Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Start by brushing your Cocker Spaniel’s coat with a soft bristle brush. ...
- Next, use a wire slicker brush to remove any tangles or mats. ...
- Once the coat is brushed out, it’s time to move on to bathing. ...
- Lather the shampoo into their coat, being sure to massage it well. ...
- After the bath, use a towel to dry your Cocker Spaniel off as much as possible. ...
Full Answer
How do you groom a cocker spaniel puppy?
Cocker Spaniel coats are thick and require frequent grooming. Nightly teeth brushing means my dog is used to having his mouth gently touched. I started slow, learning to run a blade along his back and then moved on to other parts of his body. Your dog should be accustomed to touch and allow gentle handling.
How do you get rid of matted hair on a cocker spaniel?
Giving your dog a good overall combing and brushing will get rid of the hair shed and matted fur before bathing. Remember that Cocker Spaniels have two layers of hair (under and outer coat), so make sure that you comb and brush through both coats. [13]
How often should a cocker spaniel be groomed?
How often should I groom a Cocker Spaniel? Cocker Spaniel grooming process Grooming frequency Coat brushing Should be done at least 3 times a week. Bathing Once every month but at least once every ... Nail clipping Every 4 weeks Dental care At least 4 days a week. 2 more rows ...
Can you cut the quick on a cocker spaniel?
Before you clip the nail make sure that you trim the hair between the paw pads and that you can see the quick. You can easily see the quick on a dog with lighter nails but for a Cocker Spaniel with a darker nail, you can use the image below as a guide. The dog could bleed if you wrongly cut the quick.
How do you get matted hair out of a cocker spaniel?
0:404:29How to Care for Matted Hair on Dog Ears - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the best thing to do is take a slicker type brush. And start at the lower part of the ear. AndMoreSo the best thing to do is take a slicker type brush. And start at the lower part of the ear. And just brush it out in lines this is part of a demonstration on line brushing as well.
How do you groom a dog with matted hair?
Brush and separate mats. Brush your dog with a slicker brush to separate non matted hair away from matted hair and part down to the skin. ... Apply detangler. ... Work with fingers, cut as necessary. ... Use brush and comb. ... Bathe and treat.
Does shaving a matted dog hurt them?
This procedure is still painful for the dog and the length of the coat will depend entirely on the severity of the matting and its proximity to the skin. Shaving a matted coat relies on experience and expertise and is a slow process. A dog's skin is thin and heavy matts may cause it to become loose.
Is it better to shave a matted dog?
So, should you, or shouldn't you, shave your dog? Well, often, the best choice is the lesser of two evils. Generally speaking, shaving mats is more humane than brushing, especially for large matted areas. If you do choose to have your pets mats brushed out, ask your groomer if it's okay if you watch.
How do you trim a cocker spaniel's face?
2:2511:03Cocker Spaniel-Proper Head Trim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow find the breastbone on your Cocker Spaniel. And just above the breastbone. We come straight upMoreNow find the breastbone on your Cocker Spaniel. And just above the breastbone. We come straight up with a7 and reverse all the way to the base of the jaw. Don't forget to hold those ears out of the
How do groomers get rid of matted fur?
The dematting process involves taking small sections of hair at a time and working to release the mats utilizing dematting tools and products and then brushing. If the matting on your dog is severe, the safest and most humane way to remove the mats would be to clip his hair short.
Is it better to brush a matted dog wet or dry?
Unlike humans, who get a haircut with damp hair, you should always start the grooming session with a dry and clean pooch. Brushing your dog's delicate fur while it is still wet is the worst thing to do. The entire wet-brushing experience can be pretty painful for the fido, leading to more tangles and tighter knots.
Does washing a matted dog make it worse?
Never bathe your dog if he has mats or tangled hair. Water acts as a sponge and only makes them tighter. Use corn starch to help loosen matted dog hair. Rub some into the mat to help loosen, then brush out.
Does bathing a matted dog make it worse?
Never bathe a matted dog as this will only cause to make them worse. 1. Hold the entire mat in your hand at the base of the mat (closest to your dog's skin) as you want to make sure you don't damage your dog's skin.
What can you do for severely matted hair?
How to treat matted hairStep 1: Saturate. It's important to start the detangling process when your hair is dryto avoid unnecessary damage. ... Step 2: Loosen. Grab a wide-tooth comb to begin loosening strands of hair. ... Step 3: Rinse. The final step is to rinse your hair with cool — not warm — water.
How do you cut a badly matted dog?
0:492:08Grooming Advice: Tip for Shaving a Matted Coat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlways full skin tight not the mess. All throughout the dog. And go slow. This is not a race. LikeMoreAlways full skin tight not the mess. All throughout the dog. And go slow. This is not a race. Like going too fast and forcing at it you're going to clip you're going to end up cutting the skin.
Can I shave my matted dog at home?
Depending how badly matted the dog is then you will need to either cut the area with scissors or get yourself a dematting comb or rake and work the knots out if they are not too bad. If the dog is matted all over, as in the picture then the only option is to shave the dog using a very short clipper blade.
What grooming tool is best for removing Matts?
Pro Slicker Brush for Single- or Double-Coated Dogs.Hertzko Comb and Deshedding Tool.Safari De-Matting Comb.Pet Grooming Tool 2-Sided Undercoat Rake.GoPets Dematting Comb with Grooming Rake.Four Paws Magic Coat Mat Remover.Poodle Dematting Tool.Master Grooming Mat & Tangler Splitters.More items...
Does shaving a cocker spaniel ruin their coat?
Shaving a double-coat can also do long-term damage. When it is shaved down to the skin, the undercoat hair will grow back faster, and sometimes will crowd out the slower-growing guard hairs. This can change the texture and color of a dog's coat and make it appear patchy and unattractive.
Can I groom my cocker spaniel myself?
Fortunately, most Cocker Spaniels actually enjoy being groomed, so chances are good that your dog will enjoy the regular bathing, clipping, and trimming. Although taking your dog to the groomer is an option, learning how to groom him on your own is a good skill to have as a dog owner.
Should you use clippers on a cocker spaniel?
Cocker Spaniels need a lot of grooming because of their long fur that's prone to trapping dirt and odours; you'll need to invest in some high-quality clippers to tackle the amount of fur that they have!
How do you detangle matted dog hair without cutting it?
DIY detangling toolsSlicker brush. A good everyday grooming tool with thin wires, which can help work out most mats.Undercoat rake. If you have a dog with a mix of long and short fur, such as a golden retriever or a collie, use one of these — it's the best-kept secret of dog groomers.Comb. ... Mat splitter.
Should you bathe a matted dog before grooming?
4:191:23:28Should you Pre-Clip your DOG before BATHING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe do not want to bathe mats. They will get worse. If we can remove them then it's best to removeMoreWe do not want to bathe mats. They will get worse. If we can remove them then it's best to remove them before the bass that way it also ensures that our dogs are going to get the the most effective
What grooming tool is best for removing Matts?
Pro Slicker Brush for Single- or Double-Coated Dogs.Hertzko Comb and Deshedding Tool.Safari De-Matting Comb.Pet Grooming Tool 2-Sided Undercoat Rake.GoPets Dematting Comb with Grooming Rake.Four Paws Magic Coat Mat Remover.Poodle Dematting Tool.Master Grooming Mat & Tangler Splitters.More items...
How do you detangle matted dog hair painlessly?
2:114:56How to Demat Your Dog the Easy and Painless Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can also use a pin brush to do the same thing this is pretty good to size pin brush.MoreYou can also use a pin brush to do the same thing this is pretty good to size pin brush.
What type of coat does a Cocker Spaniel have?
Cocker Spaniels have a medium to long coat that can either be slightly wavy or flat to the body with a silky feel. The undercoat is soft while the outer coat is long, silky, and fine.
What to use to get rid of tangles on Cocker Spaniel?
Hand mint glove – Can be used to remove loose hairs and massage the dog. Liquid detangling spray – Should be used before brushing to make getting rid of tangles easier and brushing easier overall. Splitters – Are used to break up any mats that may be on your Cocker Spaniel.
What is the best brush for a dog?
A pin brush is more gentle on the dog’s skin than a slicker brush but is not as effective. Steel comb (greyhound comb) – Mainly used for the finishing touches after brushing to get rid of tangles that you may have missed. Hand mint glove – Can be used to remove loose hairs and massage the dog.
How to remoisturize a dog's coat?
Ensure that no shampoo is left on the coat when you are done. Apply conditioner on the dog’s coat and massage it in using gentle motions. A conditioner will help to remoisturize the coat and revert some of the damage that a doggie shampoo does. Rinse the dog thoroughly again.
Why is it important to groom a Cocker Spaniel?
Grooming a Cocker Spaniel is essential since the wavy coat is prone to tangling which eventually become mats. This dog also has long floppy ears that will need to be taken care of. It is also important to keep in mind that the Cocker Spaniel is prone to having a bad odor and another reason to keep this dog clean and well-groomed.
How to get rid of a dog's odor?
Apply shampoo on the dog and use your fingers to gently massage it in until it lathers. Rinse the dog’s coat thoroughly with clean water and make sure that after you are done the water that runs from the dog’s coat is clear. Ensure that no shampoo is left on the coat when you are done.
How to clean a dog's face?
For the dog’s face, soak a cleaning towel in water with shampoo in it and squeeze it to get rid of some of the water, then wipe the face gently. You can then rinse the face with the towel but this time only use clean water with the towel.
How to get a gundog cut?
The gundog is also called a sporting cut. You get this by trimming the feathery parts and ears, and you cut the skirt. That distinctive Cocker Spaniel domed head will stand out, but the rest of the dog will look generic: the hair will be short all over. Some people might want a cockery hint with a gundog trim by leaving the feathering on the front and back of the dog's legs and maybe the tail too.
What is a Cocker Spaniel's cut?
There are two basic Cocker Spaniel cuts. While neither has a formal name, they are known as the "cockery" and "gundog" looks. If you opt for a shaved Cocker Spaniel, however, that can work too. This is one of the dog breeds whose coats grow back basically the same.
Why do Cocker Spaniels need to be trimmed?
Cocker Spaniels that spend a lot of time hunting tend to be trimmed instead of hand-stripped because it is easier to groom a short-haired dog who gets into water and mud. Those whose silky coats are maintained for show are typically hand-stripped so that the striking color and texture is kept at its best.
Can you trim a Cocker Spaniel for a gundog?
You can learn how to do this if you have time and patience and get all the best tools. It's easy to learn how to trim a Cocker Spaniel for the gundog look, and you should get the best clippers for Cocker Spaniels. No matter how you cut it, you should get a Cocker Spaniel clipping guide.
How to get dead hair out of dog hair?
It's a process of literally pulling out the dead hair by the roots with your hands and in small batches. It may sound cruel, but the dead hair will come out easily, and it shouldn't hurt the dog. You'll use your thumb and forefinger on one hand to pull out the hairs. The other hand is used to press on the skin so that only the dead hairs come out. Because the hair is oily, you may want to use chalk or flour so that you get a good grip and don't have to pull hard.
What is carding on a dog?
There is also carding, which is a more advanced aspect of hand-stripping. This is using a dull blade or rock to remove the undercoat. This allows the coat to lie flat on the dog's skin.
Can Cocker Spaniels get matted?
Cocker Spaniels are well-known for the easy tangles and mats that can develop. They have hair that is more microscopically barbed than most dog breeds, and this is why they are more susceptible to matting. Most daunting are the ears, which can get matted quickly. You will want a good de-tangler before you start combing, and one such spray is Coat Handler Anti-Static Detangler Spray. Whatever de-tangler misting spray you choose, however, be sure to use one as you should never comb (or brush) a dog's coat while it's dry.
How to thin a Cocker Spaniel's coat?
For show dogs, if the coat is very heavy, the coat should be thinned down the line of the ribs. Comb the coat so that it lifts away from the skin, and remove the hair from underneath until the feathering falls naturally down from the ribs and does not billow out when the dog is moving.
How to get rid of long hair on a dog?
Roll the skin between the left thumb and index finger, gripping a few hairs at a time between the right thumb and index finger, and pull out the unwanted long hairs. Groom the entire coat with a slicker or pin brush. Comb through with a medium comb, removing tangles. Use a mat-breaker if necessary.
How to trim straggly hair on forelegs?
Remove the long, straggly hairs from the front and sides of the forelegs. Many owners choose to taper the hair down the front of the leg up to and including the foot. When viewed from the front, you should not be able to see any feathering falling around the back of the leg; it should lie backwards naturally, from the elbow. Remove any excess hair. Feathering at the base of the leg should not touch the ground, so trim if necessary.
How to thin a dog's coat?
The coat is well feathered on the forelegs, body and hindlegs above the hocks. Thinning scissors can be used to thin and flatten the coat, and are used to take the tufty hair from the head in many cases where clippers are not used. For the show dog, you should read the breed standard and adhere to any recommendations from experienced exhibitors on the correct procedure before putting a pair of clippers anywhere near the breed.
How to get a Cocker Spaniel to lay flat?
Bathe the English Cocker Spaniel in a suitable shampoo and apply conditioner to help enhance the coat’s appearance and to encourage it to lie flat.
How to get rid of hair on dog toes?
Trim the toes to a round appearance, and take out any surplus hair from between the pads under the foot. Excess, untidy hair should be plucked out, but do not remove too much as this can look very ugly, and is not desirable in the show ring. Aim to achieve a neat and even, close-cut finish. In pet dogs, the hair between the toes is often extremely matted and dirty. This can lead to skin problems, so it is advisable for the pet owner to remove whatever hair has not been thoroughly cleaned by bathing.
What blade do you clip a dog with?
The pet dog is usually clipped underneath with an Oster No. 10 blade, incorporating under the elbows, the tummy, inside the thighs and under the tail, by at least one-width of the blade. No show dog would have this done. The skirt line is not straight as in the American Cocker Spaniel; the lower line is more of an inverted moon from ...
Do cocker Spaniels get a winter coat?
Your Cocker Spaniel has a double coat; an outer layer of silky, fine hair and an undercoat of medium-density fur, the combination of which offer only moderate insulation from harsh winter temperatures.
At what age can you bathe a cocker spaniel?
Usually, your pup can skip their first bath until they're about 8 weeks old. The body temperature self-regulates for older dogs, but puppies might have trouble and could become chilled. This is why holding off bathing them for the first few weeks is generally a good idea.
How do you bathe a Cocker Spaniel's ears?
Wipe the cotton ball from the inside out along his ear to clean out any wax and debris. Dip a cotton swab into the ear cleaning solution. Hold his ear gently and wipe the cotton swab along the ridges inside his ears to clean them. Repeat this process with clean cotton balls and swabs to clear his other ear.
How do I stop my cocker spaniel from smelling?
The solution is to soak your cocker spaniel's ears with water and dog shampoo. This softens the crusty dirt on his ears. You should also make sure that you have the right feeing bowl for your dog.
Do cocker spaniels like to cuddle?
Many Cockers enjoy get up close and personal on their human's lap, chest, head, face (it's true), or right by their side. Some people love the idea of cozying up on the couch at night, watching television, and having a Cocker Spaniel cuddled up with them.
Do cocker spaniels bark a lot?
Cocker Spaniels can be high strung, vocal dogs, so your Cocker Spaniel is particularly prone to develop a habit of barking at delivery people. The reason this behavior can be difficult to eradicate is that the behavior is self-rewarding.
Are cocker spaniels low shedding?
Cocker Spaniels are a moderate shedding breed. ... With that being said, they do tend to molt more than low shedding breeds, like the Irish Water Spaniel for example. So if you're looking for a dog that is as close to “non-shedding” as you can get, the Cocker Spaniel isn't it.
What does the blade on a Cocker Spaniel mean?
The blade (s) used determines the length of the hair. Each number on a blade corresponds to a different cut length. It’s really easy but there are entire seminars and books devoted to the topic. The blade or blades you choose depends on the length of hair you want remaining on your Cocker Spaniel.
How often should I groom my Cocker Spaniel?
Prior to that, he was semi-groomed every six weeks and fully groomed every 9 to 10 weeks. Cocker Spaniel coats are thick and require frequent grooming.
Why do I use curved shears?
I use the curved shears to round the ears because I like a shorter “bobbed” Cocker ear. Inside the ear, you want to work against the grain once you feel comfortable. The Cocker ear is prone to infections, and keeping the ear canal free of hair and debris lessens the likelihood they will get an infection.
What is the best brush for dogs?
Other brushes I recommend as you are able to grow your grooming supplies are the Groom Genie brush. It acts like a massage for dogs and has no handle. You simply allow the brush to do the work while cupped in your hand.
Why clip the inside flap of a cocker ear?
I like to clip the entire inside flap of the Cocker ear to allow that airflow and to prevent all the nasties and yukkies the Cocker ears pick up. Snood anyone?
What is a deshedding rake?
Deshedding rake: Safely removes the undercoat and loose hair with ease. I explain more in my YouTube video (below). Used before you start grooming. I’ve tried a few brands and really love the Andis Premium Fine Tooth Deshedding Rake. Another one I really like and have used for years and years before needing a replacement head is the Mars Coat King Undercoat Grooming Rake Stripper.
How many batteries does a sandpaper blade have?
It is lightweight, allows for precise trimming, comes with two rechargeable batteries. The 5-in-1 fine blade adjusts between a 9, 10, 15, 30, and a 40 for a variety of cutting lengths. More about blade sizes and cutting lengths shortly.
How to brush a dog's ears?
Use a slicker brush first, brush both sides of his ears, and don't forget to brush under the base of his ear and around the ear opening. When there's no more fur being left behind in the brush, use a comb.
Why do you groom a Cocker Spaniel?
If you groom your Cocker Spaniel often it will help to keep his coat clean, shining and manageable.
Why do dogs have mats in their coats?
Mats can trap all sorts of vegetation ( twigs, seeds, etc.), which can cause skin irritation and/or scratch the skin and break the skin. Once your dog's skin has been broken, an infection can set in. If your Cocker Spaniel gets a mat in his coat, you will have a couple of options.
Where do cocker spaniels develop tats?
Cocker Spaniels often develop tats in the feathers on their ears, particularly behind and underneath the ear.
What happens if a dog's mat is broken?
Mats can trap all sorts of vegetation (twigs, seeds, etc.), which can cause skin irritation and/or scratch the skin and break the skin. Once your dog's skin has been broken, an infection can set in .
Can Cocker Spaniel ears be sensitive?
Cocker Spaniel ears can be sensitive. I'm sure I don't need to advise you to take great care and be very gentle!
Is grooming a Cocker Spaniel good for dogs?
A part from health and the obvious visual benefits to your dog, Cocker Spaniel grooming has a few additional benefits for owners too.
