Hiya,

Just need a bit of advice, on grooming stuff for a working cocker spaniel (i.e much shorter, wirier hair than show type)

I have previously been told at puppy classes, that it's not good for dogs to be bathed all the time, as it can really dry their skin out and make them more smelly in the long run. Up till that point I was bathing her weekly and she did get some dry skin spots (vet called it puppy acne) but was advised by dog trainer that once a fortnight was better so that is what I'm currently doing.

This was however, before she discovered her LOVE of swimming - the muddier the water the beter!! So my question is how often do all of you bath your dogs, and is there any truth to the dry skin thing or would it be OK to bath her more often?

Also, I brush her every day, but between the swimming and the fact that her fur is getting longer she is getting matts in her fur in her armpits (sorry if not the right term but you know where I mean) and behind her ears. I love the fluff behind her ears so don't really want to have it all cut but I just can't get them out with brush, and am having to cut them out individually with scissors

Should I just give in and get it cut, or should I be using something else to groom her with - am totally bamboozled by the huge selection of different combs, brushes and "grooming implements" at pets @ home, but would much rather try one of these than cut all her lovely fur... any recommendations?