Grooming Tools

Most people spend a fortune in products that either don't work or are terribly expensive. Don't get us wrong, we have gone through tons of clippers, and products over the years... Initially we learned the hard way so these are a few of the things that we recommend to our readers.

Slicker Brush

One of the most common tools used. The slicker brush helps to remove mats and tangles and also removes any loose hair. With regular use the slicker brush will also help to reduce shedding.

Pin Brush

The pin brush is used more often with the longer coated cocker. It helps to lift out loose hair and debris. Brushing distributes natural oils, leaving a shiny, healthy coat. If the coat tends to be heavily matted, a Coarse toothed comb, rake, or slicker can be used to break up the mats. The Pin Brush can also be used to fluff the coat by brushing against the direction of hair growth.

Mars King Coat

Great for stripping, dematting and detangling the coat. Can strip (thin) a large area fast (especially with a thick undercoat). Very poplar tool for a longer or show coated cocker.

Dematting Comb and Mat Breaker

The demating comb is great to get down deep and help break up those mats. You can also use a mat breaker that has razor blades on it. You use it to slice through the mats so you can work them out. Great to use with the slicker brush.

Clippers: The two most common clipper brands are Oster and Andis. People have their preferences with both, so it's hard to recommend just one. The best advice we have is you really get what you pay for with clippers. If you are plan on doing a lot of home grooming both of these are worth the money.

Scissors: Their are many different types of scissors as you will see below. Please note that you don't have to go crazy with these. Even as a breeder, a pair of thinning shears and regular scissors are perfectly fine. Unless you plan on grooming your dog to absolute perfection or are going to show your cocker... you don't need to buy every pair seen here. Some pet stores may sell these in a kit... take it from us... buy quality... we've learned that "You get what you paid for".

Thinning Shears: Used to blend in areas of the shorter hair with longer. Also can be used to thin out a thick area or to strip the back (if you didn't shave it).

Curved Scissors: Mostly used for beveling (rounding) the feet.

Most people have least one pair of straight scissors for fine tuning.

Stripping Knife: The stripping knife has various uses. It will remove dead hair and undercoat and use for plucking on show coats or longer coats. The stripping knife is used to take off the longer hair on the back of a cocker spaniel. Too much use of this tool at one time can cause the skin to get red or bleed. Best to have someone show you how to use this tool. We hope to soon have instructional videos on this site to help out. Many show groomers have both the Coarse and Fine stripper for different purposes.

Nail Cutters: For the cocker spaniel the smaller nail cutters with the safety bar (to make sure you don't too far) will be fine. If you are a little nervous about uses cutters have your vet or a vet tech show you how to not take off too much. If you go to far you can cut the "quick" and cause the dog a lot of pain and bleeding.

Nail grinders: Nail grinders are quickly becoming more popular with people. It uses a Dremel like tool and a grinding wheel to file down the nail. This can be an easier approach to the nail cutter. You file down a little bit each time and the nail gets a smoother finish. Just a warning this can be quite smelly as you get nail dust flying around you. With a cocker spaniel you need to make sure you don't get their long paw hair caught in the tool. Both Dremel and Oster make a pet nail care kit.

Note: We do not recommend using nail grinders, nor do we use them on any of our Cocker Spaniels!

Grooming Table & Arm: A must have! A grooming table or at least the grooming arm is so helpful in restraining your cocker and allowing you to work your magic. You can always buy the grooming arm and put on a normal table too. Just make sure the table isn't slippery for the dog. We currently own two of these types of tables. If you are a breeder it is a necessity.

Blow Dryer: When you are first starting out more than likely you will be using your own hair dryer to dry your cocker. Of course the longer and thicker the coat, the longer it takes to get dry. Ideally you'd eventually will want a table type dryer (to use on your grooming table) or the larger (much more expensive and heavy duty) floor type with arm and stand. Although their are many different types of dryers... you may be better off sticking with a normal hair dryer. It is more cost effective and we find works better. The floor type dryer can run you anywhere from $150 - $350. Where as a hair dryer will run you far less.

File: A file can be used after cutter the nails to smooth them down. Nail cutters sometimes leave jagged edges. You don't have to buy one from the pet store either... any nail file will do the job, although the ones made from metal seem to be more durable and last longer.

Final Thoughts: We hope this section was helpful to you. Please use this as a guide and as always, if you have any questions, please contact us. We love when our visitors have questions. It helps us improve our site and add anything we may have missed. Everything here can be found anywhere around the internet or in a local petstore. BEWARE of buying Items in petstores... they tend to cost more and may not be as durable. We recommend the internet as your first line of defense when it comes to finding a deal. Your second best place is a beauty supply store where you can find most of the obvious items here. Welcome to the world of doing it your self! Once you get the hang of using everything and grooming your cocker, it will be something that you will be able to enjoy with everyone including the love and attention that your cocker will receive knowing that you care for him or her.