Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels can be groomed as a deshed style or a clipping style. When given a deshed the excess undercoat can be removed so that it is less bulky and thick. This keeps a more natural look but does not shape or contour the coat significantly.
Alternatively a clipping style groom can be chosen and a breed specific clip and graduated blending can be utilised to achieve targeted style. The coat of the Cocker Spaniel is very fine and flyaway so easily tangles and keeping the coat long almost always requires strict brushing schedules daily and focusing on the underside and legs. Many of our clients want to keep the underskirt full but do not realise the time and effort needed to ensure the dog remains free from tangles.
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Most clients accept over time that clipping is the only way of keeping on top of the high maintenance coat and both owner and dog are usually happier with a full clip or modified version of the show clip that is more manageable.
Choosing options for grooming
Deshed style groom with no clipping
Deshed style groom can be wonderful for young dogs with fine downy fur that is not yet getting tangled and whose skirt is not full yet or only partially present. The coat can be kept tidy and tangle free and it is possible to continue with this style of groom well into adulthood if the dog has a well maintained coat and is brushed and combed often enough to keep mats from developing.
Usually 1.5 hours is enough to groom a young dog. 2 hours is the minimum time needed to maintain the coat as soon as skirt and feathers grow significantly.
Full clip off of coat except ears and tail
If maintaining the coat of the dog is not feasible then the best way to keep the dog happy and free from anxiety related to brushing and removing tangles is to clip off the full coat.
For a fully grown dog this can be done in 2 hours.
Puppies also require the same amount of time, whilst they have less fur but are usually more anxious and easily stressed so it is important to commence clipping where the dog is given time to realise it will not hurt and is a pleasant experience.
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This pay dividends in the long term as the dog accepts grooming without fear and this means grooming can be done more quickly and simply in adulthood.
Show clip moderated including maintenace of skirt in full or part
If owners wish to spend time and effort at home on a regular basis and use the correct equipment to manage the coat; it is possible to keep the feathers and skirt of a Cocker Spaniel full or partially present.
We offer show standard grooms and a range of modifications of these for pet owners.
In order to prevent the dog being stressed due to us brushing matted fur it is important that the dogs coat is free from tangles. Any tangled areas are best clipped out and it is possible to selectively remove areas which are not noticeable.
Clients should book an extra 30-60 minutes minimum on top of the guided weight-based clipping and grooming appointments to allow time enough to complete.