Bonzawani

The best slicker... & cheap too! Frank's Universal Slicker - Regular This is a "stiff" slicker. Great for long or fluffy hair. Google for local availablity. Bonz

cashew - I lucked out on the grooming table. I made (30yrs ago) a heavy-duty butcher-block prep table that sits in the middle of our kitchen. It's heavy enough that it doesn't move, the top will hold the clamp, and I can walk around it. I plan on using the groomer to do all clipper work on Spanky 'til I get the hang of scissoring, thinning, and "coat kinging". Alison - Thanx for the links. Those Whals are still more than I wanna spend. But I saw there, the Dublducks (that I picked- in the $25 range) are made by Miller's Forge. So, they probably are a little better than the cheapest "Miller's Forge" brand. As for the coat kings... Paw Brothers Coat Rakkes are under $15 each, and recommended by some members of a Cocker (only) Forum I belong. Paw Brothers Coat Rakkes Thanx. Bonz

I know there are good ones out there. But I wanna keep the prices down. I don't know if I'll like grooming or be any good at it. And, I have a lot to buy... 2 scissors, thinning shears, 2 coat kings (2nd one is a coarse one to try on his side & legs), and a clamp-able arm & strap. Bonz

Thanx cashew. But I'm more concerned about the quality of the ones I put links to. Are you using the cheaper Miller's Forge scissors? I'm just wondering if the Dublduck's are better? Or just more money? Bonz

I wanna try grooming Spanky myself. I dunno if I'll like or persevere with it. So I'm interested in inexpensive scissors and thinning shears. I'd like better quality than the $10-$15 Miller's Forge brand though. DUBLDUCK 10 Inch Filipino Straight DUBLDUCK Duchess Thinner 46 tooth DUBLDUCK Curved Filipino - 10 inch DUBLDUCK Economy Curved - 8 1/4 Inch DUBLDUCK Beau Brummel Anodized Curved - 6.5 Inch Do you all think these are good enough? Better than the cheap Miller's Forge? If yes, which curved scissors should I get? Will the 10" straight scissors be handy/necessary for the legs & skirt? Thanx in advance. Bonz

If you get rid of too much undercoat, will the dog be too cold or hot due to lack of insulation? Bonz

Yes Tassie. Let's hope! Thanx. Spanky did take a tumble on our un-carpeted stairs the day before, or earlier that day. I thought nothing of it because he only fell 1 step. He was following me down so I stopped his fall. Afterwards, he acted OK, going up and down the stairs and running around. Then, much later he was acting like he was in pain. Let's hope it was from this, the injury was minor, and Spanky heals OK. If not, the specialist & tests will have to follow. Bonz

Spanky is back to normal. This 2nd bout with pain could be the 1st lingering. If it happens again, the vet will do some more blood work. Ex-rays wasn't mentioned. I'll have to bring that up if there is a repeat. Thanx. Bonz

I picked up some more Rimadyl. Spanky's going up our steps today. :D Gonna still give him the Rimadyl. We will be discussing the next step with the vet on Monday. I had already told Mrs. Bonzawani after Spanky's first painful experience we should plan on future ex-rays. Thanx. Bonz

Spanky's 1 1/2 yrs. They prodded his spine, first with fingers, then with a pin. No negative responses. I just had him out for a walk. It snowed here today, so I wiped him down. He whimpered a very little when I was gently rubbing his shoulders (both sides). Thanx. Bonz

On Feb 7th, Spanky was acting like he was in pain. He wouldn't go up or down steps. He cried when we'd pick him up to take him up and down. It seemed his shoulders were sore. (I'm guessing.) I squeezed and pulled all his legs and he didn't cry out. He did however cry when I lifted him from under his armpits. We took him to the vets, and they tested his range of movement. He showed them no feelings of pain. They told us to give him an 81mg aspirin, and another the following day. They showed us a better way to pick him up. He didn't cry when we used this way. The following day, he was still acting the same, so we took him back to the vets. They did blood work and checked for Lyme Disease. Test came back OK. Again, he showed them no sign of pain; but little resistance when extending his front legs. He did go up and down their (full flight of) steps They prescribed (orally) 25mg Toradol (Ketorolac or ketorolac tromethamine, an NSAID twice a day. Also, (orally) 25mg Rimadyl (another NSAID) twice daily, to start the following day because he already had aspirin that day. The Toradol slowed him down. The second dose at night knocked him out. I thought he was dead or dying when I checked him a few hours later (3AM). We stopped that Toradol. The 5 days worth of Rimadyl fixed him up after a few days. He took to the Rimadyl OK. We/they had no idea what caused his problems. He is acting the same way again today. I'm waiting for them to call back to see if I should pick up another 5 days worth of Rimadyl. I don't see any reason to take him back to the vets now, unless they call back & suggest some other (logical) test/s. Any ideas? Similar experiences? Thanx in advance. Bonz

I switched Spanky to Nutro Ultra about 4 weeks ago.

I use baby wipes w/aloe. Bonz

The firmer one helps in getting closer to the skin, rather than skimming over any potential knots/knots in their undercoat. It can still happen sometimes with the stiffer slickers. Andy (RIP), and now Spanky have never acted like the stiffer slickers hurt their skin. Have you noticed how cheap the Universal slikckers are? Bonz

I used a softer type slicker for my Cockers until my groomer suggested a firmer one. I get better results with the firmer. Spanky loves laying around getting brushed with a pin brush (used most nights), doesn't complain when I used the stiff slicker (couple times a week). I use a Universal brand slicker: http://www.groomers.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=190101+2S&Cat= Bonz

I was also told a fews days before or after bathing. I didn't ask why though. Bonz

Spanky gets his soft-boiled egg mixed with a cut up slice of toast, just like his daddy eats them. Bonz

I used Dr. Bonner's soap (peppermint or almond) many years ago. I loved the smell but it dried out my skin too much. I would use it on Spanky. But I'd be afraid of the same result.

My cousin lives in Alaska and has run & completed the Iditarod twice. He takes very good care of his 30-40 dogs! Bonz

When I groomed Andy (RIP) I used a stiff slicker & a double rowed, wide spaced rake. He had enough hair for two dogs. The slicker created piles of hair and then the rake would take off a little more. With Spanky I just need a soft slicker. Bonz

I wish that Aloveen was available here in the USA! Any US members know of an equally good shampoo? Spankey has no skin problems but you all rave about the Aloveen shampoo & leave-in conditioner. Bonz

I'm so glad to hear Bailey is doing OK now! Bonz

Our Spanky was 12 weeks old when we got him. He's now 4½ months and we have yet to hear a bark! Bonz

I picked up Andy's ashes this afternoon. The U of P Veterinary Hospital gave them to me in a beautiful wooden box with a brass lock & key and engraved nameplate. The crying started as soon as I got into my car. :rolleyes: Kibble - I know exactly what you mean. For the 36 years of our marriage, we had four cats. We enjoyed their love and loved them very much. We cried with each passing. But losing Andy hit us so much harder! I'm finding it hard to stay away fron DOL. I even made a few posts. Tomorrow, I start making the calls to cocker spaniel breeders. Bonz

Thanx dogsdot. Thanx Sky. Sky - I once watched Andy chase a rabbit. The rabbit ran across the street and Andy stopped at the curb. Having a home-office, Andy was with me day & night. He slept every night between us, his head on Mrs. B's pillow, face to face with her. The loss of our sharing both mutual love & companionship was too soon coming. He was only 3 1/2 yrs old. Our children are grown. We only see them and our grandkids a few weekends a month. Andy gave us the daily dose we needed. Knowing he's either at eternal rest or watching over us gives us no relief. You suggest getting "one with as different colouring to Andy as you can...". His coloring was so unusual, that presents no problem. I've never seen such coloring before. Here's my last chance to show you... Andy before a hair-cut: Andy's personality was as special as his coloring! Thanx again, Dol'ers for all your support. Bonz