Trimming and grooming English Springer Spaniels is not hard to do and you can do it easily at home. There are some simple trimming tips which are easy to follow and only take 15-20 minutes a month at most. Generally, springers are easy to trim and keep tidy, unlike some other breeds. If you are to do the best job, then you will require some basic dog grooming tools: A straight scissors, a thinning scissors and a wide tooth comb - these are easily obtained from your local pet store.

A brief word here on hygiene - disinfect the scissors before and after use.

Some springer owners like to use clippers, though they are not really necessary on this versatile breed. Don't give your dog too short a haircut as they are a working breed and the coat is to keep them warm. * Groom the head first, by pulling out dead or loose hair with your fingers. Avoid scissors on the head.

* If you have them, thinning scissors can be used at the top of the ears, with a large tooth comb to help. Usually, the hair is thinned from to top of the ear down about a third of the way. With straight scissors, then you have to do a bit of layering.

* For pups, comb the lower part of the ear only; adult dogs may need some thinning. A slight trim round the lower ear flap may also be needed, taking care not to nick him.

* The inside of the ear flap is a delicate area - trim it carefully so that the ear lies flat against the head. This keeps his hearing clear. The hair around the ear canal should be trimmed to about ½" (1 cm). If you are nervous with the scissors near his ear canal, then a pair of small baby scissors might help.

* At the top of the neck, comb through the coat. Remove any dead hair with your finger and thumb, just as you did for the head.

* Beneath the chin, use the trimming scissors as far down as the breastbone, keeping the scissors pointing down. You will be cutting a strip blending in at the edges of the shoulders.

* The feathering below the breastbone, and down between the front legs, may be trimmed if it is becoming unruly.

* The sides and the top of the back are never cut or trimmed, just remove dead hair with your fingers. If your dog has a wavy coat in this area, then you will have to trim and thin as best you can.

* The feathering on the quarters, front legs and tummy, may require some shaping and thinning on older dogs.

* Paws should be trimmed to outline with straight scissors, and also trim the underside flat to the pads, and no more.

* The final job is the rear so that you don't have to clean your scissors during the trim. Trim the tail first working from the end inwards, and preserving the shape.

* Tidy up under the tail against his rump, to keep the area clean and clear. Trim under the tail close to the body, to help with cleanliness. You may wish to trim a bit more extensively in this area with a bitch.

That's it, all done. Give him a good brushing and maybe even a swim - he will have enjoyed the attention and feel freshened up. Disinfect your tools ready for the next time.

These are the main points about trimming - for showing your dog there will be a couple of other points to tidy up.

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The author has owned springer spaniels for many years. Grooming English Springer Spaniels is an important part of their care. Discover more secrets about springer spaniels at ==> www.springerspanieladvice.com www.springerspanieladvice.com