Brushing should be quiet bonding time. If your dog hides, wriggles or mouths your hand as soon as the brush appears, they're telling you something. The good news: most brushing battles have a simple cause, and most can be fixed in about a week.
1. The brush is uncomfortable
Slicker brushes have fine metal pins that reach the undercoat. Used with too much pressure, especially on short-coated or thin-skinned dogs, the pins can scratch or pull. Watch for flinching, licking the spot afterwards, or red patches on the skin.
Fix: use light, short strokes and let the pins glide through the coat rather than pressing them into the skin. Test the pressure on the inside of your own forearm first.
2. Mats are being pulled
Brushing over a mat tugs the skin underneath, which hurts. Hold the hair at the base of the mat with your fingers so the skin isn't pulled, and work from the tips inward. Large or tight mats are a job for a professional groomer.
3. Sessions are too long
A 20-minute session can feel endless to a wriggly dog. Keep sessions to about 5 minutes and stop while your dog is still relaxed. Short and frequent beats long and rare.
4. A bad past experience
Dogs remember. If a past session hurt, the brush itself can become a warning sign. Rebuild trust slowly with treats and calm praise (see the 7-day plan below).
5. Sore joints or sensitive spots
Older dogs may find standing still uncomfortable. Let them lie on a soft mat while you brush, and go gently around hips, legs, belly and tail.
6. Bad timing
Trying to brush an excited dog rarely works. Brush after a walk or play session, when your dog is tired and settled.
The 7-day re-introduction plan
- Days 1–2: show the brush, give a treat, put it away. No brushing.
- Days 3–4: touch the back of the brush to your dog's shoulder, then treat.
- Day 5: one gentle stroke on the back, then treat.
- Day 6: five strokes, with a treat after each few.
- Day 7: a calm 2–3 minute session. Stop before your dog gets restless.
A lick mat makes this much easier. Spread a little wet food or xylitol-free peanut butter on a silicone lick mat and let your dog lick while you brush. Licking is naturally calming, and your dog learns that brushing time means a treat.
Choosing a brush that makes grooming easier
Look for a brush with a comfortable grip, so you can use light, controlled strokes, and one that's easy to clean, so you're not picking hair out of pins mid-session. Our self-cleaning slicker brush releases the collected fur with one press of a button, and our deshedding slicker brush has a non-slip handle for steady, gentle strokes. Pair either one with a round lick mat 2-pack for a calm grooming routine.
Tip: brushes, lick mats and toys are part of our Bundle & Save collection. Add any 3 and get 15% off automatically.
For more on technique and how often to brush, read Brushing Your Dog or Cat: A Simple Guide to Less Shedding.
When to see a vet
If your dog suddenly reacts to touch in one area, or you notice sores, hair loss, lumps or constant scratching, book a vet visit. Pain during brushing can be a sign of a skin or joint problem.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Always ask your vet about your own pet's needs.