![\"Brushing](\"https:\/\/poodleslove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Brushing-Poodles-Fur.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nStep-by-Step Poodle Brushing Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The idea of line brushing is to simply brush your poodle\u2019s curly fur and hair, one line at a time. However, to make the line brushing easier for yourself, you should do a few steps first and always be systematic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being systematic will let your poodle know what to expect. Therefore, knowing what to expect should ensure that your poodle is more comfortable with the whole process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Getting Everything Ready<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether your dog loves some pampering or is more reluctant, getting everything prepared before getting your dog will alleviate some stress your dog may otherwise experience. Place all brushes, sprays, and treats within easy reach- but far enough that your dog won’t see the treats as a buffet! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We recommend that you get a grooming table for your poodle to make sure it has a raised and steady surface to stand on, which will make your job a lot easier and better for your back. Any steady, sturdy, and secure surface, like the floor, should work just fine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When all your tools are ready, it is time to get your poodle up onto the table- or down on the floor with it, whichever you prefer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Conditioning <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It is your choice to use a conditioner or not. However, we highly recommend that you do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a leave-in conditioner or hair treatment will help you detangle the curls and make the whole experience more comfortable for your poodle, as you won’t need to use as much strength to brush through your poodle\u2019s fur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Besides detangling, the conditioner will also help rehydrate the hair and minimize static hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best conditioner for any dog will be a conditioner without perfume and excessive additives. If your dog has any health conditions or other issues regarding its fur, you can always consult your veterinarian on the best option for your unique dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: The First Brushing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You should give your dog a light brushing all over. Some owners prefer to use a pin brush for this stuff; others prefer a slicker brush. It comes down to your preference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this step, you do not need to get all the way down to the skin when brushing. Instead, it is just to assess whether the hair is tangled or matted while getting the fur ready for the more in-depth brushing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Line Brushing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Now it is time for the in-depth line brushing. Here you can also use a slicker brush or a pin brush. I use either my pin brush or my protected slicker brush. The protected slicker brush is a slicker brush where the pins are protected with small rubber dots on the ends- to prevent scratching the skin. Again, any of the types will do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When line brushing, you should be systematic, starting at either end of your dog and moving downwards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wherever you start, you must do the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Form a part in the fur- take small sections at a time. <\/li>
- Lay the fur back away from the area you want to brush.<\/li>
- Brush through the first small section until it is tangle-free.<\/li>
- Form a new part and brush that section.<\/li>
- Continue with this all the way through the entire dog\u2019s coat.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Take special care to brush the friction-rich areas like the armpits and groin area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Line brushing can seem like quite an extensive process, but by being systematic and getting your dog used to the process, you will be through it in no time! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Should I Do When I Find a Matt in My Poodle’s Hair?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When going through step 3, you should always look for tangles and matting. If you come across a matt, you can gently attempt to loosen it with a brush. However, if it seems thoroughly matted and stuck, do not attempt to rip it out – it will only be painful to your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of struggling with the mat, you can opt to cut the worst of the matt off with a pair of scissors. Hereafter, you can brush through the rest of it. Cutting it off may result in uneven fur, though, which may be unwanted in very long-haired poodles and ones preparing for the show ring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another option is to use a dematting tool. Dematting tools have sharp blades that can cut through the mat without pulling excessively on your dog’s skin. Gently work the dematting tool through the matt and towards the skin. When the matt is loosened, brush carefully through it with a pin brush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/poodleslove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Man-unraveling-poodles-matted-hair.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Benefits of Brushing Your Poodle Regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You’ll hear many people say that poodles don’t shed. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not strictly true. Just like humans, a poodle’s hair <\/a>will bend and break- effectively shedding some of their hair. However, the hair will then get stuck within the tight curls instead of landing on your favorite white couch, giving the impression that the dog doesn’t shed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The unique way a poodle shed is one of the reasons why it is so important to brush your poodle regularly. If not brushed frequently, the tight curls and broken hair, as well as dirt and debris, will clamp together and form tight hairy mats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Poodle](\"https:\/\/poodleslove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Poodle-grooming-treatment.jpg\")
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