Breed Specific Grooming, Cocker Spaniel in my case

[Pippin'sMom]

I have recently adopted a wonderful 8ish-yr-old buff/blonde (mostly) cocker spaniel. Our first trip to the groomer was a great success !!! In the meantime I would like to brush him out the "right" way. After hours and hours of internet research I finally found someone (probably here) who recommended a slicker brush specifically for Cockers. I went Petco and talked to the groomer there and she also recommended a curved slicker (and a comb). Confindent in my purchase I found myself confused by the instructions on exactly how to go about the use of the slicker...

It said to brush from the skin out (huh??? don't you always) to separate the coat. Does that mean I should be lifting up and out, instead of level-like with the skin? Then it said to brush against the grain of the coat, which as far as I know (which is prolly very little) was always a big no-no.

I know it's hard to articulate exactly how to operate something as complicated as a brush, but I strive to have the best-groomed and healthiest cocker on the block! Until I hear the "right" way to use a slicker brush, I intend to brush him whichever way works for now, lol.

I love to spend time with this dog, I've never seen anyone sooooo appreciative of attention...and he groans his approval which is so darn cute it's hard to stop, lol.

Thank you all for being here and being dog lovers!


-J

[chichimom]

well from my expericence as a groom which i used to be when i was abot 17 to 18 lol im now 21 when they say from the skin out you usually have a blower there to help seperate the hair so it makes it very strait and smooth so basically you brush while a blower is on and you brush downwards belive it sounds complicated but its really not have a groomer show you!

[Appylvr]

I don't know how to use a slicker brush, but reading your post made me think of my cocker.... I wanted to show a picture. I miss him so much, he was a great dog.

Here's Chester with his favorite soccer ball. He used to HAVE to have something in his mouth at all times! It was so cute. If he couldn't find one of his toys, he would grab anything nearby..... paper plates, bowls, cans, stuffed animals.....
I cut the picture to fit into a little album years ago, when I was young... and now I'm so mad because I don't have many pictures of him and it's cut so bad, I feel like it's ruined!

I would love to see a picture of your guy!