How to easily handstrip the head on setters and spaniels

Quick and easy way to strip the curly thick “ topknot” on setters and spaniels using different methods:
Handstripping with fingers ( this should always be done with show dogs )
Scissoring with thinners
Using a coat king - in reverse - for fast removal of bulk
Raking out or stripping with an extra fine stripping knife
Using a texturising razor ( barber tool )

[@MegandtheMutts]

Bea, I've got to say how impressed I am with your knowledge and dedication!

[@beaellerbeck8863]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@nancyl2581]

Bea, your videos are so informative. You give the reasons why you groom a certain way and why you avoid some others. We have an Irish Setter and your techniques work! Thanks for your expertise. I watch all your videos.

[@beaellerbeck8863]

Thank you so so much for your kind comments much appreciated - wish I made the video yesterday with a new trick when I groomed a lovely Irish boy

[@davidmacdonald1579]

Please consider a full scissor trim for a working cocker spaniel

[@beaellerbeck8863]

I have done it - you just scissor off the feathers , that’s all 😀

I have a trauma-dog - an English Cocker Spaniel, a dog which isn't the easiest to deal with. So my only option is to groom him myself. If he gets scared, he uses his mouth - he won't bite, but he does react. How would you recommend I handle his chest and the feathering of his legs? I can (without response from him oddly) shave his paws into little 'cat feet' perfectly fine, it's the scissors that's harder, but the handstripping is just harsh.

[@beaellerbeck8863]

First of all you would need to feel confident grooming him - I found that staying calm and not be scared of them - knowing how to handle them if they are growling or trying to bite - my difficult dogs learn that biting doesn’t work - doesn’t make me stop - I continue to work - they stop and learn to trust and respect me - if you are scared of him - that just makes it worse - you need to learn to become co tide t n handling without getting bitten and control your emotions a stay calm , don’t get angry - continue to work - usually if dog realises that bad behaviour doesn’t get them anywhere - they will stop - but some can be very difficult - I don’t have any dogs I cannot groom - down tried to bite me initially - now they don’t - it comes down to your confidence really

[@tulipsandroses6263]

Hello wanted to ask about something that I have to write in an essay. Is hand stripping the same as stripping the dog.? Or is it different.

[@geraldblackwell7036]

Thanks for this, we have 3 English Setters and live in Southern Spain. Groomers here usually only have experience of small dogs so now I know how to remove the bulk from their heads without clippers. Interested in seeing how to thin out a thick coat on a 13yr old spayed female.

[@beaellerbeck8863]

13 year old dog is better to shave very short , for easy maintenance haircut and their comfort - I use 4 or 6 blade in reverse again at the hair growth and take all the coat off - they love it and feel much better But you can use a coat king or Andis deshedding rake to take out the bulk

[@geraldblackwell7036]

@@beaellerbeck8863 thanks for the reply, have been advised that shaving close is not good in this weather as the coat protects from the sun. It’s expected to get to near 40deg today. Will give the thinning tools you recommend a try. Cay you suggest a website to buy from. Thanks

[@beaellerbeck8863]

@@geraldblackwell7036 that is not true if the coat is shaved very very short

[@Nikstix]

@@beaellerbeck8863 i am gonna get a new English cocker spaniel on September! Do I have to do something to the dog? It's a 2 months dog

[@tulipsandroses6263]

Could you please name me some Dog breads that use stripping expect the hand stripping method and what are some tools used for stripping?

[@JC-qe7xe]

I have a black cocker who I wish to have the show cut. She is 8months old and went to the groomer for her first handstrip. They didn't touch her topknott which has a massive amount of fur. They said she won't need doing again for 6month....I'm not sure on this advise so might change groomer. Would it be beneficial for me to buy a stripping knife to try do it myself? Will value your opinion

[@beaellerbeck8863]

Most groomers don’t know at all how to correctly strip and prepare a show gundog breed sadly - and it’s not that difficult - hope my videos help - technique is the same just trimming and styling differ to a setter - feel free to go through all my videos and you will see the tools and techniques I use You can also look for a groomer who competes ( in grooming competitions ) with show cockers - they are very popular breed for grooming competition- those groomers will know how to prepare them I learnt myself - so it’s not that difficult and you will enjoy the time with your dog 😊 good luck with your puppy