We’ve got an extra fun issue this month as we take a long, hard look at what it takes to show off your grooms in style!
From page 18, you can see some of your very own grooms showcased for the world to see.
On page 28, we take a look at the importance of a nutritional and healthy diet for dogs, and, naturally, we always include our regular fab features that you all know and love.
So, from myself and everyone here at TGM, we hope that you have a fantastic March, and we’ll catch you in April!
QuickClawz
QuickClawz launches Kickstarter campaign to revolutionise dog nail care for pet professionals.
After being recognised as a finalist for the Innovation of the Year Award at the Pet Industry Federation’s 2024 Business of Pets Conference, QuickClawz is taking its next big step, launching a Kickstarter campaign to bring its groundbreaking training tool to market.
QuickClawz is designed to help dog groomers, pet professionals, and owners safely and confidently learn how to trim a dog’s nails, addressing one of the most common challenges in pet care. By providing a realistic training experience, QuickClawz allows users to perfect their technique before working on a real pet, reducing stress for both dogs and their handlers.
Hazel Patterson, the creator of QuickClawz, introduced the product to the pet industry during a ten-minute pitch at the Business of Pets Conference, where it received enthusiastic feedback from industry professionals. Now, the Kickstarter campaign aims to raise the funds needed to bring this innovation to pet businesses and owners worldwide.
“Many pet professionals and owners struggle with nail trimming, which can lead to stress and even injuries,” said Hazel. “QuickClawz offers a safe, handson way to build confidence and skill, making nail care easier and safer for everyone involved.”
Pet businesses, groomers and dog owners can now back the Kickstarter campaign and be among the first 500 to access this game-changing tool. You can also have input to the final claw design and shape. The first 100 backers will receive an Early Bird Discount and receive the QuickClawz model for £39 with FREE Delivery for Two or more. The remaining 400 backers will receive the QuickClawz model for £44, also with FREE delivery for two or more.
To learn more and pledge support, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/ quickclawz/quickclawz-a-training-tool-tolearn-how-to-cut-dogs-claws
Oh My Dog!
The world of dog lovers has a new name to celebrate! Caroline Donoghue, a loved local dog grooming expert, recently made a special appearance on the hit podcast Oh My Dog! hosted by comedians Jack Dee and Seann Walsh.
During the episode, Caroline Donoghue shared her passion for embracing the messy joys of dog grooming, offering heartfelt insights and hilarious anecdotes about life working with four-legged friends. Her infectious enthusiasm for all things dog-related resonated with listeners, making for a must-hear episode that left audiences entertained and inspired.
With a growing following of devoted dog lovers, Caroline Donoghue has become a beacon for those who want grooming tips and advice. Through her social media channels, she encourages owners to understand their pets’ needs, fostering a deeper connection between humans and their canine companions when it comes to bathing, grooming and nail cutting.
Speaking about her experience on Oh My Dog! Caroline Donoghue said: “It was an absolute blast chatting with Jack and Seann about dog grooming and the joys of embracing the chaos that comes with working with dogs. To me, dogs bring so much laughter and joy to my every day, and sometimes that means getting a little (or a lot) dirty!”
The Oh My Dog! podcast has gained a dedicated audience for its mix of humour and heartwarming stories, as Jack Dee and Seann Walsh delve into the wonderful world of dog ownership with celebrity guests and passionate dog lovers alike. Caroline Donoghue’s appearance is already being hailed as one of the most delightful and entertaining episodes yet.
Caroline is proud to share her tips and advice across her social media platforms -@lovemuddoglady - where she has over 600,000 followers, making her one of the biggest dog grooming influencers in the world!
Caroline has recently secured an agent to help her share her tips and advice across the national media too and will
be speaking at some of the big UK dog events this Summer.
For those who missed it, the episode
featuring Caroline Donoghue is available to stream now on all major podcast platforms.
Image by Adrian Carrillo on Pexels
Crufts entry at all-time high
The Kennel Club Media Centre
Crufts 2025 is set to welcome over 24,000 dogs at the NEC Birmingham from 6-9 March showcasing a wide variety of competitions and displays. The entry this year is over 18,500 dogs participating in breed, agility and obedience championship competitions over the four days of the event.
Over 200 pedigree breeds will compete for the prestigious Best in Show title, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on the evening of Sunday 9 March in the BP Pulse LIVE arena. This year there will be more TV coverage than ever before, with 19 hours of Crufts action broadcast across Channel 4 and More4.
Crufts continues to maintain its international flavour and this year has attracted more overseas entries than ever before – 3,952 dogs – with France leading the way with 475 dogs, just ahead of Germany (407), Netherlands (376) and Italy (360). Other countries to attract entries of 150 dogs or more are: Ireland (327), Poland (259), Belgium (213), Spain (174), Czech Republic (218) and Sweden (168).
For the first time, the Polish Hunting Dog will feature in the Discover Dogs area of the show as a newly recognised Kennel Club breed. The Golden Retriever has the largest entry for an individual breed with 509 dogs making 619 entries. The Labrador Retriever
follows closely with 485 dogs making 586 entries.
The highest number of dogs in a single breed set to compete in each group are:
Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 338
Hound: Whippet – 376
Utility: Dalmatian – 260
Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – 290
Gundog: Golden Retriever – 509
Working: Bernese Mountain Dog – 159
Pastoral: Border Collie – 300
Additionally, the following breeds have dogs exceeding 250; Cocker Spaniel (418), Flat Coated Retriever (309), Irish Setter (266) and Shetland Sheepdog (257).
Celebrating 75 years of being televised, Channel 4 and More 4 will
Image by Laula Co on Unsplash
broadcast over 19 hours* of the event across the show’s four days; the details of times and channels are as follows:
THURSDAY 6 MARCH:
1500-1600 – Channel 4
1830-1930 – More4
1930-2100 – Channel 4
FRIDAY 7 MARCH:
1500-1600 – Channel 4
1830-1930 - More4
1930-2100 – Channel 4
SATURDAY 8 MARCH:
1400-1800 – Channel 4
1900-2100 – Channel 4
SUNDAY 9 MARCH:
1400-1800 – Channel 4
1900-2100 - Channel 4 Crufts 2025: Best in Show live.
(*Please note, times subject to change)
In addition to breed class judging, visitors can enjoy watching some of the world’s finest dogs and handlers in action across a range of disciplines including agility, obedience, heelwork to music, flyball and the popular hoopers display, returning for its second year.
The Obedience Championships for bitches will be held on Saturday, with dogs competing on Sunday. In Agility, the Intermediate and Large Championships take place on Thursday while the Small and Medium Championships are on the Sunday.
Other highlights in the BP Pulse LIVE arena include The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs that provide lifetime service, support, love and devotion, and the final of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts.
Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said:
“We are delighted that the show continues to draw a large overseas entry, proving its worldwide appeal.
“Crufts would not be Crufts without our exhibitors. We thank everybody who has entered the show and look forward to welcoming all dogs and their owners who make Crufts such a wonderful event, whether it is those who have been loyally returning year after year, or those who are experiencing the show for the first time.
“Crufts offers something for everyone and the show is set to be a wonderful showcase of our much loved dogs, exciting canine activities and our fantastic and committed community.”
For daily and Best in Show tickets, visit www.crufts.org.uk
Image by Ylanite Koppens on Pexels
iAwards
The iPET Network held its first-ever iAwards event, celebrating the stars of animal care and grooming who are making waves in the pet care industries.
Also celebrating five years of being an Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation, the glitzy event, at Cheshire Outdoors in Northwich was an opportunity for the great and good of grooming and pet care to meet, mingle and share ideas.
Sponsored by Groomers, My Pet Online and iPET Network: in collaboration with Andis, the night was full of fun, unforgettable moments and recognising WINS in pet grooming and animal education.
W - Welfare focussed
I - Inspiring Others
N - New Knowledge
S - Sharing success
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, founders of the iPET Network, said:
“What a night, and what a wonderful chance to celebrate all the inspiring welfare-focused people that work in our industries.
“iPET Network is all about supporting
new talent as they grow and learn through our qualifications, but also recognising industry leaders, who can share their skills with the next generation.
“We are so proud to have hosted the iAwards for the first time, and we hope that it will become an annual fixture.”
Jen Edwards from Groomers, which was a sponsor of the event, said: “It was an amazing night, and brilliant to work in collaboration for the past 18 months to make this idea a reality.
“What a wonderful way to celebrate all of this amazing talent we have in our animal industries.”
THE WINNERS
1) Dog Grooming Tutor of the Year
- Jacqui Thorpe - Judges feedbackInspiring, patient and supportive to all her students ....goes above and beyond
2) Animal Sector Tutor of the YearStephanie Zikmann - Creates a safe space for students to learn, grow and develop
3) Groomers Dog Groomer of the Year
- Daniella Malcolm Stewart - Welfare focus with a wonderful understanding of canine needs
4) Cat Groomer of the Year - Samantha Farnell - Great client testimonials
5) iPET Network Training Provider of the Year - Mucky Pups - Inspiration training and learning
6) iPET Network Student of the Year
- Sam Van Eggermond - Overcoming personal challenges
7) Canine Business of the Year - The Spotlight Groomers - Build strong client relationships understanding the needs of the dogs
8) Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year - National Horse Racing College
- Supports and nurtures students
9) Apprentice of the Year working within an Animal Business - Rebecca Stirk - Her approach to supporting others and inspirational
To find out more about iPET Network go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk
Treats to guarantee good behaviour!
Wilsons are famous for making natural nutritious meals for dogs, but the Scottish pet food makers also offer an extensive range of natural treats. Ideal for training, rewarding or providing enrichment and stimulation.. The entire range is free from additives, colours, preservatives, fillers, or allergens.
Tempting Bites
Wilsons Bites are 100% single-source protein and come in eight delicious varieties of meat or fish, they each offer health benefits too. Options such asGoat Bites, Duck Bites and Wild Boar Bites are great for allergy support, improved skin and coat, and joint care. The popular Pheasant Bites aid immune support, vision care and joint care; and the protein-packed Venison Bites are rich in Omega 3 and iron. RRP from £7.99 to £8.99 for 200g bag and they are available in 1kg.
Wee Salmon Crunchies
You can’t get more Scottish than Wilsons Wee Salmon Crunchies! These delightful and delicious freeze-dried, 100% natural whole Salmon treats are a fully Omegaloaded treat for dogs. The ultimate super-snack that promotes a healthy immune system and healthy skin and coat, as well as supporting joint health. 70g bag, RRP £7.99
Enriching Treats
For treats ideal for enrichment games and something dogs can really get their teeth into, Wilsons have eight additional treats.. Choose from Beef Liver, Beef Tripe, Baltic Sprats, Chicken and Duck Necks, Rabbit Ears, Pig Ears, and Chicken Feet. Health benefits include support with dental hygiene, aiding healthy joints and bones and providing a protein boost. Prices start from £6.99 for 200g, also available in 1kg. Wilsons treats are available in gluten
free and grain free options. They are suitable for dogs aged four months+ and available in resealable, fully recyclable bags.
Learn more at
or contact the team at trade@wilsonspetfood.co.uk for stockist detail.
Showcasing Your Grooms
We take a look at some of your latest grooms! Image by Mu Pathan on Pexels.
SHOWCASING YOUR GROOMS
The TGM Lookbook!
Something that we try to do at least once a year is really delve in to, and celebrate, the fantastic grooms that you, our community help put together. Here, we have a collection of some of the grooms that you’re most proud of!
Karen Fisher
Grooming a doodle with the perfect coat that fluff dries ‘just right’ is always a nice feeling, but as all groomers know, it’s not always the case.
Preparation is the most important part of any groom. Bathing and drying with good techniques and products will always determine how successful the overall groom will be.
This beautiful girl attends on a 5-week schedule and is maintained very well at home. She’s always a pleasure to groom. The ideal client!
Instagram: @thegrooming_ goddessacademy
Sylvie Marks
This is my miniature poodle Dinky. I am most proud of this groom because I feel I have come such a long way since I started grooming eight years ago. She was my teeny puppy when I started my grooming business, and I have been practicing on her ever since. Some of the early grooms were not worthy of being featured in magazines, to be honest
I originally studied at Absolutely Animals, where Heidi, Christine and the team are absolutely amazing at grooming poodles. Then, through the years, I have gone on many seminars and courses to further educate myself on the techniques.
I feel I finally have the confidence to do a full groom on a poodle, considering their structure, shape, balance and symmetry.
Instagram: @waggywagon
Ramona Tighani
Miette, an adorable puppy, showcases a beautifully executed mild Asian Fusion groom, highlighting a perfectly rounded teddy bear face. Her soft, fluffy coat - often tricky to work with at this young age has been expertly
Karen Fisher
Sylvie Marks
Ramona Tighani
SHOWCASING YOUR GROOMS
shaped to enhance her natural cuteness. Thanks to early desensitisation through our puppy package, Miette remained calm and cooperative throughout the groom, allowing for precise scissoring and a balanced finish. Her expressive eyes peek through a neatly contoured face, giving her an irresistibly sweet and polished look, perfect for showcasing the art of early grooming.-
Instagram: @themudroomltd
Fran Gray
Meet Hugo, a Pomeranian Cross Spitz. He came to our salon with a severely compacted/matted undercoat. My team specialises in double-coated breeds and usually can salvage the coat without clipping. In Hugo’s case, the dead undercoat was causing overheating, itchy skin, and limited movement.
To address this, we focused on hydrating the coat and line-drying, which allowed the dead fur to “slip” out. We find these types of grooms extremely satisfying because we know that by preserving the integrity of the double coat, we are helping to ensure the ongoing welfare of the dog.
Website: www.dogzbody.co.uk
Instagram: @dogzbodyspa
Leona McGeough
Pampered Pups that always make me smile are trio Willow the Labradoodle and Cooper and Charlie the Cockapoos. They love their walkies and most of the time in Ireland that equates to muddy
walks and although they are groomed regularly their mum likes their groom to be functional but cute so not overly fluffy - 7F for Willow and CA2 and four for the boys. My Fave bathing combination at the moment is DezynaDog DoodleDoo Shampoo and Conditioner from Christies – deep cleans and conditions the coat well, and it works just as well on dark coats as white!
Instagram: @pamperedpupsdoggrooming
TikTok: @pamperedpupsdg
Facebook: Pampered Pups dog grooming
Leona McGeough
Fran Gray
Antiseptic Skincare
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SHOWCASING YOUR GROOMS
Chloe Lofthouse
This is Hugo, the Giant Schnauzer, whom I’ve been hand-stripping since he was three months old. Now at a year and a half, his adult coat is finally coming through, revealing beautiful definition and strong furnishings. I specialize in hand-stripping, so working with Hugo has been an exciting journey. His grooms take around three hours, and while it’s not perfect, I’m incredibly proud of how he’s developing into a striking Giant Schnauzer. With a little more growth on his back legs and skirt, he’ll truly embody the classic, distinguished look of his breed.
Instagram: @central_bark_dog_ grooming
Facebook: Central Bark Dog Grooming
Nadia Lee
Grooming these two dogs, two rounds, competing on TV for HBOMAX on HauteDog, is something I will always be proud of. It’s not easy to put yourself out there along with your work to be critiqued in any grooming competition. It takes a lot of courage.
You can be going through some hardships behind closed doors, but the minute you step in the ring, you have to put everything on hold to fully focus on your dog that’s in front of you with handling, love and care, and execute your groom to come to life. Especially, if it’s your first time working with a new dog you have never groomed before.
It truly humbles you and reflect as a groomer, how can I do my best?
I’m proud of these two grooms I did on the show because not only did I win both rounds with creativity, vision, handling, and execution, it was a validation to myself, “Damn, I’m really good at what I love to do.” It’s always a humbling feeling and what I wish every groomer would feel whether they’re in competition or grooming every day in their work space. You should love it, have fun, and be mindful of all that goes into each dog.
It’s a reflection of you that’s going out into this world.
Instagram and TikTok: @ TheBoujeeGroomer
John Hollinrake
This is Rufus, our newest recruit on our Puppy Grooming programme. We
worked with a behaviourist to create a structured grooming package especially for puppies. Rufus is a cockapoo and was extremely nervous and difficult to work with when we first met him, however we’re now almost at his graduation and he’s now an absolute dream to groom.
I’m overjoyed with the progress he has made and it gives me confidence that he’ll now enjoy his grooming appointments rather than react badly to them.
Instagram: @harveyspetsalonText
Chloe Lofthouse
Chloe Lofthouse
GroomFest is a FREE to attend Education and Shopping event for Groomers.
13th April 2025, South Of England Showground, Selsfield Rd, Heywards Heath, RH17 6TH
To attend the event visit www.groomfest.co.uk to register your interest or email mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk
dogs drain your energy?
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• Re-energize yourself between appointments. No more feeling drained at the end of the day!
• A deeper connection with the dogs in your care.
Learn Reiki from expert teacher Rob Fellows and unlock your natural healing abilities… and make each day a little more...aahhh. Enroll today at www.robfellowsreiki.com/reiki-for-dog-groomers Any questions? Contact rob@robfellowsreiki.com
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Nutrition & Healthy Diets
Nutritional information is one of the most important things to pass on to your clientele. Let’s talk about why. Image by Elina Volkova on Pexels.
Healthy diet, healthy doggos
Something that we find can often be overlooked in the world of dog grooming is that of nutrition for a pet in general. What you’re feeding pets is crucial, and the information that you pass on to your clientele can really be a game changer for any pet groomer who is looking to do something extra for their customers. That being said, let’s dive into the importance of nutrition and healthy diets!
The first bit of information that you might be seeking is understanding the importance of healthy diets for animals in general. Why should nutrition even matter? Well, you have to treat any animal, especially dogs, like you would yourself or even maybe a fancy car. In order to function to the best of its ability, it needs the best fuel for the job!
A balanced diet for not only humans but dogs too will consist of a lot of the basics. Think about your general protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. Keeping these balanced has so many pros, such as keeping a fluffy pal’s coat shiny and their skin healthy.
You may even notice that their energy levels will change with different types of nutrients. As someone who needs a strict diet himself, I fully appreciate and relate to any dogs who don’t get the correct food and have their mood affected!
There are other notable side effects also, such as preventing dry skin, excessive shedding and more. Those are the basics, but the bottom line is that if you want a pet to be looking its best, nutrition is absolutely key!
So here’s the main thing: Not all pet food that you’ll find is created equally. There are so many different options in any pet shop that you go to, from simple kibble to canned food and even raw food. It can be a lot to take in for a dog owner, and they may be asking themselves where they can even start to understand it all.
That’s where having a groomer who’s up to date on all of the latest nutritional trends comes in! As a groomer, you may be the first point of call for dishing out some extra info for a client if they are in
Image by Lauma Augstkalne on Pexels
NUTRITION & HEALTHY DIETS
need, so you should ensure that you’re researching the latest facts and staying in the know with it all!
So, let’s talk about you, the groomer. What should you specifically know about pet nutrition and dietary advice? Well, the starting point should absolutely be simply knowing the basics of any dog’s dietary needs. Dogs are omnivores, which essentially means that they need a balanced diet that consists of a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and more.
A dog breed that thrives on more exercise will need more protein to help build muscle and maintain a healthy coat. Certain other types of food can promote healthier fur and skin health.
All of this is great to know, and knowing what’s in food should be one of your top priorities, but it’s not solely about what’s in the food. It’s also about what might be missing!
As a groomer, it’s helpful for you to know about things such as common allergens and other ingredients that can potentially mess with a dog and its digestion. Things such as grains, artificial additives, and more can cause some sensitivities, so ensure that you’re studying up on the dos and don’ts of what a canine friend should be ingesting. Ensure that you’re recommending to your clientele that they aim for high-
Image by Ali Akdemir on Pexels
Image by Alexey K. on Pexels
Tracey Peake of Quistel Famous Ear Cleaner for Pets
Active paws outdoors
Used by top show dogs around the World Michelle Fraser founder of
NUTRITION & HEALTHY DIETS
quality food options that have proven benefits, and your clients and their pets will be grateful for all of the extra positivity in their lives. You can look forward to a lot more happy faces and waggy tails in your grooming salon!
Now, when we say diet and nutrition, naturally, you’re drawn to thinking about food options. But is that the only thing that you should be considering?
Another huge thing to be taken in to account is that of hydration, which is key to staying hydrated and healthy. Ensure that you’re reminding your clientele to always keep a full water bowl, and do some research when looking at moisturerich food, such as wet dog food or fruits. This will help to keep those pups nice and hydrated, especially around the warmer months of the year that we’ll be seeing after Spring!
As a pet groomer, your clients are going to be coming to you for advice, and it’s absolutely okay not to know every little detail about every single aspect of a dog. But, you should always be working to build up trust and bond with your clientele. You can do this by demonstrating that you’re always willing to research the next best thing for your clients and showing that their health, safety and nutrition are some of the most important things that you consider when you meet them for their appointment.
Even passing on some extra info can really change a pet owner’s perspective for the better, so if the chance comes up, we encourage you to pass on the best, well-researched info that you’re sitting on!
Imagine if every single one of your furry clients not only looks like they’ve had a fresh trim and a nail clip but also comes across as though they’re feeling their best too. Wagging tails, big doggo smiles and a fabulous coat are all some of the things of correct nutritional research and practice. This will not only do wonders for your current clientele but also attract more through word of mouth and photo opportunities.
There is no downside to taking some time for extra research, so ensure that you’re doing your part to stay on top of things! Your business will do better, your clientele will appreciate you more, and, most importantly, it will help the dogs that you see feel and look like their best selves!
Image by Anil Sharma on Pexels
Image by emka grybbs on Pexels
Are you our next Head Stylist?
Our Head Stylists are critical to the success of our Pets Grooming salons and we are on the lookout for you to join us in various locations across the UK.
Lead the way as Head Stylist: set high standards, inspire your team, inject fun, and create an amazing workplace and world-class customer experience.
Offering a great range of benefits, a competitive salary, and the opportunity to earn an annual bonus.
To apply
Chloë Lofthouse
Chloë gives us a huge update on how far she’s come within the pet grooming world since we last spoke!
In February 2020, I took the first step toward my dream by opening Central Bark as a table renter in two different salons in our village. Little did I know, this was the beginning of an incredible journey. Not long after, one of the salon owners approached me with the opportunity to take over the lease and purchase the business. I had always dreamed of owning my own high-street salon, so I seized the chance, invested all my savings, and officially opened my
own salon in March 2021. I offer a wide range of services, including mud baths, de-shedding, Emmi-Pet teeth cleaning, puppy sessions, and my speciality— handstripping. If I could handstrip all day, every day, I would be in my element! Some of my clients travel from outside the area for this specialised service.
My journey into the world of dog grooming began when I was just 13 years old – I am now approaching 30! My mother opened her own home salon,
and I quickly became involved with bathing and drying dogs. By the time I was 15, I was a fully-fledged groomer. I also competed in handstripping classes at grooming shows, winning the Best Handler 2015 achievement award after a restraint-free grooming session at the English Groomers Group Challenge.
Since my last feature in Total Grooming, a lot has changed. I made the bold decision to relocate the salon to a larger and better space within the village.
GROOMERS OF THE MONTH
This move came after a nearly year-long battle with my previous landlord, who had breached the lease. After months of relentless effort and a tight turnaround to get the new salon ready, all the hard work paid off. In September 2024, I proudly opened the doors to my dream salon.
The new salon boasts more space, new equipment—including my hydrobath, which I honestly could not live without now—and features a separate bathing and drying room. Our reception and waiting area has been expanded and now includes a retail space filled with natural dog treats. Our new location offers convenient parking and, unlike our previous space that was flooded with direct sunlight, we no longer need to close during the hottest parts of the year. Thanks to the new premises, business is booming, and I’m busier than ever! I’m now looking to hire an apprentice to help me manage the growing demand.
I’m incredibly grateful to the loyal clients who have supported me since day one. Without their trust, my dream would not have been possible. The majority of my clients adhere to a regular grooming cycle, coming in every 4-8 weeks, with a few opting for 3 to 4-week bath-tidy and full grooming rotations. In fact, 95% of my clients block-book for the entire year—the last two working weeks for December 2025 were fully booked by January!
Since the last time I was featured, I returned to the competition circuit in April 2024 after a nine-year break and entered the South East Grooming Show with Rhubarb, a Border Terrier in the “Open Handstrip Terrier” category—
my first time competing in the open group. I had an amazing experience, finishing in 3rd place and winning the “Best Technique” award, one of four special awards presented that morning. This reignited my passion for grooming competitions, and I look forward to entering more shows in the future.
Additionally, I was honoured to be nominated for Wiltshire’s Best Pet Grooming Business 2023 at the England Business Awards. The competition was fierce and was the largest category of the evening, and to my astonishment, I won! I was overwhelmed with gratitude for every single client who voted and supported me, as this recognition wouldn’t have been possible without
them.
My mission has always been to provide a healthy, positive grooming experience in a professional, stress-free environment. I treat every dog as if they were my own, with the same love and respect. The bond I develop with the dogs I groom is what truly drives me. No task is too big or small, and I’m especially passionate about working with dogs who have behavioural challenges. There’s nothing more rewarding than gaining the trust of a dog that was once terrified of grooming. I always ensure I never push a dog beyond their limits, focusing on building trust through time, patience, and plenty of high-reward treats. The end result is a happy, well-groomed
GROOMERS OF THE MONTH
pet, and knowing I’ve helped them get there is the most fulfilling part of my job. Central Bark has truly become my dream come true, and I’m excited for the future.
My top advice to all groomers is to prioritise your well-being and mental health by maintaining a healthy worklife balance. Without it, you’ll quickly feel overworked and risk burnout. Dog grooming is physically demanding, so listen to your body, invest in high-quality equipment, and make sure to take breaks. Fuel your body with proper meals rather than relying on snacks and energy drinks—your body will thank you in the long run.
It’s also crucial to establish solid policies, such as clear cancellation and no-show guidelines, and stick to them. Good customer service is key—owners want to feel confident and comfortable leaving their dogs with you. However, don’t allow customers to be rude or take advantage of you. Remember, it’s your business, and you have the right to enforce your rules.
Most importantly, make sure you are charging what you are worth. Do you fully understand your business’s daily or hourly costs? Don’t undercut yourself—don’t focus on what others are charging, as each groomer has different overheads and daily targets to meet. Know your numbers and stick to them. Dog grooming is a skilled, demanding job, and you deserve to be compensated for your hard work. If you’re unsure of your pricing or business costs, speak to an accountant or business coach. There’s plenty of support out there. I highly recommend Bill Betts’ Pet Passion to Profit Business Support group—his podcasts are especially insightful! Looking back, I wish I had discovered Bill and his program at the very start of my Central Bark journey. While I knew how to groom, I didn’t fully understand how to run a business to its fullest potential. Now, I have more confidence in myself and my business, and my business is thriving.
And for those of you who may have heard of Chet the Cockapoo and his viral hate mail on TikTok and Facebook—yes, I’m the dreaded dog groomer! If you haven’t heard of him yet, be sure to check out our Facebook page for a good laugh!
REDCAPE
Team Bean
Spring has almost sprung, and for this column, I would like to talk about networking, by Rachel Bean.
As business owners, it’s very possible that you are rather busy, and it’s easy to get into that headspace of just getting your head down and getting on with it.
But do you know what, there is something to be said for meeting likeminded people. Other business owners like you who have many of the same struggles or people with interests like yours.
That’s why, in my area, I helped to start the Saddleworth Pet Networking event, which is now in its second year.
It’s a chance for people who work with pets around my area to all meet up (in the pub, hooray) and have a good old chat, sometimes moan and learn from each other.
Since starting this event, we have seen an increase in numbers and in the all-important camaraderie that we hardworking pet professionals really need.
A chance to step out of our bubble and share our stories and worries. We can help each other, too, and through these events, I have created firm friends in the industry I love.
If you live in my neck of the woods, tap me up on Facebook and come along next time. But if you don’t, why not consider starting your own group of friendly pet professionals?
In other news, this month, Team Bean (me and Chili, my canine companion) have been on the road delivering canine first aid qualifications. If you would like us to come and see you, give us a shout!
I got to be in front of the camera, too, speaking about my life with animals, Vet on Set and Canine First Aid for a special feature for Poorly Paws, the canine first aid kits brands I am proud to work with.
I’m hoping to get to meet as many of you as possible at Crufts! Come and say hello to me if you are about!
I will be spending my time on the iPET Network, Poorly Paws, and the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training (CIDBT) stands.
So, for this column’s guidance, I am looking to spring (probably wishfully, given the weather):
Spring in the UK brings a lot of potential health hazards for dogs due to changes in weather, plants, and outdoor activities. Here are five common hazards and tips on how to help your dog in an emergency:
1. Pollen and Hay Fever
Hazard: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies due to pollen, leading to symptoms like itching, sneezing, and watery eyes.
What to Do: If you notice your dog showing signs of allergies, consult a vet. In emergencies, wiping down their paws and coats after walks can help reduce
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RACHEL BEAN MONTHLY
exposure, and using antihistamines may be recommended by your vet.
2. Fleas and Ticks
Hazard: Warm spring weather encourages fleas and ticks to become more active, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or cause flea infestations.
What to Do: Regularly check your dog for ticks after outdoor walks. In an emergency, remove ticks carefully using a tick remover tool, and seek veterinary attention for further treatment if needed.
3. Poisonous Plants
Hazard: Spring is when many plants bloom, including some toxic ones like daffodils, bluebells, and buttercups. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, drooling, and even organ failure.
What to Do: Keep dogs away from unfamiliar plants. If your dog ingests something potentially toxic, contact a vet or emergency animal hospital immediately for advice on how to proceed.
4. Heat Stroke
Hazard: Even though it’s not fully hot yet, sudden warm days can cause heatstroke, especially in breeds with short noses or
thick coats.
What to Do: Always ensure your dog has access to plenty of water and shade, and avoid walking them during the hottest part of the day. In case of heatstroke, move your dog to a cool area, apply cold water, and call the vet immediately.
5. Mud and Puddles (Leptospirosis Risk)
Hazard: Spring rains can create puddles
and muddy areas, which might contain Leptospirosis bacteria, a dangerous infection that can affect the liver and kidneys.
What to Do: Keep your dog out of stagnant water or muddy puddles. If your dog starts showing signs like vomiting, lethargy, or fever, see a vet immediately. Vaccination against Leptospirosis can also help prevent this infection.
To find out more about Rachel Bean, go to www.rachelbean.co.uk
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Springtime
This month celebrates my third year of writing this column, and I hope you are enjoying it. We are coming into Spring (thankfully for us humans!). By
Katie Gwilt - The Kat Lady
With the weather hopefully getting a little warmer, let’s talk about cats and shedding their fur, along with some of the problems it can cause, as well as other springtime concerns.
Shedding season
In the yearly cycle of a cat’s typical fur growth, there are two main times they do a full shedding. One is Autumn, when they start to grow their thick winter coat and shed their summer ones, and the other is now. Spring is usually the bigger of the two shedding seasons as they are letting that big, thick winter coat go and growing in a lighter, less dense summer coat. They are dropping lots of fur, which is also getting stuck against their skin, causing matting and pelting. Even shorthaired cats can get matted around this time of year if not given some extra TLC. For cats who go outdoors, this is more
noticeable as they are more sensitive to changes in temperature.
What
does
this mean for cat groomers?
One of the main things I am seeing at the moment is a lot of cats with dense fur are really struggling with shedding their fur and not having it get stuck against their skin. Cats that don’t usually knot easily are becoming matted and pelted. It is so easy to miss this type of shed fur for their humans as it is right at skin level and often feels like regular skin if you don’t know what matting feels like. It can go unnoticed until it is widespread and a real problem. Sometimes, people will try and clip the matting out themselves, which can lead to injuries and worse.
What can cat groomers do about it?
A lot is about the education of your
clients. Making sure that they are using the right combs and brushes for their specific cat’s fur is vital. People will take the time to brush their cat and then wonder why there are mats occurring, so let’s show them a few techniques they can use between visits. A lot of marketed brushes for cats will only comb the very top of the fur and not get to the roots, which is imperative at this time of year especially.
As cat groomers, we want to take extra time with those fluffy and dense cats in particular, especially if they are older or sick and aren’t able to groom themselves as well. Getting as much of that undercoat out is essential, and for some clients, it may mean increasing the frequency of their grooms at this time of year.
Clients may be noticing more fur balls at this time of year, too, so a really good brush is needed to prevent fur building
British shorthair Darcey and the pile of fur combed from her
up inside the cat’s body. Bathing cats will help to remove excess shed fur where possible.
Personally, I don’t bathe many cats as I find most do not tolerate the drying process well enough for it to be overall beneficial. I always do a test with the drier before bathing a cat, and you may need to be extra careful of elderly cats, cats with heart problems or are brachycephalic (flat-faced) and may struggle to breathe under a drier.
Lion Cuts Yes or No
I find that clients start to ask for lion cuts around this time of year and in the summer to help cats keep cool. Again, education is key here. Cat fur is thermoregulating and is designed to help keep them both warm and cool. The UK isn’t usually too extreme in weather changes (although this year we have already had two storms!), plus a lion cut takes away a level of protection from the sun and the harmful UV rays. I do find myself doing more lion cuts in the spring, as by the time the matting has been noticed, it is usually widespread across the cat’s body. Again, I try to educate so it doesn’t happen again in the next year.
I make judgement calls depending on the cat’s health and habits. Outdoors cats, I will try to avoid a full shave if possible as we still have quite a few cold spots, and they are exploring unknown environments like prickly bushes.
Working environment for cat grooming
As there is so much fur flying around at the moment, make sure the space you groom in is well-ventilated. You don’t want to be ingesting all that fur, either! If needed, you could wear a face mask to protect your airways, but be aware many cats can find these intimidating. Keep a spare uniform with you if you need to change between extra fluffy cats, and have some decent lint rollers and other products that safely remove fur from your clothes.
On the subject of cleaning, give your washing machine some extra care, too. Check it for clogged hair and give it a good clean-out. There are products that dissolve animal fur, but always check if they are safe to use with cats specifically. With cleaning products, always carefully check ingredients and stick to unscented or neutral smells like oatmeal where possible.
Health check
Shedding is part of the natural life cycle of a cat’s fur and is a normal process. It keeps their skin and coat healthy. It is always worth reminding people, though, that excess shedding can sometimes be an indication of a medical issue like hyperthyroidism or diabetes as well as underlying problems with the kidneys, lives, adrenal glands and even some types of cancer. If in doubt, always refer the cat to the vet for a full check-up.
Watch out for fleas!
As it gets warmer, the dreaded flea season really gets going, too. They can hide in matted fur to escape the reach of chemical treatments.
Now is a good time to check what precautions you have in place to deal with fleas in your workspace and what you will do if you groom a cat that you find fleas on.
Remember, you are not a vet and cannot diagnose a medical condition (including fleas), but you can point out signs and suggest a vet visit. Most flea and tick medication is now on a prescription basis, and the cat will need a vet to sign off on any treatment.
Shaving off a pelted coat on Butterfly
Fur combed from long-haired Persian Duchess February 2025
Grooming Goddess
In early 2023, fourteen years into my grooming career, I noticed a worrying trend among fellow groomers—forums were flooded with business questions about pricing, marketing, and customer service, alongside heartbreaking mentions of burnout and salon closures. For some, the dream of grooming had turned into a burden.
I’ve been there myself. At one point, I nearly walked away from it all. But I found a way back—achieving work-life balance, financial stability, and a diary full of ideal clients while rediscovering my love for grooming.
Confession: I don’t think traditional business advice always works for women in our industry. We don’t thrive on hustle culture or constant pressure to push, push, sell, sell!
I believe women can build thriving businesses in alignment with what feels good to them—attracting their dream owners instead of chasing them. I know
because I did.
That’s why I created The Grooming Goddess Academy, originally a social media page, but now an online membership, designed for female dog groomers ready to make small tweaks or big changes in their business but unsure where to start.
With monthly modules on Pricing, Branding, Social Media, Marketing, and more, we can slowly start pressing the “reset” button on the areas of our business that we want to change.
We provide monthly templates to plug straight into your business, monthly Zoom Q&As, and expert interviews. Plus, our private members’ forum and the ‘Inner Work & Mindset Area’ are there to help women slowly battle imposter syndrome, establish boundaries and feel worthy of every business move they make.
I do a happy dance every day when I get a notification a new member has joined. To see women taking hold of
their businesses and demanding more for themselves will never not be the best feeling ever.
Karen
Fisher Founder of ‘The Grooming Goddess Academy”
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)
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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!
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.
