Hi does anyone know of any step-by-step grooming websites for english cockers?
Rebecca xx

I found this http://home.iprimus.com.au/bathgate/grooming_examples.htm (dunno how to do links)

It depends on what type of grooming you have in mind Rebecca ;-) The site given above is Australian & the emphasis is on clipping the coat quite severely. If you want a site which gives guidance on handstripping in the traditional way, you could try here or get hold of the AMP video on Grooming English Cockers which covers both handstripping & clipping.

We had a 'flyer' put through the door this morning from someone advertising grooming services.  The paper it was printed on obviously started off as A4 size and was cut to A5 by a 5year old with a pair of blunt scissors.  It advertised 'Professional Dog Grooming All BreedS'  with a mobile telephone number then the town hand written in pen!  Professional?  I think not.  I feel like phoning them and telling them why I think they won't get custom!

Unfortunately, they probably will get custom, and if their grooming is as 'professional' as their marketing could be putting dogs at risk.  The great dog owning public have very little idea about grooming standards.  Your get the hardcore who are faithful to one particular groomer, then a great 'floating' population, who ring around for cheapest/earliest appointment!  We have a newish groomer opened around here, who advertises "professional" "expert" and a load of other buzz words in the ad.  They had a 1 week into. course at a local place, that is the depth of the professional training!  Your dog comes out with a "one trim fits all breeds" semi clip off with a bit feathering on legs, sort of a cross  between a westie and cocker pet trim!
bye Gwen

Gwen, just out of interest, tell me about the qualifications they should have.  How do you find a reputable groomer other than by recommendation?

I don't need a groomer as I don't have my spaniels "done" but would be interested to know.

Its really difficult - the recognised qualification is the City & Guilds, but I see lots of dogs done by C & G qualified people who bear no resemblance to the breeds usual trims.  Advantages of C & G qualified people is that at least they should have a full grounding in safety practice, care of the client dogs etc.  word of mouth is possibly the best, some really long time groomers who never did the C & G may be the best and most experienced at your breed, or someone who is expert in one or two breeds only, and only does those breeds.  Of course, a lot of pet people are completely happy with an everything off trim every time anyway, which only takes a little skill in the safe use of clippers!  And fancy sales literature is no guarantee that teh service will be first class, I just think if someone cant be bothered to make sure their first point of contact is tidy, professional and good to look at, what hope have you of your dogs trim being any better?
bye
Gwen

I agree completely Gwen.  Although I trained and worked at a C & G testing centre, I refused to take the exam because they wanted a 'shorn' Westie that would last 12 weeks, and the Cockers - well - no self respecting Cocker would want to walk around looking like that!!  Luckily for me (because I didn't know any different at the time!) the owner was a 'show' person and taught how to trim to the breed standards, as well as how to pass the exam!!  A bit like passing your driving test!!
When I started my own business some 17 years ago, I advertised in the local paper for 3 months and have never advertised since.  Word of mouth is always the best sort of advertising.