Course 17 of 20 · Coat groups

Long and Silky Coats

Daily and weekly routines, brushing without breakage, feathering, and burrs.

12 lessons. Published 29 October 2026. Work through the lessons in order; each one builds on the checks in the one before it.

1. Lesson 1. What defines a long and silky coat?

   A long and silky coat is defined by length, fine soft texture, flowing movement, and a tendency to tangle at friction points.

2. Lesson 2. What daily and weekly routine suits a long coat?

   A long coat suits a short daily check, a thorough weekly comb through, and regular checks after walks and baths.

3. Lesson 3. How do you brush a long coat without breakage?

   Brush a long coat without breakage by working from the ends inwards, holding the base, and using gentle, short strokes.

4. Lesson 4. How do you bath and condition a long coat at home?

   Bath and condition a long coat at home by combing first, washing gently, rinsing fully, and drying completely.

5. Lesson 5. How do you dry a long coat straight enough to check for mats?

   Dry a long coat straight enough to check for mats by drying in sections, lifting the hair gently, and combing when fully dry.

6. Lesson 6. How do you keep feathering and skirts tidy?

   Keep feathering and skirts tidy with gentle combing after walks, debris removal by hand, and a length you can maintain.

7. Lesson 7. How do you trim a long coat at an introductory level?

   Trim a long coat at an introductory level by tidying ends, keeping lengths balanced, and leaving shaping to a groomer.

8. Lesson 8. What patterns suit spaniel-type coats at home?

   Spaniel-type coats at home suit a tidy pet pattern that keeps feathering flowing, ears clear, and the body neat.

9. Lesson 9. What patterns suit setter and long-coated toy breeds at home?

   Setter and long-coated toy breeds at home suit a flowing pet pattern with careful ear, feathering and skirt care.

10. Lesson 10. How do you protect a long coat between grooms?

    Protect a long coat between grooms with daily friction checks, debris removal, and a length that matches your routine.

11. Lesson 11. How do you deal with burrs, twigs and tangles outdoors?

    Deal with burrs, twigs and tangles outdoors by removing debris by hand, working small tangles gently, and checking the coat after every outing.

12. Lesson 12. When does a long coat need professional help?

    A long coat needs professional help when mats are tight, length is unmanageable, or shaping and safety need a groomer.

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