A Grooming Tip

I recently learned that you should never brush a dry Golden Retriever, because brushing a dry coat can damage and break the coat. When I learned this, I was shocked! How could so many books I've read on Golden Retrievers not disclose this seemingly simple detail?

As soon as I learned this I was worried that I'd only be able to brush Milly when she is soaking wet during a bath, but that just didn't seem right to me. So, I asked a couple of breeders and a few groomers what this new fact meant to pet owners like me. I was told that you do not want to brush a soaking wet Golden Retriever, but wait for the coat to dry some. Between baths, you can simply mist the coat with a spray bottle of water before brushing!


I started doing this about three weeks ago, and I've been amazed at how much shinier Milly's coat is. I picked up a cheap pink spray bottle at my local pharmacy, and filled it with Falls Church city water. I then added a small squirt of conditioner (that had already been heavily diluted with water) to my water in the spray bottle. Voila! I can now safely brush Milly without worrying about damaging her coat. I know many of you have Golden Retrievers and other long haired dogs, and thought I'd share this with you.

I simply mist Milly all over and then brush her. If any areas get dry, I re-mist her with my spray bottle. I highly recommend doing this, and have found it really makes a difference in how easily the brush or comb moves through her coat.

HAPPY GROOMING!!!