When you have a really bad mat spray conditioner right into the mat, using the slicker brush on top and your hand underneath, work the brush in a circular motion. This will loosen the mat enough to use the pin brush to work it out. Use the comb last as it will catch the small pulls left in the hair. Brush the entire coat against the grain until the brush passes through without resistance, this is called back brushing and it's the single most important thing to do when trying to manage a puppy coat. Back brushing will separate each hair and distribute the natural oils out onto the coat away from the skin. In a puppy coat the oils will cause the mats next to the skin, sometimes in as little as a few hours. As an adult the texture of the coat will allow the oil to move along the hair more effectively and the matting should decrease. Always dilute the shampoo used to bathe, and when you think you're finished rinsing the coat...rinse again. Be patient, if you're tense your puppy will sense it and everything gets more difficult. Good luck!!
