Professional Grooming Equipment and Supplies
Your favorite brands and many more all in one place!
At Technogroom we are proud to supply our customers with an extensive range of professional grooming products from around the world.
Not only are we the sole importer of many popular brands, but we also develop and manufacture our own unique products in house at Technogroom.
Our Service Center Will Help Keep Your Salon Running
Keeping your equipment in top working order is essential to your business.
We can service or repair any make and model of blasters, clippers, dryers, tables and sharpen all types of blades.
To find out more about our service centre, please call us or visit our website.
Hello readers! I don’t know about you, but I’m getting whiplash from all of this back-and-forth weather lately!
That being said, it’s nice outside at the minute so I won’t complain! That being said, let’s get into what to expect in this issue…
First up, GroomFest is just around the corner! You can check out our focus from page 13 to get all of the latest info.
We also touch on the world of mobile grooming, as well as scissors, towards the second half of this magazine so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some info! You can also expect to see some of our regular features, as always.
From myself, and everyone here at Total Grooming Magazine, have a great month and we’ll catch you in September!
01795 509110
James Taylor 01795 509110
Contribution to Veterinary Science
Professor XIA Zhaofei, the Dean Principal of the Clinical Veterinary Medicine Department at the China Agriculture University, has been honoured with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Scientific Achievement Award, following his nomination by the Beijing Small Animal Veterinary Association (BJSAVA).
This award recognizes Professor Xia’s exceptional contributions to veterinary science, particularly in the small animal medicine field in China and will be presented to him at the 49th WSAVA World Congress later this year.
A pillar of the small animal clinical veterinary sector in China, Professor Xia has devoted nearly four decades to medicine in this field.
He is currently engaged in teaching, research, clinical practice, and hospital management at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the China Agricultural University, as Chair of the Clinical Veterinary Medicine Department and Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
He also serves as the President of the BJSAVA and the companion animal medicine chapter of the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Professor Xia is the Associate Editor of the Chinese Journal of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the Specialized Construction Committee of Chinese Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
Professor Xia has published nearly 200 research papers as the first or corresponding author and has supervised over 100 master’s and doctoral students. He has authored and edited six textbooks for undergraduate and graduate students, including Clinical
Diagnosis of Small Animals, Veterinary Clinical Pathology, and Clinical Case Analysis of Dogs and Cats, widely used in veterinary schools across China. He has also translated some 30 specialized works on small animal clinical practice, enriching academic literature and educational resources in Chinese veterinary medicine.
Under his guidance, small animal antimicrobial stewardship and the development of the small animal internal medicine speciality have flourished, and he has pioneered high-impact research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation. In 2021, Professor Xia led the establishment
Image by Randy Rodriguez from Pixabay
GROOMERSCHOICE TRUSTEDBRAND APPROVED
of the China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network for Pets (CARPet). The reports provided by this platform on antimicrobial resistance have made a major contribution to shaping effective strategies to combat bacterial resistance in China.
Through his active participation in CVMA activities and his leadership in organizing the annual BJSAVA conferences, Professor Xia has been at the forefront of progress in the veterinary profession. These conferences are today a key platform for knowledge exchange and professional development in China. Similarly, under his leadership, the veterinary teaching hospital at CAU has emerged as a premier institution for small animal clinical training and research, setting new standards in veterinary education and patient care. His insight, pragmatic approach, and dedication have greatly enhanced the quality of veterinary science and services in China.
Dr. Ellen van Nierop, President of WSAVA, shared her satisfaction at the announcement: “I’m thrilled that Professor Xia has been selected to receive the award, as he plays an incredibly active role within academia and clinical practice and is a driving force for innovation in the field of veterinary science.”
Torren Stone, Vice President of BJSAVA, said that, “Professor Xia’s pioneering contributions to this industry, this era and this country, advancing veterinary science and education, make him highly deserving of the WSAVA Scientific Award.”
Professor XIA Zhaofei expressed his gratitude for the designation, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive the WSAVA Scientific Achievement Award. This recognition is a testimony to the collective efforts of my colleagues and students in advancing veterinary medicine in China.”
We Love Pets
A new franchisee with the country’s largest full-service pet care franchise We Love Pets, has recently celebrated turning over £70,000 in her first 12 months of business.
Tina Byatt (50) bought her greenfield territory, We Love Pets covering branches in Clevedon, Portishead, Nailsea, Backwell, Yatton and Congresbury, in June 2023, which she now runs with nine members of staff, including husband James, daughter Jennifer and with occasional help from her two sons Owen and Fraser, and sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Gary.
Alongside a fierce determination and an unstoppable work ethic, one of the secrets behind Tina’s success is her previous history of working at the headquarters of two national franchise organisations, Puddle Ducks and Stagecoach Performing Arts.
At Puddle Ducks Tina held the position of Technical Development Manager, developing swim teaching material used nationwide across all franchisees, and working as a swim teacher tutor,
to help create a wider swim teaching team across the network, plus offering technical support to all franchisees, ensuring they were running their businesses in line with the standards set by the franchisor.
At Stagecoach she was in a role supporting the brand’s German franchisees, allowing her to use her beloved German language skills that she developed at school and beyond.
This experience of working for both organisations taught her what was required from her as a franchisee and equally, what she could expect in the way of support from her franchisor.
Tina explains: “The value, for me, of buying a franchise, was all the support I knew I would get and the experience of the staff at head office; add in a professionally developed website, fully functioning IT systems and Google marketing all done for me, and it is worth
every penny of the franchise fee I pay.”
She continued: “All too often people buy franchises thinking all the work is going to be done for them, which is not the case. You must really put the time in and give it 100%, but if you work hard and have the support of your franchisor and family, you can succeed far faster than doing it alone.”
Despite having worked in children’s activities before, Tina knew if she was going to buy a franchise it would be in the pet care sector and says when checking out the competition, We Love Pets stood out for some very particular reasons: “I’m an animal lover and wanted to buy into a sustainable, reliable, professional business that I could be proud of and where I could build a large team. We Love Pets stood out from the competition because of their excellent support, strong stance on pet welfare and their broad range of services.
Experience has taught me that you need to be able to offer your clients a broad range of services to build and maintain a robust business.”
12 months into her We Love Pets journey Tina employs nine members of staff; she explained how she has achieved such impressive growth: “I knew that to make a big success of a franchise like We Love Pets you need to build a team from day one, so that’s what I did. I started recruiting as soon as I opened, and I haven’t stopped since. My daughter Jennifer was my first member of staff and should take much of the credit for helping me to get the business to where it is today, and although my husband James’ name isn’t on the paperwork, he is every bit as involved as I am too.”
In January 2024, James was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, something the family are tackling together, one day at a time.
Tina says: “Working has been great for me over the past few months, giving me something to focus on and driving me forward during some dark days. James is not only my husband but also my best friend; in my previous roles he has taken on a lot of the childcare responsibilities so I could pursue my career and he’s an integral part of We Love Pets too. Our long-term aim is for him to be able to give up his job and come and join me in the business; we may not know what the immediate future looks like, but I do know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without his love and support and any success I am celebrating today is as a result of our teamwork.”
Ryan White, managing director of We Love Pets responded: “Having a franchisee like Tina, with such a huge background in franchising, has been incredible. She’s written her own masterclass in being a successful franchisee, that the rest of our network is learning from daily. It is a testament to her determination and dedication that despite the issues James is facing with his health, Tina hasn’t taken her eye off the ball and is still doing an incredible job; we are so proud of her. We send them all our love and very best wishes and look forward to celebrating more successes with them over the next 12 months.”
To find out more about the We Love Pets franchise opportunity visit www.welovepets.care/franchise.
Image by Gundula Vogel from Pixabay
Lead Sponsor Seminar Sponsor
GroomFest
With GroomFest just around the corner, we wanted to talk with some of the fantastic people who helped make it possible! Let’s dive in to some of the things that we’re excited for at this year’s show!
Mike
Smith,
Event Director
GroomFest is a shopping and education event. We have some excellent seminars throughout both days, as well as grooming demonstrations hosted by some of our trade stands and their ambassadors.
We have over 60 trade stands that will sell everything a groomer needs to run a successful business and just looking after their own pets, from clippers and scissors to dryers and insurance, shampoo etc.
For 2024, we have handed the reins over to Louisa Tandy and Sally Hart to take on the stress, I mean fun of organising the seminar space and programme. In our seminars we’ll talk about everything from dealing with
problem customers to everything poodles!
For me, I love to see my stands and seeing the visitors, some I haven’t seen for over a year. Seeing the people coming in and enjoying their day, the seminars being full and stands being busy makes it all worth it.
This event is made by our wonderful trade stands and visitors that come. Without them, the event would not be the success it is today, so I really want to say a big thank you to everyone that comes along and enjoys the show. We are looking at bigger better things for 2025, we are looking at different venues around the country to host our event, you may see us in Scotland, Wales,
Connor Jenkins, Editor-In- Chief
What can I say? I am so excited for this year’s GroomFest! It’s going to be a fantastic show and I hope that you all enjoy it as much as we’ve enjoyed planning it.
We’ve got a huge array of fantastic guests who are so excited to meet you all, it’s going to be an absolute blast! The event will be held on the 15th September at the Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, CV8 2LG.
See you there!
Devon or a venue near you, so watch this space!
We asked a number of our GroomFest speakers and traders the following questions on their thoughts and feelings about GroomFest:
1. What are you looking forward to this year?
2. What are your feelings about GroomFest as a whole?
3. Is there anything that happened last year, or that you want to happen this year?
Kevin Simpson – Simpsons
1. We are looking forward to meeting customers and promoting our range of award-winning, exclusive brands and products.
2. As a long-established manufacturer and supplier, GroomFest addresses an important need within our industry. GroomFest is groomer-centric, bringing together the best grooming products and innovations from suppliers big and small. Being free to attend, it’s affordable to all, with the added bonus of educational seminars from leading pet professionals. It’s the perfect day out for anyone with an interest in animal care and grooming.
3. Having abstained from the COVID show, we’re obviously delighted to be back as the events major sponsor. The new show format will be very interesting to see and we hope the event will attract record numbers of visitors.
Bill Betts – Pet Passion to Profit
1. It will be great to get out and meet pet groomers who I have been working with, or those who are in my Facebook group, Dog Grooming Business Help & Support.
2. It’s a great event which is wellattended by the industry and the groomers. I have recommended lots of people come to the event, either as a trader or to have a look round.
3. Previously the seminars were broadcast live into the Facebook group. This was great as it meant those who couldn’t attend the event in person didn’t lose out and were able to see the speakers.
Rob Fellows –International Reiki Master Teacher
1. It’s not often groomers can find so many grooming related products and suppliers in one place.
2. GroomFest always has a great vibe and I’m delighted to be there again
this year, talking about how the healing benefits of Reiki can help them not only to calm the more anxious dogs they groom, but also to help them too, with easing their own aches and pains, as well as providing an additional income source.
3. In 2022, it was livestreamed which was a great way to reach those groomers unable to attend. GroomFest should do this again as it was really popular and is a wonderful opportunity for more groomers to take advantage of the discount coupon off my Reiki training, especially for groomers, which I’ll be announcing during my seminar.
Sally Hart
1. GroomFest has always been an event with a great atmosphere, and I expect this year will be the same. The chance to meet up with familiar faces and also meet some new ones is undeniably great. I am most looking forward to the seminars and, as one of the speakers, I am looking forward to mine. Potentially helping people advance their business and make their working life better is one of the greatest feelings.
2. The opportunity to have so many grooming suppliers and companies relevant to the industry, all under one roof for a weekend, is brilliant. GroomFest is definitely an event that we need, for the benefit of both groomers and the suppliers.
3. There have always been some new products and companies, so I’m looking
forward to seeing new products that might make grooming better, more profitable, etc. Helping groomers in their business means a lot to me, so feedback on how people have found my seminars is definitely something I would like to repeat this year.
Julie Harris – The Groomers Spotlight/Julie Harris Education
1. An event like GroomFest is a great opportunity to talk to groomers and be seen. Nothing is better than being face to face and allowing people to see and touch new products and ideas. Qualifications are popular at the moment with numbers increasing all the time, so speaking with Groomers about the huge benefits and exposure they get as members of the spotlight is going to be fabulous.
2. GroomFest has a great, relaxed atmosphere, no-one seems to be in too much of a hurry. I am looking forward to delivering my seminar and getting engaged with the groomers via education.
Around the globe
When taking in how big the world is, and the sheer amount of animals who inhabit it alongside us, one thing that you can always count on is that there’s bound to be a dog groomer somewhere nearby! Let’s explore…
The grooming industry is continuously expanding, and it’s no secret that sharing information is vital. Thanks to the internet, we can instantly connect and share these ideas with our international friends!
Expanding into a larger market may have its challenges, so it’s crucial to distinguish yourself among the multitude of groomers utilising the internet today. So, what exactly can set you apart? Perhaps incorporating Asian-inspired pet colouring or classic American grooming styles could fulfil your grooming needs. Creativity is essential, and seeking inspiration from international grooming styles can greatly benefit your dog grooming business. Establishing uniqueness, however, involves more than just adopting a style and applying it to your work! It’s important to understand that mastering many of these
international grooming techniques can take years.
Different countries have varying levels of grooming education and different standards that set them apart. We recommend starting by attending local grooming events that align with your business. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, consider travelling abroad
with friends to immerse yourself in the true global grooming experience. Grooming events can be found all around the world, so be sure to check out what’s available for you!
Don’t overlook international grooming brands, as investing a bit more in products and equipment might yield significant benefits. Social media plays a
Image by Claudia from Pixabay
Image by Donald Clark from Pixabay
GROOMERS AROUND THE WORLD
pivotal role in the industry’s growth, and staying updated on the latest trends and hashtags used by international groomers is essential to remain at the forefront of the industry.
With all the information above, let’s explore some highlights from various countries…
In Brazil, there are numerous dog grooming competitions, including the renowned Sergio Vallasanti Grooming Event, which was introduced to the country by Sergio Villasanti in 2000. Sergio has now become a prominent figure in the international dog grooming community, serving as both a speaker and a judge.
South Korea boasts over a hundred dog grooming schools, with thousands of groomers graduating annually. The grooming industry in the country continues to expand without any signs of slowing down, and we’re here for it! It’s never a bad thing to want to expand on your education.
In Australia, groomers have the option to train at two types of schools. Each option caters to different needs based on the groomer’s requirements. Because of this education, you can see a broad spectrum of groomers if you ever decide to travel Down Under!
Asian Fusion grooming is extremely popular, especially in Japan, where it
has gained widespread recognition. To explore some adorable Asian Fusion grooms, head over to Instagram and browse through competition or portfolio pages.
In certain locations, such as China, stylists need to obtain a license. This requirement serves as a testament to their comprehensive education and expertise in the field. Being thorough in this regard is a positive attribute.
The mobile grooming trend is rapidly gaining traction in the United States of America. For more insights into the advantages of mobile grooming, check out the Mobile Grooming Feature in this issue!
As always, it’s important to engage with individuals from all walks of life through both online platforms and in-person events. Internationally renowned groomers may be willing to share their experiences and insights, so don’t hesitate to reach out and start a conversation with them.
Overall, the point that I’d like you all to leave here with today is one of sharing. The world is a big place, and I love learning all about it and seeing how different people do differint things, and celebrating that. I encourage as many groomers as I can to get out there and see what new things you can learn today!
Image by Viola ‘ from Pixabay
Image by Peter H from Pixabay
JULIE HARRIS
1, 2, 3 Perfect Prep Trial Bundle Offer
1: Squeaky Clean Soap Bar for stubborn dirt & grease
2: Deep cleansing 2 in 1 Purify & Nourish shampoo
3: Coat Management spray to remove knots, smooth & strengthen for clipping and scissoring
With Pro-vit B5 for condition, strength, and shine
Suitable for all coat types
Loved by professionals & champion owners
Mobile Grooming
Let’s talk about mobile grooming, and how it can help you take your business to the next level. Image by Danicku from Pixabay.
Mobile madness
This issue, we’re discussing why mobile grooming is on the rise, all around the globe.
If you are a pet owner or a groomer, you’re well aware that taking care of a furry companion is quite a commitment. Many people find it to be quite tiring. Fortunately, we are now living in a time where groomers can come to their clients instead of the other way around.
For your clients, the major selling points include the convenience, flexibility, and stress-free nature of going mobile. It may even be worthwhile to consider transforming your business to include this option.
Convenience is a significant selling point for your clients, so be sure to emphasise this when pitching it to them! Not having to leave the house to get their pets groomed could be one of the most appealing aspects for them in 2024.
Highlighting the ease of not having to transport their dog in a car could be a game changer!
Considering the convenience, imagine how frustrating it must be for pet owners who don’t have a car. Dealing with the hassle of the London Underground is something many people prefer to avoid, especially with their pet in tow.
Naturally, convenience translates to reduced stress for your clients. This can lead to repeat business and more positive reviews if you make the overall experience much easier!
The stress of being away from their pet for an extended period might be a concern, but your regular clientele shouldn’t worry if their furry friend is being groomed closer to home in your mobile grooming van!
Something else to mention is that providing undivided attention to one dog at a time results in much fewer distractions compared to a standard grooming salon.
Due to the focused and personalised nature of visiting a client, the tailored attention provided will be unparalleled. You’ll have the opportunity to give 110% effort and ensure that you’re providing the best service for the client’s visit.
Additionally, this could be a convenient solution for more anxious dogs (and people) who prefer not to be in a social setting. Mobile dog groomers can collect the dogs with almost zero face-to-face interaction if that’s what the client prefers.
Focusing on one dog ensures that the pooch receives the attention
Image by huoadg5888 from Pixabay
MOBILE GROOMING
they require. Grooming salons that accommodate multiple dogs may be convenient for clients, but it could lead to longer wait times and potentially less attention from groomers eager to move on to the next customer.
Additionally, dogs may feel more at ease and less stressed when groomed alone, particularly in unfamiliar environments with other dogs. In a mobile grooming setting, you have the opportunity to do your best work, so be sure to make the most of your time!
Consider this scenario: What if a client has an elderly dog? Elderly dogs need extra care and affection during grooming. As a groomer, it’s important to meet these unique needs and provide them with the necessary attention. Don’t forget to ask your clients for any specific details you should be aware of before the appointment!
Flexibility is another major advantage. Mobile grooming offers great flexibility, allowing you to schedule appointments at your convenience, regardless of your location or weekly schedule. Take advantage of this to secure extra appointments at unexpected times.
If you are concerned about the perception of working out of a van, there’s honestly nothing to worry about!
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
Image by Phuong Le from Pixabay
MOBILE GROOMING
Mobile groomers are just as qualified as those working in a grooming salon.
It’s a more convenient option for clients, as a mobile grooming salon showing up at their doorstep equipped with everything they need is ideal. This means you can get to work promptly, without any waiting around. For pet owners, this eliminates the need to wait around during the appointment, allowing them to attend to other errands or simply relax. This is a huge selling point!
In practice, dogs can be groomed and ready within just a couple of hours.
It’s entirely possible to operate as both a mobile groomer and work within a salon. In fact, it could be beneficial to explore both options to determine what best suits your specific business model!
Clients will appreciate the added convenience and flexibility offered by mobile grooming, and there’s definitely a demand for it, making it a practical avenue to pursue.
It’s crucial to ensure a healthy environment for pets. Just as you would at a traditional grooming salon, it’s important to maintain your mobile space to the same high standards, if not higher. There are specialised products and equipment available to effectively remove dirt and bacteria from surfaces, so conducting thorough research on petfriendly products is paramount.
In conclusion, offering a mobile grooming service can provide numerous benefits for your clients. If you aim to deliver a more personalised, stress-free, and convenient experience for your clients, mobile grooming may be an ideal choice for your business. Perfect execution can lead to a loyal and returning clientele.
We recommend consulting with experienced mobile pet groomers to gather insights into pricing, promotional strategies, and staying updated with the latest grooming trends.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of speaking with numerous mobile groomers, and it’s evident that they truly appreciate the positive impact it has had on their businesses. From expanding clientele and fostering customer loyalty to providing an exceptional service, mobile grooming can significantly benefit your dog grooming business and we look forward to hearing all of your stories after making the switch to being on-the-go!
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Image by Sven Lachmann from Pixabay
GoldWalk Grooming
Amy Walker is an experienced and passionate, multi-award-winning professional Canine Stylist, and is the owner of GoldWalk Grooming in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Today, Amy tells us a bit about her grooming business.
Ihave been in this industry for over 20 years and have worked at many salons up and down the country, some incredible and some not so, but this gave me the insight, knowledge and drive to morph away into my own business.
GoldWalk Grooming came about in 2018, my son was my driving force – sadly he suffered from debilitating migraines and I was often in the position of being unable to work due to caring for him. This made it challenging to remain employed when first and foremost I was a mum. So I made the decision to jump head-first into my own business. This way, I could do both.
I began grooming in my kitchen with the most basic set up whilst I was getting the extension finished to work from my in-laws house which gave me the space for a small salon. Within six months though, I outgrew this too and needed a commercial premises and took the dive into a shop and needed additional staff.
I needed to adapt as three years in, the landlord doubled the rent and bill hikes in utilities became unrealistic. I decided to strip it back to my happy zone with less pressure of a shop and bought my little pod to work from home again and it is the best thing I’ve ever done. I absolutely love the more relaxed and personable relationships that home grooming enables rather than the busy shop and I’ve grown even further since doing so.
I am a teddy bear style specialist groomer, and I would say 80% of my business has come through this unique selling point. I have recently started experimenting with Asian Fusion styling which isn’t readily available locally either. I really enjoy these types of grooms and seeing the dogs transform. I do a
lot of behind-the-scenes learning with webinars, seminars and additional oneto-one training with top groomers in this industry.
On top of this, I drive my ethos of kind handling and the dogs being my priority – I have gained many clients through my ethics and showing clients how I make their dogs my priority.
I started in this industry simply on work experience when I left school while awaiting starting college to study
animal management. I was a humble tea maker and hair sweeper to begin with. I continued to work here throughout college and, in that time, I was trained to wash and dry, prep and eventually groom the dogs.
Back then, there wasn’t access to the learning resources that are available now, so learning was based and restricted on what you were shown in your employment. A few years on, I progressed and did some training days
Use on all
Dogs
Cats
Horses
Small Animals
Loved and trusted by groomers, pet owners and vets.
Great Results
TGM08245 T&Cs Apply
GROOMERS OF THE MONTH
at Look North in West Yorkshire and continued working for other salons and developing my skills.
I gained my qualification in grooming (OCN) and studied other relevant areas such as wellness, TTouch, first aid, veterinary medicine, dental hygiene, and, more recently, canine fertility areas such as sonography.
I also completed my qualification in training and education to assist me with my teaching. I believe in continuous learning – even now I still learn new techniques, styles and tips from others.
Working alone can be lonely at times. I went recently from a busy shop with other people alongside me to being by myself and I am not ashamed to say I really struggled to adjust initially.
I think it’s super important to look after your own mental health in this industry and something that really helped me was listening to various podcasts, my favourite light-hearted, hilariously funny industry-based one being “Whip it out”.
If you haven’t listened to this already I highly recommend it. Invest in a good set of noise-cancelling headphones and you can thank me later!
My biggest piece of advice which is often overlooked by the younger whipper-snappers is looking after your body. Back when I was first coming into this industry, I didn’t know what pressure and strain grooming would inflict on me, and I pay for this today. I had heard others saying to do it but never took heed as I felt just fine so why bother?
Well, they were right! I have weekly sessions with an osteopath and deep tissue work to keep me mobile and to help me stay in this industry as long as I can, I really do wish I started this years ago.
Use any available aid to help you, move over rover boards are fantastic, make sure tables are set at the right height, lift large dogs in pairs and practice manual handling techniques –you are not invisible forever.
The other piece of big advice is to run your own race – don’t fixate on what your competition is doing, focus on what you are doing, what your plan is and how you can action this, look at your business objectively and gain skills in marketing and such like. Your competition doesn’t matter – you do!
This industry is one that I love, I have made so many lifelong friends through
it and value the relationships I have built both with fellow groomers and my clients. I have enjoyed seeing it evolve, grow and I especially love to see other succeed in their personal goals. Personally, I would love to see
grooming become regulated in the future and give our industry the credibility it deserves. I think this can only benefit us positively and bear more recognition to our art. Happy grooming!
Are you our next Head Stylist?
Our Head Stylists are critical to the success of our Pets Grooming salons and we are on the lookout for you to join us in various locations across the UK.
Lead the way as Head Stylist: set high standards, inspire your team, inject fun, and create an amazing workplace and world-class customer experience.
Offering a great range of benefits, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to earn an annual bonus.
To apply
5 signs of stress in cats
Stress can be expressed in various ways such as hiding behaviour, defensive aggression and vocalisations. If we can learn to look for the early warning signs we can help diffuse a situation before it arises. By
Katie Gwilt, Master Cat Groomer and Owner of
www.thekatlady.co.uk
Cats are quite stressful animals who appreciate routine and consistency in their environment. There are lots of models that help to measure stress that are worth taking a look at. Some of these include various pain scales which can explain why a cat is touch-sensitive, the cat stress score (CSS), FAS (fear anxiety stress) and CHEW (cat health and wellbeing).
I thought it would be helpful to pull out a couple though that we as cat groomers can look out for and help us read a cat. It can help to know when to give the cat a break or to stop the groom. Seeing a cat’s stress level rise also gives us the chance to make adaptations to see if we can relax the cat again and finish the groom.
Facial Expressions
Keep checking those pupils. If they
suddenly go big and dilated that can mean that they are having a fear spike so be aware of where your hands and arms are in particular. It may be that there has been a noise outside though as it is also a predator/play response so bear that in mind too. Ear position can give you a good indication of a cat’s stress and mood too. Flattened or airplane ears often show a cat is not relaxed and calm. Likewise bringing their whiskers in close against their cheeks. Lip licking is often something a nervous cat will do when they are starting to feel anxious. Also, check the general position of their head. They will pull it into their body or keep it low if they aren’t feeling sure of themselves.
Body Language
Starting to make themselves small and tucking in on themselves is usually a sign that the cat is anxious and you can
try giving them a towel or blanket to hide under to see if this helps them feel less afraid. On the opposite end of the scale, you may also see their posture change to more upright rather than on their side and feel their muscles start to tense ready to run away or to defend themselves. A relaxed cat will have their paws tucked under or lying out and not ready to react suddenly. Having their back end lower than the front end giving them the space to move and defend can be common and runs more to the fight or flight response rather than the freeze one where they curl up smaller. Stressed or nervous cats will usually hide their stomachs. You may see their breathing rate increase too.
Tail Movements
Some cats seem to wag their tails almost like a dog! Keep an eye on the movements though as if the tail starts
Anna is another fabulous example of a cat who could not be more relaxed if she tried!
to swish quickly back and forth you probably want to slow things down or pause. If it bristles (piloerection with the fur standing on end) the cat possibly needs a break too and some soothing words. Also, check if the cat is tucking their tail between their legs to protect themselves, another easy-to-spot stress and far signal.
Panting/Open Mouthed Breathing
With cats, unless it is really warm, it isn’t usually a way they regulate their temperature. If you are grooming a cat and they start panting or open-mouthed breathing it is a sign of stress. It is best to pause and see if they calm down and go back to regular breathing before going any further. If the panting continues then reschedule finishing the groom another day. Do check that your grooming space is well-ventilated as well. As a mobile groomer, I often have to change rooms in the summer if I am near a set of big windows as it just gets like a greenhouse.
Sounds/Vocalisations
Cats can be quite chatty creatures. Maine Coons and Siamese in particular are known for chirping and chattering away. It is worth getting to know each individual cat and learn what their vocalisations mean. Meowing isn’t a natural way of communicating within the cat community, they meow to us humans who aren’t clever enough to understand regular cat communication styles. If you live with cats you will know they have many different meows with many different meanings. I know the difference between my cat Tristan’s meows for food, playtime and fusses please. Keep listening to the cats you are grooming and you will start to pick up on whether the meow means they are annoyed, in pain or just chatty. Hissing and growling are usually warning signals so tread carefully if you hear these. If it gets more elevated then definitely take a break and reassess the situation. Purring can mean a wide range of emotions too. It is usually a happy/soothing sound but some cats can purr when in distress so check the body language too.
There is a lot to focus on and the best thing is to try and get a look at the cat in general and don’t just focus on one area like the pupils or tail. Build up a complete picture of the cat from
moment to moment as things can change extremely quickly! High stress levels in a cat can increase the risk of heart problems or setting off things like seizures if they are epileptic etc. Always remember to put the welfare of the cat in your charge before everything else. Each cat is different so learn their habits,
behaviour and characteristics as you work more with each individual cat. The more you do this the easier it will be to spot early warning signs of stress, anxiety and fear which you can then adapt to. It could save the life of a cat and also help to keep you injury-free as well.
Neville is unsure in this picture. His back end looks relaxed but his pupils suggest otherwise. You would need to keep monitoring him as this could escalate
Viktor is a character who loves to chat. You can see by the rest of his body language that he is a confident cat and doesn’t seem to show signs of stress fear or anxiety
This to me is a vocalisation that is a warning rather than a chatty cat. Although on his side, he is quite closed posture-wise and looks ready to react if he needs to. This seems to be a defensive position.
A cat who feels safer in a corner so showing a bit of nervous/unsure hiding behaviour potentially
Sultan showing the perfect example of a very relaxed cat! Stomach exposed, limbs relaxed and eyes mostly closed
Pet & Aquatics Trade Show
Largest ever PATS
• All the major brands under one roof
• New Three-day event
• Networking events
• Thousands of products
• 100’s of new launches
• Aquatics Zone
• New Starter Zone
• Free show catalogue
• Free entry & parking*
Come and
Learn
TOUGH ON PATHOGENS, GENTLE TO SKIN
Fast acting formula for fast results
For use on all mammals, birds & reptiles
100% safe, non-toxic, no-sting
Quickly relieves, soothes & calms
Safe to be licked and ingested
Staight to use wound flush for first aid care
Safe cleansing for in ears and eyes
Reliable germ preventative patient aftercare
Daily cleaning for skinfolds & wrinkles
Maintains healthy itch free skin
Cleans & freshens the coat of smelly skin suffers
MADE IN BRITAIN
Scissors
This little snippet (pun fully intended) is here to inform you about the right scissors for your dog grooming business. Image by Buddy Photo on Unsplash.
Snip snip!
This issue, we’re going to be covering a lot from the world of dog grooming scissors. This will range from types of scissors to edge types, to maintenance and more!
Whether you’re starting out in the industry or are a pro, you may find that you’re asking yourself where to begin when it comes to finding some new grooming scissors and equipment for your business.
Today, we’re going to talk shop about some of the essential know-how when it comes to finding your next pair of scissors!
So, let’s start from the bottom. One of the most important pieces of equipment in your arsenal will be your handy dandy pair. There is such a wide variety to consider, so let’s break some of the different types down for you.
When you find your ideal pair, you might find it a struggle to experiment and find more, and this isn’t necessarily a
bad thing! But starting and selecting the right pair might come across as daunting at first. So, let’s break it all down into different types…
There are a few main aspects of grooming scissors to consider when you first investigate the possibilities. Straight scissors are used for simple shaping and finishing. Curved scissors can be used for more specific body parts, such as a dog’s feet. Thinning scissors, same as for people, are used for thinning and shaping the hair. These can be identified between their one cutting blade and their one thinning blade in the pair.
Generally speaking, all professional grooming scissors will be made with stainless steel. Produced currently, you’ll see nothing but fabulous results when using a fantastic pair of proper grooming
scissors from a reputable brand.
Ensure you do your research and investigate where your choice of scissor brands are getting their materials from!
That being said, material isn’t the only thing that you should be thinking about when looking into a new pair of scissors for your grooming business. Ensure that you’re looking at the grip type and handling when you’re picking out your pair. Everyone is different and has different needs when applying their grooming skills.
To make the most out of your cuts, you’re going to want to make sure that the tension within the scissors is even, and that you’re able to securely grip the scissors when operating them. Not only will this give you the most control, but it will also grant you the confidence to
Image by Buddy Photo on Unsplash
SCISSORS
move and perform your grooms with ease!
That being said, simply reading a label and saying “This is the one for me” might not always be the simplest route. One of the most important parts of choosing a decent pair of scissors is simply deciding whether or not it feels right to you whilst you’re doing your groom.
Not only can this have an impact on your enjoyment of the grooms, but there are physical and health aspects to consider also. You don’t want to be using tools that will hurt your form or hands in the long run.
Factors that most groomers take into consideration are things such as length, weight, the type of handles and the balance when using them. Of course, everyone is different! Just consider what works for you and play to your strengths. Next up, we want to investigate the size of scissors that you’re going to want to be using for your grooms and how they can change your grooms. Using longer scissors, for instance, should be considered when your goal is to take off more of a dog’s coat when you’re performing your cuts. It’s all about efficiency!
That being said, smaller scissors also have their positive points! When you’re looking to work on smaller areas with a large amount of control, using a smaller pair will do nothing but benefit you.
Importantly, just focus on what’s best for you and your style. Whatever works best in your wheelhouse. Whatever stage of your grooming career you’re in, it’s important to take note and think about what tools might be best for you.
Other things to take into account are handles and their types, as this can be a big decision when it comes to a tool that you’re going to be using for quite a while. Feel free to speak with other groomers and find what fits my work best for you, as you won’t want anything like carpal tunnel or strains on the hands and wrist during a groom. Look after yourself!
If you’re struggling to find a comfortable fit for your scissors, you can also buy things such as grips or inserts to make handling your tools that much easier! Not only will this stress you mentally and physically, but using a pair of scissors poorly can also wear down the tools faster.
This will also change the results of your
Image by Alvan Nee on Unsplash
Image by Dasha Urvachova on Unsplash
Lead Sponsor Seminar Sponsor
GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
15th September 2024, Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ
To attend the events visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
SCISSORS
groom, which is a massive no-no in the industry! You’re going to want to be on your best game, after all.
Starter kits are also available if you’re relatively new to the dog grooming industry! Ensure to do some research by looking online and by speaking with fellow groomers to find a good place to start!
Caring for your scissors is of the utmost importance, especially if you’re looking to really stretch a pair’s lifespan. You’re going to want to shop around for a good sharpening company to aid with tool maintenance.
Depending on the frequency of use, we’d recommend having scissors sharpened every three to six months or so. Ensure that you’re doing your research on the best type of sharpener for your scissor type, as there are right and wrong ways to sharpen a good pair of scissors, as with any tool. This can come down to the type of scissors through to the angles and shapes of the blades.
Don’t forget your aftercare for when you’ve finished a groom! Ensure that you’re sanitising your workstation, including the tools, and oiling up your scissors at the end of each session and do your research to find the best types of products for your specific scissors. Ensure that they’re stored safely after use, you don’t want them going missing or getting damaged!
Overall, there is a wide variety of different scissors to choose from, so you should be looking up what ones might be the best for your business and going from there! It never hurts to ask the pros, so try, test and do your research to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your grooms.
Image by Ryan Walton on Unsplash
Image by Victor Grabarczyk on Unsplash
Image by Justin Veenema on Unsplash
Heatstroke and dogs
This month I am writing to you from Kenya! I’m currently out here working with the Action For Cheetahs in Kenya charity, which uses the help of dogs to conserve the cheetah population and protect it from poachers.
During my stay I am not only helping in the work but also teaching charity workers canine first aid, to help improve preparedness and canine wellbeing among the dogs in their care.
It’s really interesting stuff, more on this in my next dispatch!
This month you may also have seen me in the media, as I have called for the new government to act on calls for greater safety measures in pet care industries.
I am calling for all pet professionals including pet sitters, walkers and groomers to have some kind of training in what to do in an emergency.
When we send our dog to the groomer, sitter or walker we should be entitled to know that those professionals would know what to do in an emergency, and at the moment there are no rules in place.
I think this is something that many pet owners would be surprised to know, and I think that everyone would agree that safety must always come first. For the professionals too, having a good standard of training in first aid helps them to think calmly and clearly should the worst happen.
I am an ambassador for the national Safe Pets and People campaign, which is calling for mandatory first aid qualifications for all pet professionals. The campaign is also backed by the RSPCA, Street Paws and iPET Network. These courses do not cost a lot of money, but they do make all the difference. When people place their pets in a professional’s care they are placing a member of their family with you. It is so important that we don’t wing it.
If you would like to know more about organising a canine first aid session for your business I would love to hear from
you! Go to www.rachelbean.co.uk to find out more.
Ok, so I know the weather has been a bit up and down, but for this month’s tip, I am going to look at what to do if a dog gets heatstroke.
If you see a client on a hot day there is every chance that you may come across something like this, and there is a right
way and a wrong way to react in this emergency.
I’ve seen many posts on social media advocating not using cold water to bathe a dog which is suffering in the heat, but that is not correct information. If you have a dog that has heatstroke you must do these things:
Cool first, transport second! If you have a healthy younger dog, immerse them in cold water, for older dogs pour cool water over them and then use a fan for extra cooling.
Then, get them to a vet! In short - get them wet and then straight to the vet, by doing this you could save a life!
Have a great month everyone, and I can’t wait to share more details of my Kenya trip with you when I get back!
Animal Talent & Casting Agency
Urban Paws UK
Urban Paws UK are the leading and award-winning animal talent and casting agency. We have a team of knowledgeable and experienced bookers with over 40 year’s experience in the pet industry who work with film producers, TV studios, PR agencies and in-house marketing companies to provide the perfect animal talent for any media brief. We are always looking for well-groomed pets for media briefs so get in touch today.
London: 020 8161 6556
Manchester: 0161 808 1667
E: info@urbanpawsuk.com
W: www.urbanpawsuk.com
Grooming Supplies
Artero
Artero has specialized in dog grooming and hairdressing products since 1909. With 113 years of experience, Artero has become a reference in both the Grooming and the Hairdressing worlds, Artero is now present in over 72 countries all over the world.
W: www.artero.co.uk/dog-grooming
Facebook: artero.grooming.uk
Instagram: @artero.grooming.uk
Petcetera
Petcetera have been supplying the nation’s professional dog people with new and innovative products for over 50 years! We pride ourselves on being a one-stopshop for all your pet, showing, grooming & breeding requirements. Request your FREE catalogue today!
T: 01948 668100
E: info@petcetera.co.uk
W: www.petcetera.co.uk
Facebook: petceteraetc
Instagram: @petcetera_etc
Industry Services
Pet Industry Federation
Open to all pet businesses in the UK, PIF is the membership association for the pet industry with a wide range of member benefits to support business growth and development.
T: 01234 273933
E: info@petfederation.co.uk
W: www.petfederation.co.uk
Facebook: petindustryfederation
Twitter: @PetFedUK
Instagram:@petindustryfederation
LinkedIn: Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
Monty’s Natural Treats & Wholesale Looking for extra income? Give our Natural Treats, Foods & Supplements a New Brand. Wholesale Products at low prices & Free White Label Services.
T: 0203 797 6308
E: trade@montysnaturaltreats.co.uk
W: www.montystreats.co.uk
Organic Grooming Products
Secret Weapon UK
Our unrivalled range of top quality dematting products, shampoos and conditioners are suitable for all coat and skin types. Organic and hypoallergenic our ethically sourced products make grooming easier, kinder and faster. Award winning and successfully selling worldwide for 8 years.
T: 07923 368137
W: www.secretweaponuk.com
Facebook: Secret Weapon UK
Instagram: @secretweaponuk
Burns Pet Nutrition
Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns in 1993, pioneering pet food brand Burns specialises in using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients to create award-winning recipes that pets love.
T: 0800 0181890
E: sales@burnspet.co.uk
W: www.burnspet.co.uk
Facebook: burnspet
Instagram: @burnset
Twitter: @burnspetfood
Raw Feeding
Natural Instinct
At Natural Instinct, we are all passionate about pets. We believe raw food is the best natural option, feeding as nature intended, free from artificial additives, colours, preservatives and fillers.
T: 01276 608500
W: www.naturalinstinct.com
Facebook: NIPetfoods
Twitter: @NIrawpetfoods
Instagram: @naturalinstinctfood
Shampoo
Bugalugs
Bugalugs Pet Care produces high-quality pet products trusted by professionals worldwide. Manufactured in the UK’s Lake District, our bestselling range includes grooming supplies, dental care items, and supplements for pets.
T: 01900 837942
W: www.bugalugspetcare.com
Facebook: @bugalugspetcare
Instagram: @bugalugspetcare
TikTok: @bugalugspetcare
For All Dogkind
Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available)
T:. 020 7148 0316
E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk
W: www.foralldogkind.co.uk
Natural Pet Treats
Pet Food
Sharpening
Shear Ease
Shear Ease specialise in clipper blade sharpening, scissor/instrument sharpening and clipper service & repair blades and scissors sharpened and back in the post in one working day!
T: 01407 832 800
E: office@sheareaseltd.com
W: www.sheareaseltd.com
Leucillin
Healthy skin makes for a happy pet!
Leucillin keeps skin clean and clear tackling irritation, sore, itchy or smelly skin, safe for ears and eyes.
T: 0345 548 9800
E: info@leucillin.co.uk
W: www.leucillin.co.uk
Facebook: leucillin
Instagram: @leucillin_skincare
Training and Education
Capel Manor College
Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds.
T: 0303 003 1234
E: study@capel.ac.uk
W: www.capel.ac.uk
Facebook: capelmanorcollege
Twitter: @capelmanor
Instagram: @capelmanor
Four Paws Groom School
Dog and Cat Grooming Training Courses and regulated Qualifications. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tutors will support you every step of the way. Locations in Cheshire, Kent, Herefordshire and Greater Manchester.
T: 01606 333765
E: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
W: www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
Facebook: fourpawsgroomschool
Instagram:@fourpawsgroomschool
Haddon Training
Established in 1997, Haddon Training are an award-winning training provider specialising in dog grooming, animal care and equine. We offer qualifications which are all supported by our team of expert Trainer-Coaches.
T: 01672 519977
E: enquiries@haddontraining.co.uk
W: www.haddontraining.co.uk
Facebook: HaddonTrainingLtd
Instagram: @haddontraining
iPET Network
International Awarding Organisation, creating regulated qualifications for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. We aim to improve animal welfare through education, successfully winning awards for our Dog and Cat Grooming qualifications.
T: 0800 433 4700
E: info@ipetnetwork.co.uk
W: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
Facebook: @ipetnetwork
Instagram: @ipetnetwork
KD Grooming Studio
KD Grooming Studio, a multi-awardwinning pet grooming Studio, delivers flexible C&G/National Pet College & vocational courses. Train with Britain’s Best Groomer, Kelly Davis (BBC) and her highly skilled team. Enrol year round.
T: 01963 34110
E: info@kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kellydavis.uk
Facebook: KdGroomingStudio
Instagram: @kdgroomingstudio
National Pet College
Offering City & Guilds dog
grooming qualifications via our approved training centres around the UK. Also, Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming, teacher training and short courses including canine first aid.
T: 01234 984450
E: info@nationalpetcollege.co.uk
W www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk
Facebook: nationalpetcollege
Instagram: @nationalpetcollege
Pet Passion to Profit
Mentoring Pet Grooming Professionals to earn more money and have the business they dream of; changing lives of groomers and the grooming industry one business at a time!
E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com
W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com
Facebook: Petpassiontoprofit
Facebook: groups/doggrooming businesshelpandsupport
Instagram: @pet_passion_to_profit1
Rob Fellows Reiki
Help calm the dogs in your salon and make your job easier too. Easy to learn and simple to do Reiki training courses especially for groomers. Home Learning or Live Training and Qualification Day.
E: rob@RobFellowsReiki.com
W: RobFellowsReiki.com/reiki-fordog-groomers
Facebook: RobFellowsReiki
FB group: Reiki for Dog Groomers
Instagram: @reikirobfellows
Summit Groomer Training Group
Summit works with dog grooming training centres delivering quality tuition and City & Guilds qualifications. With centres across the UK there is one near you.
See our website for details.
T: 01535 661776
E: enquiries@summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
W: www.summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
Skincare
