I am a self-confessed tool junkie. If I see a grooming tool that I don’t own and think would be useful, I’ll buy it. Sometimes the purchase is a win, other times a dud. Then there is the grey zone, a great tool for a few specific tasks but not something I will use on most pets. It turns out I have quite a few of those grey zone tools...
Picture this scenario… you are clipping a pet Spaniel with a thick coat, and you realize that you have unwittingly created what looks for all the world like a corduroy jacket on that pup. Usually, it’s not the fault of the blade, the clipper, or even your clipping technique. The problem is that the dog has a thick undercoat.
So, what’s a groomer to do? One choice is to clip the dog shorter, but that is not the best plan. Instead, spend a little time removing that undercoat. This will enable you to achieve a lovely, smooth clip while improving the dog’s skin health at the same time.
I’ve been a groomer for decades and one of my pleasures has always been watching new groomers join the ranks and learn to perfect their skills. Newer groomers can sometimes be seen on social media wishing their abilities were better – and we should all be working to improve – but there are factors other than skill that can affect the quality of your grooms
I once worked as a dishwasher and still remember being told to make my job easier; let the tough pots and pans soak in soapy water. I didn’t understand why at the time.
Imagine you have just finished grooming a small, fluffy dog. You take it to greet its waiting owner, and they "ooh" and "ah" appreciatively to see their freshly trimmed pet. Do you know what they are looking at first when their dancing dog greets them? It's their precious little face. There are ways to step up your game to make those canine faces exclaim worthy. Of course, it all starts in the tub. We all know that prep work is the basis of an excellent groom. However, perfecting prep work on faces can take some extra steps.
Groomers tend to be very bonded to their pets which means it can be especially hard on us when a pet dies. Everyone handles grief differently but it’s important not to let your's affect your work and professionalism. Here are a few tips on handling that situation.
No doubt about it, most pet owners are very concerned about their pet's claws. I feel reasonably sure that one reason we have such a loyal clientele is that we pay extra attention to those nails with every groom. So here are some suggestions for ways that you can up your claw care game!
Everyone’s heard the old adage Time is Money – and it’s true. If you can get more dogs done in less time you will make more money. Here’s a few ideas on how.
In hot and humid weather, dogs are more likely to get acute moist dermatitis, or pyotraumatic. What can you recommend to help the problem?
Do you have a favorite old slicker brush? The one you grab first when you start on almost every dog? If you give it a hard look, do you see that there are bent, twisted and missing tines? I know it's hard, but it's time to let it retire. Damaged tines on brushes can scratch and injure delicate skin. They can also cause harm to that fur you are trying to take good care of by damaging the hair shaft's cuticle as you work. I know it's hard to say goodbye, but it's time to retire that tired old brush and replace it with a new, unblemished one.
