SLICKER Brush & Poms

Regardless of what brush you use, you should use a metal toothed comb, to pull out the undercoat and make sure that there are no snags that the brush has missed. 

I've got a slicker brush and it doesn't even come close to reaching the undercoat.  It's mostly for just finishing work I thought. 

okay so slicker brush for finishing is fine? And I should also be using a metal tooth comb for the undercoat??? I'm still a little confused! Help....

Caitie,
 
Actually, brushing with anything on a dry coat can cause damage, but using a good grooming spray, detangler, or conditioner while brushing out can make a huge difference.
 
Here's what I do (this is just me thought) to make a dog look it's best.
 
Brush before bath (with slicker, pin, of comb depending on coat and condition) using "The Stuff" (detangler spray), bathe and comb out using metal comb while wet, dry (cage or fluff), brush out (using slicker, pin, or comb) before clipping using a good grooming spray (Isle of dogs), and spray during brushing  to finish up.
 
The way you brush makes a difference too. You need to start at the base of the hairs (nearest the skin) instead of just brushing across the top of the hair.
 To do this, separate (part) the hair into a small section (ie: back left leg up to hip), spray it to moisten (just slightly), then using your choice of brush or comb, start at the base of the section (in this case the left rear foot and work your way up to the hip) and brush the entire section thoroughly. Then move on the the next section. 
 
For your Pom, I would suggest a [linkhttp://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=190631&QTY=1&More+Info.x=66&More+Info.y=11]Pin brush[/link] or something similar. This will reach down and pull the hair up, removing shed, and making the hair fluffier.

The Isle of Dogs stuff smells SO GOOD. Makes my dogs itch, but it smells fantastic[] My dogs can't really have smell-goods, unfortunately.

I second The Stuff, too. I practically own stock in that company. It great for dematting, especially.

Yes, a  pin brush works really well.  But, don't get the one that is in that link.  I had the exact same one and it broke apart on me in a very short period of time. 

Can anyone give me a link so I can find "The Stuff"??  I tried and you can't imagine what I came up with, LOL!!

okay- so a pin brush & wetting it while I brush....okay this should be interesting bc. my Cali HATES to get brushed. But we will definitely give the wetting a try. THanks guys.

I don't especially like the pin brush in that link either, just giving an example. Here's a link for [linkhttp://www.petedge.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1760&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=0&iSubCat=0&iSubSubCat=0&iProductID=1760&AS=1]"The Stuff"[/link] (I know the kind of things you came up with on a google search, lol)

I LOVE the [linkhttp://www.iodogs.com/]Isle of Dogs[/link] line! We just recently got some of it and it's fantastic! I'm even thinking of washing MY hair with it!!!! The grooming spray and the detangler are the best I've ever used.

It definitely smells wonderful. I've been thinking of using it on my hair, since it doesn't work so great for the dogs. Of course, I probably wouldn't use the grooming spray[] I tend to wash my hair a smidge more often than most dogs get bathed, lol!

Try searching the ryans petsupply or petedge sites for the stuff.

Dog.com has The Stuff.. https://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=192714+104&Cat=Shampoo

I have a pom, too!  Have you ever used a Furminator on yours?  I'm thinking about getting one and wonder if it would work. 

I to have a pom. Do any of you pom owners know of any good forums just for poms?

I have to also recomend The Stuff.  Absolutely wonderful product!  I cannot praise it enough.  Back when I groomed professionally, I worshipped it [sm=biggrin.gif]