~ Before
You Start
First
of all I think it’s important to understand how the coat grows and in which
direction it wants to take. Then you will have some idea as to what to remove or
not whichever the case may be. So with that in mind this is how I achieve what I would call the Cocker Show Trim.
The
Breed Standard does not say how and with what you achieve the end result but
leaves it up to each individual’s own preference as to how this is best
achieved. Everyone has his or her own techniques.
The
Breed Standard under “Coat” states “Flat, silky in texture, never wiry or
wavy, not too profuse and never curly. Well feathered forelegs, body and hind
legs above hocks.”
You will
not please everyone, it’s impossible, and you would be sticking hair back on
for one and taking it off for another. Seek advice, yes, but make your own
mind up as to how you wish your dog to look.
“Hand
Stripping” is by far the best method to remove coat on the majority of the
dog. How do I go about that? Well this is achieved by using thumb and finger or
a combination of fingers, simple as that. However you could use rubber gloves
(marigolds?), post office rubber thimbles etc. or chalk. This will allow you to
get some extra grip. If you are doing it correctly then your fingers will become
sore. Take your time, and it’s not huge amounts at each pull we are aiming
for.
Don’t
worry if you leave a “bald” bit because they say it grows back in better.
Try telling that to Kojak or Yul Brenner. Remember Rome was not built
in a day, we are probably talking of hours and more than likely in the
beginning days. The difficulty arises in knowing when to STOP. If after all that
you still want to show your dog all I can say is
HAVE
FUN
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