Try combing out as many knots as possible before bathing because water tightens knots and tangles. Some tangles I leave, like on Max, if they are caused by dirt that will make detangling really damaging. Max's tangles tend to just wash out with the conditioner. Teddy, I comb out completely before his bath. Depends on the coat. Mats must be taken care of before the bath.
My guys are prone to damage if I try to comb or brush too much when their hair is wet -- and it pulls like crazy. The only thing that works for us is to use the plastic comb on our Madan rat tail comb from
toplinepet.com
I have to use one hand to hold the hair section, otherwise it would definitely pull skin and make my guys run!
You can dry partially using your fingers and then do some combing and then dry some more for a finished look.