Make Your Golden Retriever’s Day Better with Attentive Brushing

If Golden Retriever owner’s were to share a common complaint, it would probably involve grooming. Goldens’ long dense double coats, while definitely beautiful, are a lot of work to maintain. Outdoor activities result in tangled/matted coats. With heavy shedding several times per year and moderate shedding the remainder of the time, Windy Knoll Goldens is kept busy brushing our AKC Golden Retrievers. Winsome 11 month old Izzy (pictured above) is one of our many dogs who enjoys brushing. Here are few suggestions to help develop an attentive brushing process and keep your golden’s coat lustrous and healthy.

1. Organize all of your grooming equipment and store in an easily accessible place. There are expert opinions about what tools are needed, but your grooming kit should at least include these essentials items: slicker brush, grooming/undercoat rake, and thinning shears/scissors.
2. If weather allows, it is best to brush outdoors in a sheltered location. When grooming indoors, keep a Shop-Vac style vacuum handy and avoid all areas with carpet.
3. Decide on the cleaning order. Some groomers think it wisest to brush first before bathing. Others prefer the opposite. Do what is most suitable for your setup.
4. Remember that your golden retriever has a unique double coat: dense fluffy undercoat and longer smooth topcoat. Slicker brushes will help remove the tangles and mats that often form on the top layer. Undercoat rakes are more aggressive and can groom deeper.
5. Don’t try to brush/rip out intense tangles or mats. This can be very painful for your dog. Washing can help soften/loosen these mats but often it is necessary to use your thinning shears. Carefully clip away these bad mats or gnarled tangles and remove excess hair.
6. Monitor your dog’s coat and brush regularly. Most skin and coat problems develop when brushing and grooming are neglected. A brief daily brush is beneficial and most goldens require a more thorough weekly grooming.

Attentive brushing and grooming improves with practice. Consult experienced groomers, make your brushing time fun, and take advantage of time it provides with your dog. We welcome your tips and suggestions for brushing/grooming and always love when you share your dog photos and videos with us.