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!
It’s time to round off the year with our final 2024 issue of Total Grooming Magazine. How time flies, eh?
This month, we took a huge look at some of the best ways to prep your grooming business for potentially the busiest time of the year, as well as reflecting on how 2024 has been, and looking forward to the future in 2025!
Our usual features are present in this issue, combined with some extra flavours of recapping the past 12 months. We catch up with Katie Gwilt and Rachel Bean, of course, as well as discussing some of our favourite parts of the 2024.
From myself and everyone here at TGM, we hope you have a fantastic December and we’ll see you all in 2025!
Cats and stress
People experience stress in different forms every day. Studies have shown that most common cause of stress is work-related, with four in five adults frequently experiencing this. While a moderate level of stress can improve work performance and work efficiency, too much stress can lead to a negative effect on health, well-being, and the overall happiness.
Stress Awareness Day is an annual event which raises awareness about stress, its causes, and effects. Stress Awareness Day fell on Wednesday 6th of November this year. To raise awareness, leading pet insurer petGuard shares how cat ownership can help to combat stress.
Sharing a home with a cat means bringing unconditional love into owners’ life. Whether it’s curling up in their lap after a long day or playfully waking them up for breakfast, feline friends have so many ways of showing their love and affection. Cats are completely adaptable to various living arrangements, regardless of the size of the house, cats are able to make themselves at home wherever.
“There are many reasons why you
should welcome a new kitty into your home. Cats are independent, intelligent, and sensitive and they can have a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director at petGuard.
Cats can help prevent loneliness
One of the biggest reasons why people decide to get a pet is for their companionship. Cats are loving creatures and are great at preventing loneliness. The company that cats provide can help to boost mood and is particularly beneficial to those who are feeling stressed or depressed.
Cats can lower stress Research has shown that stroking pets
helps to reduce the amount of cortisol in human body. The more cortisol people have in their system, the more stressed and anxious they can be. Not only that, but even a cat’s purr can help lower stress. A cat’s purr is around 25-150 Hertz (Hz), with humans being able to hear up to 20,000 Hz. Studies have shown that vibrations at a frequency between 20 and 50 Hz help increase bone density and can reduce stress by relaxing the muscles.
“One of the most popular reasons why pet owners choose to get a cat is because of how easy they are to care for. Cats are low maintenance and cost much less than dogs, both to buy and to look after” adds Bennett.
Discover more on at www.petguard. co.uk/cat-owning-benefits
November 11th
What a fitting day to celebrate our community hero; Chris Dancey, a former para trooper, was recognised at the Animal Star Awards for his service to his local pet community.
Chris Dancey served his country for 10 years and proudly shows off his badge of honour in his dazzling jacket on a night of celebration within the pet community representing the North of England. Chris was awarded Highly Commended as a New Pet Business.
Fabrics by the yard
Chris started Pets 2 Places pet taxi in September 2023 and has gained incredible success in that time and grown his social media following to almost 3000.
Chris is on hand to take pets, big and small, to the vets, some in emergency life-saving situations, if Chris hadn’t been there the pet would have died.
One cat who was taken seriously ill suddenly was one of those saved by Chris, the owner left a glowing review:
“I’d like to thank Chris once again for picking up my poorly boy at the last minute and arranging everything. From pick-up to drop-off, to caring for my very ill boy. If it wasn’t for Chris taking my boy for me when he did then he would have sadly no longer have been here and he
would have passed away at home. But thanks to Chris my boy is now in the safe hands of the vets and hopefully on the way to make a full recovery.
“He really does care and shows so much passion in everything he does.
“From great customer service to looking after your fur baby. He keeps in contact with you every step of the way, whether that’s arriving at the vet to being in the vet room for you or on the return journey home. So once again thankyou to this most amazing man.”
Chris takes all this praise in his stride though, saying “I just do what I do, I get the job done, help the people and their pets and it’s all good, I love it, being able to help the pets and the owners when they don’t have anyone else to help them. It’s no bother at all.”
If you find yourself with a poorly pet, keep Chris’s number to hand, you never know when you will have an emergency situation - Pets 2 Places Pontefract & Wakefield 07894 467139.
Health priority
Health should be a priority when choosing a dog.
Future dog owners tend to choose a dog depending on physical and personality characteristics. Some want a friend to take long walks with, others a companion to cuddle on the sofa. Most dogs are chosen for their loyalty, willingness to work or play and whether they are a good fit with the family.
When choosing a dog breed, it’s also worth considering what their vulnerabilities are. “Some dogs are more prone to diseases, health problems and illnesses than other dogs, and therefore you may want to factor in your appetite for vet visits and which dog insurance to choose” says Simon Bennett, Managing Director at petGuard.
Leading pet insurer petGuard discusses the healthiest dog breeds, along with dog breeds more prone to health problems:
Some strong dog breeds to consider
include Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, Chihuahuas, Springer Spaniels, and Pinschers. These breeds are generally known for their high energy levels and active nature. Additionally, they tend to live long lives on average, partly due to their resilience and lower sensitivity to genetic diseases, making them excellent choices for those seeking a healthy and energetic canine companion.
Contrastingly, dogs with squashed faces such as Pugs and Bulldogs often have respiratory problems which have been caused by being bred with flat faces. Pugs also get ocular problems as a result of their bulbous eyes which will need constant attention with proper cleaning and care.
Chows and German Shepherds may have suspect back legs as a result of hip dysplasia. Chows have been bred to be larger than their hips can take, causing
the joints to slip out and disrupt their ability to walk.
Boxers can be prone to heart issues called Aortic Stenosis or Cardiomyopathy. If a Boxer becomes tired or weak, suffers from reduced appetite or difficulty breathing, it could be worth taking them for a scan.
Labradors love food so much that owners have to watch their weight, and what they eat. Labradors are also at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.
“Some dog breeds are more prone to diseases than others, however the health of a dog will depend mostly on their owner – how often you take them to the vet, exercise them, train them and what you feed them” warns Bennett.
Read more about dog breeds at www.petguard.co.uk/which-dog-breedshealthiest
Play9 wins award
Play9 won ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ at PIF Awards 2024, a monumental achievement within their first year.
Play9, the UK’s innovative pet brand that launched less than a year ago, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by winning ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ at the 2024 Pet Industry Federation (PIF) Awards.
Recognised for its cheeky and disruptive slogan: “Most Other Dog Toys Are Just Balls”, this award validates the brand’s unique approach to connecting with pet parents through authentic, creative messaging.
Play9 Founder, Lee Bridges, expressed his excitement: “This award feels surreal. To be acknowledged by the Pet Industry Federation within our first year is beyond our expectations. It’s a fantastic validation of our team’s hard work and a powerful motivator to keep pushing boundaries in the pet industry.”
When asked about the meaning behind the hilarious and somewhat provocative slogan, Lee said: “We know this ‘ballsy’ statement will raise some eyebrows but we wanted to highlight the fact that the Roolo® is a completely
unique offering, unlike any other pet product on the market.”
Play9: More Than Just Clever Marketers
While Play9’s campaign captured hearts with humour and creativity, the company is far more than just an eyecatching brand. Their mission is rooted in enriching canine lives by creating thoughtful, humane products that enhance a dog’s mental and physical well-being.
Play9’s flagship product, the Roolo®, exemplifies this philosophy. A uniquely shaped, treat-dispensing toy made from sustainable natural rubber, it encourages engaged play and can also be used as a slow feeder. Designed as a revolutionary enrichment tool, the Roolo® supports everything from positive behavioural reinforcement to stress reduction, stimulating dogs in a way that standard toys simply don’t.
What’s Next for Play9?
With a vision to “get a Roolo® into
the paws of every dog in the world,” Play9 is rapidly gearing up for growth on multiple fronts. This next phase will see Play9 expanding their e-commerce presence, entering new markets, and laying the groundwork to build a globally recognised brand. As a pioneer in humane, enrichmentfocused dog products, Play9 aims to set new standards in quality and canine well-being, while establishing lasting connections with pet parents around the world.
About Play9
Founded in 2023, Play9 has swiftly become a leading force in humane pet product innovation. The brand’s philosophy centres on advancing canine welfare through thoughtful design and high-quality, reward-based play. With a strong commitment to pet wellbeing and an ambitious company roadmap, Play9 is poised to make a lasting impact on pet care worldwide.
For more information please visit www.play9.co.uk
Wilsons launch supplements
Wilsons launch supplements to its growing range of natural nutrition for dogs.
Whilst a nutritionally rich diet made from quality ingredients is the backbone to keeping a dog fit and well, natural supplements can be a useful addition to a dog’s diet, much like they are for us humans. Supplements can help support ailments such as achy joints or poor digestion, or help improve a dog’s skin and coat, or even ease stress when anxious.
Wilsons, the Scottish-based makers of natural meals and treats for dogs, has launched a new range of natural supplements for four-legged friends. Available in tasty bite-size pieces, they ensure easy feeding. The range, available in 180g resealable bags, includes Digestion, Calming, Skin & Coat and Joint Support.
Free from any nasties, the natural supplements include 70% chicken plus ingredients such as collagen, yucca extract, blueberry, psyllium husk, Vitamin E, turmeric, and camomile. Prices range from £16.99 to £19.99. All packaging is fully recyclable.
100% Scottish Salmon Oil, packed with Omega 3, 6 and 9, also sits within the range of natural health supplements, available in 500ml and 1000ml, £11.99 and £16.99.
Learn more about the new supplements and Wilsons full range of natural meals and treats at wilsonspetfood.co.uk or contact the team at sales@wilsonspetfood.co.uk.
Christmas Retailing
With Christmas right around the corner, let’s dive in to how you can put the finishing touches on your Christmas to-do list for your grooming business! Photo by Jayden Burdick on Pexels.
The Art of the Festive Season
How time flies! I feel as though it was just yesterday I was writing the 2023 Christmas feature, but here we are again! Let’s take a look at some interesting and creative ways that you can add that last-minute Christmas touch to your retailing before the year is out.
Now that the end of the year is drawing near, it’s a fantastic time to consider the opportunity to bring in some extra income by providing extra services, retail opportunities, and promotions for your clients to enjoy!
This year, there is a brilliant opportunity for you, as a groomer, to not only boost your revenue stream but also build a stronger relationship with your clients who may celebrate the festive December month.
So, let’s take a look at one of the first benefits that you can reap for yourselves.
Loyal customers, as you all should be aware, are one of the driving forces for any business. This is a time of giving, and spreading joy to your regular clientele is something that shouldn’t be overlooked!
Celebrating a client’s dedication to your business can not only brighten their
CHRISTMAS RETAILING
day but also promote more return visits and in turn generate more revenue. Especially when paired with some Christmas offerings!
Some things to consider are special holiday-themed grooming packages that are there to help pets look, feel and celebrate the Christmas tradition. Festive apparel springs to mind immediately, as I look over to my ten-year-old best friend who sits by my side as I write, wearing his little bandana.
As a pet owner, I LOVE this feeling and cherish the opportunity to be able to allow him to celebrate by wearing a seasonal outfit to accompany the season. This feeling of joy won’t be a rarity among your customers, so be sure to invest some time to find out what might make the perfect fit within your business!
This can demonstrate to your clientele that you care about going the extra mile for them during this particularly busy, and often stressful, time of the year!
But let’s not simply mention the cute little offerings and outfits that you can make readily available. From a puppy’s first Christmas to an elderly dog who you want to cherish every last minute with, you can also help to create some longlasting, memorable moments for your clientele to enjoy with their furry friends.
One thing in this vein that I will never shy away from, is that of a brilliant photo op! Consider setting up a Christmas space within your grooming business that will allow you to take some picturesque photos of your fluffy little
friends, post-groom, and you can even retail this as an add-on to a groom for a holiday card or new phone wallpaper!
Photos capture precious moments in time, and wouldn’t you like to bring some everlasting Christmas joy to your clientele? Keepsakes can be so important to people, and you can even offer services like this as part of a total groom package, where the clients will get a full groom, some apparel for their pet and a fabulous photo to take home on top of everything.
Speaking of cards and photos, don’t be afraid to offer some more unique and personalised gift ideas to your clientele. Naturally, festive gifts are a huge part of this season, and you can provide a totally unique experience for every client who wants to make an appearance through your door.
From custom pet grooming gift cards to personalised gift baskets with scents, shampoos and dog treats, show your clients that you care by offering them something to take home for a
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CHRISTMAS RETAILING
discounted price. This doubles up as an added bonus revenue stream following a groom, and will keep your services at the forefront of your clients’ minds for just that little bit longer after they leave your business!
This not only takes some of the thought out of your clients having to buy a gift for their pet but is also an amazing way for your clients to spread some word-of-mouth advertising to their friends and family by mentioning how looked after they feel. Worth considering!
That being said, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to see if you can expand your product line. Going back to the photos and gift sets, invest some time and maybe some money into holiday-themed collars, outfits, toys and more for your clients to pick up for their pet for being such a well-behaved pooch during their groom! It’s all about your clients leaving feeling as though they’ve not only gotten a decent service but feeling taken care of in other aspects of owning a pet too. You’re saving them time, as well as bringing in more revenue. Win-win!
Now, it’s no secret that this can be an expensive time of year for people. That’s why either a loyalty discount, festive discount, or both, can have a huge impact on the success of your holiday retailing!
Encourage your clientele to take advantage of your gift bundles to save a little extra time and money by shopping with you at your grooming salon directly. Going the extra mile with things like this will absolutely make you stand out amongst the crowd!
Last year, we spoke about a “Holiday Pampering Package”, which we still
stand by this year! This can include a full groom, a festive accessory and even a discount on a future visit with a festive gift card that you can only get at your business. These types of bundles not only can add a bonus to a sale, but also create a sense of urgency and commitment to visit your business again in the future.
The final thing that I would like to touch on is that Christmas is a time of giving. Yes, a revenue stream is lovely, and creating bigger and better grooms is one of the cornerstones of any grooming business, but charity is something that should never be overlooked.
Consider the possibility of maybe donating a portion of earnings to local shelters, charities or other good-natured things this Christmas and this may also draw in some more clients who are looking to do something good this festive holiday season.
Overall, there are so many ways to add that little bit of Christmas flair to your business this December, and we encourage you all to consider all of the options to make this one that your clients, and their pups, will never forget.
We can’t wait to hear all of your amazing Christmas ideas and talk about them next year!
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2024 Review
Well everyone, we’ve made it to the end of the year. Now, let’s reflect on how the pet grooming industry has changed over the past 12 months. Image by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash.
A look back at…
At Total Grooming Magzine, we want to be as diverse with our pet grooming industry topics as we can! That being said, let’s reflect back at the past year to see what some of our biggest points were…
2024 started off strong when we touched on our dental hygiene focus to really kickstart the year!
Our first issue not only had some predictions for the year but also some valuable information about how the dental world within dog grooming has evolved as of late. This was a fantastic pairing with our health and safety feature, which we hope you all were able to read and enjoy!
February took a slightly different turn, however, when we started to turn our heads more towards the shows of the year that we were oh so excited to take a look at! We love speaking with the people who organise shows, from merchandising events all the way through to live dog grooms, and 2024 gave us so much to enjoy!
Speaking of merchandising events, we also had the fantastic opportunity to explore business add-ons for you and
your pet grooming businesses, as well as a look at some of the newest treatments for pups that we had seen trending. Neat!
As Spring started to jump into the fray, we enjoyed looking at some nutritional information that you should all be looking to pass on to your clientele. Don’t forget that, as a groomer, you’re one of the most valuable sources of information to your clientele, so stocking up on good nutritional knowledge is a great idea for your business!
We also delved into the worlds of both insurance and training for your business. These are still both extremely important and will be for the foreseeable future, so you mustn’t dilly-dally when investing in some more research on these sectors in 2025!
In April, we wanted to explore some more of your creative sides, as we looked at our creative grooming
feature to emphasise the importance of standing out within your local area and even talked about some of the more creative ways that you could look at your business.
This tied in nicely with our show information, as some creative grooming can really go a long way within the dog grooming show world!
Speaking of being creative, we took this opportunity to delve into the world of creative retail opportunities also and looked at some of the best ways to market your business and stock to your clientele.
Next up, we decided that it would be beneficial for us to cover more information on what’s known as continuing professional development, or CPD for short. This is a fantastic way to extend your knowledge as a pet groomer, and just one of the many exciting newer ways that you can also
demonstrate to your clientele that you really care about going the extra mile during your grooming sessions!
Tables, baths and natural remedies took the stage next, as these are all things that are continuously making an impact within the dog grooming world. So much so, that we’re planning our next tables and baths feature for 2025 already!
As mentioned in the June issue, marketing is one of the biggest cornerstones of any business and can be a serious make or break for some additional revenue. Especially around December! This ties in nicely with our tips and tricks on how to grow your business and utilise social media to grow your audience just that little bit more.
That being said, as Summer started to approach, we thought it best to take a little look at some useful information for you guys to pass on to your clientele about fleas and pests, as well as ways that you can add additional treatments for these into your daily grooming business routine.
Two things that went hand in hand for our July issue were our shampoo features and our nutrition features. One of the highlights of both was that we spoke about how nutrition can help to promote a healthy coat in an animal, as well as having some great shampoos to go along with it! Pairing the two is
nothing but a great idea, and will make the dogs happy to boot. A comfy pet is a happy pet!
We also touched on adding value to your business in July, something which can help to demonstrate to your clientele that you’re worth investing in!
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2024 REVIEW
GroomFest was almost here! We prepped ourselves for our annual show with a little info from the previous year, as well as some things to expect from our upcoming one! We always love speaking with our contributors and event staff, and hope that they enjoyed working with us!
We also dove deep into the world of scissors in August. We wanted to touch on the importance of maintenance, a decent pair of scissors, the impact that they can have on your business, and more!
That brings us to September…
We loved talking about all of this year’s clippers and trimmers info! Tool maintenance and investing in the right things can have a serious impact on your dog grooming business, and we still can’t stretch enough how important these things are, so please keep that in mind when investing!
Next up, cat grooming! Our huge cat grooming focus was one that we all had a really good time putting together, and I do hope that you all took something valuable away from it!
Speaking of cats, October introduced our brand new feature from Katie Gwilt, simply known as Katie’s Kat Column. We’ve been working with Katie for a while, and have always had such a blast reading up on the latest info for our feline friends.
Rachel Bean is another name this year who we can’t go without mentioning. From the most entertaining stories to important health info, Rachel Bean Monthly is an article that you’ll never want to miss!
Fireworks was another huge feature for us, as always. We want to ensure that you’re passing on helpful info to your clientele whenever you get the chance, especially when there are many flashing lights and loud noises right outside of your window!
And lastly, if you’ve been keeping up to date with TGM, you’ll remember our apprenticeships and technology feature from last month. We always have a blast putting together the autumnal issues, especially when it comes to recapping our festive planning!
Overall, it’s been a really fun year for us at TGM, and we genuinely can’t wait to talk in 2025 about how the year has evolved, how the industry has developed and to hear more of your amazing pet grooming stories!
Christmas spirit
We had such an exciting start to November by attending not one but two award ceremonies. The first up was with the Pet Industry Federation where we were one of eight businesses selected as finalists for the Pet Service Business of the Year in 2024. By Katie Gwilt.
We were selected as a finalist which meant the world to me. It’s a big organisation covering the whole pet industry and the awards ceremony was a black-tie dinner and entertainment event in Stoke-On-Trent. Just to be included was such an achievement for us! Hopefully, it will start to open more doors for us in our mission to increase knowledge and welfare for the cats in our lives.
We were also a finalist in the Animal Star Awards for Cat Groomer of the Year. This was another award dinner and entertainment event this time in Nottingham. Their judging process is also completed by looking into our business and by industry experts rather than by public votes.
We walked away with the winning trophy and certificate much to my excitement! I immediately let Chloe and Sarah know as both awards are very much a team effort. I would be lost without these two wonderful women.
Our unofficial extended team also includes Hayley at Animal News Agency and Helen at Pet Professional Network along with a few other key supportive people like Rachel at Pets Get Visible, Caroline at Pet Behaviour Services and Stephanie at Holistic Grooming Academy who have been wonderful cheerleaders along the way. Being surrounded by such an amazing group of women has meant the world to me.
I made it my mission to try to increase my coverage and reach in the media as well as within the industry whilst
expanding the team with Chloe so I can focus on some more of the behind-thescenes work.
Next year I hope to find the courage and strength to raise my head above the parapet and start to work more within my peer group and raise knowledge about holistic and welfare-based grooming for cats. This is something I find very difficult, but it is time to let other groomers and pet professionals know that there are other ways to handle, communicate and work with cats than some of the outdated methods still in place.
So for our guide this month I’m thinking of the Christmas spirit, the season of giving and improving. So here are five ways that we can all enhance our cat’s lives, which we may not have thought about!
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KATIE’S KAT COLUMN
While on one hand our cats are fairly self-sufficient, they are not quite as self-sufficient as many people think. And I hope that these tips will help people understand their cat’s needs, and the easy ways that they can make life that bit better for their pet.
Cats really are amazing, and there are so many ways to care for your cat in a way that they will enjoy.
Grooming
Grooming is essential even for shorthaired cats, as this kind of human contact helps to prepare them for when they are older, and they may experience changes in the skin, fur or mobility which will impact their ability to groom themselves.
You can make a groom enriching for your cat by using calming herbs, and rewarding them with treats and play. Your cat will soon get used to the feel of the brush and come to enjoy some regular bonding time with you.
Feeding
Cats are hunters, so particularly for indoor cats it’s important that we respect this and provide ways to satisfy their hunting instinct.
You can do this by investing in a puzzle feeder, so that they can solve a problem before they get fed, much like hunting for their supper.
Cats are very intelligent and smelldriven, so consider smell when you feed your cat, and avoid feeding in areas that are heavily scented with cleaning products, avoid air fresheners wherever possible.
Playing
Many people just leave toys out and expect cats to entertain themselves, but it is important that you get involved in the game too. Make time to actively play with your cat on a regular basis. This will strengthen your own bond with your pet, but will also markedly improve their happiness and health. Cats learn and exercise through play, so get their brain working with a food reward puzzle, or get their heart pumping with a feather on a string to chase. Find out what your cat’s favourite games are and play them regularly. Change up their toys too, like humans cats get bored doing the same thing every day.
Environment
Cats are just like us, they like their privacy at toilet time and they don’t like to mix toilet time with feeding time.
This is understandable, but it is very easy for us as humans to think that your cat might feel differently in some way. They don’t.
To make your cat feel comfortable in their environment, make sure that each cat has their own litter tray, plus an extra one for the house, and then make sure it is stored away from food bowls.
Another way to enrich your cat’s environment might be to create space for your pet on the walls. Cats love to sit in high spots and lots of places sell cat friendly shelving which can be used as a bed, why not open up an under bed drawer which your cat can use as a hiding space. Keep moving things around to keep things interesting and engaging for your moggy.
Enrichment
Get experimental with herbs! Just like how cats humans receive calming effects from chamomile, so do cats. They also love valerian root as well as the wellknown catnip effect! receive calming effects from herbs such as chamomile, and everyone knows how playful they get when they sniff a bit of catnip! Do some herb research and introduce some into your cat’s daily routine. Cats like to self-select what herbs they go for, so give them access and see what they choose.
Another way to enrich the life of your cat comes from cardboard! From providing a cardboard box hiding space to making your own toys from toilet roll tubes, get creative with leftovers and watch your cat get silly and happy!
To find out more about The Kat Lady go to www.thekatlady.co.uk
Tips from 2024
To round out the year, we’re hearing some delightful little insights from a bunch of our 2024 Groomers of the Month picks!
Mandi Dale - Scrappy Doo’s Dog and Cat Grooming Studio
“It’s a very different world now, with many support groups online. Don’t be afraid to contact other local groomers. Help each other. There will be times when each of us needs to reach out. Enjoy it build it and make grooming your own choice of how to go about it.”
Sharon Adams - Parkes Dapper Dogs
“A good work-life balance is key to success. Have good policies in place, and insurance. Always have the right tools for the job. Don’t let customers be rude, or take advantage of you, if they do then have the confidence to let them go.
“I’m lucky to have lovely customers with very little issues. Good customer service is really important. Always strive to be the best you. Be happy, enjoy your job!
“Dog grooming is a hard, fun and rewarding career. There are many qualifications to be gained.”
Amy Walker - GoldWalk Grooming
“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. 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 others succeed in their personal goals.”
Ky Marie - Ky’s Grooming Academy
“We want all groomers to be recognised, rewarded and given the appreciation that they deserve. What shocked us, is that we were nominated for a Liz Paul Award 2023 for Event of the Year! This really made us feel like proud parents. We are thrilled to have been a final nominee for such a prestigious awards ceremony.
GROOMERS OF THE MONTH
“This isn’t an easy career but it’s one of the most rewarding.”
Wendy Hesketh-DewarFurbabies Grooming
“That’s what I like about this industry. There is a lot of support out there, not just for new groomers who are just starting up or thinking of making the move.
“Joining a local groomers group on social media definitely helped me grow my business when I started up, and networking is key!
“It’s not all plain sailing though. When things go wrong on the van, either mechanical or the equipment within the grooming area, it means days off rescheduling work and loss of income, which is frustrating, to say the least.
“I keep saying that this will be my last year as a mobile groomer, as I’m feeling the cold a lot more now. Plus with everincreasing costs of fuel, motor insurance and government road schemes such as ULEZ, it’s taking some of the joy of being mobile away.
“But I’d put money on it that I’ll still be offering a mobile service this time next year!”
Leanne Stirland - Smarty Paws
“My advice to anyone thinking about taking up dog grooming as a career, or just starting out, is to get as much hands-on experience within a salon. There are many great courses available now to learn and gain dog grooming qualifications but I feel they don’t offer a very realistic aspect of everyday grooming.
“Each dog I groom is completely different, from coat care to personality. Dog grooming requires lots of patience and understanding.
“For me personally, the thing I love about dog grooming besides the creative aspect and feeling a sense of accomplishment after each groom is the rewarding factor of making the dog feel better! The health benefits and seeing the difference in how the dog must feel and shows its gratitude in the way it suddenly becomes alive, light-footed and playful!
“Customers on a daily basis thank me and tell me how differently their dog behaves in a joyful way!”
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
Lead Sponsor Seminar Sponsor
GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
6th April 2025, South Of England Showground, Selsfield Rd, Heywards Heath, RH17 6TH
To attend the events visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
2025 Predictions
The new year is almost here, and here’s what may be in store for 2025…
See you next year…
2025 is just around the corner and, just with many industries, the world is ever-changing and so are the cool techniques, tech and know-how that go with it!
That being said, it’s time that we take a look at what may be coming next year!
It’s no secret that the dog grooming industry is trying its best to become more eco-conscious as the years go by. The rising notability of ecofriendly products and practices within the dog grooming world is always growing, and we honestly can’t wait to see what planet-saving antics you all get up to!
That being said, we’ve seen a rise in more organic and natural grooming products over the years and the progress is showing no signs of slowing, which is a fantastic win for the pet grooming industry!
As more and more pet owners are seeking out more natural products, such as with eco-friendly shampoos and conditioners, it only makes sense to begin to invest this same mentality into your business. This is something which
we predict we’ll see a lot more of in 2025, so ensure that you’re keeping an eye on the trends of eco-friendliness!
The next thing that we’d like to discuss is that of the mobile dog groomer. This is something that, especially during my time at TGM, I have noticed a significant rise in, especially since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Going mobile possesses so many benefits, which we covered earlier this year in our mobile grooming focus, but that doesn’t mean that it’s stuck in the year 2024! The sheer convenience for pet owners, the ability to run your own hours and the fact that you’re not locked down in just one location are all factors that can be seen making a huge jump in 2025. Strap into your seatbelts!
Next up, which goes very much hand in hand with mobile dog grooming is apps and booking software.
It’s no secret that software, apps and making life more convenient with technology is something that isn’t going to be slowing down for some time, but what does that mean for the dog grooming world?
Well, from our experience, nothing but good things!
If you take a look back at our past issues, you’ll find that groomers, business owners, and even clients, are singing the praises of how easily they can book their appointments with software and apps.
This takes so much hassle out of chasing payments, scheduling appointments, and even contacting your clientele, so it’s no shock to us that there are so many more little pieces of tech that are going to follow the trend of rising up in 2025!
So, we’ve broken down a couple of things that are pretty much going to be changing indefinitely for the foreseeable future, but how can you stay up to date with it all?
Well, that brings us to our next point which is the apprenticeships and education sector within the pet grooming world!
As our industry is rapidly changing, certifications, apprenticeships, courses and more have to evolve with the times also. I’m sure that we’ll see a huge rise in more variation from our educators that will do nothing but help inform eager minds about what’s new within the world of dog grooming.
Lastly, let’s look at the industry as
a whole. We, as people, are going to be constantly changing. Take a look at yourself from five years ago and have a think about how far you’ve come since then. Some of you weren’t even a part of this industry at that point!
The key point that we’re trying to make here is that this is an industry that will be shifting and changing as the years go by, and that absolutely isn’t a bad thing. Innovation is a key part of any business,
and we’re so lucky to be a part of one that is always sprawling with new ideas, methods, technology, software and clientele.
I, personally, can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon, and I do hope that you’ll be picking up your next issue of TGM with the same feeling of excitement that I have whilst learning about all of these fantastic new things in 2025!
RACHEL BEAN MONTHLY
Choking
Hello! I hope that you are ready for Christmas! I’m currently writing to you from Thailand, where as well as enjoying some break time with my partner, I have been volunteering my skills at the Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter in Phuket. By Rachel Bean.
While I was there I was able to give advice and support to the shelter on the care of adorable Money the dog, who had been hit by a car as a pup. She had ended up in the shelter after her owner couldn’t afford the 18,000 baht vet treatment, which meant her injuries were left untreated until she arrived at Bohdi Dog Rescue and Shelter.
I advised the team that Money should have follow-up x-rays following a surgery which was carried out in February, and these revealed that an amputation was needed for the brave dog, who is now recovering well.
As business owners, it is important that we take time off when we can, but for many groomers, I know that the run up to Christmas is an incredibly busy time.
Hang in there! And don’t forget your all-important first aid training as the festive onslaught begins, with owners wanting their pups to look nice and fresh for Christmas parties and gatherings.
Christmas and the end of the year is always a time for reflection on the year, and what a year it has been! I’ll talk more about all that we have gained and lost this year in my January column, but it’s certainly been one that will go down in
the Team Bean history books!
For my Christmas column,I wanted to share with you some advice I give to people every year, festive hazards that we should all look out for!
It’s almost the festive season, and we
are all thinking about spoiling our pets, as much as we love to spoil ourselves.
But there are a number of hazards to consider at this time of year, and choking is such a common problem, and it is essential that pet owners know how to spot the signs and risks.
Acting quickly and calmly can save your dog’s life. So these tips should help more owners get to grips with this important issue.
Particularly during the festive season, when there are a lot of things lying about, fallen Christmas tree baubles, hard but tempting foods such as nuts, guests taking up our attention and small parts from children’s toys strewn around.
Here are some signs to spot and my advice on what to do if your dog should choke this festive season...
The signs of choking can vary and it’s important that you are able to spot all of them.
Key things to look out for are:
• Collapse
• Sudden inability to breathe
• Bluish colour on tongue and gums
• Gagging
• Pawing at the mouth
• Drooling excessively
If you spot any of these signs try to open your dog’s mouth to see what is inside, if it is a larger object and you can get a firm grip pull on it slowly to see if you can dislodge it.
When doing this be careful not to injure yourself, as a panicking dog may lash out and bite.
If you are not able to dislodge the item with your fingers gently leave it in place and call your vet straight away. If the item is causing an injury to the dog’s throat, attempting to remove it forcefully could cause a serious injury.
Another way to try to gently dislodge a hollow item such as a ball is to use a spoon for leverage, or a sharp object to let the air out of the ball so it deflates and can be safely removed. However, this should only be tried if your dog has collapsed and is unresponsive.
In most cases, by far the best course of action is to head for the vet straight away, but hopefully, this guide will give a clear picture of what can be done when you simply wouldn’t make it there in time.
To find out more about Rachel Bean go to www.rachelbean.co.uk
2024 favourites!
We revisit some of our favourite products from 2024!
Clip It
The Clipit Suit is an essential addition to every dog groomer’s wardrobe. Designed for comfort and practicality, it offers fullbody protection against hair, dirt, and water while keeping you cool and professional throughout the day. Crafted from lightweight, breathable, hair-resistant fabric, the suit prevents pet hair from sticking, saving you time and hassle. Its durable construction ensures it stands up to the demands of daily grooming, while the easyto-clean material keeps you looking sharp. With its flexible fit and functional design, the Clipit Suit allows you to focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care to your furry clients. Available in Sizes S-4XL. Four Different Colourways.
Wildwash
Peake Pet Care
Have you tried Peake Pet Care’s ‘World Famous’ Soothing Ear Cleaner?
Our ear cleaner (formerly known as Quistel) is one of the most popular of our pet care products with our customers. The Peake Pet Care Soothing Ear Cleaner gently loosens and aids the expulsion of the irritating dirt and ear wax which become a major source of irritation to most mammals, while disinfecting the animal’s ear by penetrating even the smallest mammalian ear canal. It leaves the ear dry, clean and open. When applied according to the ‘Instructions for Use’, Peake Pet Care’s Soothing Ear Cleaner will help control acute and chronic ear issues with repeated and regular use. It is simply The Best!
Visit www.peakepetcare.com
RRP From - £8.99
Pet Head Sensitive Soul Collection
The Pet Head Sensitive Soul range is specially crafted to soothe and nourish dogs with delicate skin. With a gentle coconut fragrance, it’s formulated using plant-derived ingredients like oatmeal extract, calendula extract, and marula oil to keep the pet’s skin smooth, soft, and clean—providing relief to even the itchiest pups and bringing back those happy tail wags. All Pet Head products are pH balanced, enriched with aloe vera and vegetable protein, and packed with natural, wholesome ingredients. Our exclusive fragrances and formulas are designed by professionals, using highquality ingredients to leave pets smelling refreshingly fruity and wonderfully fresh. Contact: orders@wearecoa.com
RRP Pet Head Sensitive Soul Shampoo 300ml - £11.49
RRP Pet Head Sensitive Soul Spray 300ml - £10.49
RRP Pet Head Sensitive Soul Conditioner 250ml - £10.49
Introducing our WildWash Groomers Trial Pack – the perfect way to experience our award-winning, natural pet grooming products! This pack includes 300ml bottles of our Sensitive, Light Coat, Dark Coat, Hydrating, Deep Clean, Calming, Deshedding, and Christmas Coat Shampoos, plus a convenient Mixing Bottle. Each shampoo is formulated for specific coat needs and dilutes at an impressive 32:1 ratio, making it economical and eco-friendly. With 20 years of experience in natural pet care, WildWash provides products groomers can trust. The RRP is £60 plus VAT. For more details, contact Karen at 07976 886727 or visit www.wildwashwholesale.co.uk
ShakeYourTail
“Experience the future of pet business management with ‘ShakeYourTail,’ the sleek SaaS service captivating users in 2023. Beyond its streamlined handling of clients, appointments, and online payments, what truly sets it apart is its visually stunning UI and ease of use. Navigating through this elegantly designed interface is a visual delight, making every task a breeze. From hassle-free payments and deposit management to automated reminders, ‘ShakeYourTail’ combines beauty with functionality seamlessly. Ideal for the modern pet professional, its multi-site management feature ensures businesses of all sizes can be easily managed. ‘ShakeYourTail’ is also the only pet business platform that starts from free.Get your Free trail today Visit www.shakeyourtail.com
Artero
Taking grooming workwear to a new level, the Artero Fashion Collection 2024, has proved to be very popular with groomers all over the country.
Made from durable, hair-repellant material, these comfortable, yet stylish uniforms are ideal to give your salon a chic upgrade.
From left to right, we have the Tokyo Shirt-dress which is comfy and very flattering. Ideal for all year round as it can be worn alone or with a t-shirt beneath.
Then we have the Helsinki and Berlin pants, which are the ideal unisex outfit for any salon. Then we have the Nairobi which is a fashionable, unique top that gives the groomer that stylish cutting edge.
The Chic leggings are stretchy and comfortable and ideal for the salon with their hair-repellant material. Lastly we have the Marsella designed for plus sizes allowing freedom of movement combining trendy style and functionality.
The New Artero Fashion Collection coming in 2025 – as with the previous collection, this new range has been specifically designed with background research into the latest tendencies in colour, shapes and details!!
Don´t miss the exciting new launch early 2025.
Contact: customer. serviceuk@artero.com Tel: 0148 4799900 www.artero.com
Aqueos Eco Disinfectants & Anti-Bacterial Dog Shampoo
The Eco Disinfectants help with bio-security giving groomers and their customers peace of mind. The disinfectant kills 99.99% of germs and carries on working after application. Fully tested to EN standards and can be used on any surface. Dogs can access treated areas immediately.
The Anti-Bacterial Shampoo can be used for any dog presenting with skin conditions. Can be used as often as necessary and is suitable for puppies. All are available in a variety of sizes and smaller bottles suitable for add-on sales to customers. Available from wholesalers.
Visit www.aqueos.co.uk and use voucher code TRADE
5 Litre Disinfectant Concentrate £60.99 (dilutes to 200 litres).
Simpsons
Mastercut offer a great range of detachable blades in both standard and wide versions. Guaranteed to improve the cutting performance of your clipper, thanks to precision grinding and more cutting edges than rival brands. Mastercut blades are designed to fit all popular Andis, Heiniger and Oster clippers, enabling you to switch brands without having to question their compatibility. The ‘superwide’ blades and comb attachments have revolutionised the way salons work, speeding up clipping times and improve work efficiency. If you’ve yet to discover this award-winning brand, you can find out more information by visiting: www.simpsons-online.co.uk
Starting from £26.00
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
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