Barney is nearly six months old now (cocker spaniel) he has a lovely fluffy coat that is really wavey, brushing every day just makes it look even more fluffier and it sticks up everywhere (he is starting to look like 'oor Willie', lol).  Can anyone tell me when I can expect his 'real' coat to grow in?  And will his fluffy puppy coat fall out with the brushing every day or should I be doing something else?  Thanks. :)
Jax

Are you planning to show him or is he just a pet (I hate having to put it that way, as being a pet is very important, but couldnt think of a different wording)?  If you are planning to show him, you should have started some handstripping/trimming by now - JaneS would be able to give you the best advice.  If he is your pet, then it depends what sort of trim you intend ot keep him in what action you need to take.  Are you ging to groom him by yourself or will you be using a groomer?
bye
Gwen

Hi Gwen, he is my pet.  I would like to try and groom him myself - if I ever get him to stop wriggling!!!!  I had thought about trying to use a coat king (?) but need to see one being used first and I would also need to be taught how to use it properly.

Does anyone have any experience using a coat king and how easy are they to use?
Jax

Hi Jax

I have a 20 month old cocker boy who is solely a pet, we are not going to show him.  I groom him myself as there are no groomers suitable near my home.  I use a coat king and thinning scissors mainly.  I tried handstripping but gave up, it was too much hard work when all I really wanted was to keep him neat and tidy but still looking like a cocker.  He is still a bit hairy around his legs but gradually we're getting there.  I know of other people who have cockers and get them clippered to try and stop them picking up so much mud and 'debris :-)' on walks but I'm not keen on the clippered look and feel that a wee bit of dirt never hurt anyone :-).

The coat king is very easy to use but you need to remember that it does cut the hair and you can end up with bald patches if you're over enthusiastic.  You just rake it through the hair in the direction that the hair grows.  They are not recommended for dogs which are going to be shown but I wouldn't be without mine.

Shirley

Some pictures of my coat king Cocker :-)  http://users.breathe.com/queenswell_cocker_spaniels/qe09002.htm