Course 13 of 20 · Problems

Matting and Tangles

How mats form, the brush-out, split, cut-out or refer decision, and prevention.

12 lessons. Published 29 October 2026. Work through the lessons in order; each one builds on the checks in the one before it.

1. Lesson 1. What is a mat, and how does it form?

   A mat is tangled hair that tightens into a dense clump, forming when loose hair, friction and moisture are not combed out regularly.

2. Lesson 2. Where do mats form first, and why?

   Mats form first where friction, moisture and fine hair meet, behind ears, armpits, groin, chest, collar areas and tail base.

3. Lesson 3. How do you tell a tangle from a tight mat?

   Tell a tangle from a tight mat by feel, movement and skin visibility, and use that judgement to decide whether home work is safe.

4. Lesson 4. How do you work out a small tangle with fingers and a comb?

   Work out a small tangle with fingers first, then a comb from the ends, holding the base so skin is never pulled.

5. Lesson 5. How do you split a mat safely, and when should you not?

   Split a mat only when skin is visible, the mat is loose enough to separate, and the dog is calm, using fingers and a comb, never force.

6. Lesson 6. How do you decide: brush out, split, cut out, or refer?

   Decide brush, split, cut or refer by mat density, skin visibility, location, dog tolerance and owner skill, choosing refer when unsure.

7. Lesson 7. How do you cut out a mat without cutting skin?

   Cut out a mat only with a comb protecting skin, blunt scissors, a helper and a clear view, cutting away from skin in tiny steps.

8. Lesson 8. What is a mat splitter, and what are its limits?

   A mat splitter is a tool with guarded blades that divides mats, useful only on loose mats with visible skin and clear limits.

9. Lesson 9. How do you groom a matted dog in stages?

   Groom a matted dog in stages with assessment, short sessions, skin checks and referral, never a single long dematting session.

10. Lesson 10. Why should severely matted coats go to a groomer or vet?

    Severely matted coats need a groomer or vet because skin underneath is hidden, tight and often sore, and safe removal needs trained hands.

11. Lesson 11. How do you prevent mats from returning?

    Prevent mats returning with regular combing to skin, drying, friction area checks and a routine matched to coat type and season.

12. Lesson 12. What do you do after a mat is removed?

    After a mat is removed, check skin, keep the area clean and dry, watch for soreness and adjust prevention for that spot.

← All courses