What an awful experience, sorry to her that. I believe ideally you begin the brushing regimen from day one so that they are used to it by the time their hair is longer and tanglier- that said, it doesn't always end up that way does it? My girl who just turned one, is finally settling down about her grooming. I had images of calm nights rocking in a chair brushing my sweet relaxed dog with a beautiful topknot, lol, what I got was teeth attacking hairbrush wiggliness! I do worry that he bit YOU though
I had researched which brush to use also and despite what I read, the slicker style kitten brush hurt lilah- I know it did. It was sharp and she hated it. I thought I would pre brush with that and finish with the standard long haired toy breed metal comb. Now I use a bristle boar brush for general brushing which is soft and she is comfortable with and I use her metal comb to gently work through any tangles and comb her mustache and top knit hair. Which I'll be darned if she doesn't mange to get out any band or pretty bow in a matter of minutes. I'm still dreaming of that calm scene grooming my girl- we are getting there. In the meantime perhaps your guy with a soft brush and lots of treats and soothing words will acclimate to short stints of brushing that end on a positive note. I look forward t hearing from the experts!