ADVANCED GROOMING TUTORIALS
Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small dog with a big story. Once treasured in Tibetan monasteries as loyal companions and alert little watchdogs, they carry an ancient heritage despite their misleading “Spaniel” name. Their fine, silky double coat is a key part of their charm and requires regular grooming to stay healthy. The mane around the neck and the feathering on the ears, tail, and legs are especially prone to tangles, while the body coat lies flatter but still benefits from regular brushing.
WILLOW
Meet Willow the Tibetan Spaniel, a regular client who comes every four weeks for a tidy-up. In this tutorial, Tepra demonstrates a practical and kind approach to de-shedding, line combing, carding flat work, and gently scissoring feet for a natural finish. Willow’s coat is left mostly untouched except for where it matters - her comfort, hygiene, and that signature lion-mane flow.
PART 1 Line combing, undercoat removal, and foot scissoring
Tep starts with the Plush Puppy slicker, gently breaking up tangles before line-combing with progressively finer combs. She explains how to properly hold the coat, maintain tension, and comb with the natural growth pattern. Flat work areas like the front of the legs and hocks are carded with a stripping knife. Fluffy feet are tidied with soft curves, matching the top of the foot to the coat above for a seamless look.
PART 2 Pads, pants, tail, and final touches
Hygiene areas like the groin and rear are left natural unless the client specifically requests a tidy. Pads are clipped, but no clippers are used on the back end to avoid irritation. Tepra gently demonstrates how to tidy pants and front leg bulk with scissors, always preserving the coat’s natural flow. Willow’s tail is left full and untouched, as it’s not dragging. The session finishes with anti-static spray and brushing to smooth flyaways, plus a quick check for tangles behind the ears and a light card-out on the cheeks for fluff control.
Breed Standard at Dogs Australia
Study Notes | Key Concepts
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Use progressively finer combs, working in overlapping sections
Form a visible line and always comb with coat direction
Maintain skin tension to prevent discomfort
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Use a fine carding knife on front legs, cheeks, hocks, and crown
Removes compacted undercoat and allows skin to breathe
Helps reduce risk of skin issues in double-coated dogs
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Only tidy between toes and around the edge
Match scissor length to top of foot for a natural finish
Always check feet standing for balance and symmetry
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Always hold the tail from the base
Never scissor the back end on double-coated dogs unless necessary
Use anti-static spray to reduce flyaways caused by repeated combing
BONUS FOOTAGE
No mics. One iPhone. A very fluffy dog, and one very dedicated partner behind the camera.
Tepra and her partner Curtie filmed this the day before Willow’s tutorial to show exactly how she was prepped. It’s not a studio shoot, but the audio is clear and Curtie’s camera work is excellent for someone who isn’t a professional videographer! Snaps for Curtie!
You’ll see the full bath and dry, including Tepra’s in-bath de-shedding technique that keeps your washroom cleaner and your dog’s coat in better condition. A great peek behind the scenes that sets the stage for the full groom.
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