Hi. Is there a book, website, article or other resource that gives everything you need to know about grooming your Golden for conformation shows? I need a resource for everything from products to use, to clipping tails and feet, to techniques for getting the coat in show condition. Anyone know of such a resource?

Erik Strickland has a great DVD on how to groom goldens.

Grooming :: Strickland Sensations

Edit: It is 25 percent off for the month of November too!

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Awesome! Thank you!

Look at this too! At the top of the page they also have a link for info on the feet and the tail and shows you how to groom them.
Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club

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Alison and 2 Furry Kids and 2 non furry kids

Lilly- Golden DOB 1/28/11
AKC name: Goldridge Lights Action Lilly RN CCA
http://k9data.com/pedigree.asp?ID=433352
Sanford- JRT DOB-9/5/06

Bridge dogs
Toby-Boxer 10 yrs. old (rescue) 9/17/2002-11/1/12
Charlie- Boxer (1st "child" together)2/19/02-3/18/12
Julie- golden retriever ( my heart dog) 5/6/96-3/3/07
Ruby- terrier/chow mix (my 1st dog) 8/1/90-1/15/05
Rusty-shih tzu (million dollar dog) 2/5/99-1/20/04

Trial & Error! You'll learn the most by hands on practice. I would sometimes go over to my breeder's house and we'd both have a dog on the grooming table and I'd do what she did. This was after a few times where I'd visit and just watch her groom. Practice has been the biggest help of all and friends that will help you along the way. I've been lucky to have my breeder and the stud dog owner living within reasonable driving distance. Without them, I'd know nothing! By no means am I an expert, but I can groom my dog before a show pretty well. Every dog is different in what it needs groomed and how. You'll also develop your own preferences in products. Try to set up at a show with a friend or your breeder.

I found a few videos on Youtube on grooming Golden Retrievers too - free to watch!

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Abby - Kelore's Abby Gale Force Win
Dory - Wellstory's Bello Pandora
Annie - Summercreek Stars in My Eyes Annie - August 2012 at the Rainbow Bridge
Tansy - Derspinna's Summer Sun - 1994 at the Rainbow Bridge
Candy - Bittersweet and Honey
Golden Mornings Ginger
Nugget, Tammy, Buffer - all my babies at the Rainbow Bridge - looking forward to a doggie reunion and lots of kisses - I miss you all

A few years back I actually got to meet Mr. Strickland. One thing he told me was to try to buy good quality tools, especially when it comes to the ones that cut. ( Of course he was trying to sell me his set.) I know I have heard hairdressers say the same thing. My hairdresser has also told me if she drops a pair of shears, it needs to be resharpened.

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The Strickland videos are great. If a club near you has him in to do his seminar, go! It is really worthwhile. Morningsage Goldens also has detailed tutorials online. They might be the ones linked through PVGRC.

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Shelly & the Sterre Goldens
"Breeze" HR Trowsnest Sterre Autumn Breeze Can. SH WCX, Am. MH CCA
"Winter" Can/UKC Ch. Amberwood Winter Wonderland Can. SH WCX CD VCI, Am. SH CD WCX CCA VC, 2007 GRCC Nan Gordon Trophy
"Butch" Sterre Badlands Outlaw JH WC (Ch ptd), Am JH
"Bonnie" Sterre Texas Bluebonnet JH WCI, Am JH
"Wings" Sterre Widgeon on the Wing
"Chrissy" Halfmoon Embellishment (Cavalier)
"Juniper" Amberwood Northern Exposure CD RNCL (Apr15 2002-Feb12 2013)
http://www.sterregold.net

I think I remember hearing that Mr. Strickland recently retired due to health problems. I could be wrong, but I think that's what I heard.

I have taught several people how to groom, it is a hands on kind of things... videos are great but get hte scissors and practice... in the past i have had folks come on over and practice on my dogs... that is how I learned a professional handler had me over to her house and i practiced on her dogs with her standing over me watching...

the thing about grooming is practice makes perfect and don't be afraid... hair grows... if you screw it up don't worry... it grows back and you can try again

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Shalva and the Milbrose Retrievers and Irish Wolfhound
Milbrose Retrievers and Irish Wolfhounds