Reddit mentions of Undercoat Rake Large - grooming for dogs and cats

How bad is bad? I love working with the big shaggy dogs, definitely what I miss most.

Are we talkin' blowing coat? Can you grab his coat and chunks of it comes out, or is it thick and mashed together (matted) and you can't get your fingers down to his skin?

If he's in bad shape and you don't know where to start, the best thing would be to see a professional and then pick up the maintenance from there. High velocity dryers that groomers have are able to really make a huge impact in blowing out coat without brushing your dog to boredom or sensitivity. If there's any way at all you can get him in somewhere for a good bath and brush, I'd recommend that. Going to be a lot easier on your dog since getting the big dudes like that cleaned up properly can be a bitch (as a professional, I used to regularly spend three to four hours on my Pyrenees, long haired Akita, Newfie customers).

Since that's probably not an option and you're stuck trying to clean up something that's gotten out of hand, take it in pieces.

So if he's blowing coat, definitely workable from home. Results may not be as nice, but with the right tools and patience, you can get there. If he's matted (and I sincerely doubt he is, but I have to ask because I've seen some weird shit), then he needs to go to a groomer.

Brushes:

• Undercoat Rake - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soft-Protection-Salon-Grooming-Undercoat/dp/B003GL10DQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404246477&sr=8-4&keywords=undercoat+rake
  
  
• Coat King - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Groom-Professional-Tooth-Coat-Medium/dp/B00B596JGY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404246519&sr=8-3&keywords=coat+king
  
  
• Slicker Brush - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mikki-Slicker-Thick-Coats-Medium/dp/B003QZVJIS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1404246579&sr=8-7&keywords=slicker+brush
  
  Helpers are awesome, treats are totally worth it to make your dude happy. I can't see your dog, I have no idea what's up, but if I had my faroite akita ever that I used work with, here's what I'd do for him:
  
  Start from the bottom of a back leg with the undercoat rake. With your off hand, hold up the hair, with the rake, pull the hair down and brush it out. Doing it like this will help you know you're getting all the way through his coat, to the skin. Also a great way to get to know your dog again and check for cuts, scrapes, bites, lumps and bumps. I've had to be the bearer of bad news for more than one client, "Heeeey.. did you know Molly has a walnut sized lump right here?"
  
  If things are tight, use that slicker brush to help work things out and loosen them up. Quick, definitive brushing. Don't pussy around it, don't be afraid to brush. Obviously don't apply pressure and cut up your dog, but I know slicker brushes seem awful and most people are overly timid.
  
  Keep going.
  
  And brush more.
  
  And more. Ok, now you've done one side from bottom to top, do the other.
  
  Between the rake and a slicker brush you should be able to get through anything. I like using a coat king also, just depends on the dog. Sometimes I have better luck with one than the other, always nice to have both accessible.
  
  Brush until your arms are falling off, cause that's probably what it'll take. But maybe not. Try not to spend more than 10-15 minutes in an area, it can be fatiguing for the dog and you might also irritate their skin. That's not fun.
  
  Once everything's all brushed, give 'em a good once over with the slicker brush to catch loose hair.
  
  Voila.
  
  Hopefully that worked.
  
  Of course, this is all assuming your dog has medium to long hair like this dude here.
  
  That's my two cents. Hopefully if I got something glaringly wrong, someone'll pick up the slack.
  
  Also, before and after pics! Wanna see!