Dog Grooming: De-matting and Removing Knots Course

What are Mats/Tangles/Knots?

• Clusters of intertwined hairs, usually within or from the coat.

• Undercoat hair forming a thick felt layer within the remaining coat, making it difficult to manage.

• Hair that is completely smooth and untangled, free from any knots or mats.

• A type of hair dye used to change the color of the hair, often for cosmetic purposes.

What is an important safety note when using de-matting tools?

• De-matting tools are very dull.

• De-matting tools should be used quickly.

• De-matting tools are very sharp.

• De-matting tools should be used on wet hair.

How should you aim to split the mass when de-matting?

• Along the hair's length

• Across the hair's length

• In a circular motion

• From the root to the tip

What is the first step in de-matting using fingers?

• Start teasing apart the mat with fingers

• Use a slicker brush

• Isolate the mat from the surrounding coat

• Cut the mat with scissors

What should you do once the mat starts to come apart with your fingers?

• Use a slicker brush to further break up and disperse the mat

• Cut the mat with scissors to remove the tangled hair

• Use a comb to smooth the coat and remove any remaining tangles

• Apply a de-matting spray to help loosen the mat and make it easier to remove

Why should you try to isolate the mat from the surrounding coat?

• For focused work

• To make it easier to cut

• To apply de-matting spray

• To use a razor

What action should be used when working with a de-matter behind the mat?

• Pushing action

• Twisting action

• Slicing or sawing action

• Pulling action

What is one of the applications of thinning scissors?

• Cutting hair in a perfectly straight line

• Creating tight and defined curls

• Reducing hair density at the base of a knot

• Coloring hair with vibrant shades

What should be used after breaking up tight ear knots with fingers?

• A comb with wide teeth

• A de-matter or a slicker brush

• A hair dryer with a diffuser attachment

• A razor with a safety guard

When should clippers be used on a dog?

• When the dog is young and healthy, and there are no other grooming tools available

• In extreme cases when mats are too severe for de-matting tools and other grooming methods fail

• During the summer only, when the weather is hot and the dog needs to stay cool

• When the dog is shedding, and regular brushing is not sufficient to manage the fur