Regular grooming at home keeps your dog's coat tidy, helps you spot skin or paw problems early and, done calmly, becomes something most dogs look forward to. You don't need a grooming table or an hour: short sessions work best.
What you'll need
- A slicker brush (removes loose hair and small tangles)
- A steel comb and a fine-tooth comb (to check for knots, and for the face and paws)
- Rounded grooming scissors (for the hair between paw pads)
- A dog nail clipper
- A dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste
- A rubber bath brush and dog shampoo
- Treats and a non-slip surface, like a towel or bath mat
Before you start
Pick a quiet moment, ideally after a walk when your dog is relaxed. Keep treats close and reward calm behavior throughout. If your dog gets stressed, stop and try again later: short, positive sessions build trust.
The 15-minute routine
- Brush (5 minutes). With the slicker brush, use light, short strokes in the direction of hair growth: back, sides, chest, legs, tail. Never press the pins hard into the skin.
- Comb through (3 minutes). Run the steel comb through the same areas. If it snags, go back to the brush on that spot.
- Face and paws (2 minutes). Use the fine-tooth comb gently around the face and ears.
- Tidy the paws (2 minutes). Trim long hair between the paw pads with rounded scissors, tips pointing away from your dog. Only cut hair you can see clearly.
- Nails (3 minutes). Trim just the tips. See our nail trimming guide.
Teeth and bath
Brush teeth with a dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. At bath time, a rubber brush helps work shampoo into the coat and loosen shed hair. Rinse thoroughly and brush again once your dog is dry.
How often?
- Short coats: brushing once or twice a week is usually enough.
- Medium and double coats: several times a week, and more during shedding season.
- Nails: check every 1–2 weeks and trim when needed.
Very thick double coats (huskies, for example) may also need an undercoat rake. If you notice skin redness, lumps, ear odor or anything unusual, check with your vet.
Everything in one case: the Complete At-Home Grooming Kit includes a slicker brush, rubber bath brush, two combs, a nail clipper, grooming scissors, a double-ended toothbrush and a travel bowl in one zip case, plus our free step-by-step guide. Free US shipping and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
This article is general grooming advice, not veterinary advice.