Advice re: hairy face

[louis mum]

I have been buying in the appropriate grooming equipment, I have already been giving Alfie feet a little trim (not very well though  ) but his face is so hairy.

We do hope to show Alfie, (he is 5 months old today) so dont want to cut these areas. At what stage should I begin to tackle his face? Should I handstrip this area and is it equally acceptable to use a stripping stone? If so, how do you use the stripping stone.  It just looks like a big pumice stone to me, but how to use it baffles me. 

Thanks in advance 

[Cazzie]

Far from an expert but was watching my friend do some grooming the other day and she had some fabby scissors that she thinned the face hair on a dog and what a fantastic job she made of it and no scissor marks. Not sure if this is suitable for a cocker though but cant see why not 

[CraftySam]

If you are thinking of showing him you should handstrip it to be on the safe side. It should come away easily, you can wear rubber gloves or rubber finger ends to make it a bit easier for you.

I have used a stripping stone and I ran it along in the direction of the coat which brough out the loose hair. You can cut them down but you still might find it a bit tricky on the face.

I would avoid thinning scissors until someone who shows can confirm whats appropriate. I have a feeling that they shouldn't be used on the face.

I used to handstrip Barney's face, I clip it now but I don't show him. 

[Jane S]

Sam's right - if you intend to show, try not to use thinners on the head if you can avoid it (specially not on the skull where it's very noticeable if you have scissored). Try stripping just a little bit at a time every day with your fingers (using gloves or finger cots as Sam suggested).Five or ten minutes a day would be fine until your pup gets used to the sensation and will be easier for you. Stripping stones have their uses for removing short, loose hairs on the face (after you've stripped out most of the fluff) but they won't strip out a Cocker head on their own.

[louis mum]

Sam's right - if you intend to show, try not to use thinners on the head if you can avoid it (specially not on the skull where it's very noticeable if you have scissored). Try stripping just a little bit at a time every day with your fingers (using gloves or finger cots as Sam suggested).Five or ten minutes a day would be fine until your pup gets used to the sensation and will be easier for you. Stripping stones have their uses for removing short, loose hairs on the face (after you've stripped out most of the fluff) but they won't strip out a Cocker head on their own.

Thankyou. 

I have been having a little 'tweek' of his head hair to try and get him used to it for a little while now, not proper pulling though if you know what I mean. He justs gets really excitable,  would it be acceptable to let him relax on the grooming table with a kong or something to begin with to make it a more pleasent experience to begin with.  If he has something to chew it seems to accept it more  I think it is me getting more nervous about hurting him being a novice to be honest. 

[ladylola]

If he's happy with a kong, I'd give him one, then you can get the job done easier.

[louis mum]

  Cheers. 

[louis mum]

Well I have started stripping Alfies head. 

Thanks to you all for the advice and encouragement. 

He was an absolute star  I gave him a frozen kong and he just lay on the grooming table chomping away. He didnt flinch once. 

Judging by how long it has taken me to do a tiny bit, I will still be doing it at xmas. 

As far as his face goes, I bravely had a tweek, but it doesnt seem to want to budge. Should I just leave this alone for a while. 

[ludo]

Hi Louis mum - I had Dax's facial hair done at the groomers with thinning scissors and it was fine  - my groomer advised thinning scissors for the cheeks - the head should defo not be scissored - the groomer did a really good job of it - it has grown back again fine - it just looks the same as before it was trimmed and needs doing again but I am going to wait until it is ready for hand stripping - I have got the number of a chap whose dogs are immaculate and he does them himself for show - he is going to handstrip Dax for me but I have been told the coat isn't ready to come out until 10 months old - we are going to show Dax (as you know we are practicing too - its ringcraft tomorrow).  Sounds like you are doing well with Alfie though 

[louis mum]

I am surprised how easy it is coming out of his head to be honest. Already it looks a bit better, and that was just approx 20 - 25 minutes worth. I was only planning on 5 - 10 mins but he was that engrossed in his kong I thought I would carry on a bit more.

Believe me I was really worried about starting his head, but now I can see a result it has given me a bit more confidence to carry on. Dont know how long it will take to do his whole head though.  Some of the hair does seem a bit 'tougher' than the rest though.

I have to use rewards to do any of the grooming to be honest, he certainly aint no angel.  but he is only a baby. 

Good luck at class tomorrow with Dax, let us know how he gets on. 

[ludo]

hi louis mum - ooooh perhaps I should give it a go - don't think I will be as brave as you - i'll wimp out and get the chap who grooms to show me  will let you know how it goes at ring craft - we are test driving the new lead and have a bucket load of sausage lined up and one hungry pup so here goes 

[louis mum]

I was a bit worried about doing it, but I watched the video and thought 'oh heck just go for it'.  Poor Alfie. 

I found that lead fab, thanks for the link. 

Good luck tonight, I am sure Dax will do you proud. 

[ludo]

Hi Louis mum - well he was a little imp tonight  he chewed and bit the lead all the way round - the Lhasa people were in stitches laughing at his antics (I used to have Lhasas and I can tell you they would have a shock if I they had a cocker at the end of the lead  - no comparison)

In the end the chap in charge suggested I put his usual collar and lead on (he is a cocker man who knows his stuff) - well!  some excellent loose lead work - he went like a dream on a loose lead as soon as I got the clicker out - he switched gear and was an absolute star and I had full attention!! I couldn't believe it - I bet it was a comical sight - I went round the ring bent over clicking and shovelling sausages down his throat whilst on the move  I must have lost at least 4 pounds in weight so I deserve chocolate  so I'm off to the fridge in a minute ... 

have decided to put the posh lead away and get a nylon one until he is used to a show lead - the lambskin ones are too expensive to be a chew toy  and he has wrecked my specs and a mason pearson brush this weekend (our fault we left them in reach)  he is chomping on a raw hid chew as we speak  but despite it all I had fun!! and thats what its all about - we won't be in a show ring any time soon - he is a work in progress - I reckon once the penny drops it will be no holds barred 

[louis mum]

  It sounds like you had a ball. 

Oooh Dax what are you like, giving your mum the run around.  The leads look good though dont they.  when they havnt gotten chewed. 

We get laughed at a lot going round too, must be a cocker or cocker owner thing.  Good job we are thick skinned isnt it. 

I have got mental images of Dax gigling to himself as you struggle round the ring with him semi attached via his sausage laden teeth to his lovely new lambskin lead. 

You are so right, it defo is fun, I dont think I could partake otherwise.

Thanks for the giggle. 

BTW had another go at a bit of Alfies head again before, and trimmed his feet a bit more, so no stopping me now. Well maybe when the old finger and thumb get sore. 

[ludo]

  check our Dax(let's) vid