The grooming world is packed with tools that promise quick fixes — and none get more hype than the Furminator. It’s advertised as the magic answer to shedding, but like many viral grooming trends, the truth is a bit more complicated.

For double-coated breeds, improper deshedding can cause real damage to the coat and even long-term changes in texture and density. This post breaks down the myths so you can make informed, healthy decisions for your pups.

The Furminator Myth: Why It’s Not for Every Dog

The Furminator (and similar tools) often cut, grab, or aggressively pull at the undercoat. While this removes a large amount of hair quickly, it also risks:

• Breaking the hair shaft

• Causing uneven or patchy texture

• Thinning out the coat over time

• Damaging the protective topcoat

• Affecting insulation and weather resistance

For heavily shedding, double-coated breeds like Huskies, Goldens, Aussies, and Pomeranians, this type of coat damage can be long-term — sometimes even permanent.

Product suggestion: 
Stainless Steel Comb
Grooming Brush

Why Double Coats Need a Gentle Approach

Double coats are built to insulate, protect, and regulate temperature. They’re not meant to be thinned aggressively or cut apart.

Healthy deshedding means supporting the coat’s natural shedding cycle — not stripping it.

A proper routine keeps:
✔ Coat healthy
✔ Skin protected
✔ Texture natural
✔ Shedding manageable

The Funky Poodle–Approved Deshedding Method

1. Start With a Forced-Air Dryer (HV Dryer)

A powerful dryer loosens dead undercoat without cutting or scraping.
This is the safest starting point for double-coated dogs.

2. Use an Undercoat Rake or Carding Tool

Once the loose hair lifts, these tools gently remove what the dog is already ready to shed.
No cutting. No grabbing. No coat damage.

3. Wash With a Deshedding or Clarifying Shampoo

This helps remove buildup, dirt, and oils that trap dead coat.
Your deshedding results will be 10× better after a proper wash.

4. Finish With a Light Conditioner or Coat Oil

Hydration keeps the coat elastic and healthy.
A moisturized coat releases undercoat more naturally.

Product suggestion: 
Funky Pet Parent Shampoo, Conditioner, and Detangler - Sample Kit
Funky Groomer 50:1 Pro Sample Kit

What NOT To Do During Deshedding

🚫 Don’t aggressively rake wet coats
🚫 Don’t use cutting deshedders on double coats
🚫 Don’t thin the undercoat to “reduce shedding” (it damages insulation)
🚫 Don’t skip conditioning — dry coats break easily

These mistakes can lead to permanent texture changes, blown coats, or slow regrowth.

Healthy Coat = Happy Skin = Happy Pup

When deshedding is done with care, your dog enjoys:

✨ Better insulation
✨ Proper weather protection
✨ Shinier topcoat
✨ Healthier skin
✨ Less shedding overall (because you’re doing it correctly!)

Healthy grooming is all about respecting the coat’s natural structure.

Conclusion

The Furminator may give big visual results fast — but at a long-term cost.
Your dog deserves grooming that protects their coat, not breaks it down.

With the right tools, method, and products, deshedding can be gentle, effective, and totally Funky-Poodle approved.

Call to Action

✨ Want more grooming education? Explore our Funky Facts series.
🛍️ Need safe coat-care products? Check out our grooming essentials at The Funky Poodle.
📧 Have questions? Drop them in the comments or message us anytime — we're here to help groomers and pet parents stay funky, not fooled.