Don't let the short coat mislead you: Siberian huskies are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their coat may be short, but it is dense, with a thick undercoat that sheds year-round and completely "blows" twice a year.
Get the Right Tools
Just grabbing whatever brush you find hanging at the local big-box store won't work for your husky. Assemble a kit of quality grooming tools made to penetrate your dog's dense coat. Necessary tools include a coat rake or shedding blade to pull out the loose undercoat, and a pin brush or metal comb to brush through the harsh outer coat. When grooming, use the rake or shedding blade first, brushing against the direction in which your dog's coat grows; then use the pin brush or metal comb to brush the coat back into place.
Use a Conditioning Spray
You can purchase a commercial conditioning spray or make your own by adding a teaspoon of dog conditioner to a spray bottle of water. Spritz him with the conditioner while you are brushing through your husky's coat with the rake or shedding blade. The conditioning spray will soften his coat, make tangles slide out easily and prevent the loose hairs from becoming airborne. Using a conditioning spray makes the grooming process much more pleasant for both you and your pup.
Brush Everywhere
The unfortunate part of grooming your husky is that the same areas that are hardest to brush, such as the area under the collar or where his legs connect with his body, are also the spots most prone to developing mats. Don't get in a rush when you are brushing your dog; start at his head and work methodically down and back until you cover one side, then turn him around and repeat the process on the other side. Finally, position him on his back to get his belly and the inner parts of his legs.
Make It a Habit
The most important thing you can do to keep your husky well groomed is to brush him regularly. Your best bet is to brush him daily, but if you work it in several times a week you shouldn't have too much trouble staying on top of the hair. During the times when your husky is shedding heavily, however, you should plan on brushing him every day.
