The 10-Minute Grooming Routine Your Dog Will Actually Love

Grooming your dog doesn't have to be a battle. Most pups just need a short, predictable routine with the right tools — and a lot of treats. Here's the 10-minute routine we use at home, plus the gear that makes it genuinely easier.

1. Start with a quick brush (2–3 minutes)

A fast once-over with a good slicker brush keeps shedding under control and catches tangles before they turn into mats. The trick is short strokes in the direction of the fur, and stopping before your dog gets bored. Our self-cleaning slicker brush pops the hair off the brush with one click — no picking fur out of bristles between strokes.

2. Loosen the loose fur with a mitt (2 minutes)

Dogs that hate brushes often love a grooming glove — it feels like a pat. A double-sided grooming glove lifts loose undercoat while you give your dog a massage. Great for cats too, especially ones that bolt at the sight of a brush.

3. Keep nails calm with a grinder (3 minutes)

Clippers can spook even confident dogs. A low-noise nail grinder files instead of cuts, so there's no pinching — just a gentle whir. Go slow, one nail at a time, and reward every single nail. Two paws a session is fine.

4. Finish with a calm-down lick mat (2 minutes)

Licking is soothing for dogs. Smear a little peanut butter or yogurt on a suction lick mat while you do ears, paws, or a final brush. It turns the whole routine into something your dog looks forward to.

Keep it short, keep it positive

Ten minutes, lots of praise, and one or two treats is all it takes. Most dogs settle into a routine after a few sessions — and a calm, comfortable dog is a happier dog.

Everything in this routine is in our Grooming Essentials collection. Orders over $30 ship free across the US, and if anything isn't right, our 30-day easy returns make it simple to send back.