How do I groom my long - haired dog

If you’re a new dog parent in the US—maybe you just brought home a fluffy Golden Retriever puppy with a wagging tail or a calm Shih Tzu with cascading fur—you’ve probably stared at their tangled coat after a walk in the park, or found clumps of fur on your couch, and thought, “How do I keep this under control?” Grooming long-haired dogs isn’t about making them look “perfect”—it’s about keeping their skin healthy and them comfortable. And luckily, it’s easy to learn, even if you’ve never held a pet brush before.

Let’s start with the basics: Long-haired dogs (think Collies, Pomeranians, or Afghan Hounds) usually have either a double coat (a soft undercoat plus a longer topcoat) or a thick single coat. Their fur traps dirt, loose hair, and even bits of grass easily—if you don’t brush it out, these bits turn into tight mats. Mats pull on their skin, causing irritation, and can even hide skin infections. My neighbor in California learned this the hard way: She skipped brushing her Shetland Sheepdog for two weeks, and by the time she noticed, a mat under his arm was so tight it had to be cut out by the vet. They told her regular brushing would’ve prevented the pain (and the vet bill!).

So, what do you actually need to do? First, grab the right tools: A slicker brush (with tiny, curved bristles) for working out small tangles, a metal comb for checking for hidden mats (focus on ears, armpits, and behind the legs—these spots get matted fastest), and a pair of blunt-tipped pet scissors (never use human scissors!) for trimming around the eyes or paws if fur gets too long. For frequency: Brush short sessions (5–10 minutes) every day—this is easier than trying to fix a week’s worth of tangles in one go. My cousin in New York City, who has a Lhasa Apso in her apartment, brushes while watching TV—her dog sits on her lap, gets a tiny peanut butter treat every few strokes, and now he even brings her the brush when it’s time. If you miss a day, don’t panic—just do a longer brush the next day, and go slow to avoid pulling.

Bathing is part of grooming too, but always brush first! Wet fur makes mats tighter, so spend 10 minutes working out tangles before turning on the water. Use a dog-specific shampoo (human shampoo dries their skin) and rinse thoroughly—leftover soap can cause itching. After the bath, pat them dry with a towel (avoid rubbing, which tangles fur) and use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting if they’ll let it—my friend in Texas uses a cool blow dryer for her Samoyed, who hates being cold, and gives him treats the whole time.

Now, let’s tie this to US rules and pet culture. First, compliance: Every state requires core vaccines (like rabies) by 4 months old—wait until your puppy’s vaccines are fully active (usually 10–14 days after their last shot) before their first bath or full groom. Stress from grooming can weaken a young pup’s immune system, so take it slow with puppies—start with just brushing their paws and back to get them used to it. Also, always carry poop bags when you walk them—cities like Chicago and Seattle fine owners $100+ for leaving waste, and while you’re out, keep an eye on their fur: If they roll in mud or grass, brush it out as soon as you get home to avoid mats (and keep your apartment clean!).

Culturally, never punish your dog for resisting grooming. If they pull away or whine, don’t hold them tight or raise your voice—positive reinforcement is how we care for dogs here. The ASPCA says punishment makes dogs fear grooming forever, but small rewards (treats, praise, a favorite toy after) turn it into a bonding moment. My coworker in Arizona had a Golden Retriever who hated brushing—she started giving him a Kong toy filled with peanut butter during sessions, and now he lies down happily.

If you live in an apartment, small-space hacks help: Lay a old towel or rubber mat on the floor while brushing to catch loose fur (easy to shake into the trash later), and keep a lint roller handy for furniture. For community areas: When you walk your groomed dog, avoid letting them roll in dirty spots—this keeps their coat clean longer, and your neighbors (especially those with allergies) will appreciate less loose fur in the elevator or hallway.

At the end of the day, grooming long-haired dogs is about patience, not perfection. A little daily care will keep their coat shiny, their skin healthy, and your home (mostly) fur-free. And remember—every time you brush, you’re checking in on their health too: You might spot a tick, a sore, or a mat before it becomes a problem. That’s what being a great dog parent is all about!