Hey guys, I've got 7 months old pup called Barkley. So far the matts are winning 10-0... I've increased brushing but they just keep appearing.
Would anyone be able to recommend any tips on how to tame them, maybe there's a brush that works magic? I'm starting to think my one might not reach the deepest parts of his fur.
Thanks so much!! X
Posted Nov 10, 2022, 9:12 AM UTC
We have a metal wide tooth comb that, for whatever reason, our OES actually really loves. If I try the daily brushing with a brush he’s not having it at all but as long as I use the comb only, he happily lays there and lets me brush for as long as I need to. As long as I stick to every day brushing it’s only like 10 minutes a day. As someone else mentioned, it may just be that he’s transitioning from his puppy fur which is just a tough time in general. Has he been to a groomer yet?
A comb sounds great, I will have a look for one thank you! No to the groomers yet, they're all booked out at least 3 months in advance where I live at the moment... having to learn everything myself, luckily I like challenges!
Totally get it, our groomer is booked out like 3 months in advance too! We had to have him shaved to a short puppy cut after the switch from pup coat to adult coat, just couldn’t keep up with the mats, but he’s been good since then
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I’ve found those matt cutter brushes are awesome.
Thank you!!
Puppy hair is almost impossible to keep clean. Their coats change and are less matted once they get to about 1.5-2 years. Just gotta cut that puppy coat off
This: https://www.chewy.com/safari-de-matting-dog-comb/dp/155265
It slices right through mats. It will take time, but whatever you do please please try NOT to cut the dogs fur (other than where necessary like around eyes, genitals, bottom of feet).
And yep to needing to part the hair in order to get down through the layer of fur. It’s a process!
Also use a conditioner in addition to shampoo.
Matting rakes are amazing. Completely changed my brushing routine.
thanks I haven't thought about conditioner! Got something similar to these cutters now so hopefully we'll get back on track. Can I ask why you said not to cut the fur?
I have found the simple answer is they take at least 10 mins a day of combing out, and you want to concentrate on the problem areas. For me that is behind the ears and rear legs and hocks and the back of the front legs. They seem to electrostatically attract every burdock and briar in about 2 miles of them, and those need to be removed ASAP or you will have very big issues. I moved the comb into the bathroom so I can do two thigs at once so to speak. I spend far more time on her hair than I do on mine. I also use the groomer every 3 months or so, she does an amazing job.
You need to part the fur to make sure you’re brushing and combing all the way to the skin. Also, your pup is probably transitioning from the puppy coat to the adult coat - it’s a tough time and mats are more likely to occur right now.
The Old English Sheepdog Club of South Eastern Wisconsin made some video tutorials on brushing and coat care. They may help you learn the techniques to use.
Thanks so much for your advise I will look through videos now. I think it's likely the transition time too he's starting to get more fluffy :)
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