There are so many products out there, which ones are the right ones and how to use them is the problem.  I suppose you could say that I am some what of an expert with this question!  I have been a Pet Stylist for 6 years and I brushed multitudes of breeds with all type of hair types.  The most common reaction with pet owners is that they bring Fluffy to the groomer and they tell her that the dog needs to be shaved!  OH NO!!  I brush her everyday!  Well they might do that, but 98% of the time it is with the wrong brush or used incorrectly.  Believe me I do not like shaving down a dogs, especially if the owner does not want it shaved!  This is what I have in my tool kit:

1. Slicker brush
2. Combs - regular, large spaced & flea comb
3. Rubber curry brush
4. assorted dematting rakes & combs
5. stripping blades & rakes

Unless you have several pets with all different coat types & lengths you won't need all of them.

  Shi-tzu, Lhasa, Bichon, Terriers, LH Cats- The longer hair you want to start with a slicker, take your hand & push the up & brush down pulling the hair out from under your hand, or brushing a small amount of hair at a time-then go over it with a comb, make sure you get down to the skin.  If there are matts, use a matt splitter, (please be carefull they are very sharp and you should use caution.  If matts are tight go to your local salon and they would be more than happy to shave out a few matts) LH Cats you can use a course stripping knife, rubber curry brush or one of those new shedding tools- Do not cut out matts on your cat, I have seen too many cat owners cutting their cats using scissors.  Most matts on cat need to be shaved out by a groomer or a vet.   When using the stripping knife or a shed ender tool- start at the back and use short firm strokes- it is amazing that your cat has that much hair!  Then use a slicker & comb to pick up the loose hair.  Do not use those on your cats belly or legs (cat skin is very thin and you could injure him) 

Shelties, Shepards, G. Retriever, Am. Eskimo etc...- With these breeds the hair can be overwelming!  Use the same methods above, but you can use undercoat rakes or a dematting rake to loosen some of that undercoat then use your slicker & comb.  Once the coat is brushed & combed out you can use a 6 bladed stripping tools (they make them with more blades but the 6 blade works best on these breeds.  Again, use with caution be very careful on legs & looser skin & the tail)  Removing the undercoat on these breeds will help keep the pet more comfortable in the summer and the skin will be healthier which in turn will keep down that doggy odor.

Labs, Boxers, Jack Russel, Pugs  etc... use the rubber curry brush- it's like a massage!  You can use this in a circular motion to loosen the hair then brush the hair down off of the dog. ( I used this on my Dalmation in the hallway, I noticed there really was not that much hair on the floor...well it was all stuck to the wall!  Static electricity!)  Or you can use a stripping knife, or shedding blades.   You will get most of hair off the neck & chest be careful around the throat area.  Do not use the blade type tools on their tails, use the rubber curry brush or a slicker brush.

 If you have any questions please call your local groomer for help if you have a questions or concerns about brushing out your pet!  We are here to help pet owners in between your grooming appointments.  Good luck and I hope this helps keeping your furry friend happy!