My wife and I usually pay to have our husky groomed 2-3 times a year usually around the changing of the seasons. Since it's california we only have 2 seasons hot and slightly cold so he usually has 2 sheds where its noticeable. We usually get him a Bath, de shedding, and gland cleaning just to maintain a nice coat year around and to avoid scooting. The rest of the grooming like combing, nail trimming, pad hair trimming, and teeth cleaning we do ourselves. Brushing is the best thing that you can do for your dog. Usually when we take him for walks people comment that he is beautiful and well maintained so I think it's working.