Let's clear this up once and for all...working through severe matting should not be done without a plan. I always choose humanity over vanity as dematting can be painful for the dog and unsafe for everyone involved. Yes, small mats can be worked through if you have a willing pup and it won't take a lot of time pulling and combing to get it out. But forcing a dog to sit through hours of painful brushing is not the way to go! Forcing a dog to sit through this causes not only pain but fear and anxiety. It pushes them past their comfort threshold and makes it more difficult for future grooms.