Line Brushing: The Technique That Prevents Mats
This is the technique professional groomers use on every doodle. Master line brushing and you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
What Is Line Brushing?
Line brushing is a technique where you part the coat into horizontal sections and brush from the skin outward, one layer at a time. Instead of brushing over the top of the coat, you work through it systematically.
- Why it works: Catches mats that form near the skin before they get worse
- The result: Coat stays mat-free between professional grooms
- Time investment: Takes longer at first, saves hours of dematting later
Why Regular Brushing Fails on Doodle Coats
Most people brush their doodle by running the brush over the top of the coat. It feels like you're doing something—the coat looks fluffier, loose hair comes out—but you're only brushing the outer layer.
Meanwhile, mats are forming close to the skin where friction occurs: behind the ears, in the armpits, around the collar. By the time you feel these mats, they're often too tight to brush out and require clipping.
Line brushing solves this problem by ensuring you reach all the way to the skin, every time.
Surface Brushing vs Line Brushing
Surface Only
Brush skims over top. Mats hide underneath and grow larger until they need cutting out.
Line Brushing
Part, lift, brush from skin. Every section gets attention. Mats are caught early.
How to Line Brush: Step by Step
Position Your Dog Comfortably
Have your dog lie on their side or stand steadily. You'll work in sections across the body, so they need to be relaxed and stable. Many groomers use a grooming table, but a bed or mat works fine at home.
If your dog won't lie still, start with them standing and work on the areas you can reach. As they learn to enjoy brushing, they'll become more cooperative.
Create Your First Part
Using your free hand, part the coat horizontally low on the body—near the belly. Push the hair above this part upward and hold it out of the way. You should be able to see the skin.
Mist and Brush the Exposed Section
Lightly mist the exposed hair with detangling spray. Then brush outward from the skin, using short strokes with your slicker brush.
- Work in the direction the hair grows
- Use gentle pressure—let the pins do the work
- Make sure you're reaching the skin, not just the top layer
Hold the hair above the section you're brushing. This prevents pulling on the skin and makes it comfortable for your dog.
Move to the Next Line
Release about 1cm of hair from above your part. This creates your next 'line' to brush. Mist, brush from the skin out. Repeat this process, working your way up the body line by line.
Don't rush this step. Each line should be thoroughly brushed before moving to the next. Missing lines means missing mats.
Work Systematically Across the Body
Cover the entire body using this technique. A suggested order:
- Legs — Start at the paw, work up to the body
- Sides — From belly to spine, one side at a time
- Chest — Part from breastbone outward
- Back — Spine to sides
- Tail — Base to tip
- Head and Ears — Save for last
Pay Extra Attention to Mat Zones
These areas mat fastest due to friction and moisture:
Behind Ears
Collar + head movement friction
Armpits
Walking friction, often missed
Under Collar
Remove collar before brushing
Groin Area
Sitting + movement friction
Comb Test Everything
After brushing each section, run a steel comb through it. The comb should glide smoothly from skin to tip. If it catches, there's still a tangle—go back with the slicker brush and work it out.
The comb test is non-negotiable. A coat that feels soft can still have mats near the skin. Trust the comb, not your fingers.
When You Find a Mat
Time Investment
First full session
Learning the technique
Once you're practised
Regular maintenance
Recommended frequency
Daily for curly coats
Continue Learning
Get the Complete Coat Care Guide
Download our free PDF with step-by-step photos of line brushing technique, plus the 4 hidden mat zones most owners miss.
Download Free Guide