A Short Dog Brushing Routine

A short dog brushing routine works because you can actually keep it up. Pick a quiet spot, brush for about 10 minutes (our estimate), give treats along the way, and stop if your dog isn’t enjoying it. Short and steady beats long and rare.

The 10-minute dog brushing routine

1. Set the spot. A mat or towel in a quiet room, same spot, same time.
2. Warm up. Use the mitt or a soft brush for a few strokes, then give a treat.
3. Use your main tool. On short coats, brush against the direction of growth to loosen dead hair, then with it to remove it. On double coats, use the slicker first and the rake for the undercoat.
4. Comb to check. Use a light touch. Brush the hair, not the skin.
5. Do the quick health check. See below.
6. Finish on a high. End with a treat and something your dog loves.

Not sure which tool to use? Pick the right brush for the coat first.

How often should I brush my dog?

The sources differ, which is why a range is more honest than one number.

Source	What it says
ASPCA	Smooth short coat weekly; long silky coat daily; long coats that mat daily
PDSA	Long-haired dogs once a day; short-haired dogs twice a week
AKC	Heavy shedders several times a week or daily at peak; double coats at least weekly

Start in the range for your dog’s coat, then use a simple log to adjust. If you’re unsure, ask your groomer or vet what suits your dog’s coat and skin.

Peak-shedding weeks and the quick health check

Heavy shedders may need brushing daily at peak. Make it a few minutes at a time.

Grooming doubles as a quick check for lumps, skin changes and weight. Look for lumps, parasites, red or flaky skin, new bald patches and any smell at the skin. Take a dated photo of anything new and call your vet if you’re unsure.

How to get a dog used to being brushed

If your dog isn’t enjoying the routine, teach it in small steps, based on the Dogs Trust handling method: short, frequent sessions in a quiet place, a treat right after each touch, and a step back whenever your dog seems worried. The six-step ladder is our adaptation.

1. Touch a spot your dog likes. Treat.
2. Hold a soft brush still on the body, remove it, treat.
3. One slow stroke. Treat.
4. Three strokes, then treat.
5. Add a leg and the belly, one new area at a time.
6. The full routine, with treats between.

Move up when your dog stays loose and relaxed, and about 8 out of 10 tries are calm (our rule of thumb). Stop and step back when your dog moves away, stiffens, turns their head, licks their lips, yawns or goes still. Belly, legs, tail and ears come last.

What never to do

Never pin your dog down, scold, hold a stressed dog for “just one more minute” or pull a brush through a mat. Fear and pain can look like bad behavior, and force teaches your dog to dread the brush. Wet fur mats more, so comb before a bath.

A note on nails and ears

This routine covers the coat only. For nail care and ear care, ask your vet or groomer to show you what suits your dog. Don’t use cotton swabs, powders or home mixtures in the ears.