Hello, can anyone recommend any scissors for trimming my flatcoats ears? We have never bothered before, as we don't show, but they are getting quite long and straggly now---looking like a spaniel!  Also any advice on how to cut?

(re-posted from visitors section, just managed to sign in)

hi & welcome to the forum. I'm interested to hear your reply's as I too have a FCR & I always welcome grooming tips.
Anyone help?

snoopy1

I always hand strip my FCR's ears, all you need to do is to trim them or pluck the hair so it looks a bit tidy. Flatcoats aren't really supposed to be trimmed too much. You could try asking the Flatcoated Retriever Society Show Secretary Anne Youens, as she is a professional groomer and always pleased to help any new owner get the trimming right. She does from time to time do demonstrations. Her details are on the Flatcoated Retriever Society website.

regards
Polly & the Foxpath Flatcoats

Hello Sharon-Marie
Whereabouts do you live - it's always easier to explain how to trim if you see someone else doing it, so we may be able to put you in touch with a useful person near you.

I trim ears with thinning out scissors (sorry Polly) - life's too short to spend ages pulling out dead hair, unless you and your F/C get mutual satisfaction from it!!   I've got a good quality pair with one straight edge and fairly fine teeth ( not the standard sort you get from Boots etc).   You sort of thin a little at a time going down the ear, so's not to leave horrid lines - easier to see it done than explain!

You also trim the hair between the toes, and thin out the hair growing up the back of the back pastern to give a tidy appearance, but I do it mainly for the dog's comfort, and to save too much mud on my kitchen floor.
HTH

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

as i got 4 fcr and lucky to be a hairdresser to,i use thinning scissors on the ears,beyween the toes, and down the neck in a v shape,the hocks and the tail all with thinning scissors.then nomal scissors under the pads,3 of them will go on the grooming table,brie hate beening trim on the floor with a flight.

i buy mine whole sale.

Thanks for all your replies, I live up in Cheshire (near Warrington). We have had two f/c's before but have never actually trimmed either of them, just a weekly brush and comb. This one, however does seem to have more hair on her ears than the others and is looking a bit scruffy! Have tried just trimming them with normal scissors, but i'm afraid it was a bit if a bad haircut :)  She is only just 3 so doesn't have lots of thick hair yet, it's just her ears. I will try and find some thinning scissors and have a go with those next time, or perhaps take her to a professional to watch how it's done! Any good online retailers of thinning scissors? (I've had a look on k9capers but they seem to have different sizes?)

Hello
I am inexperienced with trimming too and have learnt from watching other people.  I too use thinning scissors although I have to admit to getting my friend to trim Ella for shows - she's way better than me!  I think watching someone else trimming is really the best idea if you can.  Also very important to trim the hair inside (not right inside!) the ear as this will help prevent infections.  Are you going to Crufts (I know you don't show) as there will be several stalls selling good quality scissors there, or at any championship show.  They can be quite expensive but it will be worth spending a bit more as the really cheap ones (like Boots) are not really any good.  I'm sure there is somewhere on the internet where you can buy them if you can't get to a show and I'll try to find out for you (or someone else will I'm sure).