Thinning shears

Question
I have a cocker spaniel puppy and am grooming him myself. The breeder said she uses thinning shears on certain parts and watching a video he used them on the head.  I ordered a pair over the internet but they don't appear to be cutting any hair and appear to be pulling his hair.  Shouldn't I see hair being cut and my puppy not acting like I am hurting him.  What shears should I get???
Thanks

Answer

Hi Patricia,

Grooming your dog shouldn't be a painful experience (for either of you!) but it's something that will take time for you to learn how to do. Some brands of thinning shears to look for are:

Ed Geib Gator 40 Tooth Dog Grooming Thinning Shear
Goody Styling Essentials Goody Thinning Shears
Michel Tisserand's Plasma Coated Diamond Grooming Shears
Master Grooming Tools Stainless Steel 5200 Series Thinning Shears
Suvorna Ador 6" Professional Barber Thinning / Texturizing Scissors

An electric trimmer is another tool you should probably have, but just as with the thinning shears, you need to learn how to use them (and also do maintenance on the clippers, like keeping the blades clean sharp and oiled). Oster, Wahl, Andis are all professional brands of clippers that work well, if you learn how to use them properly.

These sites might be helpful:

http://ecspuppies.tripod.com/grooming.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOwxF_xlWhU

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti