Every job needs the proper tools ~ below are the very basic and will work on all harsh or wire coated breeds
* Make sure to also read "Why we should groom"

Back row (l-r): Mason Pearson natural boars bristle brush; metal "greyhound' combs, 1½ & 2" coarse/medium & medium/fine; slicker brush
Front row: 4" Shears, Stripping knives, medium & fine, guillotine nail clippers

 A Grooming table is a must.  You will need an arm with one or two nooses to hold the dog in place.  I also use a high stool to set on instead of standing. A dog in a double noose, one to contol the head and the other to keep the dog standing

Now that we have our tool and equipment let's look at some techniques ~
First if the dog is matted DO NOT bathe it first.  Bathing makes the mats "set" harder and it more difficult to remove them without cutting them off.   I have always found it better to comb the dog out than to brush them.  Use the long wide toothed wide metal comb.  If the coat is long, start at the ends of the hair a section at a time.  As each section is combed free move on to another section.

Once the dog is fully combed out, then brush him.  Always comb and brush in the direction of the hair growth.  Use the slicker on the body, face and legs, but use the bristle brush on the tender underside.  Pay close attention to the "arm pits" and between the toes. 

You can now bathe the dog if he really needs it.  Bathe in a tepid water and use a shampoo that is made for harsh coats.  I prefer to start plucking and shaping a "dirty" coat as will lay flatter.

Step back and take a good look at your dog.  Remember we just want to "clean up" his outline and if we are preparing to show the dog, we want to accent his positive points and diminish his faults.  What is your dog's weaknesses and strengths?

Take a look at these drawing to see the look we want to achieve.

You will need a comb and make a section of hair where you want to begin.  Here are a couple of examples of what to look for when we talk about the longest layer of hair ~

Note the white dots above.  Pull the hairs that stick out past the dots.

To pluck the coat, roll a little coat up between you thumb and forefinger and then pull out the longer hairs.

You can either support the hair between you fingers or

pull the skin back to pick at the coat without hurting the dog
   

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