Hey there folks, Terrie from TLC here, sharing more tips, tricks and how to’s on grooming your dog.

Today I am going to share with you the tools that every single groomer on the planet will advise, suggest, recommend, insist that you purchase for brushing AND COMBING!  Please, please, please do not skip the comb purchase. It’s a big deal. So let’s dive into it.

Best Dog Brushes to Use

Pretty much the only brush that I use on ALL dogs is a slicker brush.  Regardless of the breed, my go to brush is a “Slicker Brush.” Now, having said that, it is important for you to recognize that no two slicker brushes are the same.  Some are amazing and some are a total waste of time, effort and money.

My two favourite go to slicker brushes are the “Miracle Coat” Slicker AND “Chris Christenson’s Long Pin Slicker, Size LARGE In CORAL.”  I know that’s a mouthful but Chris Christenson makes A LOT of brushes folks. They are VERY expensive but here’s the thing. You will never ever need another brush for the rest of your life.  Yes, it is that mind blowingly fantastic.

Slicker Brush for Dogs

I use my “Miracle Coat” slicker in the SMALL size equally as often and for $13 it’s a heck of a work horse for me.  I love love love that brush and be careful with it. It has some serious bite to it, so you want to pay attention when you are using it.

Slicker Brush for Dogs Photo by TLC Dog Grooming

Best Dog Combs to Use

I use my metal comb interchangeably with my slicker brush.  Again, no two metal combs are the same and it takes a while to sort out which one is a good fit for you.  The first on the list of NOT a good fit is any metal comb with a handle.  

Seriously, this one is on my top 10 list of the most annoying and frustrating conversations I have with pet parents.  The metal combs with a wooden handle, plastic handle, any kind of a handle are lousy. Seriously, don’t buy them, even if it’s only $3.   They way that they are constructed does not support you in finding knots, tangles and mats. Which is the entire purpose of the metal comb.

Your metal comb is your “lie detector.”  It tells you how good of a job you have done with your slicker brush.  If you have a crappy slicker brush OR you’ve done a crappy job with your good slicker brush OR anything in between.  That metal comb will detect:

Combing through a dogs hair with TLC Dog Grooming

  • All the lies you tell yourself of what a great job you’ve done. (I am humbled dailey by my GREYHOUND comb)
  • When you think your brush is doing a great job.  A greyhound comb will confirm or reject the notion immediately.

Demo: How to Brush and Comb Your Dog

I recorded a two part YouTube video with my friend and client “Archie” the Goldendoodle.  His Mamma is working like heck to keep him looking sexy and believe me, she has her work cut out for her. 

She has been a client of mine for over 18 years and Archie here is her second dog with me. He is a lot of work and this family is working hard to do it right, so I wanted to do a little something special to express my gratitude to them.

Brushing and Combing Demo with Archie, the Goldendoodle, Part 1

Keep an eye out for Part 2 of the next “Archie” video.  I’ll have to check to see when he’s available, he has a very hectic social calendar!

Where I buy my brushes and combs:

These are not affiliate links. The preferences listed below are what I prefer to use in my salon. I’ve shared them with you to use as a guide in acquiring your own quality set of brushes and combs.

Miracle Coat Brush that I get from “Ren’s Pets” here in Canada: 🔗 Link to Rens Pets Website

The other brush is “Chris Christenson’s” that I buy from a local distributor: 🔗 Link to Wheatley Wares Website

Greyhound Aluminum comb that I also get from “Ren’s Pets:”
🔗 Link to Rens Pets Website


Struggling to brush and comb your dog at home? Too playful, afraid…and no amount of treats seem to work? I share pro tips to make brushing and combing an easier part of your at-home grooming routine.


I hope you’ve found this information helpful. Let us know how this strategy is working out for you and your dog. What’s working for you? What’s not working for you?   

Big Love,

Terrie