Hi all
,
While learning how to groom, I came across some rather unorthodox technique of grooming cocker spaniel I thought I'd share,
1. Its not so unusual really, when trimming underneath the jaw down to the breast plate its best to tie the spaniel's ears so its out of the way and not to cut the ears.You will also be able to see the out line of the neck better and view at all angles when handstripping or just blending using the thining scissors.
2. This one is for the boys, use a nail grinder which is a DIY ROTARY TOOL!! I was told that nails should be cut as short as possible but careful not to cut the quick!! The rotary tool works as a grinder so the nail is short and rounded. Finish off with normal scisors on the bottom and outline and blend the top (in between the toe bits but don't dig into the toes don't want a chicken feet effect) with thinning scissors. The end results will be a tight, perfectly rounded and compact paw with no harsh line ready for the show ring!!!
3. This one is for the girls, apparently you can use your old tights. After shampoo and conditioner, comb the hair of the spaniel so its flat on the body. Cut holes on the tights and slip it around the spaniel. Blow dry gentley, you will find that the hair will stay flat on the body, no more buffant effect!!! So remember to help save the planet, recycle those tights!!
4. The last one is my favourite by Mary/Jane, I hope you don't mine me saying called the "sheep shearer technique". What you do is turn your spaniel on its back and groom especially around the arm pit and underside of the legs instead of the standard standing up on the table. Do that everyday and wouldn't find a single knot on your spaniel!!!
I hope our lovely members have more strange technique to add to this thread, Please feel free to comment and also share results. Have fun grooming!!!
Alexander