Groomer to Groomer April 2019 by Barkleigh Productions

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 38 ED.4 • APRIL 2019

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CONTENTS | APRIL 2019

USING BEHAVIORAL

CUES

DETERMINE Quitting is never an option FELINE TEMPERAMENT

STACI ADAM’S STORY 22 by Kathy Hosler 38

by Deborah Hansen

Berry: To Cat or Not to Cat: What's Your Answer 6

Comb Cat Tutorial

Spring: The Season for Self–Care

The Err is to Human, to Purr Divine

Groom Expo West 2019 Contest Results

PetQuest 2019 Show Preview

Knowles: There is No Worm in Ringworm 30

New Products

Berry: Cats By the Numbers

Groomer Humor

Connor: Choosing Cat Safe Grooming Products 46

Classifieds 76

Evans: Teaching Your Way to Success

Calendar of Events

FAT

FREE

FELINES & FIDOS

by Sam Kohl ON THE COVER

ASSISTANT EDITOR Gwen Shelly gwen@barkleigh.com

SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenn Barraclough jennifer@barkleigh.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs james@barkleigh.com

JR. GRAPHIC MARKETING DESIGNER COORDINATOR Jenny Thomas Alyx Robertson jthomas@barkleigh.com alyx@barkleigh.com

MANAGING EDITOR Rebecca Shipman rebecca@barkleigh.com WEB MASTER PUBLIC RELATIONS/ Luke Dumberth SOCIAL MEDIA luke@barkleigh.com COORDINATOR CHIEF OPERATIONS Evan Gummo OFFICER evan@barkleigh.com VIDEO DIRECTOR Adam Lohr Jeremiah Strawbridge adam@barkleigh.com jeremiah@barkleigh.com AD COORDINATOR/ ADMIN ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR VIDEO PRODUCTION Karin Grottola karin@barkleigh.com Laura Pennington Becca Tarlo rtarlo@barkleigh.com laura@barkleigh.com

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!”

Michell Evans

VOL. 38 ED.4 • APRIL 2019

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

Kathy Hosler Daryl Conner Khris Berry Michelle Knowles

CHOOSING

CAT SAFE

GROOMING PRODUCTS

IA L EC

EDITOR/PRESIDENT Todd Shelly todd@barkleigh.com

CATS BY THE

NUMBERS

Copyright April 2019. Groomer to Groomer is published monthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Groomer to Groomer c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Annual U.S. subscription rate $25. Outside U.S. $79. year, surface rates. Groomer to Groomer is free to current Barkleigh Productions, Inc. customers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX: (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

Cat Not Cat :

GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS by Khris Berry

WHAT’S

YOUR ANSWER?

There are a few subjects that can divide a room of groomers very quickly: pay types, doodles, shear choices or favorite breed of dog are a few examples. But while groomers are finding common ground on many subjects, they continue to be vastly separated on the subject of cat grooming.

or the sake of this article, let’s assume that there are only two classes of pet groomers in the marketplace—those who DO groom cats and those who DO NOT groom cats. It is difficult to find any groomers who do not fit into one of those categories. Cat Groomers can recite the many benefits of adding feline grooming to their suites of services,

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

including increased revenue, increased customer base and filling a much needed area of the pet grooming market. And pet groomers who do not services cats can recite many logical reasons to avoid the service, including danger, risk to groomer and pet, lack of education and lack of proper facilities. To bridge the divide between these two camps of groomers, this

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article will include considerations for groomers who are curious about what’s going on with the “other side” of this discussion. Hopefully, you will find new insight, respect or perspective for groomers who choose to offer or not offer feline services.

EDUCATION Just because a pet groomer knows how to use their tools—from

Cat and dog grooming are fundamentally the same processes—clean the pet, manage variable coat types, provide styling to the owner’s taste and budget, and provide the owner with regular detailed reports on the skin and coat health of their pet. bathtub to dryer to clippers, few can successfully manage a career grooming cats without proper education. Thankfully, driven in large part by market demand and opportunity, education for cat groomers is becoming easier to acquire. Avenues such as the National Cat Groomers Institute are offering complete certification courses and support for both experienced and new cat groomers. Finding an education offering which aligns with

your philosophy and provides sound, hands–on training in technique is a great way to launch or revive a career grooming cats. Books, DVD’s, online courses and seminars can be great tools for learning breeds, health issues, temperaments and for building general knowledge.

EQUIPMENT If you are considering offering cat grooming, or perhaps already do offer the service, utilizing proper

equipment is an important aspect to achieving success and safety. In reviewing your ability to offer cat services, a groomer should look at cages/containment, dryers, proper clipper types, safe cat blades, and appropriate products for managing feline coat and skin needs. Cat and dog grooming are fundamentally the same processes— clean the pet, manage variable coat types, provide styling to the owner’s taste and budget, and provide the

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owner with regular detailed reports on the skin and coat health of their pet. The tools to accomplish these tasks; however, can vary based upon the species. For example, cages which may provide comfort and ease for dog grooming and drying may be too open and vented for cat comfort. Cage floors as well as the spacing and material of the enclosure for cats can often be different from dog needs—easy sanitation with all pets is a must. Choose a clipper that offers a quiet clipper experience with the ever safe 10 blade option. Dryers with variable speeds allow adjustment to gauge a cat’s individual tolerance level. Many cat groomers prefer to groom cats on their laps; the use of a stool or chair will allow

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that flexibility. While assessing your environment, placing your table in a corner to eliminate escape routes as well as offer environmental confinement can often serve to allow a cat to settle into their grooming process more easily as well. If you are currently grooming cats or considering adding these services, attention to the equipment above will enable you to accommodate your feline clients more easily. Opinions range widely on offering cats a private litter box during their visit or simply limiting their service time to ensure that they are not required to “hold” their bladder or bowels for excessive amounts of time. On the pro side of the argument, cats will be more relaxed and

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Have you considered offering cats as a specialty? In my salons, we designate one day per month for “Caturdays” and offer cat only grooming. This eliminates stimulation and reactivity between cat/dog species. less likely to eliminate during their grooming service. On the con side, many cats will not readily utilize a foreign litter box/litter and there is always the increased effort and cost associated to set up, clean, dispose of and sanitize.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Have you considered offering cats as a specialty? In my salons, we des-

ignate one day per month for “Caturdays” and offer cat only grooming. This eliminates stimulation and reactivity between cat/dog species. Whether the cats are reactive and defensive or the dogs are overly stimulated by sharing their grooming space with a cat, everyone rests easier knowing that cats have their own space and groomers can shift their skill sets toward cat– centered thinking.

One of the biggest factors which deters pet groomers from offering feline services is the risk and danger to the groomer’s personal health. All bites are serious, but cat bites bring a new level of medical attention and concern due to increased risk of blood infections. Cat scratches offer a lesser but still concerning hazard. Learning to minimize the risk by addressing cat grooming with proper

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Many pet professionals can readily recite vaccine recommendations for dogs, as well as the sanitation and prevention protocol for those. Those same professionals may not be as versed on communicable and infectious feline health issues—again, education is key to providing a complete service. equipment and better education on cat behavior is not only recommended but basically necessary before you consider grooming another cat. There is no shame in limiting your cat grooming services to cats who are social and learn to tolerate the process; learn your own limitations and stick to them for the safety of all concerned. Many pet professionals can readily recite vaccine recommendations for

dogs, as well as the sanitation and prevention protocol for those. Those same professionals may not be as versed on communicable and infectious feline health issues—again, education is key to providing a complete service. Every pet professional must make their own choices when selecting the services they offer. The reasons they choose to offer or not offer cat

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grooming are as unique as the groomer themselves. Opportunity for cat grooming is at an all–time high—and demand for groomers is ever increasing. Using the information above, you may reconsider adding cat grooming to your existing business or review how your cat services are serving your business currently. The time for cat grooming to enter the spotlight and stand as its own service is Meow! ✂

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

E by Mary Oquendo e

Spring (aka Mud Season) can be a busy time for us. And wouldn’t it be nice if we weren’t so exhausted and could enjoy the warmer weather and flowering gardens? Does it seem like that’s out of reach? Are we doomed to never stop and smell the roses?

he good news is that we don’t have to make a decision between making awesome money and enjoying the sweet smell of Spring. We can have both! It starts with instituting a self–care routine.

WHAT IS SELF–CARE? Self–care is any action or behavior that helps us to avoid causing health problems while improving our overall wellbeing. And there are two aspects to self–care: Physical and Mental. It isn’t just that we take pains to care for our physical needs, our mental state must be considered as well. Some suggestions for a self–care routine include: 1. Set a schedule with specific times where work is not on the radar. Shut off the business phone and don’t read emails, texts or your

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

Facebook business page—even if someone is having a meltdown. It can wait until the next business day. We do not need to be at the beck and call of clients. Have you ever tried to resolve an issue with any other business after hours? No! Because you knew the office was closed and it would HAVE to wait until the next day. Those businesses have set clear boundaries. We can do the same. People can become stressed when their normally clean smelling pet has just been skunked. There is no need for you to clean their pet at 11pm. 2. Engage in two minutes of sustained, full body physical movement every hour throughout your day. That’s a walk around a shop or up and down the block if you’re mobile. The human body was designed for motion. When

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we become overwhelmed, our bodies produce stress hormones. The animals in our care can smell those stress hormones on us and, as a result, may become reactive. Movement helps to dissipate such hormones. Those two minutes every hour will do wonders for your overall health.1 3. Get enough sleep. We all have different sleep patterns. It isn’t about the amount of time, but rather the correct amount for you. If you have trouble falling asleep and it isn’t medical in nature, you may try: a) Institute the two–hour rule: no electronics, food, alcohol or exercise two hours before bed. b) Did you know that our gut produces most of our serotonin, aka sleep hormone? Poor quality diet or foods high in inflammatory content such as sugars and dairy can hinder

production of serotonin. Reduce your intake of such foods. c) Implement self–care suggestions 1 and 2 of this article. 4. Take your time waking up. This is not to be confused with hitting the snooze button for the next hour. A sleep cycle is anywhere between 60 and 120 minutes. When you hit the snooze button, you interrupt that cycle. It will make you more tired throughout the day. Instead, don’t rush out of bed. A 10–minute cuddle will do more for your emotional wellbeing than the snooze button. 5. Eat breakfast and stop working through lunch. Breakfast kick starts your metabolism. Breakfast gets you moving. Stopping and eating lunch

raises your blood sugar, allowing you to continue working efficiently for the rest of the day. 6. Listen to a podcast—something fun or educational. Avoid the ones that will raise your blood pressure. Save those for after work. 7. Recognize your emotional state. If you need to step back, then do so. Put the pet away and take some time to regroup. 8. Pay it forward. Do something nice for someone else. An article in the July 2006 Psychology Today concluded that random acts of kindness are a mood booster. You feel better about yourself and in control of your life when you regularly engage in kindness. 9. Haven’t used those massage gift

Eat breakfast and stop working through lunch. Breakfast kick starts your metabolism. Breakfast gets you moving.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

cards you got during the holidays? Your body and mind will thank you. 10. A September 2013 article in Psychology Today concluded that meditation improves health, happiness, social life, self–control, brain function, productivity and wisdom.2 Don’t know how to meditate? Here are some ideas: a) Deep breathing. Sit or lie down comfortably. Slowly count to four while inhaling through your nose. Feel your stomach rise. Hold your breath for a second. Slowly count to four

while you exhale. Repeat several times. b) Visualization. Close your eyes, relax and imagine a peaceful place. Engage all your senses. Feel yourself there. c) Tai Chi, yoga, or qi gong. They all utilize meditation in practice. d) Use a guided meditation track. Some are free on YouTube and your app store, others for a nominal charge on Amazon.

instead of wondering where the time went. But the key is consistency. In order for self–care to be effective, it must be practiced on a regular basis. ✂

Find us on

Twitter!

@barkleighinc

By taking care of ourselves now, we can enjoy time with our families

References: 1 2

https://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown–health/featured–topic/the–importance–of–movement https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/feeling–it/201309/20–scientific–reasons–start–meditating–today.

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GROOMING

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

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Mindful techniques to reduce stress & improve health. Calming handling procedures for both cats and dogs. Equipment suggestions to make your job easier & safer. Natural cleaning options, marketing tips & more!

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

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FIRST PLACE, OPEN: MACKENSIE MURPHY

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

USING BEHAVIORAL

CUES

DETERMINE

FELINE TEMPERAMENT E by Deborah Hansen e

s feline groomers, we need to do everything in our power to make each groom as safe and stress free as possible for both the groomer and the cat. Quickly identifying compliant, aggressive and shy temperaments in cats, and then knowing the general guidelines to use with that temperament during the grooming process will help to make your cat grooming flow smoothly.

DETERMINING TEMPERAMENT To begin, we need to focus on the feline’s behavior at check–in. The moment a cat is presented to you, you can tell many things about the cat from the behavior it is presenting

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

Quickly identifying compliant, aggressive and shy temperaments in cats, and then knowing the general guidelines to use with that temperament during the grooming process will help to make your cat grooming flow smoothly. at that moment. While some cats enter the grooming environment in a crate, many come by some other form of transportation. While observing a cat in a carrier can be easy, asking questions about why the feline is not in a crate can provide GroomertoGroomer.com

you with a wealth of information. When an owner presents a cat to you in a crate, the cat is easy to observe. If you place the carrier on a flat surface and give the feline a minute to recover from the jostling of being carried, you can then observe

AGGRESSIVE

CATS ARE usually located near the front of the

crate and appear ready to run out as soon as the door is opened. the cat’s temperament. If a cat is curious yet cautious in the carrier, we will consider this type of cat compliant. You can test this by wiggling your fingers on the outside of the crate near where the cat is positioned inside. This will intrigue a compliant feline. A cat is obviously aggressive if

there is growling and hissing coming from the crate. Aggressive cats are usually located near the front of the crate and appear ready to run out as soon as the door is opened. It is also important to know that aggressive cats can sneak by the best of us as compliant until they unexpectedly attack. Some aggressive cats

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will instantly turn from compliant to aggressive as if an internal switch has been activated. Shy cats are easily identifiable as the ones in the back of the carrier hiding under a towel or their sibling. These cats will look like they are hoping to blend into their environment and vanish from sight. While the shyness is the key factor in handling these cats, keep in mind, out of fear, they will become compliant or aggressive. When a cat is presented to you that is not in a crate, it is important to determine if the owner just does not have or believe in crates or if the cat has a true crate issue. Asking the owner what happens when the feline is put into a crate not only helps you understand the cat, but establishes confidence in you as the professional and assures the client that you truly care about them and their cat. If the owner shares with you that the feline will go into the carrier and they prefer not to use one, we can establish that the cat probably falls into the compliant category. On the other hand, if the cat puts out all fours, makes terrible noises, and bites and scratches, it can be tricky to pick up on its temperament. By asking a follow up question you can glean a wealth of information.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU LET THE CAT GO? Does the cat run and hide under the bed or in the closet? If the feline hides following the episode, it may fall into the shy category.

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“What happens after you let the cat go?” Does the cat run and hide under the bed or in the closet? If the feline hides following the episode, it may fall into the shy category. Does the cat turn and fight? Does the cat swat at you for the rest of the day? These cats are usually the aggressive cats. If an owner tells you the cat is “mad at me” for attempting to put it in a crate, it is important to continue the conversation by asking, “How does your cat show you it is mad?” While asking questions takes time, it puts the owners at ease and will help you establish how to begin the grooming of this cat.

COMPLIANT, AGGRESSIVE, SHY, NOW WHAT? A compliant cat is slightly curious in the carrier. The grooming process will go smoothly for these cats. These cats will lie on your grooming table, stand for the bath and make the grooming process easy and enjoyable for everyone involved. As you develop and refine your grooming techniques, these cats will become the highlight of your day. Aggressive cats are usually the growly, hissy cats. However, they can be calm at check–in and spring a sneak attack as soon as the grooming begins. These felines need the groomer to be quick, precise and intentional during the groom. This type of cat moves very fast and will lunge or attack without hesitation. To combat their speed, your best course of action is to distract then grab, always keeping yourself out of the bite zone and out of their line of sight. Taking these cats right to the bath will take away the majority of the fight in them. Shy cats will become compliant or aggressive out of fear. While keeping in mind the secondary

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temperament characteristic (compliant or aggressive), the cat needs to be foremost treated as a shy cat. Shy cats need to feel safe and secure. Often times, these cats will push their heads into your body, towel or anything else they hope to “disappear” into. By covering their heads during the grooming process, holding them close to you and making sure to support their bodies, they will retain their shy tendencies and be easier to handle. When shy cats become aggressive, offering a way to “hide” will provide security, reassuring them in the grooming process. It is also important to stay out of the bite zone

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

since the cat may strike unexpectedly. Sometimes a short break, calming massage or just holding the cat close to your body will help the cat build up the confidence needed to continue the groom without outbursts of aggressive behavior. When an owner hands you a cat, it is important to observe the behaviors the cat is exhibiting. Using general feline grooming techniques with knowledge of temperament types, then fine tuning them to meet the specific cat you are grooming will provide a positive experience for the feline, owner and groomer. ✂ Deborah Hansen, CFMG, CFCG, is the

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owner of a successful feline exclusive house call business, Kitty’s Purrfect Spa in California. She is the creative talent behind Feline Artistic Creations and founder of “Deborah’s Programs,” a complete rebooking program for cats. Deborah is also the owner and creator of Kitty’s Kopy Kats, a stationary store for cat groomers, and author of multiple articles in Groomer to Groomer magazine, Purrfect Pointers and local publications on the topics of feline grooming, issues that affect felines, and business growth. She teaches, speaks and consults on the topics of all things feline, including grooming, environment, behavior, and creative grooming. Additionally, she teaches business and online presence for groomers. deborahhansen.com

ALL THINGS PAW

by Michelle Knowles

ermatophytosis, or Ringworm as this condition is referred to, is caused by forty or so different keratin–loving fungi dermatophytes with Trichophyton and Microsporum being the most commonly diagnosed. This condition is zoonotic, passable between animals and humans, and can spread like wildfire if not eradicated from the afflicted pet, all other pets and the entire living quarters where the affected pets live. This can also mean checking and possibly treating human family members as well.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

Being a type of fungus, or plant, there is no actual worm. Fungi love warm, dark and wet places. Tightly matted coats or coats that are thick with uncarded undercoat are prime breeding ground for this issue to appear. Being a type of fungus, or plant, there is no actual worm. Fungi love warm, dark and wet places. Tightly matted coats or coats that are thick GroomertoGroomer.com

with uncarded undercoat are prime breeding ground for this issue to appear. Although, any coat type, including human, can become infected

INTRODUCING

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING COLLECTION

by contact with an infected individual or an article of clothing or shared object that has been handled by an infected individual. The symptoms are raised, red, circular lesions where the hair is damaged or lost in the middle. The skin inside the lesion may be flaky and/or moist. Intense scratching and secondary infections may appear as the skin becomes compromised further. It has been further documented that other pets in the household can be carriers of the infection but show no symptoms, so it is always important to treat every pet in the household even when it is found on only one. A veterinarian visit is necessary in order to get a proper diagnosis. There are internal medications that may need to be prescribed as well as topical treatments that can be

performed by a thorough pet aesthetician, groomer or a trained bathing technician. Not every pet will need to have internal medication as well as topical treatments, except for cats. Topical treatments should be performed one to two times weekly, depending on the vet instructions and the severity of the infection. Each treatment session should include some type of clay mask, such as white or rose kaolin, to bring the skin to a neutral state. This should be followed either by the prescribed anti–fungal shampoo or a medicated shampoo that includes ketoconazole or any of the “zole” family. When accompanied by chlorhexidine, this will also help balance the bacteria that may be overgrown on the skin. Five to ten minutes of soaking in this solution will give the best result.

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After rinsing well, a light conditioner should be applied with minerals and collagen added for cell support. In cats, this internal and topical treatment duration may be prolonged in order to keep the infection under control. When ringworm is found in the salon environment, it is time for a deep cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, tables, hand tools, tubs, and any other area that is contacted by pets and people. It is important to be aware of what ringworm looks like so that you can recognize the symptoms and immediately advise the owner to seek veterinary treatment for the infected pet. Having a foundational knowledge of Dermatophytosis will help you maintain a safe and hygienic salon environment. ✂

References: Simpanya, F.M., 2000. Dermatophytes: their taxonomy, ecology and pathogenicity. In: Kushwaha, R.K.S., Guarro, J. (Eds.), Biology of Dermatophytes and other Keratinophylic Fungi. Revista Iberoamericana de Micología, Bilbao, Spain, pp. 1–12. Zdovc, I., Miˇcunovi, J., Pirˇs, T., Ocepek, M., 2004. Occurrence of dermatophytes in dogs and cats and their susceptibility to antifungal drugs. Vet. Dermatol. 15 (Suppl. 1), 44. Pier, A.C., Smith, J.M.B., Alexiou, H., Ellis, D.H., Lund, A., Pritchard, R.C., 1994. Animal ringworm – its aetiology, public health significance and control. J. Med. Vet. Mycol. 32 (Suppl. 1), 133–150.

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E by Khris Berry e

The world around us is changing at a super sonic pace. As we adapt, adopt and acclimate ourselves to a world punctuated by technology—it’s also fun to stop on occasion and take advantage of the accessibility of data and statistics which is ever more readily available.

et’s apply that and take a look at some statistics that relate to man’s second–best friend— the feline. Here are some numbers and facts I’ve taken the liberty to compile from recently released reports

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

on Cat (and Pet) Ownership in the United States. These are the cats of the world, by number: • There are approximately 94.2 million cats (and 89.7 million Dogs) living as pets in the United States. • Between 1988 and 2018, the

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number of pet–owning households in the US increased from 56% to 68%, equating to over 87 million homes with pets.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

A cat can jump up to 5 times its own height in a single bound.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

• And who owns all those pets? Millennials are now the largest demographic of pet–owning households, owning 35% of all pets in the US. • The Ecology Global Network has estimated that there are nearly 600 million household–size cats in the world including pets, strays and feral cats. Feral cats alone are estimated to number nearly 100 million individuals. • Forty million households in the United States live with a cat. Of those homes, 52% own multiple cats. The average cat owner owns 2.1 cats. More women than men own cats but only by a slight percentage. • Cats can make about 100 different sounds (dogs can make about 10). • The percentage of US households with a cat is 45.3% compared to 56.7% of households with a dog. Estimates are fewer than 1 in 15 Pet Groomers offer cat grooming. Recommended starting ticket prices for certified cat groomers are between $85–$100 per cat. • Cats can travel at top speed up

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to 31 mph over short distances. A cat can jump up to 5 times its own height in a single bound. • Cat owners will visit the veterinarian an average of 2.4 times each year, spending an average of $245 per cat in veterinary expenses. The cost to own a cat during its first year is $1,070 while the average cost to own a dog during its first year is $1,270. None of these costs include the purchase or adoption fee to acquire your new friend. • At least one third of all pet cats are acquired as strays. Black and white (Tuxedo) cats are the least likely color to be adopted while orange cats earn the highest adoption rates. • Worldwide, cats typically have an average of 4 kittens in each litter but can range from 1 to 12 kittens. Larger litters are seen in breeds such as Oriental, Siamese and Burmese pedigree cats. A group of cats is called a clowder

and a group of kittens is called a kindle. • Vermont boasts the highest number of cat owners per capita of any state with a whopping 49.5% of all Vermont homes being shared with a cat. Worldwide, the United States offers homes to the greatest number of pet cats with China being next in line as cat lovers. • There are nearly 40 recognized distinct cat breeds worldwide. The smallest pedigreed cat is a Singapura which can weigh just 4 pounds. The top honors in the cat world in the size division go to Maine Coon cats which can weigh up to 25 pounds— which is nearly double the weight of the average cat. • Cat owners are more likely to spay or neuter their pets with over 88% of all pet cats being reported as altered. As an interesting side note, less than 10% of animals who are owner surrendered to shelters are spayed or neutered. • While cats were popular among burial tombs from 4,000 to 6,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, the oldest reported pet cat was found in a 9,500–year–old joint burial tomb with a human on the island of Cyprus, according to National Geographic. • Like the humans who love them, cats also have 2 sets of teeth. Their 1st set is often called primary, milk or kitten teeth and consists of 26 teeth. Their adult set consists 30 permanent teeth. • Cats typically have a total of 18 toes; five on each fore paw, and 4 toes on each hind paw. Polydactyl cats can have as many as 8 digits on their front or hind paws. The Guinness World Record for the most toes on a cat is held by a cat named Paws who has a total of 28 toes. • Cats have about 24 whiskers on their muzzles as well as additional whiskers on their eyes, chins and back of their front legs above their paws (called Carpal whiskers). • Cats have more bones than a

human (206), with 230 at maturation (245 at birth) and their clavicle or collar bone is free floating in their body deep inside their shoulder muscles. Cats are the next best friend after dogs to mankind worldwide; they are the Robin Hood to our Batman; they are the macaroni to our cheese. Hopefully this helps us to learn a little more about a familiar pet, and preserve an interesting fact or two to share with our cat clients. ✂ Statistics sources above include 2017–2018 American Pet Products Association, National Owners Survey, American Veterinary Association Annual Survey Sourcebook, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy.

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Quitting an option

is never

STACI ADAM’S STORY Everyone faces challenges and

difficulties in their life. Some are stressful or annoying, while others are life changing. 38

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

ow you react to them determines whether the situation breaks you or makes you stronger. When faced with difficulties, so many people spend their time and energy on anger or blaming others for the obstacles in their life—while others, like Staci Adam, simply fight onward. Hers is an unbelievable story of courage and overcoming impossible situations....

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E by Kathy Hosler e

Staci Adam began her journey into the grooming industry when she went to work for Tropiclean in 1995. She and her husband, Matt, both worked for them until the end of 2008. That’s when they purchased the Cosmos Bathing System division from its parent company, Tropiclean. Introduced in 1985, Cosmos was the first bathing system in the grooming industry. They rent and sell the systems to groomers all over the United States.

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Matt and Staci enthusiastically embraced the role of business owners. “But, in the beginning, it was a real challenge.” says Staci. “We knew all about the Cosmos system, shampoos, and groomers—but we knew nothing about being business owners.” They each had their own talents to contribute to the partnership. Matt did most of the contact work with manufacturers and parts suppliers, and Staci kept the office running. They both loved going to trade shows and to the different grooming salons to install their bathing systems. Their business steadily increased, and life was good. Then everything came to a screeching halt. In March of 2014, 43–year–old Matt was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident. A shattered Staci was left to operate the business on her own. “Trying to run Cosmos by myself was (at first) overwhelming,” recalls Staci. “Since Matt died unexpectedly, some of it involved trying to figure out what he had in place. He handled the everyday operations, and I paid the bills, but I didn’t know how he went about ordering, and what agreements he had with different businesses and suppliers. “A lot of what Matt did was by verbal agreements. It worked great for him, but it didn’t help me to know what to do.” Then she quickly adds, “That won’t happen anymore. I write everything down now.” Unfortunately, a couple of companies that they did business with tried to take advantage of Staci and her inexperience in running a business. They tried to charge her substantially more for some parts she needed for the

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“My 23–year–old son, Matthew, was in a devastating skateboarding accident in August of 2016,” Staci says. “He had multiple serious injuries, including a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), he broke both of his femurs, and required multiple surgeries.” shampoo system, and wanted her to place very large orders. “I had to learn to think like a businesswoman,” says Staci firmly. “Since I was familiar with the financial end, I told them that I knew those weren’t the agreements that Matt had made with them in the past.” Staci stuck to her guns and eventually was able to work out a favorable agreement with the supplier. “It was a real challenge for me to take care of my customers, handle

the financial aspects of the business, and keep my inventory fully stocked,” says Staci. “My father– in–law helped immensely by doing system installations. And the rest of my family did as much as they could, especially my son, Matthew.” Staci wasn’t about to let her customers down, and was determined to keep the dream that she and Matt had alive. Things were starting to look bright when, once again, the unthinkable happened.

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“My son is now at a more stable point,” says Staci with a warm smile. “He’s still in a wheel chair, but

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his prognosis is good. I can take him to the shows with me, and he is with me in the booth wearing his headset or on his computer.”

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he is recovering and re–learning to do things. It’s a very slow process, but he is making progress.” Where does Staci get the strength to run her business and also be a full–time caregiver for her son? “From the Lord,” she says emphatically. “When I was at my lowest, He was there to keep me going. And my family and friends support me in every way they can. Knowing that they are there really helps.” Matthew was in a nursing facility until the beginning of 2018, when he had improved to the point where he could move home with his mom. “My son is now at a more stable point,” says Staci with a warm smile. “He’s still in a wheel chair, but his prognosis is good. I can take him to the shows with me, and he is with me in the booth wearing his headset or on his computer. Recently, I have started taking him with me while I am doing service work and local installations.” After everything Staci has endured, she remains upbeat, caring and courageous. And through it all, her focus has always been geared toward helping others. “As my son continues to improve, I am able to devote more time to the company,” Staci says. “One of my goals is to make life easier and better for the groomers. I want to help their businesses run smoother and their profits to climb.” Staci has faced a lifetime worth of tragedy and problems in the last four years. But, her faith, family and inner strength have helped her through each challenge and allowed her to forge ahead with her plans for the future. For Staci Adam, quitting is never an option—in business or in life. No matter what! ✂

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GROOMING PRODUCTS When it comes to choosing products to use when grooming cats, proceed with caution. 46

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

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roomers are at a disadvantage when it comes to knowing what products are truly safe for cats because there are currently no laws regarding labeling for pet care products. This means we are left having to trust that the manufacturer has the information and desire to tell us if the contents in the bottle are safe to be used on cats or not. The reason that we must be extra careful when deciding what to use on the felines in our care is that cats lack the liver enzyme glucuronyl transferase. This means that they do not break down toxins in their liver in the same manner that dogs, or even humans, do. To put it simply, the lack of this enzyme makes cats susceptible to all manners of toxins, including human medications, alcohol, many plants, chocolate and a wide array of pesticides. Sometimes the result of exposure is not seen immediately, but toxins may build up over the lifetime of the pet. Essential oils can be problematic for cats, and since they are very popular right now, they can be found in many pet care products such as shampoos. Some groomers even use them in diffusers to make the air smell pleasant. Essential oils can be absorbed through the animal’s skin, as well as orally. Since cats are self–groomers and lick their fur, any essential oils applied to the skin and coat will also be ingested orally. Cats are also known to be sensitive to phenols and phenolic compounds, which may be found in

some essential oils. Cat grooming specialist Sheryl If a cat you are grooming shows any of the following Woods (Wet Whisker Cat Grooming symptoms, seek immediate veterinary assistance: Ltd, Bloomingdale, IL), regarding the use of toxins in pet care products says, • TREMBLING • FOAMING AT THE MOUTH “Some common essential oils are tea tree oil, d–limonene and peppermint. • DROOLING • STAGGERING Peppermint is used in some ear clean• SEIZURE ers and is an oil that contains greater than 20% ketones and more than 8% • COLLAPSE phenols. Tea tree is in a group of toxic phenols, of which several spices and • DIFFICULTY BREATHING citronella are members.” It is not unusual to find products Bring along all products GNISO labeled as “cat safe” that contain these OH used GNISon the cat so the orCother essential oils. In some cases, OOHC the concentration is very small, but veterinary professional due to the lack of labeling, there is no way for groomers to know what the can ascertain the best concentration is. Beyond shampoo, treatment for the pet. pet products as seemingly simple and common as ear cleaner can be toxic to

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

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cats. Many pet ear cleaners contain alcohol, which is known to be a danger. Coat sprays, colognes and even anti–static and dematting sprays can contain chemicals which are toxic to cats. Kim Raisanen, President of the Professional Cat Groomers Association of America says, “If you plan to use any of these topical products on cats, be sure you know and understand the ingredients. Many sprays contain alcohol or other dangerous chemicals. It is best to play it safe by not using these products at all on cats.” So, how can you tell if a product is safe for cats? Choose shampoos and conditioners from manufacturers who voluntarily choose to use clear labels and have the least possible number of ingredients. Avoid product lists that are excessively

SHAMPOOS & CONDITIONERS Avoid product lists that are excessively long, choosing instead shorter, more simple lists.

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I hereby grant permi ssion to this groom ing establishment emergency veterin to obtain ary treatment for my pet at my expen that cats have a greate se. Also, realizing r chance of injury during grooming, grooming establishmen I will not hold this t responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

long, choosing instead shorter, more simple lists. Sandy Gyorgyi, Manager at Showseason Animal Products says, “When you are looking for a cat safe product, be sure there are no essential oils, such as terpenes, lemon terpenes and d–limonene. You most often find these in flea or de–greasing products.” Products that claim to be “all natural” are not necessarily safe, either. Mary Oquendo, a popular grooming educator and Pet Tech First Aid instructor says, “I’m not worried about the chemicals in cat care products as much as I am the botanicals and essential oils. Beyond the safety factor, I want to know where things are being sourced and are they free from pesticides, fertilizers and petroleum products.” Some common cleaning products can pose a threat to cats in the grooming environment. Phenol based cleansers such as Lysol and Pinesol can cause allergic reactions or worse if cats come into contact with them. If the cat ingests the products, they could suffer from damage to the central nervous system and liver. And here is something you might have never considered; blade washes and sprays, used to clean and lubricate clipper blades, are petroleum based and, any residue left on the blades, can be toxic to cats. To prevent this, a nontoxic blade wash is recommended. Offering cat grooming is a much needed service. Groomers wanting to add feline care to their specialties should educate themselves on proper product choice in order to achieve optimum results and insure that the pets are kept safe and healthy. ✂

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

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Hi Michell, My husband and I own a mobile pet grooming business in North Mississippi. He is a Certified Master Groomer with a certification from a college in Florida that is no longer operational. We are now trying to teach students to become groomers.

t would benefit us to have the reliable help, but we want to make sure we can benefit the student in the future. What do you recommend we do to take the right steps in this process? We aren’t sure if there is anything we can do to be an “accredited” grooming teacher, or if we teach and create our own certificates, will that be beneficial enough? Thanks for your advice in advance.” —M.A. Hi M.A. It is admirable that you

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

are considering the benefit to your students. When people speak of being certified in pet grooming, they are typically speaking about one of our industry recognized organizations. The industry has organizations that certify groomers in either dog or cat grooming, or both. These organizations are recognized throughout our industry as being respected skills assessment organizations. National Dog Groomers Association of America, International Society of Canine

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Cosmetology, International Pet Groomers Inc, National Cat Groomers Institute and The Professional Cat Groomers Association of America are the five most notable. There are also organizations in other countries that offer these skills assessment certifications. Plus, there is the American Kennel club S.A.F.E. (Safety, Assurance, Fundamentals, Education) program that certifies that your salon as a safe and productive space.

Typically these organizations require that you take a series of written exams as well as demonstrate your hands-on skills. Once you have completed your CMG exams, you can then train groomers and help to prepare them for their certification exams.

When a person claims to be a Certified Master Groomer (CMG) upon completion of a school or training program, it is typically viewed as a certificate of completion for an entry level course. It is frowned upon by the groomers who have actually gone through the skills assessment to become a Certified Master Groomer to call yourself a CMG if you have not been certified

by one of these organizations. If you want to label yourself, try “Expert” instead of “Master”. Typically these organizations require that you take a series of written exams as well as demonstrate your hands-on skills. Once you have completed your CMG exams, you can then train groomers and help to prepare them for their certification exams. Now you will be creating a grooming

workforce with nationally and internationally recognized credentials. With these credentials, the groomers that you have trained will potentially be more confident and productive employees for your business and they will have better job opportunities when they leave your business. With only a certificate that they learned grooming from your husband, they may not be considered over other applicants.

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When it comes to creating certificates for your training program, consider calling them a certificate of completion. This will provide the student with something that shows they have a basic knowledge of grooming. This is not a Certified Master Groomer. As far as “teacher accreditation” I am not sure about laws in Mississippi on this matter. I would be sure to find out what laws apply to training programs, schools and courses. Sometimes it is just a matter of the language you use and whether or not you charge the student for the training. The last thing you want is to find out that you are breaking laws after the fact. Good luck in your venture. —Michell ✂ I am a multi-Best-In-Show and Best-AllAround groomer. I am the recipient of many Barkleigh Honors Awards including journalist of the year. I am a Silver and Gold medalist for GroomTeam USA. I am the winner of Show Dog Groomer of the Year 2015. I am a (VIG) Very Important Groomer-Ambassador for Purina and I have been teaching as The Grooming Tutor since 2000. And I groom to make a living, just like you. Please send questions to michell@groomingtutor.com

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ats have long been maligned and misunderstood by not only groomers, but the general public as well. A majority of early pet groomers were misled by the horror stories from unprepared groomers that had been bitten by frightened cats. Still, today, this fear has unfortunately prevented groomers from increasing their income by grooming cats. In 1997, I wrote the first ever “pet” Cat Grooming Guide for the benefit of the students at my school; to dispel the myth that cats groomed themselves. That first edition would teach how to properly and safely handle and groom all the different cat breeds

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

As a rather corpulent human, I realize how unhealthy this same lifestyle is for our cherished cats and dogs, as well. registered at that time. This would not only increase their income, but would help preserve the health of cat owning families and certainly the cats themselves. Now, in its third edition, I have added not only more new cat breeds, but much more information for grooming steps and safety. Now, a more pressing problem has arisen. As a rather corpulent human, I realize how unhealthy this same

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lifestyle is for our cherished cats and dogs, as well. Overweight pets are also susceptible to the same diseases that we contact: arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers. As we are now encouraged to eat healthy, that is, more fruits and vegetables, less carbs, fats, salt and sugar—we need to include our pets in this regimen to keep them with us for as long as we possibly can.

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Overweight pets seriously impact all of you in the grooming industry; lifting overweight cats and dogs can contribute to several different health issues, i.e., arms, back, shoulders and wrist problems, to name a few. You should scrutinize all packaging labels for your foods and snacks —and absolutely do the same for your own pets. Carefully read the ingredients on all pet packaging labels. Harmful additives are contained not only in the pet foods, but in their treats and surprisingly in their chew toys as well. Be especially wary of any food or chew toys that are imported from China. Chinese products are not carefully controlled by their government. For many wonderful years to come with our loving four–legged friends, BE VIGILANT! They are our best friends and we should always be theirs! ✂

Sam Kohl’s career in the pet field started after the marine corps, with 3 ventures, “Tropical Fish Center”, “Snails and Tails”, and “Guppy and Puppy”. Customers would ask him to groom their dogs and not knowing enough about grooming, he would only bathe them. Deciding he really loved dogs he took a grooming course at the New York school of dog grooming, became a partner and then bought the school from his then partner. He started writing his “All Breed Dog Grooming Guide” then, and completed the 1st edition in 1973, now in its 4th edition with 193 breeds. He also went on to write many other grooming books. He has designed and patented various grooming tools, the latest being his Rake Superior™ line. His designs have always been to prevent the groomers from excessive stress on their most valuable asset, their hands.

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t s r i f e h T

“By learning the proper cat grooming techniques and marketing tips explained in this book, groomers can greatly grow their business and increase their profits.”

– Sam Kohl

Ever written! Now in a NEW, completely revised 3RD EDITION

The new edition includes: • Additional grooming styles

available at

• The latest in safe handling techniques • An updated special full color section of cat breed drawings & photographs

www.BarkleighStore.com

AFTER

BEFORE

Comb Cut Tutorial E by Lynn Paolillo e

FIG. 1

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

hen it comes to grooming cats, they don’t get a lot of options. Usually they are left completely natural with just a bath and blow dry, or they are shaved short into a Lion Cut. However, there is an additional option that leaves cats with a bit of fluff instead of being taken down to the skin. Meet the Comb Cut! This teddy bear style trim is popular with clients looking for that “short but not shaved” look. It is also a great option for elderly cats or cats with thin, wrinkly skin that may be at higher risk during shaving.

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Comb attachment trims can be done in several different lengths as long as the hair is clean and free of any tangles. My favorites are the #0 (yellow or 5/8”), #1 (orange or ½”) and #2 (dark blue or ⅜”). Many groomers lament that Comb Cuts can look choppy or uneven, but here are some tips to get a beautiful, fluffy finish every time. Fig. 1) Every cat groom should start with trimming all of the cat’s nails. Sharp cat claws can do a lot of damage if the cat swats or scratches. Use a small nail trimmer to clip either at the top of the “hook” of the nail or just in front of the pink quick

FIG. 2

inside the nail. Fig. 2) The key to a soft, fluffy finish is a really clean coat. Get the coat completely saturated with water before applying your shampoo. Fig. 3) A great degreasing cat shampoo makes all the difference for a Comb Cut. You’ll want to scrub deep

FIG. 3

into the coat to remove excess oils from the skin, especially the crooks of the legs, paws and above the tail. Remember, not all grooming products are safe or appropriate for cats. Products with additional fragrances, conditioners and many sprays should be avoided because cats frequently

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FIG. 4

lick themselves. You don’t want a cat to lick and ingest a product that is left behind in the coat. Fig. 4) Rinse thoroughly after two rounds of shampoo during the bath. If the coat isn’t squeaky clean all the way down to the skin, it will show later when doing the haircut. If the coat looks

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

FIG. 5

choppy or has a lot of separation, then it needs a deeper clean during the bath. Fig. 5) After the bath, wrap the cat snug in a large, thick towel. Gently squeeze as much water out of the coat as you can without irritating the cat. If the cat has a very dense coat, then unwrap the first towel and re-wrap the

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

FIG. 6

cat into another dry towel. Fig. 6) While the cat is wrapped in the towel, use cotton balls and cat safe ear wash to gently wipe the ears clean. Fig. 7) Start drying at the cat’s back end by slowly unwrapping the towel. Work your way up the cat’s body, using a high velocity dryer on a

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FIG. 7

low to medium setting. Go slowly to introduce the sound of the dryer to keep the cat calm. Fig. 8) Dry the coat thoroughly, especially the legs, paws, belly and chest. The coat should feel slightly warm or room temperature to the touch. If it feels cool, then it is still

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

damp and needs more drying time. Fig. 9) Once the coat is dry, use a #10 blade to do any sanitary or belly shaving. Rolling the cat on their side is a good way to get access to these areas. Fig. 10) Comb out the cat’s coat to remove any tangles or excess dead hair. Go in the direction of the hair growth with a fine comb over the body, sides, chest, belly, mane and tail. Fig 11) Encourage the cat to stand by holding underneath

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

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FIG. 12

the cat’s belly. While the legs are straightened out, comb down the legs, especially the rear haunches for excess hair or clumps. Fig. 12) Use a smaller face and feet comb to get any small tufts of hair in the cat’s paws, legs and around the head. Many slicker brushes have sharp

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

FIG. 13

ends that can scrape and damage a cat’s delicate skin. High quality metal combs penetrate deeply into the coat to remove dead hair, knots and tangles, without irritating the skin. Fig. 13) Once the coat is completely combed out, use a #30 blade with a comb attachment and vacuum system for the body trim. This

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FIG. 14

demonstration on Pandi the Persian is using a #1 (orange or ½”) comb attachment for a short and fluffy length. Start at the base of the tail and go in reverse of the coat growth. Make sure the skin is taut so the clipper doesn’t catch any wrinkles. Fig. 14) Hold the cat in a standing position to trim the belly area,

while avoiding the cat’s tuck up for each rear leg. Fig. 15) Place your hand under the cat’s belly and in front of their rear leg joint to encourage the legs to straighten. Starting just above the hock bone, use the comb attachment to trim up the cat’s leg on all sides. Repeat with the front leg and shoulder, staying above the elbow. Cats have sensory whiskers on the inside of their front legs, so trimming this hair should be avoided. This style shows a moderate mane and a full tail. Alternatives can include leaving a pom-pom on the end of the tail or taking the mane either longer or shorter. If going shorter, make sure to avoid clipping close to the cat’s ears or face whiskers. A final comb out over the body, legs, chest, mane and tail complete the trim. Fig. 16) Persians, Himalayans and Exotic Shorthairs also get a small amount of trimming done on their face, called the Face Trim. This helps to open their expression, highlighting their full eyes and overall round appearance. Using a small pair of curved face scissors, trim the hair short directly above the eyes, then gradually longer towards the top of the head creating a smooth, domed forehead. Also trim the hair growing from the very tip of each ear, holding the ear leather between your fingers to protect from cutting the skin. Make sure to avoid trimming any whiskers above the eye and from the cheek areas. Additional hair can be plucked with your fingers from the cheeks and base of the ear (near the middle of the head) to remove anything sticking out from the round look. Do not use scissors around the cheeks, chin or head outline. The finished Face Trim should be neat and round, while still looking natural. ✂

FIG. 15

FIG. 16

stop

looking for groomers

start

training your own!

Paragon’s Distance Learning Program, designed by Melissa Verplank, teaches core grooming skills to your perfect candidate via our Online Learning System. Our goal is the same as yours: Get them productive fast! Learn how:

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

S DIVINE

THE ERR IS TO HUMAN, TO

Remembering Sophie THE BARKLEIGH OFFICE CAT 1999–2018 68

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

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ophie was a typical cat—sometimes aloof, affectionate, sleepy, elegant, solitary, selective, needy and many other standard cat descriptors. During her younger, more active years, Sophie had routines and favorites. She would greet her favorite employees every day at the time clock when they would arrive and proceed to follow them back to their desks meowing loudly, with her tail straight in the air as she ran in front. The employees she favored many times had treats waiting for her. Even without the enticement of treats, she was just happy to get a good petting and sit for a while purring loudly. She had been known to sleep at the feet of people, jump up on their desks, climb up the backs of their chairs, climb up cubicle walls, sleep in baskets full of papers and even take over their seat when left vacant for just seconds. Sometimes she would bunker down behind someone’s desk for hours a day for a quiet nap. If you were ever in the office alone, many times you would hear Sophie sprinting up and down the halls or making some racket in the back. You quickly learned never to be afraid of the noises— because it was only Sophie. She had many nicknames, including Sophers, Soph, Kitters, Kitty Roo Roo and Sophia, just to name a few. In our old building, Sophie had to be corralled every night into a smaller office. This meant a challenging game of finding her every day at closing time. The air horn worked marvels for this task. She would sprint from her hiding spot the second that horn went off. The stories of Sophie are endless. She was the purrfect office cat. If you disliked cats, then she probably wasn’t your favorite. But if you liked cats or had a general love for animals, she was a constant friend. Her presence would bring joy and comfort to your day. She was the definition of feline elegance and deep personality. She will be forever remembered and missed as a member of the Barkleigh family. ✂

The 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions About

CBD Oil

That Groomers Should Know……… Letter To Groomers: CBD oil is a 7000-year-old Medicinal supplement made from the Hemp plant and because of the 2019 farm bill is now Legal in all 50 states. At this time, no studies have been completed to support the many beneﬁts of CBD being claimed, however, there are 1000 and 1000 of pet owners yelling and screaming (in Pet Forums, You tube videos, and Facebook) about how well their pets have responded to CBD. In fact, I’m sure you know or have heard several of these stories and even have considering selling CBD to your clients. With that introduction, here’s the 4 Most Frequently asked questions that pet owners ask: Will It Make My Dog High? No…. all CBD oil comes from the Hemp plant and contains less than .3% of THC. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive part of cannabis plant (marijuana). The cannabidiol oil (CBD) from Hemp will not cause a feeling of high, only a feeling of calm. That’s why one of its biggest usage for dogs is anxiety: separation, thunder, ﬁreworks etc. What Dosage Should I Give My Dog? Just like people, all dogs are not alike. Depending on activity, weight and overall health; individual dosage may and should vary. We also suggest that you start slowly and increase as needed most reputable companies will give you suggested Dosage on their bottle and box. Are CDB Products Safe? To ensure that your pet is receiving a safe product make sure it is grown in the United States, third party tested and free of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizer, artificial flavoring and other additives, with a full spectrum oil, exactly like ours. If the price sounds too good to be true then the CBD has probably been produced in China, Russia or some other unregulated country, be very wary of these CBD products. Pet Owners might say: “I’ve already tried CBD but it didn’t work for my dog.” There are several reasons why their CBD didn’t work: first, they probably bought it online rather then through a salon, like yourself, and got a cheap product without any CBD in it. The label should always state how much CBD is in the bottle, ours comes in 250mg of CBD for small dogs, 500mg of CBD for medium dogs and 750mg of CBD for large dogs. Second, they didn’t have a reliable groomer to ask about dosage and how to change dosage to suit their pet. We continually train our groomers and have a Holistic Pet Nutritionist on staff to answer any question.

Receive a Free Sample & See For Yourself. www.PetsStrong.com/FreeSample Want To Become One of Our Trusted Resellers? Go To: www.PetsStrong.com/FreeSample Call Dean | Mobile: 517-202-6985 (EST) E-mail: dean@PetsStrong.com

Jun e Rob e rt s Ce n t r e 2 0-23 www.PQGROOM.COM

W ilmi ngto n, O hio

etQuest is unique to the grooming show world in that it is the only show that takes place in a completely dog friendly location. Whether you bring your dog or not, the feel and atmosphere of the show is very friendly and down to earth. In may ways, it is the perfect show to meet new people and foster the relationships in the industry that you’ve already made. The line-up of speakers and seminars is amazing (more on that later), but to many, the most lasting effect of PetQuest is what it does to the well-being of groomers. The relaxed social environment of the show lends itself to rejuvenation and reinvigoration. This is the chance to surround yourself with people who want to listen to you talk about work! As soon as you walk into the Holiday Inn in Wilmington Ohio, you imme-

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

diately notice two things. First, the nice, modern convention center is part of the complex, so you can get from your room the show with a short, indoor walk. Second, the staff is friendly and engaging to both you and your dog. The facility is designed accommodate people traveling with their dogs. There are two fenced–in dog parks and a permanent bathing facility. According to Judging Coordinator Jill Pipino, “I love the show and facility, but I don’t think it is appropriate for me to pick a favorite show, but my dog, Bucket, is not under the same obligation. He is emphatic that PetQuest is by far his favorite show”. PetQuest features many brand new speakers and seminars, as well as a return of several of the show’s most popular classes. The AKC S.A.F.E. Salon Certification will return after a year away. Teri DiMarino will be

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2 019

coming back with her very popular Brusher/Bather Certification Class.

A FEW OF THE MANY NEW SEMINARS INCLUDE: • Blake Hernandez doing an all–day “Stylized Poodles in a Flash” class on Thursday • Khris Berry will be making her PetQuest debut for her Rosetta Bone class, dealing with dog behavior. • Salon Sanitation Certification by Corina Stammworthy • Groom Expo West’s most attended “Everyday Dog Series” on Friday Barkleigh Show Promoter Alyx Robertson believes that this year’s PetQuest, “Has the most exciting line-up of education that we’ve ever had at this show. There are classes for groomers of all skill levels, new and experienced owners, mobile, creative, pet health…you name it, we have it.” ✂

Featuring BY ANDIS GUEST EDUCATOR

Seminars

Cindy Oliver

CREATIVE FOR FUN OR COMPE TITION Come join Adriane and Cindy for a fun filled hour about creative grooming! They will cover everything from simple creative grooming that can be done in your own salon to the extreme creative that you see them do on a competition level. So if you’re just dipping your toes into creative, thinking about competing, or anything in between—you won’t want to miss this class!

CINDY KNOWS

MOBILE

Come join Cindy for a fun, informative hour about mobile grooming! See how her long-running mobile business has been successful and how yours can be too! Listen to tips, experiences, funny stories, and more. If you’re just getting into mobile grooming or are a seasoned mobile groomer, this class is for you!

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 4 • April 2019

Certificate Class with Corina Stammwor thy Biotechnology M.S., Salon Owner & College Biology Instructor

E L P M SA

Corina will teach you sanitation techniques used in the laboratory that she has incorporated into her regular salon practices. This class will cover how to disinfect everything in your salon using both chemical and mechanical methods, as well as an overview of the common pathogens that cause problems in the industry. A certificate will be mailed after completion of this two-hour course.

AVAILABLE AT ALL 2019 BARKLEIGH GROOMING SHOWS* *

Certificate Class

Expected to attend, times and locations subject to change.