Grooming a 6 month old isn't quite the same to groom as an adult .. but get that practise in whiel you can

Oh yes that is the plan!

I have EAs and I find that a "mat remover" comb works good on keeping the cheeks mat free ... but you have to be gentle and since I had to start with the mats already there, I break it up into short sessions each day. I work on one side for a little until they get annoyed, then I groom another area for a bit, then work on the other side.

I also keep the belly and legs clipped and on my buck, I keep his privates clipped and across the back of the legs to the tail. I also keep the tail trimmed otherwise he pees all over that fur

AnnClaire thank you so much for that bit of advice! I appreciated it!