A dog that's never been groomed before doesn't know a brush isn't a threat, and the shape of a normal brush — a handle, a head, something held above them — can be enough to put a nervous dog off before you've started.

This pad straps to the palm instead, so grooming becomes a natural stroking motion rather than an obvious tool. Soft bristles remove loose hair and smooth the coat, and it's also useful for finishing a coat that's already been groomed with a moulting comb or slicker.

• Straps securely to the palm
• Soft bristles remove loose hair
• Feels like stroking rather than brushing
• Useful for finishing after a moulting comb or slicker
• Gentle enough for nervous or new-to-grooming pets

One thing worth knowing. the makers don't give a coat-length limit for this one, so for a dog with a longer or more tangle-prone coat, treat it as a finishing tool after detangling rather than the main brush.

Who it's for: owners of a dog that's nervous about grooming, or new to it, and would tolerate a hand on their coat before they'd tolerate an obvious brush.