Springer Grooming

[Tami'n'Charly]

I have a 2 year old Springer with a gorgeous coat! It's really expensive getting her professionally groomed and besides, I really enjoy doing it myself. What a great way to bond with your dog!

So, I really have no idea what I'm doing and have just been trying to teach myself as I go. I'm great with the feet, nails, tail, etc. I think I've done ok so far on the rest of her- but I'd like to "kick it up a notch" so to speak.

I bought a basic pair of clippers off of Craigs List a while back. They are Whal clippers but I think the blades are pretty dull. These have been great as a "starter" pair but I'd like to get a new pair. Does anyone have any suggestions on brand, model, etc?

Also, where might I find information on the technique of grooming a Springer? Are there any good books specifically for Springers? I found one website-- but it doesn't tell me exactly what I want to know. What do I do with her feathers? How do I shape them? What # blade should I use on the different parts of the body, etc?

Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks!

 

[SizzleDog]

As far as the clippers go... if you're going to start grooming at home, you'll need to get a good set of clippers - any of the professional Andis clippers are very nice. You will also eventually need to find a blade sharpener in your area, because blades do go dull and you'll need to have them sharpened by an expert.

You will also need shears - probably a nice set of thinners, at least 2 lengths of straights. Curves can also be nice too, but care must be taken with them since they obviously have a different shape than straights - I've seen a newbit skice into a dog with a pair of curves because they "didn't expect the tips of the shears to go upward". Yeahhhhh....

Another thing you may want to invest in is, of course, a grooming table, arm, stand dryer and hi-velocity dryer. Understand that when your dog goes to the salon, she usually is bathed, hi-vied, and then either partially cage dried than brought out for hand drying, or completely hand dried. This is how she gets a super silky feel to her coat when she goes in for a grooming. Clippers will go through a coat with this type of drying much faster ans easier than through air ot towel dried coat. You'll also get a less patchy dog if you hand dry.

Also be sure to invest in a high quality, professional grade shampoo and conditioner as well.

As for books... a good book to begin with is The Stone Guide to Dog Grooming fr All Breeds - it's an old book, but in general has very good diagrams and instructions.

Grooming at home can be a huge and expensive undertaking if you want the restuls youget from a professional - it takes a lot of patience, care, and the ability to deal with a bunch of botched jobs before you really "get it down"... good luck!

 

[MafiaPrincess]

I liked the pics on this site. You have to hit next at the bottom. Not perfect, but I found it when I wanted help on my cockers. http://www.ariel-ess.com/groom/springer1.html

Steve Dainard has one of the top ESSs here. She often wins group, she's lovely. I got some hand stripping advice from him at the last show I went to. He wrote some articles you may find useful. This is one I liked. http://www.springershowcase.com/art2no4.htm

 

[Luv_Gr00ming]

As far as the clippers go... if you're going to start grooming at home, you'll need to get a good set of clippers - any of the professional Andis clippers are very nice. You will also eventually need to find a blade sharpener in your area, because blades do go dull and you'll need to have them sharpened by an expert.

You will also need shears - probably a nice set of thinners, at least 2 lengths of straights. Curves can also be nice too, but care must be taken with them since they obviously have a different shape than straights - I've seen a newbit skice into a dog with a pair of curves because they "didn't expect the tips of the shears to go upward". Yeahhhhh....

Another thing you may want to invest in is, of course, a grooming table, arm, stand dryer and hi-velocity dryer. Understand that when your dog goes to the salon, she usually is bathed, hi-vied, and then either partially cage dried than brought out for hand drying, or completely hand dried. This is how she gets a super silky feel to her coat when she goes in for a grooming. Clippers will go through a coat with this type of drying much faster ans easier than through air ot towel dried coat. You'll also get a less patchy dog if you hand dry.

Also be sure to invest in a high quality, professional grade shampoo and conditioner as well.

As for books... a good book to begin with is The Stone Guide to Dog Grooming fr All Breeds - it's an old book, but in general has very good diagrams and instructions.

Grooming at home can be a huge and expensive undertaking if you want the restuls youget from a professional - it takes a lot of patience, care, and the ability to deal with a bunch of botched jobs before you really "get it down"... good luck!

Could not have said it better myself.
However, i do have one recomendation.
You should pick up notes from the grooming table. It an excellent book. Goes over a ton of different clips for a lot of different dogs, but the springer section is excellent.

I can also go over the basic cut with you if you like.
Some people at the campground i go to have about 5 springers...so i know it pretty well :lol-sign:

feel free to pm if you would like

good luck!

 

[mrandrei]

You can use the spaniel comb and slicker brush on the ear feathering. Use the combs and brushes to remove all dust, dirt, tangles and dead hair from the coat.

 

[Saintgirl]

Just wanted to add because everyone else has said it so well, make sure that your dog is FULLY dried before you start to clip. Even if your dog is almost dried any damp spots can leave your dog patchy! I second the book Notes from the Grooming Table- AMAZING book! Don't be scared to keep your clippers well oiled, and you may want 2 of each blade that you will use because tey can heat up quickly and they can burn your dog. You can buy a spray to cool of your blades, but I find they heat up quickly even after being sprayed.