I'm looking to purchase some good grooming tools for my cocker spaniel and wondered if somebody could point me in the right direction. Also what sort of brushes/combs I will need.

Thanks

Hiya
I have a cocker, Millie.
I use a slicker on her (£5-£6), also a stripping knife (£6)
She has a de-matting comb (its late..I cant remember the name :) ) which is basically a series of blades on a handle (it was about £17), that is good for her feathering I find as it keeps them matt free.
Also a regular wide toothed comb ( dont get too wide toothed, but dont get to narrow toothed either cos this would really hurt). I dont think much of those double sided brushes you get..they are just naff, one side looks like a clothes brush..the other looks like a human brush.
Is it just brushing and combing you are interested in, or clipping as well?
Some people will probably recommend a coat king as well, again, up to you on that one.
Keep the insides of her/his eyes free from long fur, I use clippers for that, but its up to you.

Hub international is a good supplier, they have pretty much everything.
http://www.hubintsecured.co.uk/acatalog/Grooming_Aids.html

Let me know, or email me direct if you would like any more info. Sorry...I use loads more equiptment but the brain is slowing down due to blondness and knackeredness.
Also, it depends if you want to just brush..or clip as well.
Steph
x

You're right StephnMillie :D :D
In addition to the above but instead of the stripping knife I would reccomend a Coat King every time, I know 2 pet cockers whose owners keep them in superb trim with the aid of KC's and use them myself on dogs with suitable coats. They are as easy to use as a comb. :D :D They can be bought at the hub site and if you contact them they will tell you which size to use.

Regards
Dill

Hi

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will contact them and sort out exactly what I need.

Hi there
The coatking which I use on my cocker is a 26 blade one. I wouldn't be without it. I also have a spaniel comb (Spratts 76) which you can get from a company called Diamond Edge. I was advised against using a stripping knife and have found that I have managed very well without one. Other essentials are a good pair of thinning scissors and a soft slicker - Morgan just hates the really scratchy ones :-) Also a pair of rubber gloves for hand stripping, if you decide to go down that road :-)
Also wanted to say good on you for deciding to have a go at grooming your dog yourself.
Have fun
Shirley