Do any owners of Golden Retrievers trim the tail and feather areas of their dogs? Sefa's are quite long and can get messy if she has an upset tummy. I've searched on google and CD's for some hints but can't find anything. I'd be grateful for some  help as I don't want to rush  it and mess it up.
Ange 

Hi ange, I do sometimes trim my older retriever's tail and his 'trousers', which as you say can be problem sometimes!  Not sure exactly how you are supposed to do it and it does depend of course how calm your dog is - mine being old will just lie there, whereas with my 13 month old it would be a nightmare! :D  Fortunately, his coat isn't long enough yet.

It's very difficult to give advice about this on here but I would say start on the trousers and trim very little to start with while you gain confidence.  I normally get my old boy to lie on one side on the floor and brush his trousers nearest the floor out flat towards his tail and then just trim the ends before brushing them down again.  Repeat on the other side.  The tail is much more difficult to get right because it waves around all the time so shows if it is uneven!!  I usually start trimming it on the floor but usually have to do some fine tuning when the dog is standing up.

Trim the tail into a cooks knife shape with straight scissors but trim the feathers with thinning scissors. Hard to explain but if you want to take a look at my website you will see what I mean about the tail. Hope this helps.  With the thinning on the trousers , thin the feathering on the inside, ie where the toilet drops!, hope you understand that!
If you really want to do a perfect job, there is a lady in Goldens who has a video out which is absolutely brilliant. PM me if you want her contact deatils.

Beautiful dogs Alison. :)

Thank you kindly ma'am

oh your girls are absolutely beautiful, we have a similar looking goldengirl ourselves, do you mind if I pm you for details for the video aswell, Amber could do with a trim also!

Hi Ange
When I trim Ellie, I follow the step by step instructions in the Ultimate Golden Retriever, I think it's edited by Val Goss (will check later, I'm at work at the mo!).

I can't send Ellie to the groomers, she hates it!

Paula

Thanks for your help everyone. I've actually got that book Paula LOL. What a wally I am.