How to Brush Out a Matted Dog 

Thank you for not shaming owners for their fur babies getting matted. Matted dogs don't always mean the owners are neglecting them. Some of us just have a harder time brushing our pets who absolutely hates brushing. 🥺🙏

I like how you are professional and have common sense. You put the dog's safety first!

Love how patient you are, and not shaming the dog owner. Also, very educational.

I appreciate how compassionate you seemed to be towards the owner, not all dogs allow you to groom them without protesting using sharp teeth. My Old English gets matted around her underarms, feet and muzzle, and she hates me grooming those specific areas. She's apparently just fine letting me de-matt her ears though. Sometimes its just safer/better for both pooch and owner to let a professional do a much better job. I feel like the groomer we were taking ours to was in constant judgment, as if I was neglecting her and I had no right owning a dog.

The best grooming video I've ever watched. A lot to learn from the kind of tools, handling, style and patience.

Wow this is the first groomer that I’ve ever seen on RU-vid that doesn’t shame the pets owners for matting she seems like someone I could just be honest with she makes me want to confess 🤣 so soothing and calming she is no wonder the dogs let her do anything to them I also love how educational she is all these tips I appreciate so much

Most people who make those mistakes are usually people who truly care about their dogs and don’t want to hurt them or neglect them. Thank you for not shaming people and rather educate them because people who didn’t care wouldn’t even try

Thank you TLC dog groomer, this was by far the best grooming video i have ever watched. Let me tell you i have watched many. Your commonsense approach, gentle disposition and careful handling and treatment of your guest star, Maggie, inspired me to continue watching to the end. I was also inspired to go to the local pet store and purchase some of the grooming tools I watched you use. have an 8 year old West Highland Terrier with skin issues and allergies. Often times she bites and scratches herself and ends up with open sores on her paws and belly. This means have to wait extended periods before taking her to be groomed, due to fear of infection. She has been on Apoquel for a few years now, and has to have various other topical ointments and antibiotics from time to time. I purchased the grooming tools and clipped and groomed my baby for the 2nd time. (The first time was an epic fail). The helpful pointers about the stable surface with slip-free surface mat seems like it should be common sense, but not to us all. LOL Now I know to use the small table and mat for "business". I had been trimming her hair and nails on the floor and she would simply get up and walk away. Thank you again for sharing your wisdom and sound advice. Inge's Mom from Maryland

Thank you so much for this video! Just got a Bichon mix puppy and have A LOT to learn. This answered so many questions!

Most helpful video for being able to do it at home! Thank you so much!

Thank you i adopted a pomeranian and ive always had short haired dogs. This has helped me tremendously. I purchased a cc slicker some spray for when i brush a comb and pin brush. My boy is black with just a smudge of white on his paws. Looks real handsome now thanks again.

I just saw your video today. My shihtzu baby Charlie has had tangled hair just like Maggie's. Thank u so much for guiding the right way to get rid of tangles. Even i was thinking of getting the hair shaved off t(reluctantly,as Charlie). But I m.trying your method.. thanks a ton.

This is so helpful, especially with the hand placement and how to support their legs. Thank you so much for sharing!! I have a Maltipoo so we definitely have a few brushes in her collection. I’ll try some of these tips too. Thank you!

Absolutely fantastic video! Very Informative and detailed! I loved it. My Shih Tzu looks exactly like Maggie with the exact same matt problem. My groomer hurt her hand and can’t groom for a few weeks, so I’m following your lead & gonna try it 😬🤞🏼🐶🐾🐾

thank you! This was a totally new grooming experience for Marco (shih tzu) and I. The mats really loosened. He will be in better shape for his upcoming appointment with his groomer. Life saver in these times of on and off availability for groomers. Keep well. Marco says thank you, too.

The colours of her coat are so beautiful!

Thank you so much for this outstanding video. I learned so much and I am now successfully brushing out the mats in my Labradoodles’s coat. Your tone, expertise, and professionalism are wonderful. I’m looking forward to working my way back through more of your videos! Lots of tail wags from Oregon! 💕🐕‍🦺💕

This was really helpful! Thanks for also explaining the use of the comb. I have a 13 week old Havanese and I want to learn to care for her coat properly so that when she goes to get groomed, they don’t have to shave her hair super short. Despite my efforts she already has a mat on her back because she kept needing rear end washing the poo off. It’s right against her skin. The rest of her fur is soft and fluffy and I can see her skin easily.

Thank you so much for providing this information.

Thank you for showing this. I have a 10 month old shih tzu puppy that I am trying to learn to groom myself to save some money. I have tried to keep her from getting matted but she has still ended up having issues. I had a shih tzu as a kid that was always horribly matted and I tried my best to trim her hair but it was never great. I amazingly never cut her when working on her but it wasn't cute either. My motto has been to always do better when I can. This will help me to do better with my current pup so its appreciated.

This is a great informational video. It is so helpful for a new owner to learn the correct way to groom. You are so calm and patient person.

These videos are so helpful! I’m always learning through different videos and each time my dog is less matted (bc I’ll use these tips to prevent it) my dog got super matted when he got neutered bc we weren’t allowed to brush or groom him for 2 weeks so I had to cut off Matt’s and get him shaved. Then now his coat was doing so well but then he got wet (he tipped over a bowl on himself) while he was tangled so he got super matted in the back :( he’s gonna get groomed but I want him to be mostly de matted so the groomer doesn’t cut off too much. Now I understand why he moves so much whenever I groom him on the floor! And I also learned about brush burn- although I’ve always tried to be as gentle possible since he has sensitive skin but I’m gonna make notes of those tips! Thank you for this! I’m 15, this is my first dog and my family told me to get my dog I have to all the responsibilities (other than money wise) so this helps so much!! I hope I can make him feel better soon and keep getting better

Thank u soooo much I have been looking for a video like this furrever... I have a little white beautiful shih Tzu that has long beautiful hair... She is a mess but I keep on top of it...thank you so much for showing me how to remove mats without messing up her beautiful hair.... Thank you very very much❤🎉😊

This is so helpful thank you SO much!! I'm new to long hair and just rescued a 10 year old schipper-poo. He doesn't have more than a couple tiny matts but I want to learn and get ahead of them - and get her used to me doing it - before it becomes a problem that requires professional intervention. She's very good with being brushed so far, we have started a little since her bath today, just to test the waters. I really wanted to learn enough to, at the very least, not do any harm to her. I love that you're sharing all the little details that will allow me to confidently work on her little problems without (eek!) stables and injuries! You're wonderful

I just adopted my first ever long haired dog. He's part Yorkie, and his hair isn't this thick. But this is helpful for me learning how to keep him brushed out. I try to stay on top of it daily to keep tangling to a minimum. Thanks for the info!

Great tips! I have a Bouvier, so very big with a thick double coat and I like to keep her longer and fluffy and have to keep on it. I invested in a grooming table and it helps so much! She just knows she has to behave up there and she can’t just try to yank her paw away from me and walk away like she can on the floor.

Very helpful information. Mags is on her best behavior because she knows she’s on camera

Thank you so much for educating us how to brush and comb a matted dog! We have a Terrier mix, his hair is so long and won’t let me brush him or trim him. I’ve learned a lot by watching you right here!I need one of those slicker brushes now! Im glad I found you! 🥰💜🥰

Omg! Thank you, thank you, thank you! My 2 year old Yorkie recently contracted hook worms and is being treated for that. BUT….. he hasn’t been able to be groomed since the worms are contagious. He’s been very uncomfortable due to the worms and brushing has been extremely difficult. He only weighs 4lbs. and I don’t want to over stress him. He’s a very active dog. We take him to the park daily and he loves to rub. He looks totally neglected just from looking at him. He’s NEVER looked like this. I take VERY GOOD care of him. I know he’s suffering and it’s actually gotten me depressed. He got the worms right when he was scheduled to be groomed at the groomer and he hasn’t been professionally in about 8 months. I’m so happy that you showed how to cut into the mats because I was going to d that. He has 3 mats around the mustache and beard area and one under the chin. I’ve managed to release most of the cheeks but not up against the skin but I’m working little by little. So he’s not completely matted thank God but I know they HAVE to go. I’ve watched other groomers here on RU-vid and I have to tell you that you are wonderful. The others would just complain and talk trash about the owners. That’s terrible. I’m NOT a bad fur mama. I think you need to know the circumstance first. Now I know how to hold the limbs properly, especially since my Chewie has bad hips. Yes! I hold while I brush or comb. Just like brushing a girl’s hair. For me that was just common sense. I’m so glad you did NOT shear that dog. Others have said they’re NOT going to take their time to release the mats. If YOU can brush those mats out and my dog isn’t that bad I’m sure I can. I really needed this, I’ve been in tears with my baby’s hair like this. I’m DEFINITELY subscribing to your channel. Keep up the GREAT work and bless you for taking the time with this dog and not destroying the coat. Tfs. Have a wonderful day.🤗

Thank you, thank you, thank you! For an amazing video, how compassionate and calm you were and like everyone said you didnt shame people for online for how there dogs look. I was feeling so ashamed because i couldnt get all my dogs knots out and his fur was matted in spots because hes so difficult to comb i was able to comb and get some out and cut some out but he struggles and wouldnt let me do them all. I absolutely adore my doggy Toby hes my life dont know what i would do without him love him so much! So thanks again for this video! 🥰🫶🐶

YES Thank you for showing us how to de-mat our dogs

Wow, you are an absolute pro. So many helpful tips and tricks on this video. You really know what you're talking about, and you clearly care a lot about all of the dogs you groom. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

So far I have only watched half of your video and I have learned so many great tips on how to groom my dog each day!❤ Thanks, very grateful! 🙏

This is incredibly helpful! Thank you!

Thank you so much for this video. This past week has been my first time in an intensive practical dog grooming course, where we mostly work with toy poodles. And I really struggle with the dematting issue, I mean, I even have nightmares 😂 The problem comes when such a small poodle twists and turns as if its life depends on it, (the blow dryer is the major trigger of most dogs) and in the grooming salon where I’m learning, they don’t use harnesses on the table-the dogs have to stay loose. It’s an expensive grooming salon that places a lot of importance on the cut and doing a good job, but it seems too risky to have a dog that struggles so much and wants to jump off the table. I try to stay calm and hold them gently but firmly (finding the balance is very difficult, and I hate holding dogs tightly, especially when they’re small), but it was impossible, especially since I had to work on the poodle’s coat with the blow dryer on my shoulder, a slicker brush in one hand, and holding the dog with the other. And working on the face is just impossible. I had to take a moment to cry. Another problem is when you’ve already straightened the poodle’s hair, and you try to pass the metal comb through to detangle it. When it doesn’t go through easily, I find it hard to gauge the right amount of force needed to detangle since it’s impossible not to tug, and almost all the poodles end up snapping, sometimes biting, or screaming due to the discomfort or pain. I know they can be very dramatic, but I also know the comb can hurt when it pulls (I would scream too, lol). In this salon they dont use conditioner before dematting, thing I can't understand. They rush me and tell me to do it faster and more harsh, when they do it, the dog usually snaps, but they don't even flinch, they keep going, and honestly I dont know how to do that yet. Additionally, they have a hectic pace and work with a considerable number of dogs, so you have to be fast, efficient, and do it right, without a single knot. Every time a dog screams or snaps, it’s like a jumpscare for me; I reflexively pull my hands away, and my heart races. It’s my first week, and that’s normal, but I feel the pressure to get used to it as soon as possible. I know the key is to stay calm since dogs are extremely sensitive to our emotions, but I can’t seem to do it. Any advice?

Thank you for explaining so well how you work on dogs!

My tiny poochon hair is always getting matted and groomer always has to cut hair off. This the best informational video I’ve come across for grooming dogs. Ima step my game up.

Thank you for all the advice and cautions. Good composure and ethic appreciate the help.

So happy I found this video. You've got amazing tips for us fur owners. Thumbs up! 😀😊

Thank you for those tips, they are very helpful. I brushed my Yorkie but it is hard to don’t pull the hair, so he cries and sometimes bites my fingers. I need to find a good brush and will try the scissors but no the pointy ones because I’m afraid to hurt him.

Your video saved my dogs very matted front legs. Your cutting down the mat method is genius!! I went from being worried they’d shave my dog to a dematted dog :) do you have any advice for a matted chest that’s closer to the skin?

How you don't have more subscribers blows my mind. This is one of the most informative channels for dog grooming. Instant subscribe for me.

Thank you! My GSD has a crazy fluffy tail and it's insanely matted! I just tried cutting down onto some like you showed and I was able to keep most of his hair lol! I'll continue on but that little trick was priceless!😊

Thank you for this video. Non pro here looking to keep my boy healthy.

Thank u for showing how to cut into the mat into little Mats, I am going to have to come out my moms maltese, he is a nightmare of mats and she doesn't want to shave him. So I'm going to try this, thank u again !!!

Thanks for your advice. My dog is a moving target and now I see that I was doing things wrong. I'll put him on a table with a nonslip pad (and hubby helping me while giving treats :)). I'm sad to say that I cut some mats out (it was so scary) and now I can use your safe method. My puppy and I will be so much more relaxed. He's our first dog and it's all new to us. I wish I had watched this sooner!

Thanks for posting the video. It’s the first one I’ve seen on RU-vid where the groomer deals with the mats instead of just shaves the dog. That’s a great idea - to cut/split the mats. I’ll have to try that if I see more mats pop up again. My golden retriever loves to rub her head under the sheets and is prone to getting them under her ears. I’ve been trying to train her to brush herself but she’s 9 years old and you know what they say: you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Some very good tips for my embarrassingly matted dog! Thank you.

Thank you so much . I always struggle with matted dogs . Very good video

Thank you for such a great informational video. I saved it ! I have a Goldendoodle coming home in 3 weeks and I need all the information I can get. I already bought the slicker brush , metal combs & the detangling spray.

Wow thank you for making this video! I appreciate the tips, and encouragement.

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing

I've been cutting my own hair for about 20 years now and some friends every now and then. I always cut it wet for less mess and crisper cut. I used to have a Miniature Schnauzer that I also groomed every 3 to 4 weeks since I hated matts on the dog and used to cut her wet too. I never had the patience for matts and could never do what you just did. That dog would have been clipped all the way down. Some tips I have learned if you are going to use your vanity to clip the dog on use a mat that doesn't move a towel just won't cut it. Have a way to secure the dog with a lead you might find the floor better so you can secure the end of the lead to a table or door knob. If you are nervous about clipping the dog or are in a hurry the dog will sense that and will be nervous too. Introduce the dog to the clippers and Dremel for the nails. I never used the clippers without a guard it is too easy to cut the dog with a bare blade. When purchasing clippers I just purchased regular people clippers since anything that says dog on it hikes the price for no reason. You can buy Ship to Shore clippers at Harbor Freight for $ 8.97 and the only difference between them and my Wahl Clippers is that the Wahl has a 1/2 in guard and a right and left fade guard. The number 1 guard is close enough and it comes with good scissors and comb make sure it is well oiled and keep those all together and don't use them for anything else. Good luck if you start grooming your dog you will get growled at and maybe bitten so if that would upset you take it to the groomers.

HAHA my girl's name is Maggie and she HATES 2B brushed. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!! Gr8 tips

I searched grooming matted dogs (Lhasa Apso) and your video came up. I'm a DIYer and your video is extremely helpful. I have grooming tools and reluctant about doing a shave down. From watching you I see I haven't been brushing down to the skin. Only the top and I need to use my comb to test. I like your scissor technique for removing Matt's. I've done this and thanks for reminding me. I'm saving your video to refer to at all times. Im your new subscriber. 👍

I’m studying for dog groomer through Penn foster at the moment. Your videos are so helpful!

Very helpful and informative!!

oh dear i have a chorkie who has matted ears like that little dog i was wanting to watch a vidio to see how to use the tools before buying them i keep her coat and legs short but not her head hair she hates being brushed thanks for sharing i will get this tool and try it

Great groomer 📣 🏆🥇 you are definitely one of the few good groomers on UTube that I’ve seen . I also enjoyed your calmness and professionalism. You didn’t hate on the owner , or get angry 😡 and say things to the dog like (poor baby) or (this is ridiculous people). I saw one groomer shame the owner through the whole video, then to add salt to the wound she shows the owner at the end of the grooming. If that’s Not shame) and that kinda groomer makes people Not want to take their dog to a groomer (am I right people?).

I walked into a grooming place a few days ago down in Miami Fl and randomly got a job with no experience and no real training, just sort of thrown into brushing out washing, and drying all types of dogs (well I haven't done any washing yet, just the before and after) learning and being corrected 'on the job'. If I don't get fired it'll be thanks to videos like these

Can you please share where to buy the blue WAHL brush that you are using for taking gout the matting in this session? Wonderful video, Thank you!

If only you were near me!!! I have two SHIH TZU’s! I groom them myself. And it kills me, (neck and back and shoulders-surgery) But you are absolutely right, every time that I have tried to have them groomed, they take one look at them and say they will have to be shaved! One has a puppy cut, she’s very active, and that works better for her. The other has long show dog hair. She’s not a show dog. But is beautiful with her long flowing locks! I don’t want either of them shaved, I don’t like it for the reason you mentioned. THANKS SO MUCH FOR PUTTING A VIDEO OUT FOR THERE THAT SHOWS… you may have to work on it for a while, but it can be done!!! I would definitely be a loyal client if you were near. The mention of a snow blower told me you are somewhere up north! Lol I’m located in NC. But thanks again! Also , I thought I’d mention that I also use a “feather Razor to help with matts. I did human hair for approx. 30 years. You can purchase them at most beauty supply stores. I know Sally’s has them. For those who don’t have a cosmetology license! If you get one, I’d love to see another video on how you’d use it. Mostly for safety purposes. I love how you explained about the matts being all the way to the skin. Everyone should be extremely careful even when using clippers! That skin is so thin, it can easily cut them especially around the top of the legs!!!

So informative thank you!

Awesome video! Thank you

This video is excellent! I have two Maltese girls. 🐾🐾Could you give me some advice about the comb? I comb them every day, but their hair gets matted. I've been thinking about a better solution for a long time, but I need help figuring it out. What tools would you recommend? Thank you! 😇

This was very Helpful 😊 thank you for sharing this video

Thank you for this video. Its awesome.

So awesome thanks

Very helpful thanks

4/20 grooming, great free advice learned how to do this proper

Great video I've learnt a lot thankyou. I've recently done the most stupidest thing, I bathed my dogs like another groomer on here suggested and it's the worst thing I ever did. I used a shower pouffe as she suggested and now both my dogs are full of matts, luckily enough they are at the groomers on Monday. I feel bad for my dogs as one is worse than the other with the matts all across her chest is a matt. My dogs are in my little pic at the side. One is just like the one you are dealing with now. I feel like the worst dog Mum ever. I've waited 3 months for this groom for my dogs because my groomer was full, I tried 3 other groomers and they were all full until September. Xx

This is great!

"well, he doesn't like it and he just walks away" LOL, exactly!

I got my dog from another owner, and she came super matted. She hatteeesss grooming, and the knots keep getting worse even if I'm trimming her knots and brushing her. I don't have a lot of money, so it has been tricky trying to do it at home. Thank you for this video! I will be doing this with her tonight. If it doesn't work, to the groomers we go

Thumbs and Elbows! 🤣🐾🐾♥️. That is going to be me.

Thank you for a great video. Any recommendations on a set of tools I should purchase? I do dog rescue and there is no telling what type of dogs I will get but mostly small ones ... often kind of Disney Dogs (shaggy dogs) ... my neighbors call me the Disney Dog Lady. Thanks for all you share.

Excellent!

thank u for sharing dog groom

as a tt owner yes this looks like some work, but everything is brushable, maybe with the help of cutting into it, but the activet matzapper will loosen it up in no time 2:07 and double coated hair always mats, you don't need to rub it also the dog seems to be quite well behaved

My dog hates being groomed so much so he has some Matt’s on his back. Going to try and brush it out in small stages like this! Hopefully it works.

What a good dog!

Best video ever

Hello, I know this is an old video but I’m hoping you will help me and reply. I also have a shih tzu which I have learned to groom at home cause a lot of issues. I have always maintained him good with combing and no conditioner rinse just spray leave it conditioner but I have been diagnosed with RA and having a hard time now. I do okay in summer cause I just shave him but don’t like to do that in winter cause he gets cold. My questions are about slickers I have never used one and having a hard time finding reasonable priced ones that will not scratch him. I see the one in your video but I don’t think they make them anymore could not find it. Please are there any good ones you recommend for home use. Thanks and thanks for the video.

Thanks for making me realize I have the wrong slicker brush (soft bristles). Where can I get one like you are using so I know I am getting the stronger bristles?

Im going to try this on my yorkie poo . what kind of brush are you using

You're freaking awesome!

Thank you for sharing these tips!! Can you tell me the exact model of the brush you’re using and the other ones that you recommend? Thanks again!!

As a groomer i recommend to my clients that want long hair sooner grooms.

Oh Thank God,.I found this video, my dog has a lot of matted hair. Would this cause excessive scratching,

🤣 I love how to talk. It’s great.

What is the brand of blue brush your using please

Is there a second half to this video? It’s the front legs I have problems with on one of my havanese and the video stoped right at that point!

Does it matter what kind of slicker brush you use? I have a small one but it is flat on the back and not curved like the one you are using. Thank you

I tried getting some scissors to cut big mats into smaller mats on my golden mix. But all I find are scissors that have blunted tips. Where do you get your tools?

Do you brush while their legs are still wet? (What you mentioned early in the video about when you rinse off the dogs paws and legs in a sink and then don’t brush them.)

Can you share what the brand of slicker brush is that you use? Thanks!

Wish you were in ottawa! Our border collie just got banned from pets smart.. well just for bath and trim, apparently she is aggressive.

How do you keep the dog so still?

I think she was being so good because you were talking her through it the whole way. She listening to you.

I have an F1BB Goldendoodle. She's my first curly coated dog. I take her to be professionally groomed (always the same groomer) every 6 weeks. I keep her clipped short except her tail, legs and face. Brushing her daily has been such a challenge because I have done so many things wrong this first year. She hates being brushed at home because of it. In the beginning, I groomed her nightly and it took me about an hour to do it because I did it with a Butter Comb.. She was a puppy and got really restless so (my next mistake) was waiting until she went to sleep to comb her. In watching this video, I learned that another mistake was combing her on the floor. I don't know how to remedy that because I can't get her to climb the xlarge dog steps that I have and I can't lift her. I really can't afford a hydraulic grooming table either. I have a fortune wrapped up in Chris Christensen brushes, brushing sprays, shampoos and conditioners.....and have lost countless hours watching RU-vid videos on Doodle grooming. Learning to properly groom her has almost become an obsession with me. That being said, to my knowledge, she's only had one mat behind her ear that had to be cut out. I'm just so paranoid about her getting matted. I have 2 other dogs and all of them love to be outside and they wrestle and run and get dusty and dirty every single day. They all get bathed at least once between grooming appointments and usually twice. Do you have any suggestions to help me help her not hate me brushing her so much? I have just made a mess of things.😪