Clipping the American Cocker Spaniel

Necessary Supplies

Large pin brush Slicker brush Matting comb
Steel comb Ear powder (medicated) Nail clipper
(guillotine type)
Oster Clipper A5
(recommended)		 Lanolin coat conditioner Scissors
# 10 blade # 7 or 8 1/2 blade Thinning shears

Artificial tears eye drops

Where To Use

Large pin brush Brushing the coat
Slicker brush/Matting comb Removing mats
Ear powder Inside of ears
Nail clipper Nails (use caution)*
Scissors
  • between pads of feet
  • leg feathering
  • feet
# 10 blade
  • about 1/2" around the anus (never directly on anus)
  • underneath tail
  • pelvis (navel to groin)
  • front neck
  • top upper 1/3 of ears (inside & out)
  • head
Steel comb Entire coat
# 10 or 8 1/2 or 7 Entire back & tail (from back neck to tail)
Thinning shears
  • blending uneven hair at shoulders and hindquarters with leg feathering
  • blending uneven hair on chest
  • under chest (if necessary)
  • front legs
Lanolin coat conditioner Entire coat
Artificial tears eye drops  Use during and after clipping to remove any hair blown into the eyes

Clipping & Grooming Instructions

GroomingSmarter gives tips with illustrations on trimming cocker: feet, ears, bevels, underlines, back, neck, head, and shoulders.

Links

Oster clippers & blades

The All Breed Dog Grooming Guide (2002) (available at Amazon.com)

Reference

   Kohl, S., & Goldstein, C. (1973). The all breed dog grooming guide. New York: Arco.

M. Villanueva © 2003

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