The right brush makes all the difference. Short coats (Labs, Boxers): Use a rubber curry brush in circular motions 1–2x/week. Long coats (Golden Retrievers, Collies): Use a slicker brush + wide-tooth comb, always brush in sections, 3–4x/week. Double coats (Huskies, Shepherds): Use an undercoat rake during shedding season, never shave. Curly coats (Poodles, Doodles): Use a pin brush to avoid matting, brush before and after bathing. Always brush before bathing to prevent wet mats.