Hi Everyone!

I wanted to groom my cocker spaniel, Sandy, myself so I went to PetSmart to get a clipper set. When I asked both the sales person and an in house groomer about choosing the right clipper they both said that I should leave grooming to the professionals because it is very complicated. They also said that by grooming Sandy myself there is a high chance that I could cut her or burn her.

Does anyone have any experience in grooming their own cocker spaniel? Any advice?

I too, am interested in trying to do it myself. I have two cockers and would love to save some money, especially these days.

I will watch for some educated replies.
Thanks for bringing this up

susan

Hey,

I have 3 Cocker Spaniels and have groomed them myself since they were old enough to be groomed. I am not a professional groomer.

I bought an Oster clipper and own a #10 blade (for smooth close clipping) and a # 7 blade for a more feather clipping. You need to replace or have these blades sharpened every 4-6 months depending on how often you use them. You will see a difference in the way the clipper moves across the skin and know that it needs to be replaced or sharpened.

You can also buy the fethering scissors if you want do really do a nice job on the ears. I don't do that because my doggies don't care.

You also need a good nail clipper not the one with the piece that slides back and forth. You need a pair that clips straight (orange handle). You can get all of this at PetSmart or UPCO.COM (cheaper)

Happy clipping!

Mita
and Nikki, Sydney and Callie

If I am able to come to the next Meet Up in Oceanside, I would be willing to bring what I use to groom my Cockers and do a little demo. I could put together a list of what I use and where to find the equipment. Maybe others could do the same as I'm sure we all have our own techniques to share. I have had Cockers since 1986 and show them in conformation as well as working in agility and obedience. I do feel that if you really want to groom Cockers yourself you need to invest beyond a set of clippers. When you think of the lifetime of your dog and what it costs at the groomer, the cost becomes minimal. I am by no means a master groomer, but I have learned enough to take care of my dogs without trips to a groomer. That said, sometimes it makes more sense to leave it to the pros. Some people enjoy the grooming and some just don't.

You can see my dogs at www.abbeylanecockers.com. There is also a booklet available from the American Spaniel Club on grooming your cocker. Their site is www.asc-cockerspaniel.org.

I'd love to get some tips about how to do it yourself. I've had the hardest time finding a groomer who knows what they are doing and treats my guy right. He just got the worst haircut ever the other day and I'm thinking I could do better with a little education.

Hi Everyone! Thanks for your replies. It's great to be part of a community of other dog people :) I would definately enjoy seeing a grooming exhibition at one of the meetups and/or learn what tools work best for grooming. Sandy and I are looking forward to the next Oceanside meetup!

Another source for info is Zimfamilycockers.com/forum. Go to the main page where you'll find a section on grooming your dog as well as taking care of your dog. I know so many who do groom their own pups. I never did, though.

MJ

On the Zim forum is also a DVD about grooming your Cocker - very informative and not expensive at all! The link is in MJ's response.