[mimimomo]

I purchased the CC wooden pin brush & I prefer using the Madan. The only thing I like about it is that the head is smaller (I got the 7.5 body length) & I can use it around the face & legs.

*jnshasa, Kellie already gave you some good advice. I would first cut out all the mats w/a small blunt nosed scissor if it's too close to the skin. Trying to work out a mat & hurting the pup will make him associate brushing time = ouch time.
What I do w/Momo (he has very thick cottony hair) is lift part of his hair up & brush in downward strokes in layers. This gets all the hair underneath smooth & flat & tangle free. If you run into a mat, you can grab the inside of the mat closest to the skin & hold on tight. Then w/a comb w/your other hand, simply brush out the mat.
You can use slicker brushes on the legs, using it on the body will break the hair, but if you're not growing it for length, it's ok. Always use a conditioner when bathing, this will help keep the hair from matting.
A cottony coat gets easily matted & w/his puppy hair, he's more likely to mat. I shaved Momo for the summer & it's so easy to take care of now.