When I walk around a show and pass people grooming there is a spray they use which has a lovely smell - anyone know the one I mean? If so what is it's name. We don't use it in our breed but I have a very smelly old boy at home and anything that would help must be investigated. Thanks Jackie H

Could it be liquid silk? Holly's breeder (Cocker Spaniel) uses it and it smells lovely.

Fiona

Hi again

Liquid Silk is a liquid serum, not a spray, or the one I have is anyway, it does smell lovely and gives a lovely gloss. They could also be using "T*h*e Stuff", a concentrated liquid that you dilute and put in hand pump sprays, that smells nice too. I've also seen some use an aerosol. To be honest, there are loads of different ones around and they all smell nice :rolleyes:

If you "smell" one you like, ask the owner what it is. Some will tell you, others will hide it as "their" secret - I know, coz I've seen some do it!!
hth

Pam n the boys - who do not smell nice thanks to yucky snow and wind and rain etc etc

Thanks folks, I'll wait till Crufts and walk around sniffing. Prefer my dogs to smell of dog but the old boy has gone a bit over the top and although we are happy to put up with it, g*d knows what visitors think. He is of course very very friendly and you can see the poor souls tring to push him out of nose reach. JH

I thought you weren't allowed to use anything on the coat that will change it's texture or appearance. Have I got it wrong (again:D)

Paula

Kennel club rules state:
"No substance which alters the natural colour, texture or body of the coat may be used in the preparation of a dog for exhibition either before or at the show. Any other substance (other than water) which may be used in the preparation of a dog for exhibition must not be allowed to remain in the coat of a dog at the time of exhibition."
No doubt these sprays that Jackie smells as she walks round the show ground are brushed out totally before the dog goes into the ring :rolleyes:

Seriously, you only have to walk round some of the rings to see what notice some people take of these rules.

Jackie did say she wanted the spray for one of her old boys at home and not for showing so she will be ok.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

We show our breed (Elkhounds) in there natrual state, hopefully clean and brushed but nothing else, no triming or spraying. However if they find something very dirty in the car park you have to use a sprit cleaner to remove it but it does not remain in the coat. The spray I had smelt is either used to remove knots or to help with triming or may be just to improve the smell!! don't know will have to investgate.
(Not sure about smelt, think that may be somthing to do with a fishes sex life, but spelling is not my strong point, to be honist not sure what is.) JH

I've seen some 'white' dogs trotting round the ring with a cloud of white dust round them - why doesn't anyone say anything - am I just being naive

Paula

Because most people are cowards and wont comment. It seems that although there are KC regulations in place pertaining to the use of substances in the coat no one will do anything about it. As far as I'm concerned its cheating as is the altering of anything by glue, sprays, chalk etc.
Why cant people just let their dogs develop naturally. After all its easier to correct a fault by breeding it out of your line rather than trying to disguise it and 'forgetting'.

Yes I have watched some breeds being groomed in total amazment but as it is not my breed I don't feel it's my business. I supose if you go into a breed where, shall we say additives, are in common use then you are going to be either very brave or very stupid not to join in. Cheating? Well I supose it becomes a contest of dog preperation rather than dog conformation, but dog showing is suposed to be a hobby so I supose it is up to the individual how they wish to show their dog, if you like all the grooming and hairdressing you chose that type of breed if not you don't. It is of course up to the judge to get his fingers into and through the hair and feel the dog , and I suspect that some of the top winning dogs would look good with or without the coat preperation. JH

Dear Jackie,
The spray you are talking about is not mink oil or the stuff its called show groom you need to get someone to buy it for you at a champ show, it is very good for keeping the coat in good condition
Sharon

Welcome to the forum Sharon