Shedding is normal — it's how dogs cycle out old or damaged fur — but the amount that ends up on your couch, clothes and car seats depends a lot on the tools and routine you use. A few minutes a few times a week beats one long, frustrating session once a month.
Know your dog's coat type first
Double-coated breeds (think Huskies, German Shepherds, Labradors) have a dense undercoat that blows out seasonally in large clumps, plus a topcoat that sheds more steadily year-round. Single-coated breeds shed more consistently but usually in smaller amounts. Knowing which category your dog falls into changes which tool actually works.
The main tool types
Slicker brushes work well on medium to long coats and are good for general detangling. Grooming gloves are gentler and double as a bonding activity — many dogs tolerate them better than a hard-bristled brush, since they feel more like being patted than groomed. Deshedding rakes and combs are built specifically to reach through the topcoat and pull loose undercoat fur out without cutting the coat, which makes them the most effective option during a heavy shedding season.
Our grooming range includes both gloves and rakes if you want to try more than one style and see what your dog tolerates best.
Technique matters more than the tool
Always brush in the direction the fur grows, using light, even strokes rather than digging in. Work in sections rather than trying to cover the whole dog in one pass — start with the back and sides, where most loose undercoat sits, then move to the legs, chest and tail where the coat is often finer.
Managing seasonal shedding
Most dogs shed more heavily in spring and autumn as their coat adjusts to the season. During these windows, brushing every second day for 5-10 minutes will do far more than one 45-minute session on the weekend — loose fur that isn't removed tends to end up on furniture instead.
Around the house
A washable throw on the couch, a dedicated dog bed, and vacuuming on a regular schedule all reduce how much shed fur becomes a visible problem, even between grooming sessions. Bathing occasionally (not too often, which can dry out skin) also loosens fur that's ready to come out anyway.
If your dog's shedding suddenly increases outside of a normal seasonal pattern, or their coat looks patchy or irritated, it's worth a vet check rather than assuming it's just seasonal.