I use a slicker brush (wire pins) and a rake, but I also do a lot of hand-pulling to get their undercoat out. Hand-pulling seems to do a better job on their sides & flanks. Can't beat that wire brush for those husky butts, though -LOTS of fur comes off there! i bought a furminator-type brush & found that it wasnt very effective. Maybe on shorter coated dogs, or cats, but it just sort of slides off husky coat.