Can You Walk Your Dog In The Rain?
15.09.23 September 15, 2023 Owning a Dog

Can You Walk Your Dog In The Rain?

Walks are an essential part of dog ownership and are a good thing to do every day to keep your dog’s health in check and prevent them from becoming frustrated or upset. Unfortunately, the weather can be one of the dog owner’s greatest foes, and when torrential rain strikes, you may be left wondering whether it’s worth potentially falling out with your dog by refusing to take them for a walk if it means avoiding heavy showers. Continuing your usual routine is likely to benefit your dog if it means they’re having walks like they normally would. But before taking them out for a dog walk in the rain, you may want assurances that they won’t become ill or suffer in any way, shape or form by being exposed to the rain. Below, we explain why it’s perfectly safe to walk your dog in the rain, how you can do this and what you can do if your dog is frightened of walking in the rain.   Do Dogs Like Rain? This varies massively from dog to dog, some adventurous pups love to play in the rain and jump in puddles, where as others would much prefer to be cuddled up inside in the warm and dry.  Signs that your dog loves the rain include sitting at the door when it's raining waiting to go out, wagging their tail when they're in the rain and being their usual selves even when it's raining - this shows they have no fear or anxiety about the rain. Signs that your dog isn't a fan of the rain can include panting, hiding, shaking, whining or pacing round. A lot of dogs associate the rain with the uncomfortable sensation of being wet so begin to build up negative associations with it. When they're puppies it's a good to train them to enjoy being in the rain by encouraging them to play in the rain and go out in it and reward them for doing so.    Can I Walk My Dog In The Rain? Depending on the breed, some dogs require a certain level of exercise. Daily walks are a way of fulfilling these requirements while keeping your dog emotionally, mentally and physically stimulated. However, if it’s raining, you may be concerned that taking your dog for a walk could have a negative impact on their health and wellbeing. And as the UK is prone to extended periods of rainfall, delaying your dog’s walking routine during an especially wet period could go on for any length of time. Although you may be concerned that your pooch will become unwell from being walked in the rain, it’s unlikely that a perfectly healthy dog will fall ill from being subjected to wet weather. A dog with a thicker coat is even less likely to be affected as it will take longer for the rain to make contact with their skin than that of a short-haired dog. Just as we'd put a coat on for a rainy walk, you can do the same with your dog and get them their very own rain jacket to help protect them. As long as you ensure that your dog is dried with a towel or drying coat and your home is warm once you return from your walk, it shouldn’t have any impact on your dog’s health.   Should You Walk Your Dog Every Day  Contrary to popular belief, dogs don't need walking every day. Walks are a great form of exercise for your dog and can be a valuable part of their routine but they don't need walking every single day. Some dogs thrive with fewer walks but more enrichment activities and exercise at home, this will massively depend on their breed and size. Missing a walk on a particularly rainy or hot day is okay, it's often better for your dog to stay home on these days.    How To Walk Your Dog In The Rain If it’s spring, the temperature is at a comfortable 15 degrees and it’s only lightly drizzling outside, walking your dog shouldn’t be impacted too much - and your dog may not even see much difference. But if it’s winter or autumn, freezing cold and raining cats and dogs, taking extra measures to improve the experience of your furry friend for trips out is likely to be worthwhile consideration.   Our Pet Expert's Tips For Walking Your Dog In The Rain: 1. Shorten the duration of the walk - Although it will depend on how bad the rain is, it could benefit your pooch to shorten the amount of time you’re out walking. If the rain is especially bad, your dog could be drenched from nose to tail in a matter of seconds, and if they have long fur, it could weigh them down and leave them uncomfortably coated in cold water. It can be difficult to work out how much you should cut down your walking time, but you should know what seems right to your dog, the breed and how it reacts to the rain. As a general rule of thumb, instead of taking your dog somewhere for a lengthy walk around a forest or village, take a more streamlined trip around your local area for ten minutes. 2. Stay away from puddles - During particularly rainy days, your dog is more likely to become wet, messy and mucky. However, if the rain doesn’t entirely drench them, a puddle might. You should always keep an eye on what your dog is getting up to on walks, but as muddy puddles can make your dog mucky and potentially carry bacteria that could cause harm to them if they use it as drinking water, it would be advisable to steer clear of them. 3. Dress them in a dog coat - You may think that a doggy coat is something you use to make your dog look extra snazzy and make a fashion statement to their furry pals, but they’re also important items of clothing for giving them protection against the cold and rain. Many dog coats attach around your dog’s back with velcro underneath to prevent them from slipping off, and they’re effective in keeping the rain off of their neck, back and legs. If you want extra protection for your dog, you could even dress them in little rain boots, but whether you’re able to do that is likely to be based on your dog’s willingness to comply. 4. Warm up your dog immediately after - As soon as you get back home from your walk, you should put your heating on, wrap a towel or drying coat around your dog and check that they’re warm and dry. This will be more important if your dog has taken badly to the rain, the rain was particularly severe or your dog has long fur that is entirely drenched, but it would be a suitable route to take for any dog, big or small. Don't forget their paws, make sure the fur in between the pads is completely dry as leaving this wet can lead to dermatitis for your dog.  When you’re drying your dog, you could even put a heating pad underneath their dog bed so they’ve got added heat, or if they’re due a bath anyway, you could use this as an opportunity to give them a proper clean. 5. Stimulate them indoors - If the rain is too heavy or your dog doesn't fancy going out, we recommend planning in some at home enrichment activities to help wear your dogs brain out. There's lots of fun ways to stimulate them at home, we've listed our favourite in our 'things to do at home with your dog' blog   Why Is My Dog Scared Of The Rain? While it’s one thing for you to decide to take your dog for a walk in the rain, it’s another if your dog is frightened of it. For one reason or another, some dogs are scared of the rain, and as a dog owner, it can be difficult to know how to get them to persevere through it during walks. Firstly, you should look to introduce your dog to rain from an early age so they’re aware of it and understand that sometimes it will be raining when they go outside. However, if your dog is past this stage in their life, you will need to go to extra lengths to get them used to the concept. To train a fully grown dog in being outside in the rain, you can start by getting them to experience the rain in your garden before venturing out on walks. If they’re still apprehensive about walks in the rain, coax them out using treats and toys, go for a short walk and then increase the length of time for each walk until they’re completely happy with them.

By Megan Willis

Read more

Walks are an essential part of dog ownership and are a good thing to do every day to keep your dog’s health in check and prevent them from becoming frustrated or upset. Unfortunately, the weather can be one of the dog owner’s greatest foes, and when torrential rain strikes, you may be left wondering whether it’s worth potentially falling out with your dog by refusing to take them for a walk if it means avoiding heavy showers.

Continuing your usual routine is likely to benefit your dog if it means they’re having walks like they normally would. But before taking them out for a dog walk in the rain, you may want assurances that they won’t become ill or suffer in any way, shape or form by being exposed to the rain. Below, we explain why it’s perfectly safe to walk your dog in the rain, how you can do this and what you can do if your dog is frightened of walking in the rain.

 

Do Dogs Like Rain?

Labrador on a walk in the rain

This varies massively from dog to dog, some adventurous pups love to play in the rain and jump in puddles, where as others would much prefer to be cuddled up inside in the warm and dry. 

Signs that your dog loves the rain include sitting at the door when it's raining waiting to go out, wagging their tail when they're in the rain and being their usual selves even when it's raining - this shows they have no fear or anxiety about the rain.

Signs that your dog isn't a fan of the rain can include panting, hiding, shaking, whining or pacing round. A lot of dogs associate the rain with the uncomfortable sensation of being wet so begin to build up negative associations with it. When they're puppies it's a good to train them to enjoy being in the rain by encouraging them to play in the rain and go out in it and reward them for doing so. 

 

Can I Walk My Dog In The Rain?

Depending on the breed, some dogs require a certain level of exercise. Daily walks are a way of fulfilling these requirements while keeping your dog emotionally, mentally and physically stimulated. However, if it’s raining, you may be concerned that taking your dog for a walk could have a negative impact on their health and wellbeing. And as the UK is prone to extended periods of rainfall, delaying your dog’s walking routine during an especially wet period could go on for any length of time.

Although you may be concerned that your pooch will become unwell from being walked in the rain, it’s unlikely that a perfectly healthy dog will fall ill from being subjected to wet weather. A dog with a thicker coat is even less likely to be affected as it will take longer for the rain to make contact with their skin than that of a short-haired dog. Just as we'd put a coat on for a rainy walk, you can do the same with your dog and get them their very own rain jacket to help protect them. As long as you ensure that your dog is dried with a towel or drying coat and your home is warm once you return from your walk, it shouldn’t have any impact on your dog’s health.

Dalmatian wearing a drying coat

 

Should You Walk Your Dog Every Day 

Contrary to popular belief, dogs don't need walking every day. Walks are a great form of exercise for your dog and can be a valuable part of their routine but they don't need walking every single day. Some dogs thrive with fewer walks but more enrichment activities and exercise at home, this will massively depend on their breed and size. Missing a walk on a particularly rainy or hot day is okay, it's often better for your dog to stay home on these days. 

 

How To Walk Your Dog In The Rain

If it’s spring, the temperature is at a comfortable 15 degrees and it’s only lightly drizzling outside, walking your dog shouldn’t be impacted too much - and your dog may not even see much difference. But if it’s winter or autumn, freezing cold and raining cats and dogs, taking extra measures to improve the experience of your furry friend for trips out is likely to be worthwhile consideration.

 

Our Pet Expert's Tips For Walking Your Dog In The Rain:

1. Shorten the duration of the walk - Although it will depend on how bad the rain is, it could benefit your pooch to shorten the amount of time you’re out walking. If the rain is especially bad, your dog could be drenched from nose to tail in a matter of seconds, and if they have long fur, it could weigh them down and leave them uncomfortably coated in cold water.

It can be difficult to work out how much you should cut down your walking time, but you should know what seems right to your dog, the breed and how it reacts to the rain. As a general rule of thumb, instead of taking your dog somewhere for a lengthy walk around a forest or village, take a more streamlined trip around your local area for ten minutes.

2. Stay away from puddles - During particularly rainy days, your dog is more likely to become wet, messy and mucky. However, if the rain doesn’t entirely drench them, a puddle might.

You should always keep an eye on what your dog is getting up to on walks, but as muddy puddles can make your dog mucky and potentially carry bacteria that could cause harm to them if they use it as drinking water, it would be advisable to steer clear of them.

3. Dress them in a dog coat - You may think that a doggy coat is something you use to make your dog look extra snazzy and make a fashion statement to their furry pals, but they’re also important items of clothing for giving them protection against the cold and rain.

Many dog coats attach around your dog’s back with velcro underneath to prevent them from slipping off, and they’re effective in keeping the rain off of their neck, back and legs. If you want extra protection for your dog, you could even dress them in little rain boots, but whether you’re able to do that is likely to be based on your dog’s willingness to comply.

4. Warm up your dog immediately after - As soon as you get back home from your walk, you should put your heating on, wrap a towel or drying coat around your dog and check that they’re warm and dry. This will be more important if your dog has taken badly to the rain, the rain was particularly severe or your dog has long fur that is entirely drenched, but it would be a suitable route to take for any dog, big or small.

Dalmatian being dried with drying mitts

Don't forget their paws, make sure the fur in between the pads is completely dry as leaving this wet can lead to dermatitis for your dog. 

When you’re drying your dog, you could even put a heating pad underneath their dog bed so they’ve got added heat, or if they’re due a bath anyway, you could use this as an opportunity to give them a proper clean.

5. Stimulate them indoors - If the rain is too heavy or your dog doesn't fancy going out, we recommend planning in some at home enrichment activities to help wear your dogs brain out. There's lots of fun ways to stimulate them at home, we've listed our favourite in our 'things to do at home with your dog' blog

 

Why Is My Dog Scared Of The Rain?

While it’s one thing for you to decide to take your dog for a walk in the rain, it’s another if your dog is frightened of it. For one reason or another, some dogs are scared of the rain, and as a dog owner, it can be difficult to know how to get them to persevere through it during walks.

Firstly, you should look to introduce your dog to rain from an early age so they’re aware of it and understand that sometimes it will be raining when they go outside. However, if your dog is past this stage in their life, you will need to go to extra lengths to get them used to the concept.

To train a fully grown dog in being outside in the rain, you can start by getting them to experience the rain in your garden before venturing out on walks. If they’re still apprehensive about walks in the rain, coax them out using treats and toys, go for a short walk and then increase the length of time for each walk until they’re completely happy with them.

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Plus, many shelters assess each dog’s behaviour, enabling you to find the perfect companion suited to your lifestyle and home environment. When you help to rehome a dog, you’re also making space in the shelter for another dog in need—an amazing way to pay it forward and support the wider animal rescue community. 2. Preparing Your Home Environment Before taking a rescue dog home, it’s crucial to prepare a calm, secure area where they can relax. Dogs thrive when they have a space they can call their own, whether it’s a cosy corner in the living room or a dedicated spot in the bedroom. Make sure it’s away from heavy foot traffic, and provide soft bedding or a crate lined with blankets if that helps the dog feel snug. Stock Up on Essentials: Have fresh water and nutritious dog food on hand, along with food and water bowls, toys, and grooming supplies. Don’t forget a collar or harness, lead, and identification tag. Check with the charity or shelter you are adopting your dog from to see what the dog is used to and what they like so you can make sure you’re prepared. Safety First: Inspect your home for potential hazards. Keep electrical cords tucked away, secure any low-lying cabinets that may contain cleaning supplies, and ensure any small objects or chewable items are out of reach. Consider an Anti-Anxiety Bed: Some rescue dogs may be especially nervous during their transition. Providing a specialised bed can help soothe them. Our Anti-Anxiety Dog Beds collection offers comfortable, soft beds designed to create a sense of security. The faux fur is perfect for cocooning your anxious pup to sleep. 3. Bringing Home Your New Dog from the Shelter The Journey Home The journey from the shelter to your home can be unsettling for a dog who’s already experienced upheaval. Bring a towel or blanket that carries a comforting scent from the shelter, if possible. This familiar smell can ease their anxiety during transport. Stay Calm and Confident: Dogs pick up on your emotions. If you’re calm, they’ll be more likely to remain relaxed too. Use a Secure Crate or Seatbelt Harness: Safety is paramount. A crate or dog seatbelt harness will prevent your new companion from moving around the car and help them feel more contained and secure. The Adopted Dog’s First Day Home The first day is critical in shaping your dog’s impression of their new environment. It’s normal for them to feel overwhelmed or anxious. Allow Exploration: Give your rescue dog time to sniff around and investigate at their own pace. Don’t force interaction if they seem hesitant; let them come to you when they’re comfortable. Limit Visitors: While it might be tempting to invite friends and family over to meet your new furry companion, it’s best to keep the environment calm and quiet, at least for the first few days. Establish Routines: Dogs thrive on routine. Begin establishing set times for meals, walks, and bedtime. This structure helps them understand what to expect and fosters a sense of security. 4. Training and Transition Tips for Bringing Home a Rescue Dog Positive Reinforcement When it comes to tips for bringing home a rescue dog, training is a top priority. Consistency and patience are key. Focus on positive reinforcement methods: Treats and Praise: Reward your dog with small treats, verbal praise, or gentle petting whenever they exhibit desired behaviour. Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and fun, especially in the early days when your dog is still adjusting. Avoid Punishment: Shouting or physical discipline can damage the trust you’re trying to build. Positive reinforcement yields better, more lasting results. House Training Basics Some adopted dogs may not be fully housetrained, or they might need a refresher course due to the stress of moving. Set a Schedule: Take your dog out at regular intervals (e.g., first thing in the morning, after meals, before bedtime). Choose a Spot: Use the same spot for toileting to create a scent marker, helping them understand where to go. Praise Immediately: Reward good behaviour right away so your dog associates going outside with positive outcomes. 5. Introducing Your Rescue Dog to Children and Other Pets Children Teach Boundaries: Educate children to approach slowly, use gentle voices, and respect the dog’s space—especially if the dog is shy or anxious. Supervise Interactions: During the early days, be sure to supervise all interactions to prevent accidents and misunderstandings. Show Calm Enthusiasm: Encourage children to remain calm and consistent. Overly excited behaviour can scare a new dog who’s still settling in. Other Pets Bringing home an adopted dog to a household with existing pets requires a slow, careful approach: Neutral Territory: Introduce dogs or other pets in a neutral space, like a park or a friend’s garden, so neither feels they must defend their home turf. Gradual Introduction: Keep initial interactions brief and positive. Reward both animals for calm behaviour around each other. Separate Spaces: Provide separate living or resting areas at first. Over time, as they become more comfortable, you can allow them greater freedom to mingle. 6. Supporting Your Rescue Dog’s Mental Health Transitioning to a new home can be overwhelming, especially for a rescue dog that might carry past traumas or anxieties. Ensuring they feel safe and loved is vital: Routine and Consistency: Regular mealtimes, walks, and bedtimes give your dog a sense of predictability. Calming Products: In addition to anti-anxiety dog beds, consider calming supplements or pheromone diffusers if you notice signs of stress (e.g., excessive panting, pacing, or whining). Professional Help: If your dog’s anxiety or fear seems significant, consult with a vet or professional dog behaviourist. Early intervention can make a world of difference. 7. Building a Lasting Bond Taking a rescue dog home is only the start of a lifelong friendship. Dogs thrive on companionship, so spend quality time bonding through play and gentle affection: Gentle Grooming: Regular grooming sessions can be a calming, bonding experience—just take care to handle your dog gently if they’re not used to it yet. Explore Together: Take walks in nature, visit dog-friendly cafes, and find safe places for off-lead play (where permitted) once you’re confident they’ll respond to recall. Celebrate Small Wins: Every small success—whether it’s learning a new command, going a day without accidents, or relaxing in their new bed—deserves celebration. These milestones are part of your shared journey. 8. Encouraging Relaxation at Home Finally, remember that creating a comfortable home environment is one of the best ways to help your new companion feel safe and secure. Many rescue dogs struggle with anxiety, especially during the initial adjustment period. One simple way to help is by providing a comforting bed designed specifically to calm and soothe. Explore Our Anti Anxiety Dog Beds At Lords & Labradors, we understand how important your dog’s wellbeing is. Our Anti-Anxiety Dog Beds collection features soft, faux-fur beds with plush padding. These beds can help your new dog feel enveloped and reassured, offering them a cosy hideaway whenever they’re feeling overwhelmed. Conclusion Bringing home an adopted dog from the shelter is a journey filled with excitement, compassion, and responsibility. From ensuring you have the right environment set up to easing them through the first few days in a new setting, each step you take will help your rescue dog settle in and flourish. By focusing on consistency, positive reinforcement, and understanding, you can help your new companion overcome any anxieties they may have and build a lifelong bond based on trust and love. Ready to Make Your Rescue Dog Feel Right at Home?
Check out our Anti-Anxiety Dog Beds to give your new family member a warm and comforting welcome. Your newly rehomed friend deserves the best start possible, and with the right preparation, support, and love, you’ll both be well on your way to a happy, fulfilling life together.

    By Megan Willis

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  • How to Choose the Best Brush for Your Dog: A Guide for Every Coat Type
    30.06.25 June 30, 2025 Health

    How to Choose the Best Brush for Your Dog: A Guide for Every Coat Type

    Grooming is an essential part of maintaining your dog’s health and happiness. From preventing painful tangles to keeping shedding under control, the right brush can make a huge difference in your routine. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the information you need—plus a few expert dog grooming tips—to help you choose the best brush for dog grooming based on your pup’s unique coat. Whether you have a short-haired, long-haired, curly-haired, wire-haired, silky-haired, or double-coated dog, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also explore how often you should brush your dog’s hair and how to introduce brushing to puppies or reluctant adult dogs. By the end, you’ll be well on your way to giving your pet the best grooming experience possible. Why the Right Brush Matters A brush is more than a grooming accessory—it’s a key tool that can help: Reduce Shedding: Regular brushing removes loose hairs before they end up on your furniture. Prevent Mats and Tangles: This is particularly important for long-haired and curly-haired breeds. Stimulate Healthy Skin and Coat: The gentle massaging action of brushing can improve blood circulation. Strengthen Your Bond: Grooming sessions can become a relaxing ritual that builds trust between you and your dog. With so many brushes on the market, it can be tricky to know which is the best brush for dog grooming. Understanding the specifics of your dog’s coat type is the first step in making the right choice. Best Brush for Short-Haired Dogs Short-haired breeds (like Beagles, Boxers, and Dalmatians) have smooth coats that lie close to the skin. While these dogs don’t typically form tangles, they can still shed a considerable amount. A bristle brush or a grooming glove is usually the best brush for short haired dogs because: Bristle Brush: The soft bristles help remove loose hair and distribute natural oils, leaving the coat shiny. Grooming Glove: These are great for deshedding your short haired dog. The knobbles in the silicone of the glove  help to gently pull away any loose hairs. These gloves can be used on wet or dry fur so are great for both every day grooms and after bath time. Dog Grooming Tip: Brush your short-haired dog at least once or twice a week to catch loose hairs and keep their coat looking sleek. Best Brush for Long-Haired Dogs Long-haired breeds (such as Shih Tzus, Collies, and Afghan Hounds) can develop mats and tangles if not brushed regularly. The best brush for long haired dogs typically falls under two categories: Pin Brush: Ideal for gently detangling without pulling on long hair. Slicker Brush: Contains fine, short wires close together to remove loose fur and tackle minor knots. A pin brush is often the first step in grooming a long-haired dog, followed by a slicker brush to tackle any remaining tangles. It’s important to brush daily or at least every other day to stay on top of mat formation. Best Brush for Curly-Haired Dogs Curly-haired breeds like Poodles, Labradoodles, and Bichon Frisés require a bit more care because their coats tend to tangle and mat quite easily. The best brush for curly haired dogs is usually a slicker brush with flexible pins, combined with a metal comb to ensure you reach every layer of their dense coat. Here’s why: Slicker Brush: Helps remove loose hair and can break up small mats. Metal Comb: Great for a final pass to catch any tangles the brush may have missed. For curly-coated dogs, brushing daily or at least 3-4 times a week is recommended to keep their coats free from painful mats. Best Brush for Wire-Haired Dogs Wire-haired breeds like Schnauzers and Wire Fox Terriers have rough, bristly coats that need specialised care. The best brush for wire haired dogs often includes: Slicker Brush: Ideal for removing loose hairs from the topcoat. Undercoat Rake: If your dog has a dense undercoat, a rake can help remove dead hairs from the lower layers. Stripping Knife (Optional): For some wire-haired breeds that require hand-stripping, like border terriers, this is a specialised tool groomers use to pluck out dead hairs, keeping the coat’s texture and colour vibrant. Wire-haired coats need brushing 1-2 times a week if they don’t require regular stripping. If your breed does need stripping, it’s often done every few months or more frequently depending on breed standards. Best Brush for Double-Coated Dogs Double-coated breeds (German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Huskies) have a dense undercoat beneath a longer topcoat. This thick coat sheds seasonally and can be quite a handful! The best brush for double coated dogs is typically: Undercoat Rake: Made specifically to reach the dense undercoat. Slicker Brush or Pin Brush: Follows the rake to smooth the topcoat and remove remaining loose fur. Aim to brush double-coated breeds at least twice a week, increasing frequency during heavy shedding seasons (often spring and fall). Best Brush for Silky-Haired Dogs Silky-coated breeds like Yorkies, Maltese, and Cocker Spaniels are known for their glossy, flowing locks. These dogs’ coats are prone to breakage, so selecting a gentle brush is essential. The best brush for silky haired dogs is often: Pin Brush: Look for one with rounded tips to protect their skin and hair. Slicker Brush (Soft Pins): Can be used carefully to work through any tangles. A comb can also help in keeping silky coats free of knots, particularly around the ears and the base of the tail. Brush these dogs daily or at least every other day to maintain that show-stopping shine. Best Brush for Puppies Puppies have delicate coats and sensitive skin, so the best brush for puppies is usually one that’s gentle and comforting. Options include: Soft Bristle Brush: Helps your puppy get used to the sensation of brushing without discomfort. Rubber Grooming Glove: Offers a calming massage and helps remove loose fur. Puppy grooming sessions should be short and positive, introducing the concept of brushing in a gradual manner. This sets them up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming. How Often Should I Brush My Dog’s Hair? “How often should I brush my dog’s hair?” is one of the most common questions dog owners ask. The frequency depends largely on your dog’s coat type and lifestyle: Short-Haired Breeds: 1-2 times per week. Long-Haired and Curly-Haired Breeds: At least every other day, often daily for thicker coats. Wire-Haired and Double-Coated Breeds: 1-2 times weekly, more often during heavy shedding seasons. Silky-Haired Breeds: Daily or every other day to avoid tangles. Puppies: 2-3 times a week to familiarise them with the process without overwhelming them. Keep in mind that if your dog frequently plays outside or has a tendency to pick up debris, you may need to increase your brushing schedule. Best Brush for My Dog’s Coat Type Summary Short-Haired Breeds: Grooming glove or a bristle brush Long-Haired Breeds: Pin brush and a slicker brush Curly-Haired Breeds: Slicker brush and a metal comb Wire-Haired Breeds: Slicker brush, undercoat rake and stripping knife Double-Coated Breeds: Undercoat rake, slicker brush and pin brush Silky-Coated Breeds: Pin brush and a soft pinned slicker brush Puppies: Soft bristle brush or rubber grooming glove How to Get a Dog Used to Having Their Hair Brushed Whether you’ve just adopted a rescue dog or you’re training a new puppy, the question of how to get a dog used to having their hair brushed is critical. Here are some helpful steps: Start Slowly: Let your dog sniff the brush before you begin. Offer treats or gentle praise to create a positive association. Short Sessions: Begin with brief brushing sessions—30 seconds to a minute—focusing on easy-to-reach areas like the back. Reward Good Behaviour: Treats, praise, or playtime make grooming feel more like a reward than a chore. Gradual Progress: Over time, slowly extend the brushing to sensitive areas like the belly, ears, and tail. Positive Reinforcement: If your dog shows signs of anxiety, take a break and try again later, always ending on a positive note. Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dog Brushes Choosing the right brush is key to a pleasant, stress-free grooming routine. By understanding your dog’s coat type and following these dog grooming tips, you can keep their coat looking healthy and shiny while preventing uncomfortable mats and excess shedding. Ready to give your furry friend the royal grooming treatment? Browse our full collection of dog brushes and combs here. You’ll find a variety of brush types to suit every coat, plus other grooming essentials to make bath time and brushing easier than ever. With the right tools, a little patience, and some knowledge of your pup’s unique needs, you’ll soon have a happy, healthy dog that looks and feels fantastic every single day.

    By Megan Willis

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