I have a malamute coming in tomorrow that has a matted undercoat. I had him last week and needed another session just because of how much there was! It's not pelted, just really tangled and close to the skin. It was hard to notice at first because my comb goes through on top perfectly, but once I part the hair into layers you see the tangles.
I've only been grooming for about 7 months, and admittedly didn't have the best tools for the situation. But I did some research and purchased some detangling spray, a demat comb(not the hooked ones), a long tined slicker, and some small ball point shears for the worst bits.
I plan on line brushing starting from the rear and working my way up, but I'm not super sure how to keep from irritating his skin other than having a greyhound comb underneath the area I'm working on, or any faster techniques(he gets fussy after a bit).
Thanks in advance!