Cocker grooming

[AFB]

Can anybody recommend the best grooming tools for a thick cocker coat?

I've been brushing regularly with one of these https://fetch.co.uk/pet-teezer-deta...G2yfH3teWcaevX6HDXBoCdlUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds but it's not been getting deep in to the coat and he's getting mats.

I clipped yesterday as his legs were getting too thick and almost unmanageable - and found an upsetting number of hidden mats that I wasn't finding when brushing. I'm so upset at myself, none were bad enough to cause sores or anything like that but I want to take better care of my dog than that!
So I've ended up having to clip much shorter than I wanted to to get rid of everything and I'd like to ensure it doesn't happen again - but am clueless in regards to dog grooming tools and what is best. Are there detangling products to help with grooming too?

Thanks

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I've got a cockerpoo but more cocker coat than tight poodle curls.

We use a comb to get right down to the skin and tease any knots out. Then a slicker brush. I also use mane and tail spray, makes it a lot easier to brush (probably a dog version out there but I had a spare bottle!).

Little and often is key! I absent mindedly have a little comb whilst watching tv or on the phone to mum. Also found keeping the hair shorter just made it so much more manageable (and easier to spot any knots).

 

[Bellasophia]

I would never clip a cocker coat. Youwilllose colour,you will end up with a thick undercoat and probably a felted coat.

You should look at these..( mars are really good tools,but expensive..Ive found cheaper brands eg croci) ..this is an Australian link but the product is available worldwide.
..they are rakes that slide through the coat and take out undercoat..
https://marsgroomingproducts.com.au/pet-grooming-products/coat-king/mars-coat-king-original-10-blade
the ten blade is a guide for a start to get into your cocker dog,s coat...later,the more blades you get the finer the raking to get more out..I would start with a ten blade,then later ,add a twenty blade to your grooming kit.
With a good pair of scissors ( for legs and tail) a slicker brush,a pin brush.you should be done.

I would also recommend a detangling spray on the matted zones,gently pin brush,then try a rake.(I use decathlon horse detangling spray)

If badly matted,wash dog,add conditioner and whilst in bath try pin brushing into the mats,using the conditioner as a lube to enter them..
.......if all else fails,scissor out the Matt’s and start again.
Hair regrows..you learn,you start again

I use decathlon detanglingspray on my poodles wet ear hair,before drying...it keeps the ears easy brush/comb....he’s never had a Matt but. I do brush and comb, daily.

I scissor my schnauzers legs short..but strip body coat....in time,whe you ve got your cocker matting under control I would strip his main body with a coarse knife..and scissor the leg and tail hair.
When I shampoo,Iuse Pantene silk..and use their conditioner liberally on the legs as ears.....it really helps the brushwork and prevents matting.

Vital for your breed is a clean ear..get some thornit powder and we can make this another post.

 

[scats]

A good old slicker brush and a comb and line brush the coat. Always go over the areas with the comb, that will check you are getting the hair at the root.
I do have some cockers who come in for clipping, often coz they have been neutered and their coat has changed but i do have a couple of show cockers who get clipped due to ease for the owners and their coat grows back perfectly normally.

 

[satinbaze]

Threading an elastic band through the teeth of a comb then using this on fluffy areas helps to remove dead coat. This method works well to remove fluff from a neutered dogs coat too

 

[AFB]

Thank you for all the info - yes he was neutered in January and the coat on his legs especially have gotten much thicker since.

The damage has already been done clipping wise as tbh I thought that was the only option once the coat was matted, so I suppose I can view this as starting afresh, I'll buy some better grooming tools and hopefully keep him nice and tidy now.

It doesn't help that as a typical spaniel he's drawn to every patch of mud/water/loves to wallow - I'm sure he's 80% pig! So we might need to clip for practicality but hopefully not.