Course 05 · Drying · Lesson 7 of 12
How do you dry a long coat straight enough to brush?
Dry a long coat straight enough to brush by towel squeezing in sections, drying with gentle airflow in the direction the hair lies, and brushing lightly as the coat dries, section by section.
Drying a long coat straight enough to brush means towel squeezing in sections, drying with gentle airflow in the direction the hair lies, and brushing lightly as the coat dries, section by section, so the coat dries straight, separate and tangle free. A long coat that is left to dry in a heap will dry wavy, tangled and difficult to brush, while a long coat dried in sections, with airflow following the hair direction, will dry straight and separate. The technique is not about achieving a show finish, but about making the coat brushable, comfortable and easy to check. It takes time, since a long coat holds water along its full length, and it should be planned for, with towels, airflow and a calm dog ready before the bath ends.
Why does a long coat dry tangled if left alone?
A long coat dries tangled if left alone because fine, straight hairs cling together when wet, curl and bend as they dry, and catch on each other at friction points and along their length. Moisture helps hairs stick, movement rubs them together, and uneven drying leaves some sections damp and clumped while others dry straight. A coat that dries in a heap, with hairs lying in all directions, will need far more brushing afterwards, and that brushing will pull and break hair. Drying in sections, with airflow following the hair direction, keeps hairs aligned as they dry, so they separate naturally and brush easily afterwards. The difference is not cosmetic, it is the difference between a coat that is comfortable and one that is tangled.
How do you towel dry a long coat?
Towel dry a long coat by squeezing sections gently, from skin to ends, in the direction the hair lies, using a large, absorbent towel and changing it when saturated. Work through the coat in sections, holding the hair above the section with a hand, and pressing the towel against the section to absorb water, rather than rubbing along the coat. For legs, wrap the towel around each leg and squeeze gently, supporting the leg. For the tail and furnishings, squeeze gently and separately, since those areas hold water and tangle readily. Do not wring the coat, do not twist sections, and do not rub the coat in circles. Towel drying should remove bulk water and leave the coat damp-dry and aligned, ready for airflow drying.
How do you use airflow and light brushing together?
Use airflow in sections, directing air in the direction the hair lies, from skin to ends, while brushing lightly with a pin brush or comb as the coat dries, section by section. The brush should move in the same direction as the airflow, with light pressure, and it should stop if the coat snags, since snagging means the section is still too wet or tangled for brushing. Work through the coat systematically, body first, then legs, chest and tail, leaving the head for towels and gentle air. Keep the dryer moving, at a distance, on a low, cool setting if a household dryer is used, and check the skin frequently for heat. Light brushing during drying keeps the coat straight and separate, but it should be gentle, and the final comb check should wait until the coat is dry.
How do you check that a long coat is dry and brushable?
Check that a long coat is dry and brushable by feeling the coat to the skin in several places, by running a comb through each section, and by looking at whether the coat falls straight and separate. The skin should feel dry and warm, the hair should feel dry along its full length, not damp at the ends or underneath, and a comb should pass through without snagging. If a section feels damp, continue drying that section, since a damp long coat will tangle as it finishes drying. If a section snags, work it gently with fingers and a wide comb, and leave tight tangles for a groomer. A long coat that is dry, straight and combable is ready for a final brush, and it will stay tangle free longer than a coat that was left to dry tangled.
What does a workable checklist look like?
- Towel squeeze in sections, skin to ends, hair direction, no rubbing. 2. Airflow in sections, same direction, moving, low and cool. 3. Light brushing as coat dries, stop at snags. 4. Body first, head last with towels. 5. Comb check when dry, every section, leave tight tangles for a groomer.
When should you stop and get help?
Stop and get groomer help if a long coat mats during drying, if the coat needs trimming or shaping, or if the dog panics at airflow. Get vet help for pain, skin problems, ear problems or distress. Do not brush a soaking long coat vigorously, do not use high heat, and do not cut out mats. A long coat that cannot be dried straight and brushable at home needs professional drying and grooming in person, with the coat seen wet and dry, rather than more forceful home work.
A long coat dried in sections, with airflow and light brushing following the hair, will usually emerge straight, separate and easy to brush, and the time spent drying it that way is far less than the time spent undoing a tangled dry coat.
Further reading
- American Kennel Club, grooming guidance
- PDSA, dog care guidance
- RSPCA, pet care guidance