HELP. My eldest cav has several large mats courtesy of my much beloved taking them on long hikes through wood land whilst I was on hols. He has yet to discover a comb and brush so I now have to get stuck in. Any suggestions on how to get her still for long enough, what to use and how to approach it??  Any advice greatly recieved.

Shall I be honest I would send her to a dog groomer who will have the right tools and the ability to keep them still.  Just ensure they dont clip her right off.  Cav's are totally adorable but they can be a right pain in the bottom if they put their mind to it when being groomed.  Failing that you could always use a slicker brush and have lots of time and patience. :)

I would never let a groomer loose on my cavaliers as they tend to think they need clipping & scissoring all over & if your dog isn't used to being groomed on a table starting with someone strange without you is not a good idea. I've groomed other peoples cavaliers that have been clipped & sculptured by groomer & their coats are terrible to get looking right again

I never try to tease out mats without soaking tham in detangle spray. Seven Seas make one under their Vetzyme brand. you can use it on a wet or dry coat I leave it to soak for quite a while whilst I groom the rest of the dog & then with a all metal comb & not a slicker brush tease it out

If the matts are too big or too solid to get out with a comb you can cut through them from the body outwards This is not cutting off the matts but cutting through them from the skin side out with a pair of round ended scissors, this should make it easier to get the matts out & keep the coat length. If the matt is not visible ie under the tummy or tail I would simple cut them off on a pet dog

If you can't groom the dog on a table either groom him/her on the floor(not good for your back)or on the settee or easy chair if he/she is allowed on the furnture. Do a little at a time & when the dog is co operating son't forget to treat him/her

I am a dog groomer and I ASK people what they want done with their dog warning them in advance if they have the dog clipped it will ruin the dogs coat.  If you read my post it actually say DONT let them clip it off for this reason. If you explain clearly before leaving your dog what you want done then most groomers will do it it is best to go to one on recomendation the same as if you have your own hair cut.

I wasn't saying ALL groomers but all the cavaliers that have been to groomers that I have seen have been clippered on the ears & body & the coat comes back fluffy & even worse to groom(money making for the groomer as the dog uaually can only be groomed by clipping)

Grooming your pet is part of the bonding process between pack animals & the subordinates are often groomer by the higher ranking dogs. Cavaliers have really easy coats to look after & if done little & often from puppyhood they are easy to groom

I wouldn't expect owners to groom their poodles etc but cavaliers are really an easy breed to groom

I know of several novice owners who have left their show dogs(cavaliers)with "qualified"groomers to get them back with the slippers & ears trimmed/clippered  despite being told the dog was going to be shown. I would expect a"qualified"groomer to know that cavaliers that are to be shown can only have the fur under the feet trimmed. I know the local college that does a grooming course & they include show dog grooming & one of the studenets borrowed one of my dogs & the tutor was going to fail her because she hadn't trimmed his slippers & ears ! I rang the tutor as the student had come to me in tears & she replied that SHE thought that Cavaliers looked better trimmed !<sigh>she is still teaching a "show"trim for cavaliers. It will be interesting when I go on the course next year(doing it to have the bit of paper that most owners now ask for & as something to do now I am retired from work). She also teaching a beardie show trim -again not allowed in the UK & I will be taking a friends bitch for that session !

moonmaiden have you ever used a mikki matt splitter?? it looks like a little blade in a hook ..if so was it any good ..have seen them on sale but not sure if thet are any good......

I have never used anything other than the best scissors I can afford & metal combs

Hi Inca,
I have used the matt splitter for my Beardies and find them a great help around the ears as Beardies can become very matted if not checked everyday,I dont use it on the coat and agree with moonmaiden the best scissors ,comb ,brush you can afford.
I lie my Beardies on thier side on the settee < I find it easier to groom in the evening when they are relaxed > the oldest one 20mth always falls asleep.Puppy 17 wks have been grooming her since day I brought her home same way only with a toy in her mouth she gets excited when the bag comes out.
I'm not a groomer have had Rough Collies over the years always had long haired dogs always done it myself never been to a professional but my dogs coats are in excellent condition eventhough I say it myself!!!

Sorry got a little carried away meant to say try one they are  not expensive....

I am going to book her in but I don't know what to ask for. Any advice? Thanks

For any matts I would never use a slicker brush, but always a metle comb, starting with wider teeth then finer teeth (but not a fine tooth fine!) I love detangler spray, works wonders, I use Wahl showman.  Gentle tease the coat, if your dogs not enjoying it, do it bit at a time.

I will get her booked in as soon as pos. I think once see is sorted I can keep on top of it again. Will also teach the husband what the dog brush looks like and what it does.LOL.  Thanks