I use a comb on mine. It gets all the way down to the skin, so you know you are getting any knots out. The first time I took Cooper to a groomer, she told me he had mats, which I didn't understand, as I too brushed him every day. She suggested the comb and it's worked out perfectly. Cooper;s hair mats easily, but I find the Cowboy Magic helps keep the mats away too. Good luck!! Maybe just work on him a little every day until you get the mats out.