I'm looking for a PATIENT cocker spaniel breeder in/around Wokingham, Berkshire who would be willing to help me with the trimming and hand stripping (when she's old enough) of our black spaniel. Our breeder has offered her help, but she's in Kent so that's a bit far for regular help.

If anyone would be able to help I'd be really greatful. There is a very good dog grooming place in Wokingham that hand strips spaniels but I want to learn how to do this myself and I don't think they'll show me somehow!! That kind of defeats the object of them being in business :D We're not going to have her spayed so we won't have to worry about her coat suffering.

Also where can I get the relevant tools that I'll need for general grooming and the hand stripping and can anyone reccomend any good books etc.

Thanks,

Fiona

PLEASE help me to do this properly - my dad used to trim their blue roan spaniel and she used to look like a newly shorn sheep :D :D :D :D

Hi Fiona

I have a friend in Newbury who might be willing to help you but don't know anyone in & around Wokingham sorry! There is also a top groomer again in Newbury who breeds Cockers & has given demonstrations on handstripping Cockers at seminars etc - she might be willing to help (though I expect she would charge you :-) ) Let me know if you want either of these contact numbers. Although there is grooming info on websites, I really think you need to watch someone actually doing it for real, reading from books/websites alone won't be enough. Have a look at Pam's site & also Show Trimming .
As to what you need to buy, your basic kit should include a Spratts 76 comb with narrow teeth (often called the Spaniel Comb), a wide toothed comb, a slicker brush,
a pair of thinning scissors (46 teeth in the serrated side) & a straight-edged pair of scissors. You could also get a Coat king (new tool which helps to strip out puppy coat) There are various places where you can purchase these things but if you're coming to Crufts, why not get it all here as often there will be special offers - stalls to try are Diamond Edge, Simpsons, Allbrooks & Hub International.

Jane

Thanks Jane
:)

Pam

Thanks. Is the Newbury groomer/breeder you're thinking of the Ashenbury Kennel? They've got an advert in the Yellow Pages and it gives the impression that they know what they're doing.

I've looked at Pams site - lovely pictures by the way Pam!! - and although the grooming/trimming info is great I think I need someone to show me how to do it first.

If you could let me have the details of your friend in Newbury that'd be great. My mum has banned my dad from trimming their new spaniel and they get someone in to do it and it costs a fortune. It's not that I'm tight, but I resent paying someone to do something that I could learn to do myself :D

Fiona

Go for it Fiona, with a solid it won't be easy but eventually I am sure you will be able to do a better job than someone else coming in to do it becuase you will be able to take your time, doing it in stages and having a good look at the dog in between times. Good luck.

By the way I had looked at Pammys grooming page before but I had not seen the Turmelin one so it was nice to see my Amber's litter brother again (looking a lot smarter than I ever manage!)

Hi Fiona

Yes the Newbury groomer is Paula Hull (Ashenbury) - she has represented GB in international grooming competitions so certainly knows what she's doing :-) Several puppies I have bred go to her for hand stripping - she's not cheap but the best people never are :-)

I'll send you my friend's number after I've had chance to speak to her tomorrow, just to make sure she would be happy to help you (I'm sure she will but best to check first!)

Good for you for wanting to learn to do it yourself - wish more owners would give it a go, some don't even appear to know what a comb is for (judging by the state of some poor Cockers that come to me for grooming :-) )

Jane

Hi Fiona

This is all such good stuff. Thanks for the complement on the piccies. Must but some new ones on.

I fully agree there is nothing better than having someone show you how to do the trimming. Pictures and words help - but hands on is deffo the best way. I do hope Jane's friend can help. Good for you for wanting to do it yourself. I love doing my boys and find it VERY therapeutic and relaxing. You'll have a great time especially if you start young, then she'll learn to love it too.

Pam n the boys