Vacuumed and it fluffed up. This rug is super soft and dog approved. Waiting for my last two chairs but love the look under the dining table. So glad I bought this rug! So far no shedding aside from when I removed the packaging there were some loose strands. One edge I had to add something heavy to lay it flat. Otherwise it laid out flat on its own particularly after vacuuming. Will see if it gets matted after walking but hoping light use walking on it that it will last.