When I was just starting out, grooming education was very limited. You had to either learn directly from a professional handler or from a successful breeder. That meant approaching them at their homes or at shows. But if you’ve ever been to a show, you know how busy handlers are. Most of the grooming wasn’t even done at the show—it was done at home, days before. Setting up a time for them to help you at their kennel was always hit or miss. Another option was to work for a handler. And let me tell you, they’re always looking for new assistants. But that requires a huge commitment, and most people aren’t in a position to drop everything to go work for one. I did work for handlers, and for the ones I couldn’t, I asked as many questions as I could whenever I had the chance. My grooming room eventually turned into a collage of show photos, many covered with notes and sketches I’d added myself as I tried to learn from them. English Setter grooming, in particular, has always been a unique challenge. Unlike many breeds that rely heavily on clipping, Setters require skilled hand stripping and careful thinning to keep the coat natural, flat, and flowing. The artistry is in enhancing their elegant outline without overworking the coat—bringing out that classic “Setter look” where form meets function. Key areas like the ears, neck, and shoulders need to be neat and clean to highlight expression and movement, while the feathering on the legs and tail should be shaped to flow naturally, never looking bulky or scissored. Even small details, like keeping the feet tight and tidy, contribute to the overall balance of the dog. Mastering those elements is what separates a passable trim from a polished presentation. The good news? In today’s online age, there are countless grooming tutorials available across many platforms. And we’ll keep doing our best to add more to our library.