How do I get my puppy used to being brushed?

A soft bristle brush, rather than a firmer slicker brush, feels gentler on a puppy's sensitive skin and is a good starting point before moving to whatever tool actually suits the adult coat type. Keeping the first several sessions under three minutes, focused on the back and shoulders rather than sensitive areas like the belly or paws, prevents the experience from becoming stressful early on.

Giving a small treat at the start, during, and at the end of a session, and stopping while the puppy is still calm rather than pushing until it gets restless, teaches the puppy that brushing predicts good things rather than something to tolerate. Doing this at the same time each day, such as after a short play session when the puppy is a little tired, often works better than trying it when energy is high.

Once a puppy is relaxed with the back and shoulders, gradually introducing the legs, tail, and eventually paws and ears over several weeks, always going back to an easier area if the puppy gets uncomfortable, builds a puppy that can be brushed anywhere by the time its adult coat comes in.