Is it a good idea to teach a customer to brush & comb their dog, if so why?

• A. No, customers should not brush at home
• B. Maybe, but only for short-haired dogs
• C. Yes! To prevent knots & matting between visits
• D. Only if the dog is calm

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that teaching a client to brush and comb their dog creates a team approach to coat care that keeps the dog comfortable and helps prevent problems between professional visits. Regular brushing at home reduces the formation of knots and mats, which can tighten, pull on the skin, and be painful to remove later. When owners know how to brush properly, mats are caught early, the coat stays healthier, and grooming sessions go more smoothly because there’s less aggressive mat removal or long detangling work for the groomer to do.

This isn’t limited to any one coat type—pets with long, curly, or double coats, as well as those with shorter coats, can develop tangles if brushing is neglected. It also isn’t solely about the dog’s temperament; with proper technique, even anxious or energetic dogs can be taught to tolerate brushing, which reduces stress for both dog and owner over time.

So, teaching owners to brush and comb between visits best supports coat condition, comfort, and efficient grooming sessions, which is why this is the recommended approach.