Using shears

The link below pertains to Goldens but it would apply to what you want to do with Coke too, I think. The "mane" grooming is at the bottom of the page. If you ever want to do more, there are sections for ears and feet too.

http://www.pvgrc.org/grooming/tail.htm

Awesome thanks 

I think I'm getting the hang of it.  I fixed up his ears and worked on his tail.  I must say I am quite pleased with the tail, it turned out exactly how I pictured.  Since Coke is a mutt, there is no "standard" for me to adhere to.  I love his big fluffy tail but it was getting long and ratty looking.  I trimmed the end sort of like the Golden tail in that link, trimmed it upward towards his butt, and then trimmed it all up a bit with the shears.  It's still nice a fluffy, but the hair is not quite as long and ratty looking.  I also did the feathering on his front legs.  I cut it it straight with a normal scissors to the length I wanted then used the shears to make it look more natural, not such a perfect cut.  Tonight I want to work on his chest and his "pants".