Total Grooming Magazine October 2023

Professional Grooming Equipment and Supplies

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Hello readers, welcome back to another issue of TGM!

This issue, we’ve got a huge focus on dryers. Here, you’ll find out all about why it’s so important to invest in the best for your grooming business.

We’re also taking a huge look into some details on fireworks. They can have a huge impact on dogs mentally, so it’s important to really know your stuff to pass on to your clientele whenever they may ask.

We hope that the start of autumn treats you all well! From myself, and everyone here at TGM, we hope you have a fantastic rest of your month and we’ll see you for the next issue!

In this issue:

13 Dryers: A quality dryer can make or break your business! Be sure to do some research before investing in the wrong ones.

20 Groomers Around the World: TGM takes another trip around the world!

24 Fireworks: Some of the key things to know this year in the world of fireworks.

30 Feline Focus: Part two of last month’s fantastic read from one of our regulars. 34 Groomers of the Month: We take a look at one of our favourite groomers this year.

36 Rachel Bean Monthly: The usual, amazing updates from Rachel Bean.

Editor

Connor Jenkins connor@tgmpublishing.co.uk

Commercial Director Mike Smith mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk 01795 509110

Design and Production Grant Waters, James Taylor 01795 509108

Credit Facilities Manager Gwen Lee creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk 01795 509103

Digital & Web Developer Matt Coppard

Managing Director John Denning

Did you know that dogs can get sunburn too?

Dog sunburn can be uncomfortable for your dog and also make any existing skin conditions that they have worse, so it’s really important to take preventative measures.

Be:Sunsafe is handmade by us in the UK and it has been formulated using intensively nourishing ingredients which are 100% safe for your pet, help them to soak up the sun whilst avoiding sunburn and also repel insects!

We are so excited to share that we are now offering a bigger size in our Be:Sunsafe and Be:Soft balms to help keep your pets protected, nourished and pampered for longer. These balms are perfect for your fur baby to dip their paws into!

Future Stars Sparkle N Shine

On the 8th of August 2023 in Welshpool, Wales, a new grooming competition was held called Future Stars Sparkle N Shine. The show was the brainchild of Kat Allegretti, owner of Funky Pink Poodle Grooming and Training Academy and was the first Welsh grooming competition to give those new to competing for the chance to demonstrate their skills.

All those who entered need congratulations for stepping into the competition ring and challenging their comfort zone of a regular grooming salon. Competitors came from local salons along with South Wales and North Wales and further afield.

Judges for the day were Mathew Spry and Holly Bridden, who gave up their time and shared their knowledge and expertise with the competitors.

It was the first competition to showcase the judges’ framework, where feedback is broken down into choice of dog, suitability, coat prep, cleanliness, tangle-free, hygiene, balance and proportion, style and shape, handling of dog, safe use of equipment, feedback and advice.

The show benefited from great sponsorship including Funky Pink Poodle, Vanity Fur, Nicola Moore, and International Animal Care College. Other sponsors were Petcetera which gave amazing goodie bags and Debby Knight, The Bristles Dog Grooming and Training Salon which gave cash sponsorship. There was a superb array of trophies and rosettes to be won, along with cash prizes.

The amazing day was enjoyed by all and it didn’t start to rain until 3.30 pm! By Debbie Knight.

INTEGRA

Researchers in the Cho Lab at Seoul National University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, are using the VACUSAFE safe aspiration system and VACUSIP portable aspiration system from INTEGRA Biosciences to help them culture organoids from cancerstricken domesticated dogs as part of a comparative medicine research initiative.

Collaborating closely with the university’s veterinary practitioners, researchers aim to expand the number of canine NGS datasets, in a bid to advance our understanding of the biological progression of tumours in both human and dog oncology.

Borris D. Aldonza, facility manager for the lab, commented: “We perform daily microvolume aspirations of organoid

cultures, working with many diverse samples from the university’s veterinary hospital. The compact VACUSAFE and VACUSIP systems provide us with a finely controlled aspiration technique that enables accurate work in our NGS workflows.

The VACUBOY vacuum hand operator on the VACUSAFE features a fingeractivated valve that precisely regulates vacuum flow, enabling sensitive fingertip control and markedly improving accuracy when aspirating microvolumes.

INTEGRA’s VACUSAFE also has multiple vacuum intensity settings that allow us to control the amount of suction force, which is ideal for the delicate handling of precious samples such as organoids. The VACUSIP is perfect for daily microvolume aspiration tasks, as

it allows us to aspirate any remaining liquid from the samples – which is simply unachievable by manual pipetting – and saves us a lot of time for our microplateand PCR plate-based samples.”

Borris continued: “We are very satisfied with the VACUSAFE and VACUSIP and we’re looking forward to continuing our relationship with INTEGRA in the future. The company’s products have helped us to achieve great feats so far – including our successful publication of the first reference epigenome of the domesticated dog –and we plan to keep moving the field of comparative oncology forwards using such robust, reliable equipment.”

Solving the dog epigenome with INTEGRA Biosciences.

INTEGRA Biosciences’ vacuum aspirations systems accelerate canine cancer research

Travelling…

How to prepare a furry friend for a long journey.

SkyParkSecure have teamed up with animal experts Adem Fehmi, and Ellie Lee on how to prepare your cats or dogs for long journeys either by car, or by plane.

Adem Fehmi is a dog behaviourist from Barking Heads, whilst Ellie Lee is the coowner of Manchester Cat Clinic

More and more of us want our pets to join us on holiday – especially abroad, with searches for ‘taking dogs on holiday abroad’ increasing by 240% in the last year.

Going on holiday is something we all look forward to – leaving our pet behind however, isn’t. It was recently revealed that almost 30% of UK pet owners were planning to take a holiday with their pets in 2023, with 9% of those planning on going overseas.

SkyParkSecure have outlined what you need to take into consideration when taking your pets abroad, and if you’re planning a scenic roadtrip, have teamed up with Adem Fehmi, a dog behavourist from Barking Heads on how to prepare dogs for long car journeys.

Taking your pets on a plane is considerably trickier (and more expensive) than taking them on a car journey – with different airlines and different countries having varies rules and regulations, meaning it’s incredibly important to do you research beforehand.

Some countries require pet quarantine upon arrival in the country – some quarantine stays are brief, but some can be weeks long. In this case, it’s probably best to only take your pets to countries requiring a longer quarantine if you’re staying for a long time or moving there for the foreseeable future.

Due to Brexit, you now need an animal health certificate, with your pet satisfying EU pet travel rules, and upon re-entering the UK, your pet must meet the requirements of the UK Pet Travel Scheme.

Some airlines will allow you to take your pet into the cabin with you – usually cats and dogs, but some also allow other small animals, such as birds!

Nature walks

Nature walks are a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with dogs, however, it’s crucial to be aware there are several common plants that can be harmful to pets if ingested. Innocentlooking plants, such as bluebells, hogweed and azaleas can lead to a range of health issues, from gastrointestinal distress to severe heart problems.

Dog owners are being urged to familiarise themselves with poisonous plants, keep their dogs on the lead and supervise their pets when venturing into nature.

Typical signs of poisoning for dogs include drooling, pale gums, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and seizures.

Small dogs and puppies are at greater risk of getting poisoned because even if they ingest a small amount of a toxic plant, it can lead to significant harm.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten a toxic plant, it is essential to contact a veterinarian or animal poisoning hotline immediately to aid their recovery.

Pet insurance comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk, Helen Rolph said: “When out on walkies, whether it’s in a park, in the countryside or forest, it’s important to be vigilant and make sure

that your dog doesn’t ingest anything toxic.

“Our four-legged friends are naturally curious, so it’s our responsibility to keep them safe from the potential dangers during outdoor adventures.

“Every dog owner should read up on the range of toxic plants for dogs that can be commonly encountered in their area, some are quite surprising.

“Although you may want to let your dog roam free, choose your off-lead spot wisely and if you’re unsure of any surrounding plants, best keep them on the lead.

“If you have any concerns about your furry friend, most pet insurance providers now have a 24/7 vet helpline – it’s worth checking if your insurance has this and storing the number in your phone in case of emergencies.”

The team at Quotezone.co.uk has

compiled a checklist of seven common plants that are poisonous to dogs:

1. Bluebells

Bluebells are considered poisonous to dogs because they contain toxic compounds known as glycosides. These toxins can be found throughout the plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and bulbs. Bluebells have a distinctive appearance, with violet bulbs and a narrow bell shape.

2. Autumn crocus

Autumn crocuses are highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of colchicine which is extremely potent and can have severe and potentially lethal effects on dogs. Colchicine poisoning can occur when your dog ingests any part of the autumn crocus plant. Autumn crocuses have large, fragrant bulbs that are usually light

Image by Click and Learn Photographyon Unsplash

pink or purple.

3. Azalea

Azaleas contain grayanotoxins which can disturb the function of dogs’ nerve and muscle cells. The main symptoms of Azalea poisoning are abnormal heart rhythms, tremors and low blood pressure. Azalea shrubs have colourful funnel-shaped flowers.

4. Ivy

Ivy can be poisonous to dogs if ingested and can also cause a rash if it comes in contact with skin. This is because it contains toxic chemicals called saponins as well as polyacetylene compounds. Although the symptoms are usually not life-threatening they can still cause serious health issues such as an upset stomach and skin and mouth irritation. Ivy has glossy, heart or arrow-shaped leaves.

5. Foxglove

Despite its beautiful appearance with colourful trumpet-shape blooms, you should never let your dog go near a foxglove plant. Foxglove is highly toxic to dogs, causing nausea, seizures, tremors, and can even lead to death. Fortunately, foxgloves are very tall, growing up to five feet, so they’re easy for dog owners to notice.

6. Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a common evergreen shrub with bright red berries. Although cotoneaster is considered to be slightly poisonous to dogs, if they ingest a large quantity of cotoneaster berries or leaves then it can cause gastrointestinal issues such as severe stomach pain and diarrhoea.

7. Giant hogweed

The most significant danger from giant hogweed comes from skin contact with the plant’s sap and subsequent exposure to sunlight, causing severe burns and blisters. If the sap gets into your dog’s eyes it can even cause blindness. Giant hogweed has an umbrella-shaped head with white flowers and can grow up to almost 15 feet tall.

For a whole range of pet insurance products such as cat, older dog and puppy insurance Quotezone.co.uk can help.

Image by Elisa Way on Unsplash

Image by Yoksel Zok on UnsplashUnsplash

Image by Jonnelle Yankovich on Unsplash

Nice and dry

When it comes to investing in the best for your business, it’s no secret that a good dryer is one of the most useful parts. That being said, here is some information on what to keep an eye out for when it comes to dog grooming.

If you’re just starting out as a dog groomer, or you’re simply looking to upgrade, you’ll want to make sure that you’re in the know for the latest drying technology.

There are so many dog grooming dryers, blasters and many other products on the market these days. Your workload, clientele and style will have an impact on your decision, so it’s important that you make sure that you’re educated when you finally make it.

First things first, DO NOT use a hair dryer for humans on a dog. These are designed for heat, styling and other things which are not needed for most dog grooming. Secondly, these hair dryers are known for getting incredibly hot and this can not only agitate the dog but can potentially harm them also.

You’ll find that dog grooming dryers don’t tend to dry fur using heat from the dryer. Technically, the pressure, speed and force will remove the moisture, so heat shouldn’t even be a thought. All of this is perfectly safe for the dog.

No matter the specifics, some groomers will be using dryers for hours every day, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re only using the best quality for the job that you’ve got! It’ll need to be durable, as it’ll be an important part of your business from here on out! But first, let’s dive into some of the basic information…

Professional dog dryers, blasters and the like are essentially there to safely and efficiently remove all of the extra moisture from a coat following a grooming session. This may sound like common knowledge, but it never hurts to throw in some extra information for our fresh starters within the dog grooming world!

So, you’ll find that dogs have thick coats with multiple layers, so extra moisture-removing power is something that you will find that you need. You’ll need help to make sure that you’re really

cutting through all of that thick fur!

If you’re someone who has an incredibly busy grooming salon, a strong speed or strong wind setting will be something for you. Overall, you’ll see much faster results if you use a machine with this setting. This can make the speed up to twice as fast for drying in some cases.

Something beneficial in this scenario is that you may find that the high wind speed will come with a quality motor. Dryers with strong wind speeds can possess a motor with low energy consumption, which is something that any business owner should be invested in.

When taking a look at a new piece of

Image by @baptiststandaert on Instagram

drying equipment, generally the wind speed should be listed in metres per second, or m/s.

There is a wide selection of low-noise dryers, which offer lower wind speeds. Ideally, these will be the ones you’re finishing your grooms with! Another excellent use for these is in the presence of dogs who might be a little more timid than others, and get scared by the noise.

In terms of noise, you’ll want to take a look at the advertised levels which are generally displayed in decibels. This will be shown as d/b and can range up to over 100 d/b, which can be massively on the louder side!

The next thing that we’re looking at is an incredibly important one. Safety, of course, should be at the forefront of a groomer’s mind when making almost any decision within their grooming salon. Be sure to check up to find out if the dryer you’re purchasing comes with the correct CE Certification.

The CE mark on a product essentially tells us that it’s compliant with the EU legislation that corresponds to the type of product. Find out what the best

brands are for your particular needs and, more importantly, triple-check the safety regulations and that they are certified!

As a business owner, or someone who is looking to make their own way up within the grooming world, be sure to do your research on techniques with dryers

that will work for you. You can find this in a million different places that range from social media, to finding education sources or even reaching out to big names in the industry to find out how they got their start. Everyone learns in their own way, so be sure to find one that

Image by Artem Sapegin on Unsplash

Image by Александр Гросс on Unsplash

works for you!

Something else to consider when looking into any new equipment, let alone dryers, is the cost of upkeep. The outright price is one thing, but you don’t want something that’s going to last and stop bringing pesky added bills. Cheaper breaks down easier, and will cost you a lot more in the long run! We recommend daily checks and cleans to ensure that your equipment remains in tip-top shape!

All that being said, there are also some reasonably priced dryers that won’t break the bank! We only work with great manufacturers and brands, so keep an eye out on our mag to see some of our faves!

Speaking of money and saving, let’s talk about how decent grooming dryers can actually make you money. These are an investment in your business and time, and should be treated as such! The more care you put into purchasing, maintaining and delivering great quality grooms to your clientele will only see a rise in profits and return clientele.

Pet parents will often want to skip all of these drawn-out processes of maintaining a healthy groom themselves, so demonstrating that you’re more than capable will encourage them to constantly come back for more of your expertise. Make sure you study up, as even speaking with your clients about why your dryers are the best for their dogs, backing yourself up, encourages trust between the clientele and your business!

Consider what type of dogs you’ll be working with. Smaller dogs require a lot less power, noise and electricity. The length of the coats also plays a huge part, so you’ve got to make sure that you’re on top of your game with your hair and dryer knowledge!

Blasters will be the best for large jobs, for instance. They are the point of call for quickly removing large quantities of moisture from a dog’s coat. Christies is always a great place to start for beginning your dog grooming dryer journey, so take a look at their website!

Overall, there are so many types, brands and more to look out for, all with their different factors to consider for different jobs. Do your research, find out what’s best for your business and speak with some industry pros to find the best investment for you!

Image by Александр Гросс on Unsplash

Image by benjaminlehman.com

Hannah Hasselbacher

Hannah Hasselbacher is a USA-based groomer who has owned their business for four years. Hannah started grooming for profit in 2018, mostly family and friends and the friends and family of those.

Hi Hannah! What can you tell me about your grooming career?

I started grooming for profit in a plan to escape a very toxic relationship. I would take dogs in when my ex was not home and was able to save up enough money to purchase real grooming equipment. During this time, I studied all the ways of grooming that I could in my spare time.

When I felt comfortable and educated enough to start working on the local areas pets, I established a plan to move to a state that was easier to start a business. By the end of 2019, I had accomplished this move and prepped myself to open my doors for business.

I first advertised myself and my grooming as ‘Clips for Tips’ to get my name and skill level out there. My first client was on January 27th, 2020

After a trial period, I got a good idea of pricing and started my online presence with a Facebook business profile.

As soon as I hit the ground running, COVID hit and everything shut down. I was disheartened, to say the least. I still put my business out there, during this time I renovated part of my rental home to groom.

Once the shutdown lifted, I had floods of clients. The initial anxiety of not knowing if clients would be reluctant to come to a home shop, given the risks of the pandemic. And then the stress of the overwhelming business after the ban. The pandemic became a blessing.

My efforts with the difficult dogs became my bread and butter. I decided to build a trailer to accommodate the further out areas who had trouble finding groomers to do their dogs.

Unfortunately, it’s still at a standstill two years later after the truck I purchased

with a warranty has spent the last two years in and out of the shop. It’s up on a lift as I write this.

The truck event led to me taking a job for a year as a salon manager of a major corp. I then recently went back to private as I couldn’t do what I loved with their rules.

What can you tell me about grooming where you’re based?

My grooming career has gone from grooming dogs to specializing in difficult dogs.

My area’s groomers seem to not do many difficult dogs. Aggressive, Geriatric, behavioural issues, and dogs with skin issues. This led to classes on therapeutic grooming as well as a diploma program for canine behaviour and expertise.

I don’t see many groomers investing their time to learn about the behind-the-

scenes of canine work. I think this is super important to know to be successful in this career field.

What differences have you noticed between groomers where you’re based and groomers in the UK?

I really don’t see many differences between the UK and US when it comes to grooming. The bigger differences would come from Spanish regions. I see many groomers learning detailed mat removal processes, conquering the toughest jobs with ease with good products.

It seems that most groomers view a tough, messy coat, as needed to be shaved off.

While sometimes this is the best case, product and procedure can make all the difference in how these situations are handled. Many other countries have integrated this approach, and I feel that both the US and UK are behind.

What are some key things that you think UK groomers can learn from groomers where you’re based?

The way I see grooming, most of my fellow groomers don’t do what I do. I have seen very few groomers who have chosen to dive in on the extra skills of behavioural grooming rehab or the process and procedure of matting and skin and coat issues.

I have found that most groomers don’t even understand why it is detrimental to keep the coat as long as possible on double coats and coats that regularly shed.

I think that both the US and UK could both benefit from learning more about canine scientific skin and coat function, behaviour, and processes.

Are there any general thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?

Looking back into the last going on five years, the only thing I can heavily recommend is to NEVER quit learning. ALWAYS question WHY. The more you know, the better you are going to be. And, never give up.

When life gives you lemons, make that sugary sweet lemonade.

No pet, owner or day is the same!

As a pet professional, you’ll know that part of the joy of working with animals is that no day, pet or owner is the same!

After reading each scenario stop and consider your business needs. Do you have suitable cover in place if the unexpected were to happen?

Scenario 1.

One of Diane’s employees accidentally drops and breaks a blaster dryer, and it stops working.

Outcome

Accidental damage cover isn’t always included as standard with Business Equipment insurance. Thankfully when Diane took out her policy, she thoroughly read the terms and chose to add Accidental Damage cover, so she is able to claim for this incident.

Scenario 2.

A cat suffers a cut injury, whilst being groomed by Tom, that requires stitches.

Outcome

Tom has Care, Custody and Control of Animals Vet Fee Cover as part of his insurance plan, so he can use his vet fee benefit to pay for the treatment.

Key takeaways

- It’s important to ensure you have adequate insurance cover in place for your business and its activities. If in any doubt contact your insurance provider to discuss your cover.

- It’s wise to review your insurance needs regularly, and especially prior to renewal to ensure that your cover meets your needs.

Take the lead & contact us

Do you have an insurance topic you would like covered, a content idea, or a question you would like answered in a future feature? Please get in touch with us by emailing marketing@petcover. uk.com

About Petcover Group and Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Ltd

For over 40 years’, Petcover Group has provided peace of mind to pet owners and pet professionals, with a comprehensive range of insurance plans. In February 2023, Petcover acquired specialist Insurance Intermediary Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Ltd, and now provides an extensive offering of products tailored specifically for animal related risks. They know how important it is to offer flexible cover levels and a range of optional extras that can be specifically tailored to your business’s needs. Whether that’s liability insurance for animal related businesses, or pet business insurance for dog and cat groomers. Giving you peace of mind that you are protected, should the unexpected happen.

Keeping dogs calm during fireworks

The RSPCA estimates that 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear or smell fireworks, or see the flashes of light. However, there are things you can do to minimise your dog’s stress levels. Our Animal Management team has shared their tips below to pass on to your clients. By Capel Manor College.

Walk them during daylight hours

As the noise curfew is extended to midnight on Bonfire Night, taking your dog for a nice long walk during the day can prove to be useful. You can also take your dog out for a final toilet walk once the fireworks have ended. You may want to feed them earlier too in case they are too distracted to eat later.

Mask the firework sounds and lights

Close windows and draw your curtains closed to reduce the noise and light. Leave your TV on, or music playing to mask some of the noise. Classical music has been shown to help to calm dogs in general, ‘Through A Dog’s Ear’ has been recommended by experts as having calming effects for dogs.

Create a quiet space

If your dog is used to being in a crate, cover it and leave it open throughout fireworks. Locking the crate can cause more stress for them. Giving your dog options of where they can hide can also prove to be beneficial for example, a table with a blanket draped over it could be the perfect safe haven. Ideally, this will be away from windows to avoid flashing lights and loud bangs and will be filled with their favourite toys and a few treats. You could add in a few of your clothes to add a comforting scent.

Give your dog extra cuddles!

Stay home with your dog as you will be the biggest form of comfort. Alternatively, leave your dog with someone that they are familiar and

comfortable with. Remain calm and have patience. Using a soothing tone will reassure your dog that they are safe and will help to keep them calm. Yelling at or scolding your dog for its anxious behaviour will only create confusion for them.

Distract your dog

You can play a game, such as tug of war or fetch, with your dog inside. Try a toy filled with peanut butter or a treatdispensing puzzle toy. Dogs that are particularly scared may not be interested in eating but for others, it may work. If your dog becomes extremely distressed, speak to your vet about alternative therapies or prescribed treatments.

Pets & Fireworks

Many animals find fireworks to be up there with some of the scariest, strangest things that they can experience. Dogs are no exception to this, and that’s why we’re giving you a little info on the subject that might help to pass on to your clientele.

Some animal owners will often see their beloved pets ranging from making as much noise as possible to being frozen in fear at the sheer thought of distant fireworks going off.

In situations where animals are incredibly stressed, it can be rather difficult to think and act fast for some people.

Now, here are some things to consider explaining to your clientele before the firework season begins to take fold. It’s crucial to plan for what is to come, so be sure to make notes and ensure that your customers are well-informed about the situation.

Inform your clients that one of the safest things that they can do for their dogs is to provide a safe space in advance for their fluffy friends to get

used to. Make sure that it’s a quiet area where the dogs feel as though they are in control of their surroundings.

Something that you can do is try to remind and encourage your dog that this is a safe area for them, is to remind them that it is full of what can be considered a positive place for them. To match their taste, if you will.

You can make this a space when you’re not suddenly busting in through the door, startling them. Maybe fill it with toys, so that it can be somewhere that a dog will grow to love. Think of it as their very own private version of “walkies”, that the thought of it makes them excited for!

Over time, a dog will learn that this is their safe space and, when the fireworks inevitably start, they may choose to head straight there to make themselves feel

better. Make sure that, even if you’re not home, their special place is accessible to them whenever they might need it.

Something that I like doing, even when there aren’t any fireworks going off and I have to go to work, is finding some calming music and ambient sounds for my dog to enjoy when he’s got the flat to himself. Generally, you can find some great videos on YouTube that are over ten hours long, so there are no startling ads. Some radio stations are even tailormade for dogs, nothing a quick Google can’t find!

One of the most popular things that we’ve seen in our research, also mentioned in this month’s Essential Five, is that you can walk your dog during daylight hours and try to avoid any chance of seeing fireworks whatsoever. It’s a simple solution, hence one of the

Photo by Chewy on Unsplash

most popular. Try to get your walks in before the sun goes down as that’s when you’ll, hopefully, not see any fireworks!

Another simple step that sounds obvious, but sounds overlooked, is to make sure that a dog has something to do. This could be the best time of the year for a brand-new toy for your canine companion to play with. Maybe even have some one-on-one time and have some cuddles or a game of Tug of War to keep a dog focused on other things, and engaged with the person they love most, their owners.

Some people even try to ignore the fireworks themselves, as to draw less attention to the scary noises and flashes outside.

Recommend to your clients that they can also speak with a vet for some advice. They are often the most knowledgeable, and it’s never a bad idea to suggest if you don’t have all of the answers.

Some vets recommend pheromone diffusers. These can put calming chemicals into the air within a home. This isn’t something that’s recommended for every type of dog out there so, as

we said, please recommend that your clientele speak with your vet first.

One of the most important things that we wanted to mention is that it’s so important to never punish your pets when they are scared. This will make things worse in the long run, and could potentially breed anxiety, more stress and even bad memories in general for your animals when they hear fireworks

around the first week of November.

Fireworks are widely celebrated by many people around the world, but more often than not they can severely negatively impact the lives of animals. Encourage your clientele to do their research, take into consideration other people and their pets, and ultimately do what’s best for the people and animals around them.

Photo by Chewy on Unsplash

Photo by Chewy on Unsplash

Introduction to Cat Body LanguagePart Two

Cats have very distinct tells that are well worth learning if you are hoping to work with these fascinating creatures. This month I would like to focus on their main body positions and their tails.

By Master Cat Groomer Katie Gwilt, The Kat Lady, and iPET Network cat grooming trainer.

Main Body Positions The Loaf

This is a lovely cat position where they lay down with all four paws tucked in looking like a loaf of bread! It’s usually a fairly relaxed position as the cat is not preparing to move suddenly. Sometimes they will stretch out their front paws for extra comfort.

Sitting Up Straight

You will need to look at the facial cues. It can be a very relaxed pose with the cat ready to have some head scratches. Other times it can be a wary cat. One way to tell is by looking at the legs and muscles. Does the cat have its muscles tensed ready to move, or is it more at ease with the back legs relaxed? If the cat moves backwards then you need to

take your time. If they stand up and walk towards you that is often friendly. If they lunge or swipe then that’s a definite clue they are feeling threatened!

Curled on One Side

Cats will lie on their sides to relax as well as play. You are going to need to keep an eye on their facial features again and watch their posture closely. When grooming, I stay behind the cat so the open side is facing away from me. If it does decide it has had enough it has to turn all the way around to tell me so rather than just reach out in front of them.

Tightly Curled, Being Small

A frightened or stressed cat will

sometimes try to make themselves as small as possible. This often means that the response of fight/flight/freeze is kicking in. They become heavy and keep their limbs tight to their body making them harder to move. You may find a towel or blanket they can hide under helps. Go slowly and speak softly to the cat to help them relax.

Making themselves Bigger

The cat is tipping towards fight. It is feeling threatened and instead of hiding it is trying to get you to back off. Talking softly to the cat can help to calm them down and stay behind them where possible. See if there was a trigger that caused this reaction. See if you can adjust and let the cat reset.

Cats will shift body positions often

Friendly cat Loki approaching for fusses with his upright tail Sultan lying on his side seemingly casual but don’t be fooled and always stay behind the sharp parts

What groomers say about us

throughout the grooming process and by watching and monitoring them you can see a track of their internal monologue. You will start to feel a cat’s muscles tense under your hands when they are getting ready to make a sudden move and you can adapt before this happens once you get used to the signals. Learning to read cats means you can often diffuse something before it even becomes an issue for the cat or you.

The Tail Speaks Volumes Straight Up

This is usually a friendly sign. If the top of the tail is hooked over towards you this is another sign of friendliness and curiosity. If it is a puffed-up tail though be wary, it can be frightened and try to intimidate you by seeming bigger. This is sometimes described as bristling.

Waving or Swishing

Usually, a waving tail means they are unsure. If it begins to thrash or thump this is usually a strong sign to back off if you don’t know the cat. In some cats, it can be a sign of excitement and play so have a look at their body posture in general. Cats playing or hunting will usually have something in their sights and often have a low body getting ready

to pounce.

Tucked In

Often a relaxed cat will tuck its tail around its body. You will see cats sitting upright with their tail draped over their paws. If the tail is being held tight and the cat seems unconformable it can be a defensive sign so check the ears, eyes and whisker positions for more clues.

Held under the body/legs

Usually, this is a defensive position. The cat is protecting its back end and tummy. It is anxious, stressed and scared rather than aggressive usually from my experience.

Twitching just at the Tip

This is usually curiosity and hunting. You will see their focus is very fixed on something they can see and/or hear. You can startle them easily if they are hyperfocused so let them know before you touch them.

Have fun observing cats and getting to know their different personalities and idiosyncrasies. You can learn to spot them as they change from friendly, to playful, to annoyed and back to friendly in just a few moments.

A foster cat who arrived very nervous trying to make himself as small as possible (he son came out of his shell)

A cat who is unsure. Note the ear position and large pupils plus the body looks tense rather than relaxed

Foster cat Neil showing that some cats just like to wave their tails

Millie being a perfect cat loaf

D o t D o t P e t ’ s E c o T o w e l s

H e l p s a v e y o u r s a l o n m o n e y & t i m e

R e d u c e c o s t s a n d e n v i r o n m e n t a l i m p a c t a s s o c i a t e d w i t h w a s h i n g & d r y i n g t o w e l s

H i g h l y a b s o r b e n t , q u i c k d r y i n g , g r e a t f o r s e n s i t i v e a r e a s

C o n t a c t u s a t h e l l o @ d o t d o t p e t . c o m f o r m o r e i n f o

Ramona, Head Stylist at The Mud Room

Ramona is the founder and Head stylist at The Mud Room in Streatham Hill London and has an immense love for animals. When the pandemic hit, it was the perfect opportunity to turn her passion into a business that she loves. She spent a good amount of time studying and training under the Groom Team England Master Groomers and working towards her level 3 qualifications.

What can you tell me about your dog grooming business?

We are a pet grooming business that does dogs, cats and small furry friends such as rabbits. We are based in Streatham Hill, London, and are an independent, small but mighty salon. We really strive to be a salon that nurtures our relationships with our customers. Looking after our beloved pets is a real collaborative effort between us and the owners to ensure that the well-being of our clients is always put first.

There are a number of ways that we do this. starting with the initial consultation. We have a comprehensive questionnaire

that we, alongside the client, fill together in order to ensure that not only are we on the same page but we have been very thorough.

We encourage open and nurturing communication and have customers who call us to ask for advice even when it isn’t time for them to come in for their groom. We thrive on building these really important relationships which I believe is what sets us apart and makes us truly different.

We also take our time with our clients, and let the dog lead us. Nine times out of ten, we have a very smooth grooming session.

Putting this work in with each pet that we groom makes the groom take longer than the average groomer out there however this I believe is our strength that our customers can leave their dogs with us and have peace of mind that they are truly being cared for.

You’re launching an academy! What can you share with our readers about this?

We will be offering the new AIM qualification (previously known as OCN). AIM is one of the leading qualifications in the industry and Level 3 counts towards UCAS points.

As a training centre, we will be offering a very small class of two students at any one time. This allows us to give our students a quality education in a calm and stress-free environment as well as giving them flexibility for their schedule. This will allow us to teach our students way more than basic grooming skills. On top of that, our qualifications will include training on how to start and run a business, as well as a really comprehensive module on customer service skills and management.

We are aiming to launch before the start of November and there is a waitlist of students. We are very excited to start!

You’ve only been open for two years. What’s your secret to your success?

We listen, empathise and look after our clients’ pets as if they are our own. People travel from all around London to have their dogs groomed with us. By building relationships, we are able to educate our customers on why grooming is so vital for their pets’ health!

By doing this, not only do we build

trust with our clients, but we are able to do the absolute best for their pets and our team as well.

What advice would you give to other dog groomers who are just starting out in the industry?

Build your skills, including your business skills, and gain confidence in your craft by gaining experience and working in independent or small local grooming salons. In this industry, we are always learning new skills and developing.

It is vital to keep on top of your craft so you can be confident about what you are offering to your clients. This way, you can charge what you are worth and be confident about doing so.

Set your prices and policies correctly from the beginning, and don’t be afraid to reach out to experts in the field. There are a lot of people you can learn from out there who would be more than happy to guide you. I am still learning and developing. It is an ongoing process but if it is your passion, all the hard work is worth it.

Autumnal

It’s been a very interesting month for Team Bean, with plenty going on as we head into the colder days and darker nights of autumn. By Rachel Bean.

Ilove the falling leaves on the trees, and seeing my dogs Chilli and Wisp gamble across the crunchy ground, and often muddy puddles!

This month I was excited to appear on BBC Radio Four, talking about the importance of canine first aid, alongside people who have taken my course and saved their dog’s life.

It was also a great opportunity to spread the word about the Safe Pets and People Campaign, which is backed by the RSPCA and the iPET Network.

I’m proud to be an ambassador for the campaign, which is calling for all UK pet professionals to take a first aid course. Knowing your first aid is a vital part of your armour as you run your own grooming business, and helps your customers have that all-important faith that their treasured pet is in the safest of hands.

It also helps you to react calmly and decisively should the worst happen.

On September 27th I also was excited to attend the brilliant Saddleworth Pet Networking event, which I helped to organise.

The event links pet businesses around the Greater Manchester area, and I thoroughly recommend setting up one of your own up in your area. Pet business owners really are a great bunch, and to have everyone in the same place was a hoot, and so useful!

So, with autumn in mind, here’s my tip for the month...

Many people like to collect conkers, especially children, and conkers are said to deter spiders if placed in the corner of the room.

But conkers, which fall from horsechestnut trees, contain a toxin which, if eaten by a dog, can cause them to vomit, have diarrhea or even collapse.

Conkers seem to be a celebrated part of autumn starting, but every year my practice sees pets who have ingested conkers, and devastated owners who simply didn’t realise that aesculin, which

is found in the tree fruit, is toxic to dogs.

If you suspect that a dog you are caring for may have eaten something poisonous contact your vet straight away as they could die.

Vomiting is the most common effect after ingestion of conkers and other potential signs include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and lethargy. Again, gastrointestinal obstruction is a potential risk.

It is important to be aware of your walks out of the house too, as they can present like a ball to playful pups, which can lead to them chewing and ingesting them.

People also think that conkers deter spiders, so place them at ground level in their homes, and they then run the risk of becoming a risky plaything for your pet.

The safest thing to do is to keep conkers out of your house entirely, and always make sure to keep your dog on a lead when walking near shedding horsechestnut trees.

Everyone wants the best for their

pets, and many people simply don’t know what hazards are truly out there. Hopefully this year the dangers of conkers to dogs will be as widely known as chocolate is at Christmas and Easter. To find out more about Rachel Bean, go to www.rachelbean.co.uk

Instagram @izagaw

Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Ltd

If you tailor the trim for every dog or cat you see, why would you settle for a generic insurance policy? At Brooks Braithwaite (Sussex) Ltd, we know how important it is to offer flexible cover levels and a range of optional extras that can be specifically tailored to your business’s needs. Giving you peace of mind that you are protected, should the unexpected happen. Get a free quote at www.brooksbraithwaite.com or call us on 0345 982 5499. Dog and Cat Grooming Insurance, starting from: £101.80

Colin Taylor

The Sassy Long Pin Slicker is everything a groomer would want in a slicker when stretch drying. With more fine pins than most slickers, the Sassy not only gives you the results but also gives you the comfort in your hands which is so important when using a tool throughout many hours of the day. The only negative is it comes in 99% of groomers’ favourite colour, purple. Sassy can be purchased at www.colintaylorproducts.com

RRP: £45.00

Clipit

Do you find your clipper is heavy and cumbersome, leaves lines in the coat, battery does not always function correctly? Help is here with the Clipit Quattro Cordless Clipper, that only weighs in at 254 grams and because of its neat size can be mistaken for a trimmer and not a clipper. The easy to hold, slim hand piece reduces hand and wrist fatigue and makes it easier to manoeuvre in hard-to-reach spaces and delicate areas. Delivering 8,000 strokes per minute, it is the fastest machine in the marketplace, but its shape and weight make it easy to manoeuvre in difficult to reach places and on small animals. The cool running titanium blades are unique to the clipper, but because of their nano technology they are corrosion resistant, strength to density ratio, low noise, and 75% cooler than steel blades. RRP: £175.00

Milly’s

Milly’s are excited to announce the launch of their new Performance Collection! Since 2017, Milly’s have been creating ethical and plant-based grooming products, which are praised by professionals around the UK and EU. Following six months of development, these four new product lines are proudly free from sulphates, parabens, and nasty chemicals. Tried and tested in some of the UK’s busiest grooming salons, schools, and franchises – these new shampoos strive to offer incredible value for money whilst providing unrivalled results. Get in touch at www. millys.co.uk and 01384 465297 RRP: £16.99 1L | £49.99 5L

Heiniger AG

With Opal, Heiniger AG sets new standards. The new clipper is extremely quiet. It is also impressively powerful and equipped with two speed levels. With 3100 double strokes per minute in fast mode (and 2600 in slow mode), this clipper works smoothly and quickly even through dirty and thick fur and hair. The latest lithium-ion battery technology ensures cordless clipping up to 240 minutes. It takes just one hour for a full battery recharge. Thanks to the built-in battery level indicator, it is always possible to check the remaining battery time. Visit heiniger.com

RRP: £332.88

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.

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)

Natural Pet Treats

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.

5% OFF your first order with Code: TGM23

T: 0203 797 6308

E: trade@montysnaturaltreats.co.uk

W: www.montystreats.co.uk

Pet Food

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

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

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

Skincare

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

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

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

Pet Passion to Profit is a business training company. We enable grooming businesses to grow their businesses giving greater income, confidence and satisfaction.

T: 07969 990086

E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com

W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com

Facebook: Petpassiontoprofit

Instagram: @pet_passion_to_profit1

YouTube: www.youtube.com/ channel/UC5qrF8sc0XQSlgmwzqFBn-g

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

Available in a range of four colours

575

Available in: White, Pink, Blue or Purple