correct way to use a slicker?

Slickers HURT on a thin coat I think. I wouldn't use one esp if he's showing signs of pain. Buy a Hound Glove or Grooming Stone. Those work GREAT on grabbing small short hairs. I have both and use them on the hounds. Nonnie has a very thin (and inappropriate for her breed lol) coat...she doesn't mind either of those.

I use a slicker on Cleo to back brush when I want her fluffier...and to do small sections of coat at a time.

rwbeagles

I wouldn't use one esp if he's showing signs of pain.

I seriously doubt its pain this is a dog that can slam into a door way and not notice    I think it's just freaky for him.

I will look into those others, I need something as the hair on top of his head is very short but super dense.  The other week I was just pulling hair out of it.  Being a fine example of a mutt he has longer hair on his spine and the top section of his neck, underneath is it sparse to say the least, it is crazy short on his legs.

LOL I think its amazing - every long haired dog I know loves to be brushed.  Fortunately I don't need to do much with Bugsy.

You might consider a small flea comb for the top of his head...very closely spaced and small in size it could probably pull out quite a bit of coat and get into tight quarters.

remember fur is a buffer...long coated dogs don't mind much because well...they start early most times and become used to it the way people with kinky hair that HAVE to comb it a certain way...cannot afford to go thru life tenderheaded lol.

He might just be an ectomorph type that has nerves very close to the skin and actual points of contact being concentrated the way a slicker does...could be uncomfortable.

I'm not a groomer, but I wouldn't use a slicker brush on a short haired dog and on the bony skull. Unless it's one that has the little rubber tips on the bristles. I have poked myself with the slicker and it has bled. I would be inclined to go with a dog grooming glove of some sort for the head. There are several different types, but if you google, you'll find them.

I see Gina already mentioned the glove. Yeah, do that.  

 I think I'll try the stone for most of him and I will have a look at the small flea comb that Gina mentioned.  I swear the hair on his head is so dense you cannot see skin no matter what you do - it is only about 1/4 inch long though.  Because his hair is so short and over about 75% of him is very thin I don't need to brush him much.  His neck and spine get brushed (with a rubber bath brush from Walmart), taint nothing to brush underneath.  He doesn't get many baths because he has no smell, doesn't roll in nasties, and doesn't 'hold' dirt.  Once dry a good shake and he's good to go.

However these teeny hairs on his head sure seem to need thinning. 

Thanks for the info on the slicker. 

Do you know anybody with a Furminator? If not, try one of the cheap knockoffs. They're all the same thing--- a modified clipper blade on a handle. I use a #40 with the cutter part pulled out, to "card" coats. That would work well, on Bugsy's short parts, if he tolerates it. I use it over Emma's entire body, including the top of her head and legs, but she LOOOOOOOOVES any form of brushing.