Things You'll Need
- Slicker brush
- Fine-toothed or deshedding comb
- Scissors
- Mat rake (optional)
- Dog shampoo
- Dog conditioner (optional)
Instructions
Brush the dog at least twice a week ̵2; more for longer-haired varieties of German shepherds ̵2; using a slicker brush to remove surface debris, small mats and loose hair from the coat. Brush the coat in the general direction of growth.
Use a fine-toothed comb, such as deshedding comb, to reach into the undercoat and remove mats that could not be removed using the slicker brush. Consider using a mat rake for especially stubborn hair clumps, or use scissors and cut the clump away. Hold the mat by the teeth of the comb and cut the fur just beneath the surface of the comb.
Bathe your German shepherd a few times per year with a specially designed dog shampoo. Put the dog in a tub and run lukewarm water in it; it is better to put the dog in the tub before the water is run to keep it from panicking. Lather the dog's coat all over, using caution around the face and eyes, and rinse well with warm water. Use a dog conditioner if your German shepherd's coat feels coarse or dry. Towel dry the dog thoroughly.
Use scissors to trim any extraneous hairs that you see on the surface of its coat. Trim the hairs around the base of the tail, if necessary; in general, you shouldn't need to use electric clippers on your German shepherd's coat unless you are going for a specific look.
Brush the dog one more time after bathing and trimming.