sandi'smum

I have an American Cocker spaniel and I clip and groom her myself. I have an ordinary human hair dryer, about 1800watts.(Just make sure it has cooling controls) I bought a hair dryer holder/stand from Home Care, about $20. I have that on one end of the table and one of those little air/blower heaters on the other end. Hands are free to hold and brush/comb, all dry,no stress within 15-20mins.

What about trying a back seat dog cover. The expensive ones are called Back Seat Buddy. I got one recently from the Reject shop for $12, has straps that go over both front and rear head rests, forms a barrier which stops the dog from accessing the front seat, and also stops them from falling down into the feet area. Also has a zipper down the middle for dividing, so people can sit in the back too, and seat belt slots, that I hook in her seat belt attachment. Made from seat belt type material, catches all dirt and sand. Protects seats from water. Best thing ever!!!

Just an update to you all on Sandi's spay (American Cocker Spaniel) and what I ended up doing. The foam sling type contraption didn't work. She spent a great deal of time dragging her rear end along the floor in the romper suit. I ended up using one of my grandaughter's stretch cotton dresses, arms through the sleeves, skirt gathered up and safety pinned on her back, at the base of her tail. It worked beautifully!!! She did try to keep rubbing her back under the cat scratching post, (to try and get it off, I think), but didn't chew it or try to rip it off. Surprisingly, it had a very calming effect on her, no jumping around, hardly any chasing of cats. I think I will put this outfit on her when visitors come, may save lots of training.

My Sandi is about to be spayed on Tuesday, and I have been given two hints, one is a toddlers all in one outfit, that does up on the bottom, and cut hole out for her tail.(would only be possible with small dogs though)they don't make them for 12 year olds(for big dogs)lol. Can be undone and folded back for toilet business. 2nd one is the soft foam support, like an arm sling only made of foam and fasten it with self adhesive velcro. I will give them both a try, but I do have a collar,just in case.

I was given a hint once by a groomer, to use an upright air fan on low setting.After towel drying, I stand my dog on the grooming table and comb and brush with the blower on low, moving it around as I go and she is dried in no time and isn't frightened by any noise. (she is an american cocker with a puppy cut, not show cut) The other useful hint I was given, was to pull a stocking over her feet, to hold back her fur and only her nails are sticking out, making it easier to see to clip her nails.