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How to Groom a Springer Spaniel Pup

26 9:38:53
Grooming springer spaniels is relatively easy to do when compared to some breeds. It 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; also giving him a physical checkover. He will be learning to be handled and to develop trust in you.

Plenty of Praise

Restlessness 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.

During the process you examine the pup closely and check for scratches, dirty ears, damaged pads, swollen leg joints and so on. Ticks should not be a problem unless he has been out in the fields.

Dead hair (if any) is removed with finger and thumb, though this will not be apparent until the pup is approaching adolescence.

Ears

With springers, their ears will often get wet at the ends when eating wet food, so washing the ears will be necessary. 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 hair is not 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 usually trimmed on a pup.

They will soon get used to the routine and enjoy most parts of it, and so should you.