Grooming Your Cocker Spaniel
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- dingbat007
- Fanny
- cowboy99
- Fanny
- cockerlover
- wieczen
- Casper_1
- Fanny
- palominobc
- Fanny
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» dingbat007 - ears
My cocker spaniel will not let me near her ears. I have a very difficult time trying to clean them, much less get the matts out. She seems terrified by clippers and scissors. no, i have never nicked her. I have however put ear wash in them, which she didn't like at all. She's a sweet,smart, and somewhat fiesty little girl most of the time, and spoiled rotten. hmm, maybe thats the problem.She is the first cocker i've ever had, and i've had her since she was 4 weeks old. Had to take her early, she was in a bad situation. Please help, i've tried a muzzle, but she is too wiggly and strong for me to do it by myself.-- posted by dingbat007
» Fanny - Re: ears
In response to message posted by dingbat007:Hmmmm... you could be right. If you have spoiled her, she certainly knows what she can and can't get away with. You have allowed her the win in this case and so she will present a bigger and biger struggle each time.
So, I would suggest taking her to a groomer, telling them your plight and see how they can fair. Sometimes the bad behavior can be corrected by a trained pro for you, but most of the time you are the one who needs to do the work.
Start with reassuring her that her ears won't fall off if handled. While cuddling on the couch for some evening TV or such rub and stroke her ears. Handle them as often as possible. Introduce the cotton balls without lotions on them and the clipper without it running, just near her ears. End each successfullesson with praise for good behavior and awalys on a positive note.
If all else fails, ask your vet for a sedative, use the muzzle for yours and her protection, and go at it. A bit of tough love in the beginning will prevent this kind of trouble in the first place.
Good Luck and
Good Grooming!
-- posted by Fanny
» Fanny - Re: Re: grooming your cocker spaniel
In response to message posted by cowboy99:Yes. Some would argue that they need them for balance in the dark, but really what is your cocker doing roaming about in the dark, anyway? Shaving them off during the grooming session is quick and highlights the adorable expression of the cocker.
-- posted by Fanny
» cockerlover - Re: Re: Re: grooming your cocker spaniel
In response to message posted by Fanny:Fanny I really like the way you give advice on grooming the cocker spaniel. I manage an online cocker club on MSN, if you'd ever be interested in joining us there. I have groomed my cocker before in the past and then started taking her to a professional. Now that I have my second furbaby I'd like to do them both at home.
I would like to know how you clip the top knot. I am not happy with the way my groomer does it. It looks like a bowl. I like the "V" shape more.
Do you have any clippers you'd recommend? I have been told the Oster A5 is excellent.
Thanks!
Gina
-- posted by cockerlover
» wieczen - Re: Re: Re: Re: grooming your cocker spaniel
how do you use trimming shears on a cocker or other breed? Do you comb the hair against the grain and then trim,or with the grain. Also how do you keep the coat fromn looking twisted and stringy after you have combed the dog.My dog is combed every three days and still looks messy after. I even resorted to a cat grooming trick and use dry washing with a grooming powder, it helps but still isn't perfect.
Thanks
Walt
-- posted by wieczen
» Fanny - Re: shedding
In response to message posted by Casper_1:Shedding in a cocker puppy is unusual,depending on how old the puppy. If you have a puppy nearing nine months to a year it could be hormones and her first heat(in some cases as early as six months). If your puppy is younger it could be mites or even an allergic reaction to some he ate or new food.
Stress can cause hair to fall out. There are a number of reasons right down to genetics which is what you suspect by asking if you were lucky. Not really, in all the years of breeding cockers I found this to be the norm.
Start to eliminate causes ans if no results then take the pup to the vet. Could require medical attention.
Hope this helps.
Chris
-- posted by Fanny
» palominobc - cocker spaniel grooming
I recently had a vet visit and was told to let my dog soak in a solution for his feet. He has a bad infection and has been put on antibiotics. I am concerned that cutting his nails will only further spread his infection into his feet. Should I be concerned? And also is there any book that can show me how to trim his nails properly. I have clippers but am having trouble with the nails. My dog is very fidgety and tries to bite when I attempt to cut his nails .I have purchased a muzzle to help with the biting but am afraid it will hurt the dog. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks
-- posted by palominobc
» Fanny - Re: cocker spaniel grooming
In response to message posted by palominobc:If you under a vet's care it is best to follow his instructions for you dog's care. As fas as a book I would suggest a search online at amazon on any dog grooming book will provide nail clipping. Prices will vary for general to all breed instuctions. Once you have a snippy dog while doing nails it requires tons of reassuring that he won't die if he has his nails clipped. Handle his feet while watching tv and at other times when he isn't going to have them trimmed so he will relax a bit, and no, a muzzel won't hurt him. In fact, some dogs soon realize it is futile to fight and calm down.
Good luck
-- posted by Fanny
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