wsscsw.co.uk
Grooming Workshop We had been promising to do a grooming day for some time, as we are often asked by members at our shows and events for advice on not only how best to present their dogs for competition, but also how to keep their dogs well groomed on a day to day basis. We hired the village hall at St. Brides near Newport, which was ideally suited and conveniently located for this event, and so our day was booked for 6th October 2019. Nearly 30 people come along, some to take part and some just to watch and learn from our experienced team of breeders/groomers. Our plan was to help owners get to grips with grooming/trimming their Welsh Springer Spaniels in a very informal day. We had printed leaflets to take away and loads of equipment on display especially showing different thinning scissors – an essential tool. The day started at 11am with a welcoming cuppa and a general introduction given by Chairperson Jan Rees. Whilst giving a demonstration on Gary and Vicky Dixon’s Floki, Jan explained the importance of good grooming whether your dog is a family pet or show dog and outlined the equipment needed for different jobs. Our team of experts set up their grooming tables around the hall and took a pre-booked, volunteer dog to demonstrate their various trimming techniques – each concentrating on a different part of the dog. Some people wanted to know how to trim ears, some feet, some on spayed/neutered coats, and of course the tails.
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People were free to wander around each table to look and learn from each demonstrator. All our demonstrators are very knowledgeable having owned the breed for many years and showing them successfully at all levels – some are also professional groomers. They answered queries as they groomed, giving everyone the benefit of their experience, and after the lunch break they took questions from the floor. Together the team covered the whole dog, giving loads of tips and tricks – and a few dogs went home having had a full grooming session. It seems every demonstrator has his/her own way of doing certain things which gave the owner the opportunity to learn which is most comfortable for them. The lessons in how to trim toenails was very well received because it’s a procedure many dogs, and
Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales