We recently hosted our highly anticipated ‘Don’t Cock It Up’ Cocker Spaniel Grooming Seminar in Cambridgeshire, and it was a fantastic day filled with expert education, hands-on learning, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a seasoned groomer, a student, or simply passionate about Spaniels, this seminar delivered the perfect balance of professional insight and practical demonstrations.

A Warm Welcome to Start the Day

We began the morning with coffee, conversation, and a chance to connect. Attendees shared their grooming backgrounds, experience with Cockers, and what they hoped to gain from the seminar. This relaxed introduction set the tone for a friendly, supportive day of shared learning.

Meet the Expert Seminar Leaders

Our seminar was proudly led by two exceptional professionals:

✨ Hannah Bowles – Member of Groom Team England
Hannah brings elite-level expertise, competitive experience, and deep breed knowledge to every session. Her understanding of Spaniels, especially cockers, provided attendees with invaluable insights into breed-standard grooming and competition prep.

✨ Kara Boyd – Award-Winning Groomer
Kara’s award-winning skillset and reputation for precision made her the perfect partner for this seminar. Her practical demonstrations and approachable teaching style ensured everyone could learn new techniques with confidence.

Together, they created a dynamic and knowledgeable duo, making the seminar both educational and inspiring.

Understanding Spaniels & Cocker Grooming Essentials

The day began with an in-depth presentation on Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels, covering:

• Key breed characteristics
• Coat types and maintenance
• Differences between working cockers vs. show cockers
• Common grooming challenges and how to overcome them
• Hannah and Kara’s professional journeys within the grooming world

This laid a strong foundation for the hands-on learning to come.

Tools, Techniques & Tailored Approaches

Attendees then explored the essential tools used for grooming cockers, including:

• Blades, brushes, stripping knives, and combs
• Choosing the correct tools for different coat types
• Breed-appropriate techniques based on coat, personality, and structure

These insights helped groomers refine their toolkit and improve their approach to spaniel grooming.

Live Demo: Clipping Bailey the Cocker

In the grooming room, Bailey the cocker spaniel became the star of the show. Hannah and Kara demonstrated:

• Correct clipping patterns for cockers
• How to find and follow the key lines
• Achieving balance and a clean, polished finish

This interactive session allowed attendees to come forward, examine the lines up close, compare blade choices, and ask questions directly to the experts.

Domino’s Lunch Break

A well-deserved break! We enjoyed Domino’s Pizza while chatting, networking, and sharing grooming experiences before the second half of the day.

Show Cocker Prep: Washing, Drying & Finishing Blake

After lunch, all eyes were on Blake, our show cocker. Attendees learned:

• How to wash a show coat effectively
• Drying techniques to get the coat perfectly flat
• Competition-ready grooming prep
• How to maintain feathering while avoiding bulk on the back

This section was especially valuable for groomers wanting to elevate their finish for competitions or clients seeking a show-style groom.

Hand Stripping Demonstration

Hannah and Kara then performed a full hand stripping demonstration on Blake, showcasing:

• Correct hand stripping methods
• Maintaining coat texture and colour
• Achieving a natural, breed-standard finish

Watching two top-level professionals work side-by-side gave attendees a rare opportunity to learn advanced skills up close.

A Day Led by Passionate Grooming Experts

Throughout the seminar, Hannah Bowles (Groom Team England) and Kara Boyd (Award-Winning Groomer) worked together in perfect partnership, providing high-level instruction, answering questions, and sharing real-world tips that groomers can apply immediately in their salons.

Thank You for Joining Our ‘Don’t Cock It Up’ Seminar

Our Cambridgeshire cocker grooming seminar was a huge success, and we’re so grateful to everyone who attended. Whether you came to improve your cocker skills, gain confidence, or learn from two of the best in the industry, we hope you left feeling inspired and empowered.

Stay tuned for future seminars, workshops, and hands-on grooming events across Cambridgeshire and beyond.

Want to register your interest for the next learning opportunity? Check out our Seminar webpage! We’d love to see you there!