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 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 owners use clippers, though they are not really necessary. Don't give your dog too short a haircut - he should look natural, as they are after all, a working breed and the coat is to keep them warm.

* Tidy the head first, by pulling out dead or loose hair with your fingers. Don't use 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, only comb the lower part of the ear; older dogs may need some thinning. A slight trim round the lower ear flap may be needed.

* The inside of the ear flap is delicate, so trim it carefully. The ear should lie flat against the head. This keeps the hearing clear. The hair around the ear canal should be trimmed to about