“Line Brushing” is a technique recommended for brushing on curly-coated or long-haired dogs. It works great for the dense areas such as the topknot, shoulders, and hips of your poodle. Brushing thoroughly down to the skin is impossible without line brushing. It may sound like a slow and tedious task, but it saves a lot of time once you get the hang of it. You can read more about it at DogStruggles.
GROOMING TABLES FOR DOG BRUSHING
The best way for you to brush you poodle is to firstly buy the best dog brush and secondly place it on an elevated surface that is skid-free. A range of dog grooming tables is available in the market from budget-friendly to high-end grooming tables. Any sturdy and secure surface will be good enough for dog brushing as long as it is big enough for your poodle and is not slippery.
STEP BY STEP DOG BRUSHING INSTRUCTIONS
First of all, have a system. Using a systematic approach with the dog brush will make your poodle comfortable with the process, and she will know what to expect.
STEP 1 – CONDITIONER
Using a spray conditioner, begin with lightly spraying it on your poodle’s coat. This step is optional but is highly recommended. It helps to
- rehydrate the hair
- detangle
- eliminate static
- restore hair sheen
STEP 2 – LIGHT OVERALL DOG BRUSHING
Using a Pin Brush, begin with a light dog brushing. Pin Brush is a styling brush but is also recommended for detangling for the long-haired dogs.
A slicker brush is also preferred by some groomers. This step is not for getting down to the skin. It is just to get the hair moving in the right direction. It helps in assessing the degree of tangle and matting.
STEP 3 – LINE BRUSHING
Now for thorough brushing, use a pin brush. Although some groomers do prefer a slicker brush, it is just a matter of personal preference.
LINE BRUSHING – HEAD TO TOE TOP KNOT
Begin from the top knot’s back – form apart and lay the hair back away from where you want to brush first. Take small sections at a time. Brush the first small section thoroughly till it is tangle-free.
Then form a new part and brush it thoroughly till it is tangle-free. Continue this way till you have worked through the entire topknot. Finish it off by combing through with a combination coarse/fine metal tooth comb. The coarse side helps gently remove the remaining mats, and the fine side helps remove loose hair.
EARS TAIL
LEGS
SIDES,BACK and NECK
POODLE GROOMING TIP: Do not struggle to remove the tough mats with a comb. Use the brush again or a de-matting tool.
STEP 4 – FINISHING BRUSH
A Boar Bristle Brush works great for the final step in dog brushing. It removes all the fine cottony hairs that the comb had missed. It also removes dust and redistributes the natural oils throughout the coat.
DEMATTING
If your poodle has a too tight mat to loosen gently with a brush or comb, then don’t struggle with it. It will only discomfort your dog. Use a de-matting tool instead. A de-matting tool has sharp blades that can cut through any mat while protecting the dog’s skin.
VOILA!!! You are done with your poodle dog brushing!
