Grooming the American Cocker Spaniel,
Tools that will be needed!
The tools needed are fairly basic to begin with and as you get more comfortable with grooming you will probably want
to add to your tools and find what you are happiest with.  The single biggest expense is your clipper and the 2nd is
going to be a good grooming table.  You can start without a table, tho it will make your life a ton easier if you are able
to afford it.  (will discuss a table later as it is optional)

  • Choosing a clipper is a matter of great importance.  You will want to make a good purchase and not try to
    just find the cheapest out there.  If you buy a cheap one now and have to buy another and another you will soon
    spend more than doing it right the first time.  I prefer the Oster A5 Clipper and tho I have a 2 speed I seldom use
    the highspeed setting (its louder and frightens the dogs more) so going with a 1 speed setting is just as fine.  
    (Estimated cost : between $150-$200)  Clippers are mostly used on the face, ears, neck, back and bottom of
    feet (tho potentially all over if you want to shave a dog down)
  • It comes standard with a 10 blade which is one you will need most in grooming.  I have made the mistakes
    before and tried cheaper blades and its true what they say about getting what you paid for.  Try to stay
    with the Oster brand, they stay sharper longer and most blade sharpening people can resharpen them for
    you.  (Estimated cost of a 10 blade from Oster ~ $40, resharpening varies by who does the work)
  • Other sizes that you will eventually appreciate having is a 7F blade (Estimated cost $45)  (allows you to
    keep the hair on the back longer, tho most economical is a 10 blade cut as it will last longer)  
  • And a 5/8N (Estimated cost $45) (which is half the length of a regular size clipper blade and is very handy
    for doing between pads and the bottom of feet.)
  • The next important item is a pair of grooming scissors.  Again if you go with cheaper you will replace it
    more often.  I use a moderate priced scissor(Estimated Cost $40-$80), they can be astronomically expensive
    ($200) and until you are comfortable with scissors I would stear clear of the expensive ones as in a beginner's
    hand they are all equal and you will probably "dull" them as fast as the moderate priced ones.  
  • You must have a straight blade, and I recommend a 7 inch at that.  They come in all sizes but this is the
    average and a good one to start with.  If at all possible do not buy without holding them.  Each hand is
    unique and you need to be comfortable with the scissors in order to use them effectively.
  • Having a curved blade is very helpful but not required unless you are going for the "bell shaped" feet of a
    show cut or confident in using them on the face around the eyes and also in a "sporty length leg".  This is
    an item that can be purchased later.  (moderate cost $45-$80).
  • Thinning shears are not needed until you are ready to use them and that wont be til you are very
    comfortable grooming.  Thinning shears are an added touch to a grooming and not really all that
    important for a pet cut, which is what I will be showing you.
  • You will need a good slicker brush.  They are usually square heads (what you need) and are anywhere
    from 2 inches to 5 inches wide and such.  If you can only buy one brush buy a 3-4 inche wide one (estimated
    cost $20 or less) with a good handle, save the smaller brushes for future purchases as once you get good @
    grooming you can again expand your tools.  
  • You will need a good metal comb.  Preferably with fine and medium set teeth on one, tho if you can't find that
    go with medium teeth and a strong handle.  (estimated cost $20).
  • The next item is a nail clipper.  There are 2 basic kinds.  The guilotine type or the plyer type.  I find that the
    plyer type are easer for me and beginners as they have a "stop" that can be slid in place and helps prevent you
    from cutting the nail too short and causing the "quick" to bleed.  Again if you can hold one and try it before
    purchasing it even better as each person will find their own comfort level with it.  (Estimated cost $15-$25).  
  • Needed with the nail clipper is "quick stop" or "styptic powder" there are dozens of brands out there,
    and you will want to avoid silver nitrate sticks or powder unless you want to stain your hands.  (Estimated
    cost $10).
  • Next item is shampoo.  They are not created equal and the more perfumey types really don't usually do a
    good job of cleaning.  The good cleaning ones usually don't smell all that great.  I would choose a shampoo
    based on what your dogs need and if you want I can recommend one for you from there.  
  • Do NOT use Hartz or some cheap grocery store version either as they ARE way too harsh and dry the
    coat and skin usually.  Go with a professional level shampoo (and they can be found cheaply enough in
    sample sizes which is what you need as you will not go thru it in a gallon size).  
  • If you are using a good shampoo and your dog's coats are manageable you really don't need a
    conditioner or detangler either.
  • Following item needed is a handsprayer/hose with nozzle for giving a bath.  Most shower heads can be
    removed and you can pick up a cheap yet effective hand held shower head with hose at Walmart for $20.  
  • If you can have a way to bathe without having to kneel in a tub (say a laundry sink or if you can afford it a
    dog tub) it will be even better.
  • A hairdryer will work if you are not able to invest in a good dog air dryer.  It will take longer but the average dog
    dryer is around $200 and can go up from there.  
  • You will need a good forced air dyer to get a professional level of haircut (the fluff just isn't the same
    without it) but to begin with just getting the dog dry is good enough.  I can eventually show you "line
    drying" and "line brushing" which will give you that "fluff" to the legs etc but I think getting the basics down
    first is best.
  • A grooming table will become your best friend when grooming an inexperienced pup/dog and the grooming
    arm and noose are important too.  They can be expensive and you can wait on it too, I am shopping for a new
    table myself and haven't found just what I want yet but there have been some good deals on e-bay.  
  • When buying a grooming table the important factors are size and a non skid but cleanable surface.  I use
    a collapsable one (it folds up and is easy to transport) and I wish I had a separate grooming arm but mine
    is built into the table.  You only need the size table to fit your biggest dog.  Larger gives them more room
    to squirm and you will find yourself chasing them all over it to cooperate.  
  • Having a moveable arm (one side or corner of the table is a built in) that clamps on is BEST.  All arms
    should be adjustable in height to fit the dog and the "noose" length too.  
  • If you can't get a grooming table you can use your kitchen table if needed and get someone to "hold"
    /chaperone the dog while you work, in fact having an assistant available is great in the beginning!

There are lots more tools as you get experienced and want to try more "showy" or longer cuts.  Also there are tools if
you have to deal with matted hair etc but for the sake of explaining the way to give a cocker spaniel cut let's assume
the dog has been well brushed and the coat is in good shape.  We can explore problems like Matts later.
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