom]

How short did you take it? Can you get a comb through it? My new boy has a very different coat than my girl and a I am having to learn to groom all over again with him. His is so much courser and more dense! I used a 5F on his body and scissored his legs. I start with slicker brush and then comb through everything so I know I haven’t just brushed over a mat. I only use coat spray on his tail and ears. His tail is so wooly ain’t can barely get through it without the spray, whereas by girl’s tails is floppy and easy to comb out.

 

[MustLoveDogs]

Raven's Mom, I did her body with a 3/4" comb and left her legs, TK, neck long. I have no trouble on her legs, tk, ears, or neck. Her tail is floppy, so that's easy, too. Lots of areas on her body and chest, however, look tighter and curlier, especially her back and sides, and just below where I shaved her neck in front. (I don't know if what i mean is visible in the photo.) I use the slicker first, but i feel like in those places, i often don't get down to where I see her skin, which, i should, right?

 

[reraven123]

You can't get down to the skin with a slicker brush, or any brush. You have to use a comb. You can use the brush first to make it easier to comb, or you can use a wide tooth comb first and then the regular comb.

 

[MustLoveDogs]

okay, that makes sense! the comb does go through it. I have one with both wide teeth and narrow teeth, but i have been using the wide end, mostly. I'm also wondering, should I brush her every day? I do, to keep up with mats and also to keep her used to it, but maybe that's too much?

 

[MaizieFrosty]

I would definitely brush her every day if you can, even if just for a few minutes! I would recommend a slicker with plastic tips for her coat length, and then check the whole body with the comb.

This is the one Maizie and I like: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...MI_LzpvdnG4wIVkx6tBh29WAIjEAQYHCABEgLy8_D_BwE

 

[MustLoveDogs]

Thank you for that brush rec, Maizie-Frosty. I've been looking for a slicker with tips! Cleo does not enjoy the normal one I have, although it's self-cleaning, which is nice.
I do brush her every day. Luckily, she doesn't hate it (except the slicker!).

 

[Mufar42]

You have already gotten good advise and I am just a beginner when it comes to poodle coats but since I started using Ice on ice, it is so much easier to comb thru Renn's coat. I use a pin, occasionally a slicker then comb him thru. I have been quite lucky no mats or knots since I've started using this spray.

 

[MaizieFrosty]

Oh yes, definitely use a brushing spray or conditioner/water mixture if possible! I'm allergic to everything with a scent, so I don't use anything.

 

[Michigan Gal]

If you can't find the well and good brush, look for a cat slicker brush. They are small with plastic tips, often the entire bristle is plastic.

 

[MustLoveDogs]

I'm allergic to fragrances, too! If there is an unscented spray, i'd love to know about it!

 

[MollyMuiMa]

If you have a conditioner you already use, you can make your own brushing spray by putting a couple of teaspoons of conditioner in a spray bottle filled with water. I've even used my own conditioner in a pinch! Also Mane & Tail has a water based, fragrance free, detangler......

 

[BabetteH]

If he hates the slicker, maybe you have the wrong kind. We have a slicker my pup absolutely hates. He's OK with the soft slickers, but this one is too hard, and he's letting me know that he doesn't like it :wink:

 

[MustLoveDogs]

I ordered the Well and Good brush! I hope that will help.

 

[dogsavvy]

I would definitely brush her every day if you can, even if just for a few minutes! I would recommend a slicker with plastic tips for her coat length, and then check the whole body with the comb.

This is the one Maizie and I like: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petco...MI_LzpvdnG4wIVkx6tBh29WAIjEAQYHCABEgLy8_D_BwE

MaizieFrosty,

I just wanted to thank you for suggesting this brush & sharing the link. The one I got is a little different but it's the same brand & it has made a world of difference! I had no idea there could be such a difference in slicker brushes! Mr. Layne is very happy with this

 

[MustLoveDogs]

I've been using the Well & Good brush, too, and it is so much better! Cleo doesn't love being brushed, but she doesn't mind nearly as much now.