subject: How Do You Groom A Springer Spaniel Pup? [print this page] Grooming springer spaniels is relatively easy to do when compared to other breeds and is an important part of looking after your springer spaniel pup. Not only the obvious - keeping his fur gleaming and brushed, and his nails trimmed, but the process of grooming is pleasurable (mostly) for the pup. During this process, you will be talking to him and increasing his bond with you; he is learning to be handled and to develop trust in you.
Plenty of Praise
Restlessnes will be an issue - they are not yet fully trained. Getting your puppy used to regular grooming is important, and if you include with this the commands such as sit and stay, it also forms part of his early training. He will eventually learn to sit still and enjoy it.
Importantly, during the process you examine the pup closely and check for ticks, scratches, dirty ears, damaged pads, swollen leg joints and so on.
Any dead hair can be removed with your finger and thumb, though there will not be much dead hair in the early days.
Grooming the Ears
With springers, their ears will often get wet at the ends when eating wet food, so washing the ears may be required from time to time. It also gets him used to having his ears handled - they need to be checked regularly with springer spaniels as they love mud and water and can be susceptible to ear problems. The length of the hair should not be a problem on young pups, but will need attention as he gets older. Remember, plenty of praise and soothing talk helps when dealing with sensitive areas.
A soft brush is needed for grooming a pup - it will not pull at his coat or hurt his skin. A stiff brush may be invigorating for an older dog, but pups have to learn with the soft brush first, and of course, to sit still whilst being brushed.
Nails
As to nails, they need to be trimmed regularly; they will be either black or white. With white nails the quick and blood supply are easily visible and so it's obvious how far back they can be trimmed. More care is required with black nails. Occasionally, you may draw blood. It's not pleasant for either of you, but will soon stop. Nails are trimmed using guillotine clippers. Most pet shops will have them. Plenty of praise and encouragement goes a long way as he learns to have his paws attended to.
Dew claws should have been removed.
Paws
At this stage it is also a good idea to trim around the shape of the paw with a straight scissors if the hair is too long. Hold the paw and scissors so that the scissors point down and away from the paw and leg.
Feathering
The feathering of the coat, a marked feature of springer spaniels, will not yet be very developed, but get the pup used to having its feathers combed. The feathering below the breastbone, and down between the front legs, on the quarters, front legs and tummy, is not trimmed on a pup.
Brush him every couple of days, and give him a good going over every couple of weeks until he gets older. He (or she) will soon get used to the routine and enjoy most parts of it, and so should you.
by: Phil Marks
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