Although I do brush my spaniels regularly, one of my cockers (working) has always been very reluctant to let me get anywhere near the back end.  When fussing her I always make an effort to touch her legs and tail to get her used to it, but although she will tolerate this, just don't go anywhere near her with a brush!  She has a tipped tail (so 3/4 length) which has always been scruffy!

She's got some good burrs caught in her feathers down the back of her legs (and she is quite feathery) and some matted bits too.  It's not terrible but I am aware that it isn't going to get any better unless I sort it out. Although she's never 'gone for me' when brushing her I want to plan my 'attack' carefully.

I know she isn't going to like this and she will be stressy once she sees the brush and scissors.  Do I just get my son to hold her tightly or can I do it another way?  I've got a funny feeling she would snap and I don't want to risk this happening.

She's more than happy to have her ears brushed and will tolerate her back and sides brushed. 

Any ideas?

Have you tried a zoom groom ? can be used all over & fits in the palm of your hand.

I would start, with loads of treats on hands BTW, & massage her using T Touch starting at the"safe"end, gradually work my way backwards on both sides of the body at once if you can. She should obviously be stood up for this approach. As you approach the "problem"area she should be relaxed & allow you to very slowly work your way down her legs if she is well behaved then treat her. Once she allows you to do that without problem , then run the flat of your hands over her back leags & tail, if she is ok with that then again treat. I would then run my fingers through the coat & ,yep, treat again. Then using the zoom groom very very gently touch her with it on one side using the fingers on the other side & again treat. you should(that the theory)teach her that being groomed is good & rewarding . Once she is ok with the zoom groom you should be able to trim the knots/tats etc out.

I wouldn't use a trad dog brush on her until you get all the bits out & even better if she learns to lie down & enjoy the grooming progress(can happen if the dog relaxes using the T touch-I had a Xthat I trained for someone & groomed & used TT on that would fall asleep standing up !)

Can you geta  helper?

If so, (if not you need extra arms!)

Start off slowly, giving her a treat just for seeing the comb or brush. Then a treat for touching her with the brush but not actually brushing. Carry on like that in short (2 minute) sessions until you are brushing various bits of her in return for a treat.. just work your way up to the 'trouser' area where the bits and matts are, when you get that far, make the treats for areas she doesnt mind boring, the treats for the bits she doesnt like REALLY good.

Em

My Yankee's a right fidget when it comes to his paws and between his legs being brushed! I agree with the advice so far, and would add that having a helper to hold her might help too, but make sure he is holding her gently and firmly and helping to soothe her, not just holding her in an iron-like grip or something!! If it's not somewhere too obvious you can always cut the burrs out this time and use the soothing method to stop it getting too bad again! :-)

I would forget the helper unless they're really experienced ;)  they may make things worse ;) (I've been there )  Have you a door handle you could tie a lead to??  If you have, then a table pushed against the door (only needs to be big enough to stand on ;) ) with some rubber car mats will do the trick.  Put on collar and lead, tie securely to the door and proceed as above (theemx), give treats for every stroke of the brush at first and be firm about any nonsense ;)  once your hands are free to deal with the tangles it'll be so much easier :)  Once the dog is tangle free, I'd get some practice in (both of you) using the door handle and loads of tiny treats, a few minutes at a time, 4 times a day, until the dog is used to brushing and combing the back end and accepts it :D  It can be done :D

Thanks for the advice.

I did make a start yesterday (as per advice) but she isn't really interested in treats.  I gave her cheese and she spat it out, tried frankfurters and she wasn't really interested.

None of mine dogs are food orientated and I don't usually give food as treats for this reason. 

I will persevere.