Total Grooming Magazine June 2024

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Hello readers!

Wow, can you all believe that it’s June already?

Where does the time go!?

This issue, we’re revisiting some big topics which always come up around this busy time of year.

A couple of the biggest things to take into consideration when running a business are marketing and growth, that’s why we’ve got two focuses this month to give you the best scoop!

We’re also tapping into some knowledge on fleas and pests ahead of the Summertime months, so be sure to check that out as well as our other regular features!

From myself and everyone else here at TGM, we hope you have a great month and we’ll catch you for the next issue!

Commercial

Grant Waters, James Taylor 01795 509110 Credit

Gwen Lee creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk

Cameron Simpson

A Brighton dog lover who became bored with working full-time as a barber has switched things up, by adding dog grooming to his skill set too.

Cameron Simpson is a skilled barber and has counted celebrities Joe Wicks and Martin Freeman among his regular clients, but the dog lover was keen to add extra skills to his armoury so he could work to make furry canines look and feel fabulous too.

So the Brighton local, who was born in Hong Kong and raised in South London, trained to be a dog groomer, and now works six days a week splitting his time between barbering, and working at the popular Slobber & Chops grooming parlour in Kemptown.

He said: “Working in the same place five days a week can become stagnant so I wanted to apply the skills that I already know to another forte. I’ve had dogs growing up, but at this stage of my life, I do not have one. So this gives me the canine fix I was missing too, getting to see the clients’ gorgeous dogs.”

While one might think that dog grooming would not be that much different from barbering, Cameron has learned through his training and work that there are lots of differences which he has had to work hard to master.

“I did think there would be more of a similarity between dog grooming and barbering but I was kind of shocked how different it really was. I really had to start from scratch again.

“There are only three real different hair types for humans and each head looks the same same, with dogs that are hundreds of breed standard haircuts to remember and then there is the difficulty of getting the dogs to stay still whilst grooming them. Dog grooming has made me appreciate how lucky it is to be able to cut someone who sits still when barbering.

“However, there is no better feeling when grooming a dog and they look at you like you’re the best thing in the world and that’s the thing that keeps me going back for more.”

Slobber & Chops is a real hub for all

things dog, and being surrounded by skilled and award-winning dog groomers has helped Cameron shine as his career progresses.

Sally Keegan, owner of the parlour and shop, which even has its own line of dog food, said: “Cameron really is an allrounder, and we have loved being part of his journey into the wonderful world of canine grooming. Cameron also has a fantastic perspective as he works with humans too, so the business and our clients benefit from those skills too.”

Cameron now works six days a week, splitting his time between dog grooming

at Slobber & Chops and barbering.

He added: “Sometimes I feel like I can accidentally stroke hair off my clients face like I would caress a cute dog.

“Working at Slobber & Chops has allowed me the time to grow in a comfortable environment whilst also being allowed to get stuck in the deep end.

“It’s also nice to work in Kemptown and see a different, more canine side to Brighton.”

To find out more about Slobber & Chops go to www.slobberandchops.com

Rescuing

Almost half of UK adults would prefer a rescue dog over one from a breeder, with 4% admitting they’d rehome an XL Bully.

The growing popularity of adopting a rescue pet has seen a staggering 32% increase in Google searches for “rescue centres near me” over the last 12 months, with a growing number of people searching for information around the search term “adopt a rescue dog”.

The animal experts behind www. mypetsvet.co.uk conducted a study of 2,192 animal-friendly UK adults, revealing that almost half of UK adults (46%) would rather adopt a rescue dog from a shelter than go to a licensed breeder.

All respondents were asked to select what dog breeds they would most likely adopt from an animal shelter:

1. Labrador Retriever - 12%

2. Staffordshire Bull Terrier - 11%

3. Dachshund

4. Beagle

10%

11%

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

4%

9%

The research also highlighted the reasons why people are choosing to adopt a rescue puppy, with almost two thirds of UK adults (63%) stating the main reason they would opt for a rescue dog is because they believe it is saving a life. By adopting from a shelter, many UK adults feel that they would contribute directly to reducing the number of homeless animals and the strain on overcrowded shelters.

A further 32% of UK adults said they would opt for a rescue dog because it is often the cheaper option. Dogs produced by breeders can easily soar into the thousands of pounds, so it is no surprise that many are opting to save some money.

A surprising statistic that the survey also revealed was that women were twice as likely to opt for a rescue over a dog from a breeder.

In hopes of helping new dog owners be better pet parents, the team at MyPetsVet has outlined their top tips for training and socialising dogs that have lived in rescue centres:

-

-

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -

Golden Retriever - 9%

German Shepherd - 7%

French Bulldog - 5%

Boxer - 4%

XL Bully -

Patience is key with rescue dogs

They often come from difficult backgrounds that can include neglect, abuse or abandonment. These experiences can lead to behavioural issues such as anxiety, fear or aggression. It’s crucial to approach your new pet with patience and understanding. Give your dog time to adjust to its new environment at its own pace. This might mean allowing it space to explore your home and avoiding overwhelming it with too many new experiences too quickly.

Proper training and socialisation are vital for a rescue dog

Start with basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘come’. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work well to encourage desired behaviours. Avoid harsh discipline as it can exacerbate fear and anxiety, undermining the bond you’re trying to build. Enrolling your dog in a training class can be highly beneficial as well. Not only does it teach essential skills, but it also provides a controlled environment for socialisation with other dogs and people. This can be particularly useful for dogs that have had limited positive interactions in the past.

Keeping your dog fit and healthy should always be a top priority as a dog owner

Schedule a check-up with your local vet soon after adoption. This check-up should include vaccinations, a dental examination and a discussion about preventative care such as flea, tick and heartworm treatments. Proper nutrition is also essential. Consult your vet to determine the best diet for your dog’s age, breed and health status. Rescue dogs might have been malnourished or had inconsistent feeding schedules, so a balanced diet will help them recover and thrive.

Nick Horniman MRCVS, veterinary

surgeon and founder of online pet pharmacy www.mypetsvet.co.uk, commented:

“It is very encouraging to see more people are choosing to adopt rescue pets. Adopting from a shelter not only saves an animal’s life but also provides new owners with a grateful companion that is often better trained than a new puppy. That’s because older dogs tend to be more settled, making them ideal for families or individuals seeking a calmer dog. Adopting a rescue also helps to reduce the pressures of overcrowding that many rescue centres around the UK are currently facing.”

Interzoo

Innovation was on display last week at Interzoo, 7-10 May in Nuremberg as the UK pavilion showcased the buoyant UK pet care market. A huge variety of new products were on show: from nutritious, natural food and treats, to healthcare, bedding, packaging, accessories, chicken coops and toys.

With the UK market trending towards natural, premium products and growth in the population of smaller pets, the line-up of UK companies reflected this imaginative market, with products for dogs, cats, reptiles, guinea pigs and birds among the pets represented.

“The show has been amazing! We’ve seen high-level distributors and retailers from all over the world. We’ve got more than 150 leads. It’s probably the best show we’ve ever done,” reported Lewis Ames, Managing Director, Buddycare.

First-timer MiAlgae was delighted: “We are new to the pet food market, so being at Interzoo means we’ve had some great conversations directly with people who are looking for a plantbased, sustainable marine Omega 3 ingredient. It’s been a great show for us,” commented Ella Robbins, Marcomms

Marketing and Communications Manager, MiAlgae.

Packaging supplier Law Print & Packaging Management welcomed the opportunity the event gave the firm to deepen relationships and connections. Carole Bayne, Managing Director explained: “Interzoo is a great platform to develop, partner with and discuss new projects.

The quality of visitors we have seen here has been high. Customers have come to us with projects, come here with intention and come here wanting to find a partner.”

PetQuip was honoured by the presentation of a special Interzoo Exhibitor Award at the opening ceremony on the evening before the show opened. The British pavilion was the first national joint pavilion at Interzoo in 1964, the dawn of the exhibition’s

international element and its growth. There are now 15 international pavilions at the event.

Amanda Sizer Barrett MBE, Director General of PetQuip accepted the award on behalf of the association, its members and the UK exhibitors:

“We are truly honoured to have been presented with this special award. Over the years, our UK companies have enjoyed very fruitful participations at Interzoo, which has supported their development and has been an important catalyst for their growth into international export markets.”

The PetQuip association will be organising and supporting a UK exhibitor group at the next Interzoo, which will take place from 12 to 15 May 2026.

For details of PetQuip membership, please e-mail info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Marketing

Let’s dive into some tips on how to market your grooming business. Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov on Pixabay.

Massively marketable

Running a business has so many aspects to it that often go unnoticed, and marketing is one of them! We’re here to break marketing down a little for you all.

Starting from the ground up, and something that you should already have a firm knowledge of within your business, is simply knowing your audience. No matter what type of grooming salon you run, knowing who you’re trying to appeal to should be at the forefront of your mind.

Consider all the things that any customer might want to know, with things such as knowing what might bring them to your salon on the first place. Don’t forget that you can recommend things to take home with your clientele!

That being said, start from the ground up. As a pet owner, what should you want and need in your home? What might drive someone to want to purchase products at your salon versus

online? Ensure that you’ve done your research and are able to effectively market to your target demographic.

Stock up on these things and let loose! One thing to take in to consideration though is that there will be some competition when marketing products. There is a lot of crossover when it comes to dog grooming products, so ensure that you’re doing your best to stand out and to stay unique!

Something else to help draw attention to your own business versus another is special promotions and even offers to entice your clientele into spending more with you.

It’s also incredibly important to keep track of everything that you’re doing to bring the best to your business, from a planning perspective. Ensure that you’re

making lots of little goals and keeping track of all of them. This will help you to stay on top of everything and give 110% in the long run, even if you’re only making small amounts of progress in the meantime!

Prioritise what might be lacking most in your business. Having a sense of what’s most important is a huge part of working in any industry, let alone dog grooming. See what you can do to work on your business from the ground up and expand from there!

Make sure that your goals are clear for both yourself and your team, and this will help you all reach your goals in no time!

Now, the year is 2024. Owning a business is hard to do without the fantastic help of the tool that we know and love as social media!

Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov from Pixabay

The vast majority of social media is free, and learning how to utilise it is of the utmost importance in this day and age to market your business effectively. Note down the latest trends, ensure that your content is shareable to help spread the word and get your name out there and, lastly, don’t forget to mention where potential viewers can find you!

With the help of things such as “discover” pages, you’ll likely even get some fresh new faces altogether who will turn into patrons for your bustling business.

Who knows, you might even get some completely new clients out of it!

One thing we recommend to start yourself off is a simple search engine search to help get you started. From listicle guides all the way through to full YouTube tutorials, there are always new things to learn in the basics of social media.

After you’ve got a lockdown on the basics and have started to build your social media following, you’ll easily be able to work your way up to some of the bigger stuff!

Speaking of bigger things to know about, one of the most important things to know about social media and online discoverability is something called SEO, otherwise known ad search engine optimisation. Overall, this is is what will

boost your business to the top of the search engine results, so be sure to look into what makes for some good SEO when considering discoverability!

Making the above a regular routine will see nothing but growth for your business, and your ability to market to a greater audience! Social media has become such a huge part of running a business and marketing that it’s absolutely something that you should consider when running your business. Again, keep track of everything, find what works and utilise your strengths to the best of your ability!

Next, don’t forget about your existing customers! Just because you’re reaching

out to new people doesn’t mean that you should forget about your old ones. You wouldn’t be you without your existing customers. You can even offer loyalty discounts or other benefits as they’ve stuck around for such a long time with you!

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with asking them to share a little about your business with their friends or family. Even asking them to leave you a good review is considered marketing in this day and age, especially when it’s publicly visible with things such as Google reviews.

We know that there are a few groomers out there who do some really

Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov from Pixabay

Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov from Pixabay

cool marketing tactics such as having refillable and/or reusable items. A certain shampoo, for instance, that your clients can get from you and yourself alone will do nothing but bring them back to fill their reusable containers!

Your customers truly are the lifeblood of your business. Ensure that you’re treating them correctly and no doubt they will pay you back with the same respect and pass along how amazing your services are with some top-tier word-of-mouth recommendations.

Something that only holds amazing results for your business, and shows that you care about your craft is having your own website. Having a great Facebook page is an amazing start, but having your own domain online can provide some very cool and professional looking results for your marketability!

If you’re not overtly tech savvy then fret not, there are so many people to help out who you can hire to design the best website that would represent yourself and your business like no other! We wholeheartedly recommend doing some research and seeing what you can do within this area to benefit your business.

No matter whether or not it’s social media, your own website, or even

making appearances in public, one of the biggest tricks to marketability is the ability to maintain a working schedule. Being consistent will help your followers, patrons and existing clientele know when to expect your posts, keep an eye out for deals and even be reminded that you’re able to stick to a routine and are a reliable source to take care of their pups! Overall, we want to stretch the values

in not only marketing but also provide an emphasis in the importance of the evergrowing world of the internet. It’s a tool, and it’s almost infinitely useful to help market to your clientele. Word of mouth will always rule as the most reliable form of communication when leaving a good review, but never doubt how useful a fantastic online presence can be when marketing to your clientele!

Image by Zigmars Berzins from Pixabay

Parkes Dapper Dogs

Sharon Adams is the owner of Parkes Dapper Dogs, Barton on Sea in the New Forest, Hampshire. Her story started when she was given a Westie, called Dougual, by a work colleague….

“Ithought that it would be easy to groom him myself, but I soon found out that it was a lot harder than I’d thought.

“My dad had passed away in 1998, and he’d left me some money, but I couldn’t bring myself to spend it.

“My husband suggested I use the money from my dad to go and train as a Dog Groomer, which is what I did.

“My surname was Parker; hence Parkes Dapper Dogs was born. I always like to think that my dad is looking down on me, helping me to be successful and achieve my ambitions.

“I first qualified as a Dog Groomer in 2009. I trained at Smartpets International Training School in Bangor, Northern Ireland. I had a fantastic five weeks away and enjoyed every minute.

“I gained myself an Advanced Diploma in Pet Grooming, Clipping

and Business Management and Pet Emergency Response First Aid and CPR, also my Pet Identification Microchip Implant Agent Certificate.

“In 2010 I qualified at level 3 in Intermediate Pet Grooming, Clipping and Business Management Skills and Pet First Aid.

“In October 2021 I achieved my Mastercraftsman Qualification.

“I am not interested in competing in competitions, but I do enjoy going to the events, and seminars. There is always so much more to learn.

“Living by the ocean and the forest, short, clean and tidy is the best policy for most of my clientele.

“I didn’t actually start my business until 2013. Many of my customers have been with me from the beginning of my journey, without their support I wouldn’t be here!

“I was working at Tesco for 12 years in

different departments until I was offered voluntary redundancy, which gave me the push to go self-employed. I’m also a Professional Nanny, (since 2001) which I do alongside my Grooming. It’s a perfect work-life balance.

“My salon was moved from my conservatory during lockdown to a room at the front of our chalet. It has a separate entrance and a 3-gate safety system with the main gate locked at all times.

“It’s modern and fully heated with an outdoor courtyard for shade in the summer. I only use the best quality shampoos and products that suits all skin types. I give a one-to-one personal service, no cages or pens are used, and every dog is treated like my own. I don’t rush, I listen to and read the dog’s body language. Rest assured every dog gets a lot of love and affection. I treat all the dogs as if they are my own.

“All puppies go through Puppy University to start them out of a journey of being groomed and are really enjoying the experience every time they come to me for their spa pamper session.

“The same applies for nervous dogs.

“In September, I completed DAATAICDG Level 1 and 2, with Natalie Doare Ariey Jouglard. This course is about the skin. It’s so interesting and has saved me a lot of time and money. Natalie is a great teacher, I’d highly recommend.

“I’m starting to introduce teeth cleaning. I’m waiting to enrol on a Level 3 course in the new year.

“I’ve also enrolled on a course to become a Certified Dog Trainer. Many of my owners have one problem or another with their dogs, I’d love to be able to help them if I can.

“Up until August 2021, I had two beautiful dogs of my own. A Springer called Misty who was 15, and Dougual who was nearly 16.

“We miss them both, they were with me every day in the salon, the empty beds are heartbreaking.

“Since their passing, I’ve started to dogsit for my customers. I understand how difficult it is to trust someone to look after them for you.

“I know that they can visit relatives or take a much-needed break and be totally relaxed knowing how much I love them.

“The best advice I can give is to charge your worth, have confidence in yourself and try to not think about what other salons are charging.

“Higher prices mean fewer dogs, which equals less strain on your mental health and your body.

“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.

“I have made many great friends along the way too.”

JULIE HARRIS

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Growing Your Business

Accompanying our Marketing Feature, let’s talk about some ways you can grow your business. Image by Zigmars

Berzins on Pixabay.

Go for growth

No matter just how long you’ve been a part of the dog grooming industry, it’s vital to stay up-todate on the latest trends to help grow your business.

Whether this is your first or twenty-first year with us here in the dog grooming world, things are everchanging and you might be starting to think that it’s time to try something new. Investing in your current clientele is fantastic, but it’s equally important to focus on the next step and to see what you can generate going forward, so let’s dive in!

There is such a vast spectrum of new trends and things to try that you might not even realise that you’re already doing things that others might not be aware of! Either way, it’s still important to constantly be on the lookout for the next big thing to make your business pop. Firstly, ensuring that you’re standing out within the dog grooming industry is a must! It might sound cliché, but you don’t want to be doing what everyone else is doing. That won’t help you appeal to a wider range of clientele. Keep things interesting by introducing fresh, new perspectives on things.

Working with your team and other members of your community is a great way to start. There are constantly new things to explore and try, so speaking with people is the best way to find out

what they might have discovered on social media that morning!

It might even be worth asking your clientele what you can do to do better, from asking clients to fill out anonymous questionnaires to having a coffee with them in person to go over some things! Market research is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re growing in the right direction!

Naturally, you’ll also want to consider your current clientele and your regulars. You won’t want to make any large changes that would affect what they’re

currently loving from your business. Speak with them, find out what they like about your business specifically and play on those strengths!

No matter what new tactics you’re looking into, always charge your worth and ensure that your clients are getting what they pay for! Potential new clients are often more willing to invest in something unique that you can offer differently from your competitors. Keep spreadsheets, log things with your team and make a note of what’s working and what’s not!

Image by Christina Chiz from Pixabay

Image by Briam Cute from Pixabay

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

As usual, social media is also at the forefront of our minds on this topic! It’s one of the best ways to communicate with people, so be sure to make the most of these easy-to-use platforms and find some interesting new ways to grow your business. Whether it’s the latest trends, or even simply sharing ideas, people are constantly using social media to their advantage from a business perspective.

That being said, you can also pay platforms such as Instagram to push your content the extra mile. You can choose the areas you’d like your content spread, the types of audiences you’d like to view it and more!

Consider what clients might get hooked on online and play to those strengths with advertising!

Be sure to be creative with your content, though. Nobody wants a blank page with a little bit of text on it, that’s not interesting at all! Viral marketing can be fun, so ensure that you’ve got your thinking cap on, all while representing

your business in a way that conveys to your clientele (and potential clientele) what you’re all about!

Don’t forget that this is also a fab way to share any deals or promotions that you’ve currently got going on. From QR codes to referral codes that people can share with their friends, utilising social media is of the utmost importance when growing your business.

Make sure that your content is shareable in a way that benefits all parties! Even if it’s just tagging your clients so that they can share with their friends, family members and colleagues. It pays to share these days!

That being said, you don’t just want to go around posting randomly and creating content without actually engaging with anyone. People will message, comment, share and more. Utilise this and respond to people often, creating a dialogue that will show that you really care about your business! People are a lot more likely to engage and come to you if you’re someone who

seems like they are involved with their community.

It’s as simple as it coming all back around to that one word… Shareability. One person shares something you’ve created with their followers, then more of their followers see and share that content and so forth. This will hopefully see that trend building and turning into something bigger with each hit!

Be creative with this. Interactivity is such a huge part of growth! Whether it’s a post on Instagram that says “Comment for a chance to be entered into our raffle” or a competition for people who repost your content, engagement and being interactive makes everything that much more fun. It also shows algorithms that stuff is actually happening with your content, and will hopefully push it out to more people.

Ensure that people can find out about you easily, from providing a lot of frontof-house info to having a completely filled-out social media profile. Be sure to keep up with everything and update

Image by Vinzent Weinbeer from Pixabay

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS

phone numbers and addresses regularly, if needed! There’s no use advertising and going for growth if the people, the lifeblood of your business, can’t actually find a way to reach you.

Outreach is another fantastic way to grow and meet new potential clientele. Check your reviews, ask people to leave positive comments when they’ve had a good experience and even ask for wordof-mouth recommendations from your clientele.

It’s also never a bad idea to reach out to people in public spaces, such as local fairs and events. Give out flyers, referral vouchers and even little gifts as reminders in public spaces to let people know that you’re always there for their pet needs!

Overall, there are so many ways to grow your business. One of the things that we want to recommend you try the most is just being active both online and within your local community. Demonstrating that you care is done by doing this, alongside simply reminding people that you run an ever-growing business and that you’re making an effort to be there for animal owners. Emphasise what makes you unique when doing this, speak with people, advertise where appropriate and enjoy the rewardingly good fun of growing your business in a positive way!

Image by Ly Huynh from Pixabay

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Summer Holiday Food

It’s been a bit of a showbiz month for Team Bean, as my dog Chilli, who appeared as Linda Biscuits on Channel 4’s Late Night Lycett was singled for praise when the show won a BAFTA!

By Rachel Bean.

The show won in the best comedy entertainment category, and in a TV reel showing the stand out moments from the award-winning show, Chilli was singled out, in her starring role as Joe’s canine companion and ‘show runner’.

We always knew that Late Night Lycett had a really good chance of winning the BAFTA, but to see Chilli being singled out for her role was extra special.

Sadly ‘Linda’ didn’t attend the awards but we were watching with bated breath in our living room and were over the moon when she appeared in the reel as part of the presentation. Chilli has loved being part of the show, and a huge congratulations to Joe and all the production team for their amazing win.

The last episode of the series took place last week, and as part of that we were asked to take part in a special skit with a number of stars including Radio One’s Greg James, comedians Sarah Millican and Jack Whitehall, Molly King from The Saturdays and even political heavyweight Robert Peston! A really fun

way to bow wow out in style.

As well as my work in practice and training, I run the Vet on Set business, which monitors animal welfare on TV and film productions. And at my canine first aid training sessions Chilli also attends as a ‘stunt dog’ acting out some of the emergencies that trainees must respond to in order to pass the qualification.

Chilli has been taking part in all that I do since she was ten weeks old and I am so proud of her, she has helped to save so many lives in her first aid work.

As well as Chilli’s showbizzy exploits I also attended the sunny and fabulous Goodwoof Festival volunteering with Jai Dog Rescue and earlier in the month

the Natural Dog Expo in Solihull, where I had a stand all about canine first aid, it’s beginning to feel like summer with plenty of exciting plans on the way too.

So, with the holiday season in mind, for my top tips this time, I would like to remind readers about the dangers of some favourite foods for our dogs. We all like a treat in the holidays, but some of the things that are a treat for us can be dangerous for our pets:

Chocolate

Of course for us humans the holidays are all about enjoying our favourite foods, and for many of us that is of course chocolate! But keep these treats

Do you love grooming but find the anxious dogs drain your energy?

Reiki for Dog Groomers can help! This comprehensive Home Learning course teaches you how to use Reiki energy healing to calm dogs and create a peaceful grooming environment.

• Discover hands-on techniques to soothe dogs before and during grooming services, making your job easier!

• Reiki can help transform your salon into an oasis of tranquility!

• Re-energize yourself between appointments. No more feeling drained at the end of the day!

• A deeper connection with the dogs in your care.

Learn Reiki from expert teacher Rob Fellows and unlock your natural healing abilities… and make each day a little more...aahhh.

Enroll today at www.robfellowsreiki.com/reiki-for-dog-groomers Any questions? Contact rob@robfellowsreiki.com

RACHEL BEAN MONTHLY

away from your dog because chocolate contains the chemical theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and can cause death. If you think your dog may have eaten chocolate see a vet straight away.

If you would like to treat your dog this holiday season why not consider a meaty chew such as a chicken’s foot or pigs ear?

Foil

Getting ready for a picnic or family meal this holiday season there is a good chance that foil will be involved, but ingesting dropped foil can be dangerous for your pet causing a blockage or a choking hazard. You can dispose of foil in your recycling bin, or even reuse it, but please keep it away from your pet and check for any that may have been dropped by children in your home.

Chicken bones

If your holiday meat of choice is chicken be careful not to give your dog any of the bones. They can splinter and cause serious problems in your dog’s digestive system. If your dog has eaten chicken

and starts displaying symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting or lethargy see the vet straight away as they may have eaten a bone.

Dried fruits

Kids love currants, sultanas and raisins, but make sure that they don’t drop any, as they can cause fatal kidney failure in your pet. Consult a vet if you suspect your dog may have eaten one. Also beware of dropped snacks, particularly in a party environment where children are present.

To find out more about Rachel Bean go to www.rachelbean.co.uk

Let’s talk Lion Cuts

By Katie Gwilt - Master cat groomer and owner of www.thekatlady.co.uk

So what is a lion cut? A lion cut is a full body shave where the head is left long as well as the boots of the cat. Traditionally the tail is shaved to leave a point at the end like a pom pom but this varies with client requests. We leave the fur on the legs for a few reasons. The skin is very thin and it is very easy to cut. There is also a set of whiskers (vibrissae) on the back of the front legs that they use to help navigate the world around them. Typically the front legs are shaved to a little below the elbow and the back legs just above the knee.

Why might a client ask for one or why would you consider doing one? Cats can get very matted and the only answer is to shave the fur off completely. This is when a lion cut is done for welfare. Personally, I do not offer lion cuts in the UK to short-haired cats unless they are heavily matted/pelted and not for aesthetic reasons. Some cats really struggle with managing their longer fur themselves, especially if they are flat faced/ brachycephalic. Keeping the fur shaved all over can improve their quality of life

and breathing in some cases. I genuinely find that some cats (usually the smaller very long-haired ones) are genuinely happier and can move more freely when they have a lion cut.

Shaving a cat can help with some allergies. People tend to be allergic to cat fur or cat dander so keeping the cat’s fur really short can help reduce both. Bathing is an alternative to this but it very much depends on what the cat will tolerate and what their humans are prepared to do for them. I have had a few clients gain a cat by accident when a family member passed on leaving the cat needing looking after and they have then discovered they have an allergy. Likewise, the human may meet a new partner or have a child after getting a cat who is allergic.

I get clients asking me to cut the fur to help decrease shedding and to keep the cat cooler. I usually decline for those reasons. Cat fur is thermoregulating and is designed to keep them at the correct temperature. Shaving it off in the summer can also increase the risk of skin cancer so I try to offer a tummy trim or

a teddy (comb) cut. Shaving won’t stop shedding, it will just make the shed fur shorter! A really good de-shed and a bath are the best ways to help with this. There are some cons to giving cats a lion cut so let’s have a chat about them as well. There is always a chance the cat’s

Tianas lion cut

fur may grow back differently. It may have a different colour, texture, be patchy or in some cases not grow back at all. If a cat has excellent fur in beautiful condition I have said no to lion cuts on the basis of this or at the very least made sure my clients are aware of the risks.

Shaving a cat changes their shape. This can be confusing for other cats in the household who can sometimes not recognise them anymore and cause aggression or fear between the shaved cat and any others they interact with. I recommend making sure your clients know about this before reintroducing a shaved cat and keeping an eye on them. If need be reintroductions may need to be made.

Injury is always a risk when shaving cats. They have such thin skin (thinner than dogs) which is very loose and can fold, pucker and ripple very easily. You as the groomer have to be very careful that the skin is always kept taut and stretched to avoid accidental injury. Also, factor in that cats have very fast reflexes and can move very suddenly without much warning. Cats have 8 nipples (some have 6) and are especially delicate around the joints and nipples so take extra care in these areas. I would strongly advise you to have clients sign a waiver before doing a lion cut (especially if the cat is matted or pelted as they are more prone to cuts and nicks) to cover yourself in case of accident or injury.

Considering mats and pelted areas. These are likely to be causing pain to the cat and you may find hidden injuries underneath them. Sometimes something has gotten stuck in the fur and caused the mat to develop around it, sometimes a scab has formed over an unseen wound and often with older cats they have joint pain and can’t groom as well allowing knots to form. Do treat these cats with extra kindness, especially when moving their joints. They may be defensive and lash out to protect themselves from perceived harm. In these cases, I always sacrifice neatness and in the end, look for the comfort of the cat. A second appointment can always be made to tidy things up, but the main goal is to get the mats off the cat and have them be as comfortable as possible as quickly and pain-free as possible.

At the moment in the UK, we are heading into summer and (hopefully!)

warmer weather. Shaving does increase the risk of skin cancer so make sure if the cat is lighter skinned they have shade available and cat friendly sun cream. If you are working with matted cats in the winter do factor in if they are indoor or outdoor cats. Their age is also important as older cats need to be kept warm. There are jumpers you can get and always make sure your client knows to make some extra cosy spaces for newly shaved cats.

My take on lion cuts is that they do serve a purpose and help many cats to be healthy and happy, but it’s always a discussion and never just a yes when I get an enquiry to shave a cat. I assess with the client what is the best outcome for the cat and the human family, weigh up the pros and cons for them as an individual and advise the client from there. Some people are not happy with my advice, but as I said I’ll never shave short-haired cats unless they are matted/ pelted as it just isn’t needed in the UK for well-being reasons.

We found a hidden injury when we were shaving this cats tummy

An example of pelting that meant the cat needed a lion cut for welfare reasons

Fleas & Pests

A few tips to pass on to your clients… Image by Peggy and

Marco Lachmann-Anke on Pixabay.

Itching and scratching

There are plenty of obstacles that you may bump into whilst running a dog grooming business, and today we’re tackling one of the peskiest of them all. Dealing with fleas and pests as a pet groomer.

It’s not common that you’ll have a dog or cat come through your doors carrying fleas, but it’s certainly not impossible. Dealing with this problem, especially during tick season, can be a real pain!

There are so many different ways to prevent an infestation within your salon, but overall, one of the simplest methods is to ensure that you’re constantly reminding your clientele to keep their pets and households treated for fleas and ticks.

Not only will this help you, but it will also keep your furry companions happier than ever by avoiding some irritation. It’s advised to ask your clientele when their latest flea and pest treatments were

Image by Birgit from Pixabay

Image by Tzuwen Su from Pixabay

FLEAS & PESTS

applied when you see them for the first time.

So, let’s talk shop about the process. If you discover that an animal has fleas within your salon, it’s important to try to isolate them from any other animals or furs immediately. Inform the owner as soon as you can and let them know the situation. It can be a difficult talk to have, we know, but a necessary one for the benefit of everyone, including any other clients that you might be seeing that day. Having a hard conversation about this may come off as difficult at first, but it’s something necessary to ensure that everything is taken care of! If there is any suspicion of fleas on any animals that come into your salon, it’s vital to inform the the owners that there has been some itching and that you may or may have noticed some small, moving bugs on the dogs.

Informing them that this might be a sign of pests should be the next step, and recommending that they seek out a vet for advice is key. Be sure to stand your ground, for your safety and for the safety of the other animals and clients, enforce that you will not be able to

proceed with the groom until the animal has been treated for fleas and/or other pests.

Hopefully, and without any backlash, the owner should be relatively happy to come and collect their furry friend and let them know that everything will be ok! Word of mouth spreads fast, and not always in a positive way. The last thing you’ll ever want is for your clients to mention that they experienced fleas after

visiting your dog grooming business.

After you have either helped to treat the animal or sent them home with their family, it’s crucial to sanitise and disinfect to the best of your ability around the salon. Inform any of your clients that might need to know to help maintain trust.

Now, there might be some of you out there who aren’t too familiar with fleas and ticks. However, everyone has to learn

Image by katerinavulcova from Pixabay

Image by Markéta Klimešová from Pixabay

FLEAS & PESTS

sometime, especially within this business where we deal with fur on a very regular basis!

Firstly, you might be asking yourself what the difference between a flea and a tick is. Most commonly, you’ll find ticks around the upcoming months of the year. We’re talking Spring and Summertime. Ticks enjoy warmth, so animals with more fur can be more susceptible to experiencing them. Be sure to inform any of your long-haired clients’ parents about this!

Some may be very noticeable in size, however, they can also be extra small on occasion so double-check where you can.

One of the key things about removing a tick, which we often hear horror stories about, is that you should be vigilant to remove the entire tick. On occasion, a part may stay behind. Not an ideal situation! Vaccinations come in handy here, as they help kill off ticks that may try to feed on pets.

So now, let’s move on to fleas… Arguably some of the worst pests that we can run into in this business! If you find a flea, chances are that there’s more and that can be such an awful feeling when you realise…

Some of the symptoms to keep an eye out for in cats and dogs are primarily itching. They can be seen doing this often anyway, but this shouldn’t discourage you from double-checking!

Some dogs may even have a gentle nip at areas that are particularly itchy, so ensure that you’re keeping a close eye. Going back to the isolation of a dog when you find a flea is of the utmost importance. One of a flea’s most notable traits for survival is its immaculate ability to jump long distances. If two dogs are close and one is carrying fleas, a flea can easily jump from one to the other.

So how do you isolate a dog? If you’re finding yourself in an annoyingly fleafilled situation then you’ll want to ensure that you have a quarantine area in place. This will help keep dogs safe, and your space clean and also keep the overall status of your business in tip-top shape.

You’ll want to ensure that all of your grooming tools are stored in a safe, fleafree area of your grooming salon. That’s right, even a brush could carry pests so ensure that there is some distance! That being said, don’t just put the tools back with the rest, as you don’t know until you

check whether or not your equipment may be infested.

Next up, clean! Everywhere that the animal who is carrying pests needs to be cleaned up. You never know what may have fallen off and where! This includes the floors, grooming tables, grooming baths and any leashes or harnesses.

In an ideal world, we in the pet

grooming industry will never have to deal with a full-on flea or pest infestation, but you can never be too sure that it won’t happen! It all comes down to proper research, informing your clients of the correct precautions to take and, of course, taking these precautions yourself to ensure that the spread of fleas is minimised as much as possible.

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Scandinavia

All around the world, dog grooming is something that’s needed by pet owners. A groomed dog is a happy dog, no matter where they’re from! This month, we’re taking a little glance at Scandinavian dog grooming.

This issue, we’re taking a little hop across the water to visit our fellow Scandinavian dog groomers to find out what we can learn from their viable industry.

In Scandinavia, commonly referred to as Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, there is a variation of dog grooming across the board. Due to the extreme weather environments, and tremendous attention to detail, Scandinavian dog groomers understand so many fantastic aspects of dog grooming and are pros when it comes to enhancing a dog’s hygiene and looks!

One of the more notable aspects that comes to mind when we think of Scandinavian dog grooming is the ability for groomers to focus on some breedspecific styles, compared to some other styles that we here in the UK might be used to.

They often focus on some of the

characteristics of a breed, such as the adorably bouncy Finnish Lapphund (Finnish Lapponian Dog), which can be incredibly sociable furry companions! Due to the nature of their longer, denser and relatively waterproof coat, they require certain grooming techniques during appropriate grooms for the climate.

Scandinavian groomers can pride themselves on this, and highlight even some of the smallest features for these snow-loving canines.

Something that never goes amiss amongst most groomers that we see worldwide is an incredibly welcoming and wonderous atmosphere as soon as you walk through the door of their salon. This is there to emphasise not only how comfortable a client might feel, but their furry friends also!

Catering to changing environments is something that every English dog

groomer should be accustomed to. We know that we can go from windy, to rainy, to sunny within an hour, but you never know when we’ll get a major extreme. The 40+ degree Summer a couple of years ago comes to mind! Groomers should always be ready for any type of weather, just in case, and ensure to study up to find out some of the best styles for both the environments and climates dogs may find themselves in.

For any UK dog groomers who might be looking to incorporate some tips and tricks into their wheelhouse, there are always learning opportunities available! Check online, and locally, for any seminars or events from popular groomers and you might just learn a thing or two. We always want to emphasise the importance of networking within the dog grooming industry and encourage you to check out some online resources to see if you can find some top

Image by Ari Kivi from Pixabay

tips from Scandinavian groomers. Workshops and seminars are also a huge part of learning. Whether it’s online or simply a talk in your local area you can attend, there are so many benefits to seeking to enhance your skill set. In-person events can always be more beneficial, as you can often witness hands-on demonstrations or even attend Q&As to boost your arsenal.

When it comes to understanding environmentally-focused grooms, having a knowledge of breed-specific styling is of the utmost importance. It will help to set you apart in the industry, and also broaden your clientele base to find some people who might have niche, almost unique, things that they are looking for.

Lastly, it’s important to note that each country not only provides their own methodology for dog grooming, but their own personality and style also! We want to celebrate this at TGM, and encourage you all to do the same! We’re lucky to be a part of such a wide industry of people, all from unique walks of life and from different parts of the globe. It can be fun, interesting and most of all an amazing learning opportunity for everyone within the industry to explore other cultures and to see what you can do to further benefit yourself as a dog groomer.

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Petcetera

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Industry Services

Pet Industry Federation

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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.

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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.

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Raw Feeding

Natural Instinct

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Shampoo

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Sharpening

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Leucillin

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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E: enquiries@summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk

W: www.summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk

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