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How to Brush a Dog

* Brush Your Dog Daily *

Did you know brushing your Miniature Schnauzer will only take you a few minutes if you do it everyday? Plus it will keep your Schnauzer's skin and coat healthy, shiny, and mat free.

That's right. It would only take you about 10 minutes to brush your Schnauzer out every day and the pay-offs are huge.

There are so many benefits to brushing your dog, it just doesn't make sense not to.

Dog Brushing Benefits

Here are just some of the great benefits to brushing your Schnauzer daily:

Improves circulation
Distributes the body's natural oils
Removes grass, pollen, and other bothersome elements
Removes dead and loose hair
Keeps their coat cleaner longer
Provides an opportunity to check for bumps, lumps, or other skin problems that may need addressing
Prevents tangles and mats
Strengthens the bond between you and your Schnauzer

Brushing your dog is important for your Schnauzer's overall health as well. Mats and tangles in your Schnauzer's coat can lead to skin problems, irritations or rashes. And as stated above, brushing provides you a great opportunity to check for any other health concerns that may need veterinary care before they manifest into bigger health problems.

Dog Brushes & Dog Combs

So what type of dog brush do you need to use on your Miniature Schnauzer? There are basically 3 types of brushes:

Bristle Brush which works well for everyday grooming to remove dirt and help your Schnauzer's coat develop a polished shine.
Wire Pin Brush is best for dogs with medium to long hair and curly coats and makes for a nice finishing tool.
Slicker Brush which is used to break up tangles and mats in medium to long-haired dogs.

A good bristle brush is great for everyday grooming to remove dirt and help your Schnauzer's coat develop a polished shine.	A pin brush is useful for daily brushing of your Schnauzer. Also a great for finishing tool.
This slicker brush is used by veterinarians and professional groomers for pets with sensitive skin and coats. Removes mats, tangles, and dead unwanted hair.	A grooming comb can be used on any type of coat to help remove loose undercoat hair, tangles, mats and other debris. They are also handy for separating the coat during trimming or styling.

How to Brush Your Miniature Schnauzer

Most Schnauzers loved to be brushed, but if yours doesn't you can easily get your Schnauzer to accept the process by following these simple rules:

Brush Daily - By brushing your Miniature Schnauzer out daily he will learn to accept the process.
Be Gentle - While brushing, don't yank or pull on your Schnauzer's coat. Take your time and be gentle, particularly around sensitive areas like the face, ears, and tail.
Speak Calmly - Never force or yell at your Schnauzer if he resists grooming. While brushing out your Miniature Schnauzer, speak to him in a calm sweet voice that's always reassuring.
Create a Relaxing Atmosphere - Choose a comfortable place in your home to brush your Miniature Schnauzer. Have all the necessary tools on hand plus a few treats! You can also use the Comfort Zone W/D.A.P. Diffuser which has been proven to reduce or completely stop stress-related behaviors.
Reward the Activity - Reward your Schnauzer during and after grooming sessions so he begins to look forward to his daily dog brushing sessions.

Whether you are brushing your Miniature Schnauzer on a table or the floor, first put in place a soft, thick, comfy towel for him to lay on.

Now have your Schnauzer lay on one side and just start the process by using hand strokes only and speaking softly to your Schnauzer. This will relax him down a bit. Now take the bristle brush and begin with soft gentle strokes in an area of least sensitivity.

Brush slowly and if you come across a mat, decide if its manageable or not. If you have a particularly difficult mat or tangle, the most humane thing to do is just cut it out. Remember, you want your Miniature Schnauzer to enjoy the experience.

Dog Brushing Tip: Use a detangling spray to help smooth out tangles and mats. And always brush your Miniature Schnauzer out before a bath. Mats and tangles that get wet will tighten making them that much harder remove.

Once one side is complete have your Schnauzer turn over and repeat the process on the other side.

You want to make sure you brush your Schnauzer's head, ears, beard, chest, front legs, back, sides,tummy, hindquarters, and tail. All the while checking for any skin problems that you may need to address with your vet.

Dog Brushing Tip: Don't brush your Schnauzer too hard. Besides making your Schnauzer miserable and causing him pain it could irritate the area and cause a red rash or slicker burn under the coat or you could create an abrasion that lead to sores and hot spots.

Remember, the more often you brush your Miniature Schnauzer, the less time you will spend doing it. You'll also catch all those nasty mats and tangles before they even have a chance to develop.

Brushing your dog daily will also strengthen the trust and bond between you and your Schnauzer. Plus your Schnauzer will learn to accept the process as part of a daily routine the two of you share.

The Big Finale:

After your Miniature Schnauzer is brushed out and tangle free, he will be gorgeous. And you know what else? HE knows it too! Your Schnauzer will prance around like a king! Be sure to reward him big time with a yummy treat and perhaps a stroll around the neighborhood. You'll enjoy this too as you will be the recipient of lots of compliments.

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