Matted dog :(

[lisad123]

We got out boy back from Kennels to find he hadnt been brushed and asked for him to be washed and it's made fur quite dry :(
His matted in normal places, back of ears, back of knees.
I have managed to brush our matts at back and underbelly but no luck with rest.
Any suggestions? I may just call groomer and get him clipped, I assume that would work?

You must be cross with the kennels. If your boy is patient, then sometimes you can slowly undo the mats with your fingers. Otherwise just call the groomer like you say - they will be used to getting mats out and can cut them off if necessary.

Generally kennels don't brush dog, even when asked as the task will be passed on to a young kennel maid who won't have a clue! Bathing a dog with tats just makes it worse, and they're bathed on departure so lots of time to tat up then bathing will set them in, so off to the groomers is really your best shot. :)

Rub a bit of cornstarch on your fingers & try to coax them out. It's a slow business but usually works. If they are big, thick matts you could use a matt
splitter carefully which will make it easier. You get them from pet shops, Pets at Home usually have a good selection.
If his fur is very dry you can brush in a bit of leave in conditioner. Ice on Ice is good but a human conditioner is fine. Even better if you water it down & use it in a spay bottle. Spray it all over, brush through while still damp & leave to dry.

Mat Combs are great. They have long blades and make it much easier to clear out the worst.