You should brush your Golden about twice a week. Proper brushing constitutes getting down into the undercoat, stimulating the oil glands in the skin, and cleaning out dead hair. With your right hand, use a slicker or pin brush to run from the skin to the tips of the hair. Use firm strokes, but don't dig into the dog's skin. If your dog is shedding heavily, the steel comb may be more efficient at removing dead undercoat.
Dead coat forms mats if neglected, and skin problems can develop amazingly fast under the mats.
Pay particular attention to the area around the ears, under the arms, and the rear feathering and tail. If a mat is encountered, it can usually be teased apart with the comb or slicker brush. Cutting across the hair will leave a noticeable hole. Use the pin brush to straighten the top coat and lay it neatly in place. W hile you are brushing, be on the lookout for minor skin irritations, and for ticks and fleas.