Any tips please?

[LindaW]

Following the last post about DIY grooming, started by Carol (which I thought was very interesting) I wondered whether anyone could advise me?   I struggle with grooming my lot even tho' I have both videos (Paula Hull and Jackie Marris Bray).  I find the main problem is the rear quarters, around the bottom itself and how much to leave on above the hocks and below and is it best to use ordinary scissors or thinners on the hind legs?  What would be ideal is if I could get a diagram showing what to aim at!!
Any advice would be welcome please   Linda                    

[KellyP]

hi Linda,

I have this problem too  

take a look at this thread http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/forum/viewtopic . php?t=2188;start=15

it might help you  a bit further with the hock and below

my main problem is I am too scared to trim it all off incase i make a mess of it!!                        

[LindaW]

Hi Kelly,
Thanks for that - have printed the diagram off that was supplied by Jane and Dessie.  Like you I am scared of making a mess of it (not that it really matters in my case as I don't show them) but I do want to try and get them looking correct
Can anyone supply similar diagrams for the rest of the body?
Linda                    

[KellyP]

Hi Linda,

try this link .. I think Jane gave it to me originally ? I'm, sure she won't mind me posting it though  

http://www.turmalin.freeserve.co.uk/Cocker...Show%20Trim.htm

might help you a bit further... a word of warning though, there is music on the site... I didn't know my speakers were turned up so loud ....      

Kel                    

[Gilly]

I am scared of making a mess of it

I know how you feel Linda....but like you i'm not seriously showing Butty so have come to the conclusion that if i make a mess it will grow back
I have the pics you mentioned and over the past few months have studied the site mentioned in great detail....and although i did find it helpful to some degree I do think it is so much easier if someone can just show you

Gilly                    

[LindaW]

:DWhat a fabulous website Kelly!  I liked the music (probably because I was born in Scotland)!  Thanks Linda                    

[LindaW]

and although i did find it helpful to some degree I do think it is so much easier if someone can just show you

Hi Gilly, I think you're right.  I've just finished my canine psychology course so maybe I ought to try and find a grooming one next! Does anyone know of a short one?
Linda                    

[xander_ho]

Hi Linda,

I think there is a dog grooming school is Shropshire here is the address: http://www.groomers.co.uk They have a pet owner 2 day seminar course and is quite expensive. I personnally think our senior members of this forum knows more about show grooming cocker spaniel than any grooming school. We just have to ask the right question, I'm sure they're  more than willing to help

Alexander                    

[Jane S]

I don't know of any grooming course that will teach owners how to trim Cockers correctly Most of the courses advertised are aimed at people who want to "pet trim" which in most cases means clipping unfortunately. There did use to be a course run by a well-known show breeder but since his death a few years, there has been nothing similar.                    

[LindaW]

Thanks Alexander and Jane
Perhaps an experienced show trimmer might consider running short courses for interested parties!  
Linda                    

[KellyP]

hehe - good idea Linda - I'd certainly pay (either in monetary form, by supplying double chcolate gateaux, buying a robbie poster or making copious cups of tea ) to attend such an event                      

[Jane S]

Sometimes the regional breed clubs run grooming seminars - I've been to a few in the past. Unfortunately, the only one I know up about that's coming up is being put on by the Hants & Sussex Cocker Club, so a bit far for Linda & Kelly                    

[Anonymous]

What a good idea!! Shame its too far to travel, Indie has not got to the trimming stage yet, but I am worrying about when that happens! I am one of those people that doesnt follow diagrams very easily I'm a hands on kinda girl (lol oops careful now)  My local grooming parlour owner actually breeds Cockers and field spaniels so they do hand strip, not clip which is a good thing, but would like to learn myself!

Thought about cheekily asking if I could sit in when she does Indie, but not sure what the response would be, as it would mean she is losing my custom then!

I have seen a course advertised on TV for pet grooming, its one of those learn at home ones, but as Jane says I suspect it will be generall grooming.

Someone please offer a 2 day course with b and b (lol) I'm sure it would be worth say £100 per person cos in the long run will save lots more than that, and also have the reasurrance in knowing your baby is not being manhandled at the groomers!!!

Sorry my emotions are not working!!                    

[xander_ho]

When is the grooming seminar Jane? should I give Hants and Sussex Cocker Spaniel Club a ring? Its not far from me, I'd sure would like to attend and learn more about grooming

Alexander                    

[Jane S]

When is the grooming seminar Jane? should I give Hants and Sussex Cocker Spaniel Club a ring? Its not far from me, I'd sure would like to attend and learn more about grooming

Alexander

It's on October 18th at Rake Village Hall & includes an eye testing clinic as well as trimming demonstration. You can get further details from Mrs Morton on 01256 862747

Jane