This guide is brought to you by MYPETSET. I have over 30 years grooming/teaching experience. I have sold hundreds of grooming videos over Ebay and have made lots of new friends. One thing I always hear. I NEVER KNEW SO MUCH WAS INVOLVED.  GROOMING YOUR DOG CAN BE FUN AND REWARDING!!! I have seen it all, from dogs who were so matted behind that they could not even go to the bathroom to dogs where the coat had matted over their eyes and they couldn't even open them. If love your dog show them. They depend on YOU. All dogs need grooming as part of their everyday care. Starting early is the key to sucess. Teaching your pet to sit while he/she is groomed  is easy when you make the experience a pleasant one. Waiting until you have a matted or out of condition pet will NOT be a good experience. By grooming daily, just like you do your own hair, you will keep their coat under control, reduce shedding, and make it a positive experience for your dog. They love the attention, stimulation, they get from being groomed. They will feel better plus you will have good looking pet. There are several books and videos available on Ebay. I have been grooming and teaching grooming over 30 years and you and your dog will bond by keeping a regular grooming routine. Remember just because you have a short haired dog they still need brushing to keep their coat in check. You actualy have MORE loose coat falling out around the house then a long coated dog whose hair tends to mat into their body coat. If your dog is older and you never trained him/her to be groomed, it is not to late to start. If your pet is a matted mess. GO TO A GROOMER, get him/her straightened out. START on day one. If you have to, just get a soft brissel brush and get you dog used to the idea of just running it all over his/her body. Make it fun and reward him/her for good behavier. As the coat grows back in thicker be sure and get the right brush or tool you will need to care for his/her coat. (pin brush, slicker brush, rake depending on the dog). By this time  GROOMING IS A GOOD EXPERIENCE!! AND A HEALTHY ONE FOR YOUR DOG. Get a grooming video and it will give your more insight to the whole process. Watch how to handle the dogs and manage their coat, even if you take your dog to a professioal groomer they still need at home care inbetween. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BRUSHING!!