How to Brush Your Dog at Home
Brushing and combing a dog can feel like a wrestling match — most dogs squirm, wiggle, or just flat-out don’t want to sit still for it. The good news is a few simple habits make the whole process easier for both of you.
Start with short, frequent sessions — three to five minutes a day is plenty at first. As your dog gets used to it, you can stretch the sessions longer and brush less often. Most breeds only need brushing once or twice a week, but long-haired breeds like Yorkshire Terriers or a Lhasa Apso in full coat may need it daily.
Use the Right Tools for Your Dog’s Coat
For short-haired breeds — like Dobermans or Beagles — a rubber curry brush, boar bristle brush, and a de-shedding tool such as a Furminator work well.
For furry, long-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers or Shih Tzus, reach for a slicker brush and a greyhound comb instead.
Use the Right Tools for Your Dog’s Coat
For short-haired breeds — like Dobermans or Beagles — a rubber curry brush, boar bristle brush, and a de-shedding tool such as a Furminator work well.
For furry, long-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers or Shih Tzus, reach for a slicker brush and a greyhound comb instead.
Make It Part of the Routine
Set aside a specific spot for brushing instead of doing it wherever you happen to be sitting — brushing your dog on the couch while watching TV can be confusing for them, since that’s normally where they relax or play. A consistent spot helps your dog understand what’s about to happen.
For smaller dogs, the top of a washer or dryer works well — it’s a comfortable height for you, and if your dog is used to a groomer, it feels similar to a grooming table. For larger dogs, a dedicated spot on a porch or in a garage works just as well. Bring your dog to that same spot every time, and over time they’ll learn that being there means it’s brushing time.
Keep It Positive
This part takes patience at first. Praise your dog when they’re behaving — and when they’re being difficult, it’s often best to stick to a firm “no” or say nothing at all rather than reacting.
One key rule: only stop brushing when your dog is behaving. If you stop while they’re squirming or resisting, you’ve just taught them that acting up makes the brushing stop — the opposite of what you want.
Always end the session on a positive note. I recommend saving a treat for the very end, so your dog has something to look forward to and a clear signal that the session is over. This reinforces good behavior, lets them enjoy the praise while being worked on, and helps them understand when they’re free to go.
