Essentially, matting is when your dogs hair is tangled. It can range in severity based on breed, hair texture, and how well you maintain your dog's coat in between groomings. The best way to avoid this is a slicker brush and a grey hound comb. (We recommend a Chris Christensen brush for most breeds due to their long bristles that can get through the coat to the skin. The best way to avoid matting is to brush and comb as often as you can. It can be hard to tell on some breeds if a dog is matted. The best way to tell is to run a grey hound comb through the hair. If you are unable to work a comb or brush through the coat we will be unable to get a guard through it and your dog may (depending on severity of the matting) need to be shaved to ensure the comfort and well-being of your pet.