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Not only are we the sole importer of many popular brands, but we also develop and manufacture our own unique products in house at Technogroom.
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Hello readers!
It’s approaching that colder time of year and, with Halloween and November 5th coming up, we’re here to bring you this month’s pet grooming info!
Guy Fawkes Night is just around the corner, and you know what that means… Fireworks! It’s fun for us, but sadly not always for our furry companions. We dive into the latest info on that as well as dryers to top off this October issue of TGM.
From myself and everyone here at Total Grooming Magazine, have a great month and we’ll see you in November!
Some handy dos and don’ts to pass on to your clientele.
Katie’s Kat Column: A new spin on our old Feline Focus!
Commercial
Mike Smith mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk 01795 509110
Grant Waters, James Taylor 01795 509110 Credit Facilities
01795 509103
art’otel
The art’otel brand launches a new pet programme to welcome dogs into its global portfolio. Owners and furry friends are encouraged to sit, stay, play together at art’otel.
From today, the art’otel portfolio, which is owned by PPHE Hotel Group, will facilitate a European and UK rollout of its brand-new Pet Programme, welcoming dogs to travel to its range of art-led hotels. The brand is currently operating in several destinations including London (Battersea Power Station and Hoxton), Zagreb, Amsterdam, Berlin, Cologne and soon to open later in the year, Rome.
The introduction of the programme aims to give its loyal and new guests the opportunity to travel, without having to leave their dog behind or finding a sitter. Recent research undertaken by Condor Ferries* stated that 37.5% of surveyed pet owners said they won’t travel without their pets. art’otel aims to remove this barrier whilst creating fun filled experiences for the canines visiting.
When making a booking at any of the art’otel properties, guests simply need to flag they will be bringing along their dog, they will then be allocated a pet-friendly room. On arrival, guests will find a cosy pet bed, food and water bowls, and unique treats for their furry friend.
Guests will have access to a range of dining options at each hotel, with allocated pet-friendly restaurants, so guests can dine with and enjoy each element of their stay with their dog.
At art’otel London Battersea Power Station, visitors can head with their canine companions to TOZI Grand Cafe; for art’otel London Hoxton, The Brush Grand Café is perfectly equipped for pooches; at art’otel Rome, visitors will be able to dine with dogs on the fabulous terrace; in Cologne and Berlin too, and finally, at art’otel Zagreb, there is a fantastic dining option available for pet owners at YEZI.
To aid even further with guest experience for pet owners, every team member at each property has received thorough training and are best placed to provide information on surrounding pet-friendly parks, cafés and attractions that are ideal for taking dogs along to,
the brand’s cultural programme art’beat offers activities, including running routes and even painting sessions to take away your very own masterpiece depicting your dog that you can lovingly create with the guidance of their artists in residence.
art’otel’s Pet Programme is a testament to the brand’s inclusive and welcoming ethos, creating unique and distinctive hotels and spaces that genuinely look and feel like a home
away from home, for all guests that walk through the door. Even the fluffy ones.
All sizes of dogs are welcome at all art’otel properties. Furry friends must not be left in rooms alone during their stay.
Dog-friendly rooms at art’otel London Hoxton start at an introductory rate of £329.00 per night for Best Flexible Rate.
For more information about art’otel London Hoxton, visit artotel.com and follow @artotel to keep up to date with the latest news and events.
Tilly & Family
At Tilly and family, we are incredibly proud of our journey. Our company started life in memory of beloved Tilly, who was Alex’s trusted therapeutic companion. Laura and Alex love dogs and what they bring to a family. They wanted to provide the best product for price and quality.
Starting from our spare room, we have now established our own 1250 sq. ft factory in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. The shampoo started as liquid form, only to find out that it couldn’t be made naturally due to toxins and preservatives.
We were unfortunately lied to in the making of some of our shampoo which led to setbacks. We worked super hard to research the products by taking courses, educating ourselves and from this came our shampoo bars.
Our growth from producing a few bars of shampoo a day to now crafting around 800 bars and balm daily is a testament to our hard work and dedication. These are sent out all over the country to our fantastic, affiliated groomers, brand ambassadors as well as retailers, trade and agricultural shows, online and Instagram orders.
Our Instagram following is now over 1000 followers which we have grown organically with amazing testimonials and have already gained promises of lifelong customers. What sets us apart is the heart and soul we pour into each product. Every item is hand poured by our amazing team making them truly one of a kind. Using a few 100% natural ingredients such as activated charcoal, coconut oil and essential oils, reflects our dedication to providing high quality products for fantastic prices.
Our team has grown from our two founders, Laura & Alex, dedicated to finding a way to make grooming more natural, to seven local people of Sturminster Newton as well as many affiliates, groomers and dog lovers from all over the UK and Ireland who help spread the word, plus additional part
time helpers at shows.
Our commitment is to provide more jobs for our local community. Our shampoo bars and balms don’t just benefit our dogs, they’re also amazing for owners too as no harsh chemicals means no damage to any skin, dogs or humans.
They’re designed to be less waste, less water usage, less stress on the dogs and they’re more eco-friendly than traditional liquid shampoos as there’s no plastic and takes less time to be groomed, which everyone is grateful for. In the past year we’ve been to many shows (too many to count!) We love meeting new faces (fluffy and human) and showing how our products will benefit them.
We have also produced white label shampoos for businesses for promotional gifts and plan to do more. We also have a puppy shampoo in the making and a developing party bags, travel packs and Christmas gifts.
Photo by Laura Stanley on Pexels
Butternut Box
Good enough to eat! Larger than life edible house “pups” in forest.
Fresh dog food brand, Butternut Box, created a larger than life, edible house for dogs to shine a light on the importance of feeding fresh and inspire dog owners to make healthier food choices for their pets.
Dog lovers and their four-legged friends flocked to Sherwood Pines, Nottinghamshire to see the edible house, which was constructed using fresh fruit and vegetables.
Mechanical windows delighted passing dogs, dishing out samples of Butternut Box’s nutritious meals, while owners saw the benefits of feeding fresh up close.
The edible house was built after a survey of 2,000 dog owners revealed that 7 in 10 pet parents prioritise their dogs’ health and happiness over their own. Yet despite best intentions, 29 per cent of pet parents have no idea what nutrients their dog needs to stay healthy.
David Nolan, co-founder of Butternut Box, said: “It’s no surprise to us that dog owners care more about their pup’s health and happiness than their own, and it’s a lack of knowledge that stops dog parents from knowing what’s best to feed their furry friends.
“There doesn’t seem to be a good grasp on what makes a healthy diet for dogs among dog owners, as less than a third said they had no idea what nutrients their dog needs to stay healthy.
“We are on a mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs everywhere by changing dog food for good.
“By feeding fresh ingredients it can help provide the right balance of vitamins and minerals for dogs of every age and provides our pets with the energy to enjoy their best walks whilst being packed with lean protein for healthy muscles and tissues.”
For those who couldn’t make it to Sherwood Pines, the spirit of the event lives on through Butternut Box’s mission to deliver health and happiness to dogs everywhere. The company continues to
offer convenient home delivery of freshly prepared, human-quality meals, ensuring
that every dog can enjoy the benefits of a nutritious diet.
We Love Pets
Leading pet care franchise We Love Pets recently treated their franchisees to a relaxing retreat day in Suffolk, in place of their regular annual conference.
We Love Pets franchisees normally spend their days running their businesses walking dogs, feeding cats, horses, guinea pigs, snakes and any other kind of scaley, furry or feathered pet. For a day off, they were invited to Fritton in Suffolk to take part in a day of total relaxation with franchise owners Jo and Ryan White.
The company, who are members of the BFA (British Franchise Association) and who have recently been awarded ‘ethical’ status by the Good Shopping Guide, designed the day around ‘self-care’, recognising that a franchisee’s mental and physical health is key to the success of their business and is recognised as such by the franchisor.
Jo said: “Reconnecting and getting back to basics was beneficial for everyone. It highlighted how mental well-being drives business success and gave our franchisees some valuable tips to share with their teams.”
The day started off with an hour-long Pilates session, that included mobility and strengthening exercises, specifically designed by instructor Fiona Abbott to help with dog walking.
Next event on the agenda was a nature walk around Fritton Lake with nature expert Matthew Stevenson. During the walk the group, who spend many hours a week outside in the countryside walking dogs, learned about foraging mushrooms and the use of willow and stinging nettles.
After a break for lunch, attendees were treated to a yoga session with instructor Nickie Pollett which, through various poses, performed in a position that was comfortable for each person, focused on self-nourishment through stretches.
Breathwork with Steph Cabrera was next, with franchisees practicing breathing techniques aimed at relaxation, stress relief and mindfulness. Latterly they explored a technique designed to connect with the
subconscious mind.
The final session of the day was Riijooviness with Sue Alexander, where franchisees learned about energy yield, hormonal support, immunity and healthy habits for a busy outdoors lifestyle.
Marshmallows around the firepit concluded the day, giving them a chance to reflect on what they had learned, share stories and connect.
Managing director Ryan White summed the event up: “What a day of recuperation, engagement and reflection. The retreat was exactly what we needed and showed our commitment to our family-first business ethos. It’s so easy to just do what you have to do and scrape by; this isn’t what we want our franchisees to do, which is why we laid on this retreat, thanks to all that attended.”
For more information about owning your own We Love Pets business, please visit their website at welovepets.care/ franchise
Photo by Johann on Pexels
Dorwest
Dorwest’s Scullcap & Valerian Tablets
Award-winning herbal pet care experts Dorwest Herbs calming supplements are proven to calm from the results of a 2022 trial conducted within a University of Cambridge Department of Veterinary medicine degree. Results showed 87% of participants perceived less fireworks anxiety symptoms in their dogs after using Dorwest’s Scullcap & Valerian Tablets.
Many pets dislike loud noises, with some even developing debilitating phobias. With firework phobias in dogs increasingly common, anxiety issues for dogs and owner distress have risen significantly in recent years. The 2022 trial sought to determine the efficacy of Dorwest’s calming supplements and included 46 participants and their dogs using Scullcap & Valerian Tablets.
Trial participants and their dogs were provided with the recommended quantity of tablets according to dog weight and were supplemented over the ‘fireworks period’ from September to November 2022. The participating dogs’ fear response was measured pre and post supplementation of Scullcap & Valerian Tablets.
40 out of 46 owners noted a reduction in anxious behaviours demonstrated by their dogs after exposure to fireworks with supplementation, in comparison with anxious behaviours displayed pre-supplementation with exposure to fireworks. With the majority of participating owners reporting a much-improved change in their dog’s behaviour in response to fireworks and loud noises after using Scullcap & Valerian Tablets.
Jo Boughton-White, Manager Director comments:
“Whether it’s one month or one day before bonfire night, Dorwest can help. The 2022 trial proved how calming supplements can really make a difference in supporting anxious behaviours – but it’s important to start preparation as early as possible.”
Naturally support your pet’s firework fear with award-winning herbal pet care
experts at Dorwest Herbs this autumn. With over 75 years of experience, Dorwest herbal supplements are formulated to naturally help dogs and cats relax, using pharmaceutical quality herbs full of active compounds. They help calm activity in the nervous system without affecting muscles, so you & your pet can relax.
Until 5th November 2024, receive 25% off Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound when bought
together as a calming combo, available from sizes S to XXL. Simply use promo code FIREWORKS24 at checkout.
Follow @dorwest for the awardwinning annual calming campaign highlighting steps customers can take to prepare their dogs for fireworks from 23rd September and visit www.dorwest. com, or call one of the friendly and expert team on 01308 897272 or email info@dorwest.com for more information.
Settling a kitten into a new home
Commentary from Sarah Barber, Vet nurse and spokesperson for Marro. Be sure to pass this advice on to your clientele who may be looking to adopt!
Whilst you may want to treat your kitten to a bunch of new things, it’s best to keep as many constants as possible:
Ask your kitten’s breeder or rescue home if you can bring some of their favourite items to their new home with them, whether it be blankets, bowls, beds or toys. Also ask them what litter they’re used to so you can get the same. All these things will be familiar to your kitten and help to keep any changes to a minimum.
Keep their diet the same; introducing too many new things at once might cause more stress than necessary. Most breeders or rescue centres will send your kitten home with a few days’ worth of food - be sure to buy some more of this so your kitten is eating the same thing for the first few weeks. You can also send your breeder the food you’d like to feed your kitten a few weeks before they come home to get used to it. Marro’s Fresh food contains high-quality ingredients, and all of our complete and balanced recipes are rich in protein - this means they’re packed with nutrients that may help support stress in cats, including B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and prebiotics. Be sure to start them on this diet at least 2 weeks before making the move to give them the time they need to adjust.
It’s best to keep their feeding routine the same, this will help them to settle much quicker. Don’t worry if their appetite isn’t consistent for the first couple of days, this should return to normal as they become more relaxed with their new home.
If you’ve decided you’d like for your kitten to be an outdoor adventurer, make sure to wait until they’ve been microchipped and neutered before
allowing them to explore outside. It’s now the law for all kittens to be microchipped by the time they’re 20 weeks old, even if you decide to keep them indoors.
How to introduce your kitten to an existing cat: Be sure to keep your kitten’s food bowls separate from any other cats
in the household to begin with. This will help to keep the harmony and prevent any territorial behaviour. As time goes on, you can gradually move these closer.
If you’re feeding your kitten a diet like Marro, you don’t have to worry about any existing cats stealing this food, as it’s suitable for cats of all ages.
Photo by Wojciech Kumpicki on Pexels
Best walks for your dog
Leading dog accessory manufacturer, EzyDog, has revealed the best walks to do with your dog.
EzyDog is a global market leader in the pet accessory industry that offers an immense range of leads, collars, harnesses and even, life jackets and backpacks: ideal when on a long walk with a dog!
EzyDog has compiled a list of dog walks across the UK using data from All Trails, that includes a range of lengths and abilities, all of which allow dogs, whether on or off lead.
One in Scotland is Steall Falls, which is a single-drop cascade of 120 metres, formed by two different glaciers melting and eroding the rockface during Scotland’s Ice Age over 10,000 years ago. It’s a four km round trip, so a shorter walk which can suit everyone, it has a dramatic gorge before opening out into Steall Meadows.
One of the most famous gorges is Cheddar Gorge, which has a six km circular trail near Cheddar, Somerset. It’s considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of two hours and 10 min to complete.
Near Virginia Water, Surrey is the Virginia Water Circular, an easy circular trail close to seven km and takes an hour and 40 minutes. The best times to visit this trail are January through October.
An eight km circular trail near Malham, North Yorkshire is the Malham Landscape, which is one of the more challenging routes on this list. It takes an average of 2 h 29 min to complete and is a popular walk so there will be encounters with others: which is perfect for a sociable dog. The best times for this walk are March to October and dogs can be off-lead in some areas too.
Cwm Porth to Four Waterfalls Trail is an eight km circular trail near Ystradfellte, Powys. This trail is open all year and takes two and a half hours to walk.
Near Lydbrook, Gloucestershire is the King Arthur’s Cave circular trail, which is an eight-and-a-half km route and takes a
bit over two hours.
Silent Pool, Albury Downs, and Saint Martha’s Hill Circular is a nine km circular trail near Shere, Surrey which takes just under three hours to complete and is moderately challenging.
One in the Midlands is the Millennium Way: Kenilworth Castle, a 10.6 km circular trail, which is considered a somewhat challenging route, and takes an average of 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty makes the list with Shropshire Hills, it includes almost 11 km of heathland plateau, wild ponies, rocky climbs, incredible views and wild swimming spots, one that is highly recommended for dog walkers is Long Mynd.
The Seven Sisters Experience is an 11km out-and-back trail near Eastbourne, East Sussex which takes about three
hours to complete. The trail is open yearround and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs must be on a lead for this walk.
Back in Gloucestershire, this time near Bourton-on-the-Water, is the River Windrush and The Slaughters Circular, an 11.9 km circular trail, which takes just over three hours to complete.
Loughrigg Fell is a 12 km circular trail near Ambleside, Cumbria, which is open year-round and is beautiful to visit. Similar to the trail in Malham, dogs are allowed off lead in some areas.
Finally, and as expected on this list, the Lake District National Park is a haven for both dog owners and walkers, with its variety of walks, beautiful scenery and stunning lakes. No matter the fitness levels of the walker or dog, there are numerous options to choose from. One of the favourites is the walk around Derwentwater, which is a 16 km loop, that
includes lake views and woodland areas.
While planning a walk, it’s worth looking at what’s needed for the dog, this could include EzyDog’s Zero Shock lead, offering dog walkers a highly sprung bungee element that absorbs any sudden shocks made by a dog. Or there is the Handy Leash, worn like a glove over the thumb, it acts like a hands-free dog lead that doesn’t need to be held!
Another of EzyDog’s early innovative products was the original Chest Plate Harness. Safer and more comfortable than collars, harnesses are now considered an essential part of dog ownership. EzyDog now offers wide range of harness such as the Express, X-Link and even a crash certified car harness, the DRIVE, for total safety on the road. All products can be found on the EzyDog website: www.ezydog.co.uk
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EzyDog returns to PATS
Leading dog accessory manufacturer, EzyDog, made its return to PATS from 29th September to 1st October, to display its fantastic range of products for four-legged friends.
EzyDog is a global market leader in the pet accessory industry that offers an immense range of leads, collars, harnesses and even, life jackets and backpacks!
Pet & Aquatics Trade Show (PATS) is the premier show for pet retailers, taking place at Telford International Centre in Shropshire.
EzyDog has been a regular supporter of this event as it provides the company with an ideal opportunity to showcase its range, all of which are premium quality, durable and comfortable and offer solution-based products that strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Available in a huge range of colours and finishes, the EzyDog stand will feature its most popular ranges, for this prestigious dog event.
EzyDog has also won two awards
in previous years, once in 2017 for the DRIVE Harness and again in 2022 for the introduction of its Corduroy range.
The EzyDog UK team is also expanding and has announced that Katharine Harding-Jones will be joining the team as a sales consultant, with her first day starting at PATS 2024. With 20 years of experience within the pet trade, Katharine brings a wealth of knowledge to EzyDog and is excited to meet customers old and new.
Guy Ellis, Director for EzyDog UK, said: “PATS is a fantastic event that we get a lot of traction from. Visitors are always keen to talk to us and look at our vast range of products.
“We pride ourselves on the quality and innovation of our products, as we design everything with the dog at the forefront. It assures them protection, as well as
being comfortable and it also provides the dog with a sense of freedom.
“Being able to show customers how our products work is important and, as many dog owners can understand, making sure you’re buying the right size (and colour!) is vital. While we have size guides and videos on our website, there’s something to be said for holding the product in your hands to feel the quality and putting it against your dog to see the fit.
“We’re also thrilled to welcome Katharine to the team, she is a fantastic new addition to the team and with her first EzyDog outing at PATS, we’re sure she’ll thrive. She has incredible connections and our stand will be very popular for people wanting to see the products, as well as Katharine!”
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Fireworks
Knowing what advice to give to your clientele during fireworks season can have a serious impact on the wellbeing of animals. We discuss over the next few pages… Image by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash.
Boom!
As November draws near, and Autumn is in full swing, there is something that Brits tend to do once a year that can be a fantastic display, but unfortunately for many animals, it’s something that causes major stress and anxiety.
I’m talking, of course, about fireworks! If you’re like me and have a dog who’s horrified of bangs and bumps outside, then you’ll be all too familiar with how fireworks can have a serious negative effect on a pup’s mental health.
Sadly, fireworks can be considered some of the scariest things a dog can go through, as they can’t quite comprehend what’s going on and if there is any danger to warn us about. That being said, here is a little bit of information that you can pass on to your clients to help ease their pups into a safer state of mind around this time of year.
There are so many signs to look out for that you can notice within a dog, from barking and drawing as much attention to the noise as possible, to simply hiding away in a place that they consider to be a safe space. Remember, dogs have sensitive ears and can be more prone to
loud noises, so finding a quiet spot for them can really help!
Something that you can do to start the process of creating a safe environment is to start it early. Find a room or area in your living space and spend time with the dog there regularly. Ensure that their favourite toys, blankets and treats are in the vicinity and let them know that this is their space to feel comfortable. As long as they feel in control of their surroundings, they will feel as though it is a safe space where they can relax.
Then, when the fireworks start to go off, you can be sure that they have a place where they can go to ease some of the stress and have somewhere they can be where they like, without as much worry.
Something to note, also, is that this is their space. Ensure that you’re not just barging in whenever suits you and interrupting their flow. It’s meant to be
Photo by Akil Mazumder on Pexels
Photo by Sarocha S on Pexels
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FIREWORKS
calming, not promoting anxiousness.
Whenever you’re not home, make sure that the space is accessible to them too. Having somewhere to go to feel safe when you’re not around is also a massive bonus!
We also use dog calming apps to play from our speakers at home whenever we’re not around, or if there’s some commotion outside. From classical music to calming noises, these apps have helped our dog to feel more relaxed throughout the day when he needs it.
There are even YouTube channels dedicated to just this, so be sure to hop online and see what you can find to help calm down your anxious puppy!
Keeping your walks to daylight hours is the next thing I’d recommend. Naturally, fireworks will mostly be happening at night, so any means to avoid spooking an anxious dog is a good one in my opinion! At least then, when they do start going off, you’ll be able to keep your dog a little calmer by being at home in their safe space with them.
Lastly, I want to recommend what might be considered the simplest
solution, but one which is often overlooked. This can go hand-in-hand with your safe space that you set up, but make sure that the pup has something to do to keep them occupied and distracted by the loudness of the outside world!
Whether this is an interactive toy, something that can keep your dog’s mind active, or simply making sure that you’re around for playtime, anything that you can do to take your fluffy companion’s mind off of the horrors of the colourful explosions will help ease their nerves and even hopefully help drown out the excess noise entirely. The best comparison that I can make is when I have to listen to music or a podcast on my headphones whilst I’m sat in the dentist’s chair! Anything to help distract. Overall, the safety of the dogs is the most important thing. Develop a strategy way in advance, before the week of November 5th, and see what you can do to provide the safest, and happiest, of homes for your dog. Fireworks aren’t for everyone, whether you’re a human, a dog, a cat or any other family member.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels
Photo by Willo M. on Pexels
Attending The Cat Show Live
The Cat Show Live was the first event put on by husband and wife team Samantha Marsh and Peter Banbury at the NEC in Birmingham on 14th August 2024. By Katie Gwilt.
It combined The Cat Village (pedigree show cats from over 35 different breeds), Hope Alley (rescue centres raising awareness and with cats that need new homes), Retail Avenue (a dedicated cat shopping village!) and Theatre Square (talks on cat-related topics). It was my first time at an event like this and I had booked us a stand so me and Chloe headed down for a couple of days to check it all out.
The Venue and Staff
First of all just wow! The NEC is such a massive complex but mostly pretty well sign posted with The Cat Show on all the signs for the car parks etc. A lovely shuttle bus runs all day from the car park to the front of the hall you need as well which is super handy. We had no problems setting up and all the staff from the NEC and the show were friendly and helpful. The organisation side went completely without a hitch which was great.
My First Cat Show
I have never been to a cat show before or been around so many cats in a public space like this and to be honest was very dubious about how it would all work from a welfare perspective. One of the things I liked about this event was that although they had show cats there, they weren’t having an actual show with judging. It was more a place to meet the cats and educate on the different breeds.
The Cats
While we were setting up me and Chloe could hear a cat meowing and were worried so went to investigate. When we found the culprit and approached them they immediately started purring loudly and making biscuits on their blanket. They basically just wanted attention while
their human was away getting the rest of their equipment into the venue. This put me and Chloe both at ease straight away.
On visiting the other cats we noticed just how well adapted they were for the show environment. I know that my cats would absolutely have hated something like this, but these cats were all completely in their element. They have been brought up in this environment
since being kittens and I assume that any who do not take to it are not forced to go. All the ones I met were friendly. They were purring and rolling over for belly rubs which was lovely to see in such a noisy environment filled with strangers. I liked that each cat had a cover for their cage so they could have a rest and breaks and these were used throughout the day by their humans. They had food,
A beautiful show cat at The Cat Show Live
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water and litter trays plus toys and many cats would go and snooze in their litter tray when they wanted a little break which was a great way to let their humans know when they were peopled out.
Grooming Show Cats
Naturally all of the cats on show were groomed to a high standard. Most owners groom their own show cats and there are breed standards. Some will avoid giving a sanitary trim and leave the fur thick and full. Likewise with leaving toe tufts (I think they are beautiful and only clip if there is a reason to to be honest). It is different for household pet categories, but pedigree cats are held to quite high standards as you would expect. Cat breeds are down to aesthetics mostly as unlike dogs different breeds do not have different jobs and functions (like hunting, companionship, herding etc). Cat shows focus on health and conforming to a standard, but household in pet categories any cat can be entered no matter their appearance (wonky eyes, missing a limb etc). The aim of pedigree show cats is to eliminate genetic abnormalities that may cause
harm (kinked tails and extra polydactyl toes). It is trickier when it comes to breeds that have welfare issues as part of the breed. Examples are Scottish Fold Cats and Manx Cats as well as extremely flat faced brachycephalic cats.
Rescue Centres
Hope Alley was a lovely touch and I know that the rescue centres all raised a
lot of money for their centres as well as awareness for the amazing work that they do. You could use a QR code to register interest with a charity about adopting a specific cat they had information on (pending the usual checks etc) as well which was great. No cats were for sale on the day in the cat village or hope alley of course.
Comparing cats at the event
Me and Chloe at The Cat Show Live
KATIE’S KAT COLUMN
Shopping Time
Retail Avenue was so much fun. So many different cat related things for humans and cats. There were paintings being done, photographers, cat sitters, behaviourists, cat food and litter stalls, information on raw feeding, bedding, The Big Cat Sanctuary (one day I will visit for at least one experience), jewellery, authors and just so much more. It was lovely to be there amongst such a varied group selling our herbal range and introducing our new all natural flea powder.
We made some lovely connections and finally got to meet a few people I have been chatting with for years online. It was wonderful to be at a cat only event. Working in the pet industry I find at least 95% seem to be canine focused with very few working with other species so it was nice to be in the majority for a change! I bought some cat grass for my four at home as a little gift which 3 out of 4 have enjoyed.
Overall Opinions
So how do I feel about cat shows? I was definitely highly skeptical about going and how the welfare of the cats would be accommodated. I am a massive supporter of rescue centres and adopt don’t shop so being in a place that focuses on breeders gave me pause about going and supporting an event like this. It’s the first one I have been to and suspect that there will be many differences between individual shows. All I can say for sure is that this particular event was run very well and the cats seemed genuinely happy and content throughout the day. I spoke to quite a few of the breeders as well and all seemed to treat their cats like part of the family rather than as a money making scheme. Again I know that this varies. Without breeders we would lose some of these beautiful and unusual cats, but I do hope that breeding is being done sensibly as there are so many cats needing homes in rescue centres. I would go to this event again. I learned lots, met many interesting cats and people and generally loved being around so many people passionate about cats and their welfare.
www.thekatlady.co.uk
Tristain with his cat grass gift when I got home
TOUGH
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Ky Marie & Emma Louise Gooding
We spoke with Ky and Emma about their incredible grooming journeys. Here are their stories…
Ky
“I’ve been a professional Pet Groomer since 2015. I left my job in care, sorted out a level 3 diploma course to do along side practical training and never looked back! It’s now 2024 and I have two successful and fully booked salons, but I did have three and then in 2022 I merged two into one. I have two table renters who I both trained and have successfully passed six apprentices. I am now a credited ICMG academy and love teaching future groomers.
In 2018 I started my ICMG journey and in 2019 I became the first Master Groomer in the tendering area. I absolutely love grooming and do wish I had found this earlier because it is my whole life now.
I have found that I have a way with nervous, aggressive and ungroomable pets who have struggled with their grooming and I do my best to work with them, build a bond and show them its
not all bad.
Emma came to me in 2020 and during a general chat, Emma came clean about a dream to run a grooming competition. I said well why not! Let’s do it.
We spent a whole day sending voice notes as I was at LEGOLAND and Emma was at a fun family fete and after about eight hours, Salon Groomer of the Year was born!
We have seen new groomers and groomers with many years experience enter and place, win, get recognised and then they suddenly found a new passion and new love for grooming. They share the news with their friends, family and clients about their placings, and this gives them the confidence boost they need to believe in themselves.
We want all groomers to be recognised, rewarded and given the appreciation that they deserve. What shocked us, is that we were nominated for a Liz Paul Award 2023 for Event of the
Year!! This really made us feel like proud parents because if it wasn’t for all the groomers entering then this wouldn’t of happened. We are thrilled to have been a final nominee for such a prestigious awards ceremony.
This isn’t an easy career but it’s one of the most rewarding.
Emma
My mum first mentioned dog grooming to me when I was in Year 10 at school. I remember going to the careers office and finding out as much as I could, going to the library to research more and that’s when I knew dog grooming was the occupation for me. I left school in 1999, aged 16 getting my self an apprenticeship at a dog grooming salon in a veterinary practice.
Later on I went on to a private dog grooming course in Sheffield where I gained my diploma in dog grooming. Since then I have owned a dog grooming
GROOMERS OF THE MONTH
salon for 12 years before selling it on during the first lockdown. I now work in a local dog grooming salon.
I love to compete, it’s a way I can improve my skill set from gaining feedback from the judges.
Salon groomer of the year has been a whirlwind and I have enjoyed every single moment of it. I have attended many grooming competitions over time and they have been amazing to attend or compete at.
But, something was needed that was slightly different, so myself and Ky came up with salon groomer of the year which is a competition based on everyday salon grooms which means dog groomers can showcase their achievements and career progression for customers to see.
The completion is also for those that want to compete but are too overwhelmed by the thought of entering a competition ring in person. We hold an online competition for those that are not quite ready yet and it’s been a pleasure to see so many new faces in the dog grooming industry.
We also hold an in-person competition in Colchester for anyone who wants to take the next step or show us their everyday grooms and experience what it can be like. It’s been an amazing journey so far for me and ky to watch so many dog groomers become confident in their own work and to watch them blossom.
The whole experience takes a lot of time and hard work but myself and Ky wouldn’t have it any other way, we love supporting the grooming industry and feel very passionate in what we do.
My advice to anyone who would like to start a dog grooming business up is to do as much research as you can first. Set out a business plan and visit a local business start up centre.
Most councils can help with this. It’s not a cheap start up and best best not to be too tight when it comes to equipment. Good quality products do cost money and your grooms will show this. Talk with other local salons and work together not against, there is enough dogs to go around for everyone. Continue to attend seminars and progress your skills, visit competitions to observe, and the bonus is you’ll also get to meet new dog groomers and make friends!
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Small Animals
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TGM10 24 5 T&Cs Apply
Dryers
Let’s warm up a little with some of the latest info on dog grooming dryers!
on
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Pexels.
Drying off
Having the right dryer for your business is often overlooked, as well as being one of the most important jigsaw pieces to ensure that everything runs smoothly!
Whether you’re a seasoned dog groomer, or it’s your first day officially working as one, you’re going to want to ensure that you’re on the top of your game when it comes to dryer knowledge.
There is such a wide variety of products out there that are designed to help you achieve your grooming goals, and many aspects of your groom, whether it be speed, quality or more, will be affected.
The main thing that we want to draw your attention to is the fact that dryers for people are not the same as dryers for dogs. If you’re someone who regularly uses a dryer on yourself, you’re probably familiar with a tiny burn here and there.
This is something that is an absolute no when dog grooming!
You don’t want to harm the dog, let alone their coat or even have them associate getting groomed and/or dried with pain. This will cause so many issues in the long run and it’s best to avoid any of this upfront by looking at dryers that are specifically designed for dogs.
Dryers designed for dog grooming will have settings for things such as pressure and speed, rather than heat. Knowing your technical stuff in this area is one of the tricks of the trade when grooming, so take care to do some research and find out what the best type of dryer may be for the types of dogs you’ll be prone to grooming.
No matter what your thoughts are on
the types of dryer you pick, it’s no secret that you’ll be using it throughout your entire day depending on your grooming schedule. Quality plays a huge part here. Ensure that you’re also considering the use and durability of the equipment that you’re looking to use. It will only turn into an investment in the long run.
That being said, research the dryer you’re looking to buy is actually something that you’re going to WANT to use on your furry friends. Overall, you’ll want to invest extra time to ensure the safety of the products you’re using is of the best quality, and safe to boot. Think coats, short coats, coats with layers and dogs’ skin are all part of what you should be investing time researching. Removing moisture from fur will have many different
Photo by Dariusz Grosa from Pexels
Lead Sponsor Seminar Sponsor
GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
6h April 2025, South Of England Showground, Selsfield Rd, Heywards Heath, RH17 6TH Biodegradable Walk Wipes Free With Every Purchase!
To attend the events visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
DRYERS
methods, so look at your options and make sure that you’re really shooting for the right goals.
If you’re looking to save some time, dryers with stronger settings might be what you’re looking for. Machines with stronger wind settings will save you time in a safe manner, providing that the dog in question isn’t too uncomfortable with your choice, that is!
This can be an ideal solution for dog grooming salons that regularly see a busier schedule than others!
Eco-friendliness is also a huge thing that we encourage every single dog groomer to invest in. Whether you’re looking for quality, speed, or even just a new dryer to replace your old one, be sure to look into what environmental impact your new equipment might have by looking at both reviews and technical specs online!
Don’t be afraid to network, and speak with other groomers both locally and internationally to find out what their preferences and recommendations are. Mingling with the community is always something that we encourage in this industry, and you’ll absolutely learn a thing or two in the process!
The main takeaway from this little article is that there are so many variations to consider when making your ideal tech pick. Search around for what works best for you and your business, and impress your clientele with not only your knowledge but grooming prowess that you can demonstrate and share with everyone you meet!
Photo by Karolina Kaboompics from Pexels 2
Photo by Karolina Kaboompics from Pexels
Lead Sponsor Seminar Sponsor
GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
6th April 2025, South Of England Showground, Selsfield Rd, Heywards Heath, RH17 6TH
To attend the events visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
Dehydration
Dehydration is dangerous, and it is really important that we make sure that our dogs are getting the right amount of fluid each day, to ensure their overall health and mobility. By Rachel Bean.
Dehydration will impact the overall health, mobility and behaviour of a dog and will affect their immunity, digestion, skin and coat, gastrointestinal health, eyes and vision, and brain health and coordination.
As groomers you may notice a change in the dog more keenly than the owner has, so do consider dehydration when you are considering what might be wrong.
The effects of dehydration can be seen in the following ways:
- Is your dog’s skin not as elastic as normal? Try gently pinching a loose area, does it stand up after you let go?
- Vomiting and or diarrhea can be a warning sign that you dog is not holding fluids.
- Is your dog tired or lethargic? All dogs are different but a sudden marked change could you a sign of dehydration.
- Is your pup off their food?
- Do their eyes look sunken or dry? This can be as a result of dehydration. Panting too is a symptom to look out for.
- Is your dog ordinarily a drooler? If you notice a change in the thickness of the saliva this could be a warning sign.
- Dry nose, your dog should have a moist nose.
So what can we do about it, and how can we ensure that our dog is not only adequately hydrated, but thriving?
Some dogs are more inclined to drink more water than others. Some dogs are savvy and go to their bowl for a slurp of water before a walk, but for some it’s just not in their thought process at all!
For more fussy dogs there are ways to make hydration more fun, think smoothies which you can make at home or buy ready to serve. You could also try a bone broth which you can give warm, cold or even freeze into an ice cube.
It is also important to consider the weather. When it is warm, like us, dogs need to drink more, so always ensure you have a tempting drink on hand when you
go out for warmer weather walks.
We also need to think about the things that can help our dog remain hydrated for longer, and those things are of course found in nutrition!
Here are some key ingredients to look out for which can benefit your dog and keep them hydrated and happy:
Flaxseed
This gives an amazing boost to the digestive tract and helps pups to manage their digestive cycle, preventing bouts of sickness and diarrhoea and keeping their stools regular.
Omega Oil
This fishy oil is not only great for keeping
your dog’s insides healthy and hydrated, but is also a wonder for joints and mobility!
Sea Kelp
For a beautiful glossy hydrated coat, this wonder supplement doubles down on the mobility benefits of the omega oils.
Beta Glucan
An immune booster, beta glucan is crucial for maintaining health and as. complex carbohydrate helps to balance your pup’s immune system protecting them from outside nasties.
Vitamin C
Dogs do create their own supply of vitamin c in their livers (clever things!) but adding a small amount can help prevent any itchy symptoms, and help with general health.
And finally, don’t forget that dehydration can strike all year round. This is not just a summer issue. So I know knowing these signs to spot helps you to make informed decisions, and get advice from a vet if you suspect your dog is suffering.
To find out more about Rachel Bean go to www.rachelbean.co.uk
Animal Talent & Casting Agency
Urban Paws UK
Urban Paws UK are the leading and award-winning animal talent and casting agency. We have a team of knowledgeable and experienced bookers with over 40 year’s experience in the pet industry who work with film producers, TV studios, PR agencies and in-house marketing companies to provide the perfect animal talent for any media brief. We are always looking for well-groomed pets for media briefs so get in touch today.
London: 020 8161 6556
Manchester: 0161 808 1667
E: info@urbanpawsuk.com
W: www.urbanpawsuk.com
Grooming Supplies
Artero
Artero has specialized in dog grooming and hairdressing products since 1909. With 113 years of experience, Artero has become a reference in both the Grooming and the Hairdressing worlds, Artero is now present in over 72 countries all over the world.
W: www.artero.co.uk/dog-grooming
Facebook: artero.grooming.uk
Instagram: @artero.grooming.uk
Petcetera
Petcetera have been supplying the nation’s professional dog people with new and innovative products for over 50 years! We pride ourselves on being a one-stopshop for all your pet, showing, grooming & breeding requirements. Request your FREE catalogue today!
T: 01948 668100
E: info@petcetera.co.uk
W: www.petcetera.co.uk
Facebook: petceteraetc
Instagram: @petcetera_etc
Industry Services
Pet Industry Federation
Open to all pet businesses in the UK, PIF is the membership association for the pet industry with a wide range of member benefits to support business growth and development.
T: 01234 273933
E: info@petfederation.co.uk
W: www.petfederation.co.uk
Facebook: petindustryfederation
Twitter: @PetFedUK
Instagram:@petindustryfederation
LinkedIn: Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
Monty’s Natural Treats & Wholesale Looking for extra income? Give our Natural Treats, Foods & Supplements a New Brand. Wholesale Products at low prices & Free White Label Services.
T: 0203 797 6308
E: trade@montysnaturaltreats.co.uk
W: www.montystreats.co.uk
Organic Grooming Products
Secret Weapon UK
Our unrivalled range of top quality dematting products, shampoos and conditioners are suitable for all coat and skin types. Organic and hypoallergenic our ethically sourced products make grooming easier, kinder and faster. Award winning and successfully selling worldwide for 8 years.
T: 07923 368137
W: www.secretweaponuk.com
Facebook: Secret Weapon UK
Instagram: @secretweaponuk
Burns Pet Nutrition
Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns in 1993, pioneering pet food brand Burns specialises in using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients to create award-winning recipes that pets love.
T: 0800 0181890
E: sales@burnspet.co.uk
W: www.burnspet.co.uk
Facebook: burnspet
Instagram: @burnset
Twitter: @burnspetfood
Raw Feeding
Natural Instinct
At Natural Instinct, we are all passionate about pets. We believe raw food is the best natural option, feeding as nature intended, free from artificial additives, colours, preservatives and fillers.
T: 01276 608500
W: www.naturalinstinct.com
Facebook: NIPetfoods
Twitter: @NIrawpetfoods
Instagram: @naturalinstinctfood
Shampoo
Bugalugs
Bugalugs Pet Care produces high-quality pet products trusted by professionals worldwide. Manufactured in the UK’s Lake District, our bestselling range includes grooming supplies, dental care items, and supplements for pets.
T: 01900 837942
W: www.bugalugspetcare.com
Facebook: @bugalugspetcare
Instagram: @bugalugspetcare
TikTok: @bugalugspetcare
For All Dogkind
Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available)
T:. 020 7148 0316
E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk
W: www.foralldogkind.co.uk
Natural Pet Treats
Pet Food
Sharpening
Shear Ease
Shear Ease specialise in clipper blade sharpening, scissor/instrument sharpening and clipper service & repair blades and scissors sharpened and back in the post in one working day!
T: 01407 832 800
E: office@sheareaseltd.com
W: www.sheareaseltd.com
Leucillin
Healthy skin makes for a happy pet!
Leucillin keeps skin clean and clear tackling irritation, sore, itchy or smelly skin, safe for ears and eyes.
T: 0345 548 9800
E: info@leucillin.co.uk
W: www.leucillin.co.uk
Facebook: leucillin
Instagram: @leucillin_skincare
Training and Education
Capel Manor College
Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds.
T: 0303 003 1234
E: study@capel.ac.uk
W: www.capel.ac.uk
Facebook: capelmanorcollege
Twitter: @capelmanor
Instagram: @capelmanor
Four Paws Groom School
Dog and Cat Grooming Training Courses and regulated Qualifications. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tutors will support you every step of the way. Locations in Cheshire, Kent, Herefordshire and Greater Manchester.
T: 01606 333765
E: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
W: www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk
Facebook: fourpawsgroomschool
Instagram:@fourpawsgroomschool
Haddon Training
Established in 1997, Haddon Training are an award-winning training provider specialising in dog grooming, animal care and equine. We offer qualifications which are all supported by our team of expert Trainer-Coaches.
T: 01672 519977
E: enquiries@haddontraining.co.uk
W: www.haddontraining.co.uk
Facebook: HaddonTrainingLtd
Instagram: @haddontraining
iPET Network
International Awarding Organisation, creating regulated qualifications for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. We aim to improve animal welfare through education, successfully winning awards for our Dog and Cat Grooming qualifications.
T: 0800 433 4700
E: info@ipetnetwork.co.uk
W: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
Facebook: @ipetnetwork
Instagram: @ipetnetwork
KD Grooming Studio
KD Grooming Studio, a multi-awardwinning pet grooming Studio, delivers flexible C&G/National Pet College & vocational courses. Train with Britain’s Best Groomer, Kelly Davis (BBC) and her highly skilled team. Enrol year round.
T: 01963 34110
E: info@kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kdgroomingstudio.co.uk
W: www.kellydavis.uk
Facebook: KdGroomingStudio
Instagram: @kdgroomingstudio
National Pet College
Offering City & Guilds dog
grooming qualifications via our approved training centres around the UK. Also, Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming, teacher training and short courses including canine first aid.
T: 01234 984450
E: info@nationalpetcollege.co.uk
W www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk
Facebook: nationalpetcollege
Instagram: @nationalpetcollege
Pet Passion to Profit
Mentoring Pet Grooming Professionals to earn more money and have the business they dream of; changing lives of groomers and the grooming industry one business at a time!
E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com
W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com
Facebook: Petpassiontoprofit
Facebook: groups/doggrooming businesshelpandsupport
Instagram: @pet_passion_to_profit1
Rob Fellows Reiki
Help calm the dogs in your salon and make your job easier too. Easy to learn and simple to do Reiki training courses especially for groomers. Home Learning or Live Training and Qualification Day.
E: rob@RobFellowsReiki.com
W: RobFellowsReiki.com/reiki-fordog-groomers
Facebook: RobFellowsReiki
FB group: Reiki for Dog Groomers
Instagram: @reikirobfellows
Summit Groomer Training Group
Summit works with dog grooming training centres delivering quality tuition and City & Guilds qualifications. With centres across the UK there is one near you.
See our website for details.
T: 01535 661776
E: enquiries@summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
W: www.summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk
Skincare
