Working dogs are amazing! I love them and I love to groom them too, which is great because I have so many on my books. However, many people who own gun dogs, sheepdogs, beating dogs and general farm dogs, all think they have to stay away from the groomers incase we wash the work ethic away or something. Crazy, right?

I was brought up with working gun dogs and the only bath our labs got was in the Alge-ridden pond they used to jump into each season, not overly good for their coat. So whilst I am not saying a gun dog should have a weekly bath and blow dry, it is best practice to let them see a groomer at least twice per season, once before and once after. This will make sure they're not loaded with dead hair, weighing them down, It will keep them comfortable in the house/kennel and it's also so they come out of the season smelling good and not carrying half a bramble bush around with them. 

Spaniels should ideally be in often for a feet trim, regardless if they're working or not, as grass seeds are a nightmare and rife in hairy feet. Sheepdogs, which are mainly collies, can definitely benefit from regular de sheds, so they too aren't carrying around dead hair and harbouring a coat liable for bacterial infections. As can the terriers...!

So please don't think all your training will go down the plug hole if I give your dog a good MOT. It's only going to benefit them.