Grooming a Keeshound

Question
My Keeshound is 10 months old and his fur has gotten quite thick.  He's a little difficult with me as he thinks we're playing and is sensitive around his head and tail.  I've recently found a big matt below each ear and he doesn't want to let me brush them (I don't even know that I could).  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Starr, that is a tricky area to get.  Most groomers would shave that matt out only because scissoring such a matt so close to the skin you run the risk of cutting the dog.  Of course it will leave a gap in the hair.  If you could find an experienced groomer they might be able to use thinning shears and accomplish getting the matt out without leaving a hole in the hair.  Once this is resolved just be resilient about brushing then follow up with a metal comb to be sure you are not just top coat brushing but getting down to the skin.  My suggestion would be to take him to a professional for a complete grooming and inbetween try your best to keep up.  When you find yourself getting behind don't wait take him to the groomer.  The longer you wait the more dense the coat will become and the more pulling will be involved.  Your groomer may have tools such as matt combs and rakes that you do not.  Have the groomer show you what tools they use for keeshound and maybe how to use them this will help you out at home.  You have a high maitenance dog so be prepared to attend to him twice minimum a week.  If you do, each session will be a breeze wait longer and the sessions become more unpleasant for the dog and you!  Good luck, Cindy lou :)