MASTERCLASS
American Cocker Spaniel
SHOW GROOM
Nicky Renwood shows us how to clip an American Cocker Spaniel for either a Competition or Show grade groom.
PART 1 Beginning with the bathing process of an American Cocker Spaniel and the products to use to prep the coat to show standards.
PART 2 Drying the Cocker Spaniel coat is a lengthy process; Nicky utilises some Plush Puppy products to help prep the coat for grooming.
PART 3 Nicky begins the grooming process with the clipping portion of the neck and head and finishes with scissoring.
PART 4 Grooming the rear end using multiple techniques including clipping, scissoring and hand stripping.
PART 5 Nicky finishes the competition-standard groom by scissoring the feet and the underline.
Breed Standard at Dogs Australia
Study Notes | Key Concepts
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Use two different shampoos: conditioning shampoo for coat softening and bodybuilding shampoo on the feet for volume.
Mix blow-dry cream and Sea Breeze oil for flat back and shine, while maintaining volume on the feet.
Use proper water ratios to avoid wasting product and ensure even distribution.
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Begin drying by hand, followed by a high-heat dryer to reduce drying time.
Use slow drying techniques to straighten and fluff the coat as needed.
Focus drying direction: aim down for a flat coat on the body and up for volume on the legs and feet.
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Use a #10 blade for throat, ears, and back skull, and adjust based on coat density and desired finish.
Important to clip from the throat to the pro-sternum, stopping just below the ear and eye line.
Maintain a round shape on the feet with scissoring, ensuring toes are tight, and the leg coat is bell-shaped.
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Clip the top skull and forehead for a flat appearance and use scissors for a domed look without harsh lines.
Leave extra coat around the muzzle to maintain the classic dome shape on the head.
Scissor the eyebrows to give a “frame” for the eyes without extending beyond the cheeks.
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Volumiser spray: expands hair, creating fuller appearance.
Chalk and cholesterol cream on legs for brightness, volume, and color correction.
Use Sea Breeze oil on black coats to enhance shine and diminish brown tinges.
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Use coarse thinning shears for areas needing blending or feathering, especially around the shoulder.
Refine the foot shape, ensuring a consistent round shape for show standards.
Inspect and adjust undercoat and topcoat with fine detailing tools for a flawless finish.
Want to learn hand stripping properly?
The Essential Guide to Hand Stripping takes you beyond the introduction, with detailed learning on coat and hair, tools, terminology, technique, rolling and staging coats, breed standards, handling considerations and more.
Some of the breed demonstrations included in the course are already available to you here on igroomhub, so Members receive 50% off the full course.
Use code CHUX at checkout
