Step 2: If you find a mat or tangle, address it.
A tangle in the long guard hairs may be able to be worked out by hand. As soon as the comb gently snags on it, use your hands to pull out free hairs to isolate the tangle. Use a generous amount of leave-in spray (as long as you are using one that works as a detangler; otherwise, a 50/50 mix of your Pom's wash-out conditioner and water can work) on the knot itself and then use your fingers to slip hairs out and/or use the comb to pull hairs out.
A mat near the roots that’s imbedded in the undercoat is usually a bit trickier, however effort should be put into removing it by hand/comb.
If necessary, use the mat remover tool to remove just the isolated mat/knot.
Keep in mind that occasionally removing small pieces of tangled or matted fur this way will not have a huge effect on your Pom’s appearance. But it is a reason to assess things. A Pom may need to be brushed more often, sprayed more frequently with a leave-in conditioner, be exposed to less contact friction (a soft blanket can be placed down over comparatively coarse carpets), etc.
Step 3. Now it’s time to brush your Pom.
For
Pom puppies
that do not yet have their adult coat, use the pin brush. For
adult Pomeranians use the slicker brush at all times other than heavy shedding phases and use the rake tool when they are in the midst of a heavy shed.
For demonstration purposes, Flame is being brushed with the slicker brush.
Work in sections. It does not matter in which order you go, but be sure that other than the face, underbelly, and paws/ankles, that you do not skip any parts of the body. Commonly missed areas include the tail, under the tail, and the armpits.
As you brush, use a light mist of spray. Hold the bottle about 6 inches from your Pom and spray 1 to 2 inches from the roots. The brush will distribute it over the hair shafts. Be sure to go deep enough to brush through the undercoat and pull out dead hairs, but take obvious care with regard to proper pressure. Remove any accumulated fur from the brush as needed.
Step 4. Comb small areas.
Use the comb to carefully go over the face, the tops of the paws, and any other small areas in which you were not able to work through with the brush.
Puppies are now done. There is one final step for adult Pomeranians.
For this, the pin brush is used. This will allow you to apply one final light mist of leave-in spray to protect the coat and brush through the hairs for nice texture and shine.
When spritzing, again, go very light. Hold the bottle about 6 inches from your Pom and spray 1 to 2 inches from the roots. Use the pin brush to glide from the roots to the tips.
Thank you, Flame, you were a great model!
Brushing photos courtesy of Dawn of WolfPack Poms.
Dawn is a highly respected AKC Pomeranian breeder who specializes in exotic colors including the very rare wolf sable (DNA tested). You can see read more about WolfPack Poms and see lots of adorable photos of her ladies, gents, and info on any available puppies here:
Wolfpack Poms.