Groomer to Groomer July 2018

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 37 ED.7 • JULY 2018

NEW LOCATION FOR 2018

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

UPGRADE YOUR BUSINESS WITH

SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY

EMAIL

RECEIPTS

A RE YOU MISSING

THIS FREE

M A RK ETING GEM?

CONTENTS | JULY 2018

ARE YOU MISSING THIS FREE

by Malissa Diener CA, MMT

ALL AMERICAN 2018 NEW LOCATION!!

64

PAGE 12

VEHICLE & PERSONAL

LOCATORS: Conner: Shaping a Speciality

6

Berry: What's Your Value? A Look into Value–Based Client Relationships

22

Necessary Cat Grooming Tools: Physical & Mental

28

Knowles: It's Hair, Not Warfare: A Primer 34 on Shedding Upgrade Your Business With Software & Technology

40

Hosler: No Refunds! No Kidding

with

48

Evans: Experimenting with New Techniques 60 New Products

66

Groomer Humor

66

Classifieds

68

Calendar of Events

70

WHEN YOU’RE

by Mary Oquendo O

54

It wasn’t just the thought of going off the road,

ne cold, snowy day a couple of years back, I was driving down the aptly named Long Mountain Road. This long and mountainous road was buffeted on both sides by packed snow. It was effectively keeping me on the road as I frequently brushed up against the snowbanks, as driving conditions the road, but the fact that at any given“THE of your schedule and leaving it where were slick. I glance off to the side GROOMING INDUSTRY’S MAGAZINE!” point in my day, no one other than my- TRADE a trusted employee/significant other/ and, laughing, thought if I slide off friend has access I the road into the gully, my white van WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM to it. I take a photo VOL. 37 ED.7 • self JULYknew 2018 where I was going or where of the week’s schedule and text it to won’t be found until spring. Oh crap. had been. That was a scary thought.

There are both low and high tech my hubby. The added benefit is if I No one knows where I am.

I needed to remedy this quickly. options to overcome this problem. forget my appointment book or (gasp) It wasn’t just the thought of going off Low tech is simply making a copy lose it, I can still access my schedule

but the fact that at any given point in my day, no one other than myself knew where I was going

or where I had been. That was a scary thought.

EDITOR/PRESIDENT Todd Shelly todd@barkleigh.com

SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenn Barraclough jennifer@barkleigh.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Gwen Shelly gwen@barkleigh.com

JR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Thomas jthomas@barkleigh.com

MANAGING EDITOR Rebecca Shipman rebecca@barkleigh.com

WEB MASTER Luke Dumberth luke@barkleigh.com

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Adam Lohr adam@barkleigh.com

VIDEO DIRECTOR Jeremiah Strawbridge jeremiah@barkleigh.com

ART DIRECTOR Laura Pennington laura@barkleigh.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION Becca Tarlo rtarlo@barkleigh.com

Michell Evans Kathy Hosler

Gary Wilkes Mary Oquendo

Daryl Conner Kathy Rose

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

54

MARKETING COORDINATOR Alyx Robertson alyx@barkleigh.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chelsey Hall chelsey@barkleigh.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

NEW LOCATION FOR 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

UPGRADE YOUR BUSINESS WITH

SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY

EMAIL

RECEIPTS

A RE YOU MISSING

THIS FREE

M A RK ETI NG GEM?

AD COORDINATOR/ ADMIN ASSISTANT Karin Grottola karin@barkleigh.com

Khris Berry Michelle Knowles

Copyright July 2018. 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

GroomertoGroomer.com

ON THE COVER All American Grooming Show bigger and better than ever! Details on Page 64.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

5

GROOMING MATTERS

by Daryl Conner

SHAPING A

SPECIALTY The kind woman who trained me to groom dogs in the early 1980’s happily shared her knowledge about Poodles, Cockers, Chows and every other breed that graced our grooming tables. But she never let me touch a Scottish terrier.

Scotties were her breed.

I

t is somewhat ironic that I now have a great many Scottish terriers on my client list. Some travel for hours to get to me. Scottish terrier people know other Scottie people, and they recommend the groomer of their beloved pet. I never intended to be a Scottie specialist, but life can be funny that way.

I did intend to be a feline specialist. Early on in my career I realized there was very little information out there for people who wanted to groom cats. I set out to learn as much as I could on the subject. I read every cat book I could get my hands on. I interviewed veterinarians and

6

questioned breeders. I went to cat shows. I learned from every cat I had an opportunity to groom. My appointment book stays nicely filled with cats and I have earned the title of Certified Master Cat Groomer.

SO, WHAT AM I GETTING AT? To help build your business and create a reputation for your work, consider specializing in something. When you become a specialist, it means you create expertise in a certain area. Here are some ways groomers fulfill needs by offering special services: • Feline centered grooming. Many groomers offer cat–only grooming or

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

cater to cat clients by grooming only cats on certain days. Since owned cats outnumber owned dogs in the US by a wide margin, tapping into this segment of the grooming industry makes great financial sense.

• Hand stripping. It is safe to say that the average groomer does not offer hand stripping. Many groomers were never taught the art, or they know how but don’t want to devote the needed time for this service.

However, there is a demand for hand stripping. Groomers who can properly hand strip coats can build clientele, charging a premium rate for the service and singular skill.

圀伀刀䬀 匀䴀䄀刀吀䔀刀

䘀伀刀䌀䔀 䐀刀夀䔀刀匀 䐀䔀匀䤀䜀一䔀䐀 圀䤀吀䠀 吀䠀䔀 倀刀伀䘀䔀匀匀䤀伀一䄀䰀 䤀一 䴀䤀一䐀

倀愀琀攀渀琀攀搀 一漀椀猀攀 刀攀搀甀挀琀椀漀渀 匀礀猀琀攀洀 ⴀ 㐀 ─ 儀甀椀攀琀攀爀 琀栀愀渀 琀栀攀 一攀愀爀攀猀琀 䌀漀洀瀀攀琀椀琀漀爀

䠀愀渀搀氀攀 䄀氀氀 䈀爀攀攀搀猀 眀椀琀栀 嘀愀爀椀愀戀氀攀 匀瀀攀攀搀 䌀漀渀琀爀漀氀

唀渀椀焀甀攀 䰀椀最栀琀眀攀椀最栀琀 ☀ 䐀甀爀愀戀氀攀 䠀漀甀猀椀渀最

䄀搀搀椀琀椀漀渀愀氀 䠀攀愀琀 伀瀀琀椀漀渀猀 漀渀 匀攀氀攀挀琀 䴀漀搀攀氀猀 昀漀爀 䘀愀猀琀攀爀 䐀爀礀椀渀最⸀ ⠀䈀ⴀ㈀㐀⼀䈀ⴀ㠀⼀䈀ⴀ㠀匀⤀

䈀ⴀ㐀

䈀ⴀ㈀㐀

䈀ⴀ㈀㔀

䈀ⴀ㈀㜀

䈀ⴀ㠀

䈀ⴀ㠀匀

唀猀攀搀 ☀ 䄀瀀瀀爀漀瘀攀搀 戀礀

嘀椀挀琀漀爀 刀漀猀愀搀漀Ⰰ 䤀䌀䴀䜀⼀一䌀䴀䜀

䌀漀洀瀀氀攀琀攀 倀爀漀昀攀猀猀椀漀渀愀氀 倀攀琀 䜀爀漀漀洀椀渀最 䰀椀渀攀

吀愀最 唀猀 伀渀

⨀

⼀

䘀漀爀 愀 䌀栀愀渀挀攀 琀漀

圀䤀一 䄀 䈀ⴀ㔀㌀

⌀堀倀伀圀䔀刀䜀㈀䜀 䜀爀漀漀洀攀爀 伀昀 吀栀攀 夀攀愀爀 ㈀ ㄀㜀 圀漀爀氀搀 䌀栀愀洀瀀椀漀渀 䜀爀漀漀洀 吀攀愀洀 唀匀䄀 䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䴀甀氀琀椀瀀氀攀 䈀攀猀琀 䤀渀 匀栀漀眀 愀渀搀 䈀攀猀琀 䄀氀氀 䄀爀漀甀渀搀 䜀爀漀漀洀攀爀

⨀挀漀氀漀爀猀 洀愀礀 瘀愀爀礀

GOLDEN OLDIES If you, like me, are a pushover for a gray muzzle, consider advertising this as a special service. Geriatric dogs often have specific grooming needs, and always require a gentle and patient groomer.

K-9 II & K-9 III

BLOWER-DRYERS now both available in

VARIABLE SPEED!

Manufacturers of the World’s Finest Animal & Industrial Vacuums, Blowers & Dryers Osseo, WI 54758 • 1-800-456-9821

www.electriccleaner.com 8

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

• Breed or group–specific specialist.

Let’s say you can’t get enough of Spaniels and Setters. If you learn how to do the best sporting breed grooms in your area, word will get out and your dance card will be filled with sporting breed dogs all day. Maybe you think terriers are terrific? Or Bichons are the bomb?

Be the best at your favorite breeds and build your brand working on the dogs you enjoy the most.

• In/out service. One common grooming customer complaint is that people dislike having to leave their pet for hours to be groomed. By offering in and out service and grooming pets one at a time, you can fulfill the desire of a segment of the pet owning public and build your business around satisfying people who want fast turnaround.

• Golden Oldies. If you, like me, are a pushover for a gray muzzle, consider advertising this as a special service. Geriatric dogs often have specific grooming needs, and always require a gentle and patient groomer.

Pet owners that love their dogs want them to be comfortable and safe during their last years, and this is an area that I believe an enterprising groomer could create quite a reputation for themselves with.

• Getting creative. Depending on where you live, offering to do a little splash of color or unusual hair cuts can bring in a group of clients who like their pet to stand out from the pack.

• Flexible scheduling. Some groomers opt to work Saturday and Sunday, holidays, early mornings or late evenings, welcoming busy people who work a more traditional Monday–Friday, 9–5 schedule.

• Mobile and House Call grooming.

Both of these specialty services are well entrenched in our industry, and their success is an excellent example of how creating a unique business can be very profitable.

the future of grooming... synergylabs.com/thefutureofgrooming

Having one or more areas of specialized service will help your grooming business

STAND OUT over those that generalize.

10

These are just a few ideas that innovative groomers have come up with to fill a niche in our industry.

Filling a need does not necessarily have to be an all or nothing proposition, either. Let’s say you’d like to try offering in and out service for the customers that you know would prefer that. You could designate one day a week to grooming this way, leaving the rest of the week as you currently schedule. Charging an added fee for the service will make this a winning situation for you, and pet owners who desire fast turn around expect to pay more.

Let’s say you like the idea of being the best groomer of a certain breed in your area. How do you ratchet up your skills? Many top industry groomers offer private les-

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

sons. I have taken advantage of this and watched my work improve. Setting up a day of one–on–one training with a master of the breed you desire to improve on is a fabulous investment in your career. Beyond this, read as much as you can about the breed, take classes at grooming trade shows, go to dog shows and talk to breeders. Stretching out of your comfort zone can be a little daunting at first, but it can also make you fall in love with grooming all over again as you learn and grow.

Having one or more areas of specialized service will help your grooming business stand out over those that generalize. It can also make your work more enjoyable for you as you focus your energy on animals you enjoy working with the most. ✂

Paws Down,

THE MOST POWERFUL AND DURABLE PET DRYER AROUND

#1 Selling Pet Dryers in the World The American-made Air Force速 Master Blaster速 Pet Dryer, with exceptional power and unmatched quality, is the perfect tool for all your furry clients, big or small. It is backed by the longest warranty in the industry.

Variable speed provides infinite control over airspeed that lets you unleash the power you need for big jobs, while also allowing you to reduce unnecessary noise and velocity by up to 90% when grooming small or short-haired breeds. Less noise means less frightened dogs and more efficient grooming.

ALL-STEEL CONSTRUCTION

|

5-YEAR MOTOR WARRANTY* |

MADE IN THE USA

79 Years of Manufacturing Excellence

The configuration and coloring of the Air Force速 Master Blaster速 is a US Registered trademark of Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Company, Inc. *1 year on parts; other restrictions apply. Made in the USA with domestic and international components.

ARE YOU MISSING THIS FREE

E by Malissa Diener CA, MMT e

Every time someone makes a purchase from your business they should get an email receipt. Even if you deal in cash—you know that green paper stuff no one ever has? You should have an automatic receipt template set up to send after the service is over.

I

do mine in the evening after all the grooming is finished. I collect email addresses from every customer I service. If you have a credit card/debit card payment system, chances are there is a way to set up email receipts, and also a way to customize your receipts.

It’s an amazing way to connect with your customers—but it’s often overlooked as a marketing opportunity. More than likely, you’re missing out

12

on additional sales because of that.

This article is all about how you can use something as simple as an email receipt template as a part of your marketing strategy to win additional sales and stay connected with your customers.

If you know anything about me, you know I love anything cheap and easy. I am no computer–wiz. I work as a house call groomer and try to keep my marketing expenses as low

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

as possible. I want my customers to propel my services for me and the technology I use to assist me as well.

With an open rate of 70.90%, compared to the average 17.19% for regular email marketing campaigns, email receipts are a potential marketing gold mine, and it’s important that you treat them that way.

It’s important to remember that when a customer completes a checkout with you, their trust is

Today's Services: • Bath with shampoo & blow dry • 15-minute brushing • Dematting & haircut • Nail trim • Ear cleaning • Sanitary trim • Anal gland cleaning

Total: $50

Pretty

Paws

Try our new homemade treats!!

Rebook this appointment Give the Gift of Grooming

Thank you for your business!

Take a look at an email receipt that you may have received from any recent business transaction you have conducted. See if you can glean any inspiration from those companies.

MORE DESIGNS ONLINE!

BUSINESS CARDS AND MAGNETS

sa lo np

a w za zz .c o m 55 5- 64 1- 54 01

AnimalsINK.com • info@AnimalsINK.com • 317-496-8467 •

14

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

already gained. They are already committed to your services and your business. This is an enormous gift; you literally have that customer in the palm of your hand. Now what you do with them after that is up to you. You can let them forget all about you afterwards or you can take that gift and make it keep giving to your business. By sending a receipt via email, you are continuing that relationship past the “see ya next time” parting comment.

You can use that moment when a customer opens their email to do a few things: • Upsell related products and services • Offer a discount code to encourage a future booking (if they haven’t already pre–booked) • Set up a feedback loop to better understand your customers and your checkout flow • Promote your social media accounts • Let customers share their experience on Facebook • Promote review publishing by listing your review site direct links with incentives for publishing reviews on your services • Share photos of their pet • Advertise specials for VIP customers It might not seem obvious, but companies have been using email receipts as a part of their marketing strategy for a while now. Even companies outside of the pet business space.

Take a look at an email receipt that you may have received from any recent business transaction you have conducted. See if you can glean any inspiration from those companies.

They are marketing to you, and not subtly, within that email.

Still not convinced these are powerful? Here’s what Uber has to say about their customer acquisition

Ultra Luxe ELECTRIC LIFT TUB $1,999.00

Rotating Ultra Low Z-Lift ELECTRIC GROOMING TABLE $899.00

Accordion Lift

ELECTRIC GROOMING TABLE $899.00

FREE SHIPPING

1.877.654.7666

LIFETIME WARRANTY

WWW.CO M FO R TG R O O M .CO M

15% OFF

PROMO CODE MS83VH9 By offering a discount code in your receipt email you’re offering an incentive for the customer to come back and make another purchase.

and marketing strategy; “Uber spends virtually zero dollars on marketing, spreading almost exclusively via word of mouth. Our virality is almost unprecedented. For every 7 rides we do, our users’ big mouths generate a new rider.”

This is BRILLIANT marketing at its finest. Uber offers things like: • Letting you rate your experience • Being able to provide immediate feedback on your “purchase” • Offer a referral bonus for sharing with friends • Include a valuable and fun insight into their “product” (travel) using Google Maps All on one digital receipt. Seems so simple. Simple is often over looked. Again, like I said, cheap and easy. You already have the email

PUPPY PLAYGROUND

Playground Equipment made especially for DOGS!

MODULAR PLAYGROUND

SYSTEM

All the TOP DOGS

recommend Puppy Playground Check out the NEW Mini Modular System

PUPPYPLAYGROUND.COM 888-828-3416

16

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

program in place, you already have a payment system in place, now utilize them to your advantage and take the time to cater to your customers.

Some big players in the commerce industry have already been doing this for a while. For example, as far back as 2006, Amazon reported that 35% of its revenue was a direct result of its cross sales and up–selling efforts. That’s mostly through email receipts. You know that little box at the bottom of your receipt that has the “You might also enjoy these products”? Well how many of you have looked at that and said, “oh yeah, I need that too!”?

Try incorporating some product up–selling in your email receipt template to see if there is an increase in appointments.

Here are some examples of other ways that you can use this idea in email receipts: • Add the option to book a new appointment • Sell related products or accessories such as supplements or treats —the ideas are endless • Offer the option to buy it for a friend or offer gift certificates By offering a discount code in your receipt email you’re offering an incentive for the customer to come back and make another purchase.

You can even take that one step further and say, “This is only for our VIP customers”, letting them get that warm and fuzzy emotional feeling that they are important to you. Which they are, otherwise you wouldn’t be in business!

A study shows that 44% of email recipients made at least one purchase last year based on a promotional email that included a coupon code.

In our business, I can attest that I have a better success rate rebooking

Pledge to Protect Pets From Infectious Disease

HEROES FOR HEALTHY PETS™

YOUR REPUTATION MATTERS Infectious disease affects hundreds of pet businesses and thousands of pets nationwide each year.

The Heroes for Healthy Pets Infectious Disease Management Certification Program can help train your pet business staff in best practices to help manage and prevent infectious disease. It is based upon the 2017 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccination Guidelines that suggest vaccine protocols to help protect against diseases that place pets at risk in certain situations, such as for social dogs.

How It Works • Register online at heroes4healthypets.com and view complimentary online educational modules taught by veterinary experts in infectious disease: - Understanding Infectious Diseases (1 hour) - Effective Infectious Disease Control (1 hour) • Pass the final examination Print and display your Infectious Disease Management Certificate.

Show your commitment to pet health!

Register now at heroes4healthypets.com

The Program is sponsored by Merck Animal Health and Clorox Healthcare in coordination with Barkleigh Productions, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA), Pet Sitters International (PSI), and VetGirl.

Copyright © 2018 Intervet Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. US/NOV/1017/0059

Many business studies show that more than two–thirds of business leaders plan to integrate social media within their email marketing efforts. So why aren’t you? appointments via my email receipt marketing than when I ask face to face.

Most of the time people are in a more relaxed state when reading through emails, resulting in them being able to make a decision at their leisure.

Even if the discount is something as small as 5% off, $1 off their next order or a free service upgrade; savings is savings—and in the mind of a customer, any savings is good.

As a service industry, groomers tend to look unfavorably at coupons.

“...No matter how many hours I work with my Evolutions, my hands have never gotten tired from using them, not once.

Thank you so much for making such amazing products, and for the excellent customer service you always provide.

That’s why I’m buying my 10th pair of Evolution Shears!”

— Sandy Perez Pacific Grooming

18

However, used properly they can enhance your business substantially.

Remember, they are going out to customers who have already purchased your services—you are not appealing to someone new, you are just giving those that already bought into your program more to brag about!

More to consider about coupons as a promotional tool is that they have multiple uses. You can use them to track sales for online and offline marketing campaigns, or offer time–sensi-

Unparalleled Performance

tive discounts to incentivize another purchase. Coupons can also be included on your physical retail receipts.

Many business studies show that more than two–thirds of business leaders plan to integrate social media within their email marketing efforts.

So why aren’t you?

Simply include links to your social accounts in either the footer or in a content card on your email receipt template. If you don’t have separate accounts for your personal

Superior Comfort

evolutionshears.com • (877)560-3057

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

The Forever Fragrance Collection

• Five Luxury Fragrance Profiles • Exclusive Blends Designed for a Signature Spa Finish • Enhanced Long Lasting Formulas • Professional Sizing 15 Fl. Oz.

Find Your Forever Fragrance Choose from five unique luxury fragrance blends designed exclusively for professional use.

A perfectly curated variety of scent profiles offer something for everyone.

Enjoy long-lasting fragrances with salon quality finishes that will dazzle and delight clients. www.petsocietyusa.com www.petsocietystore.com

Pet Society USA

PetSocietyUSA

The Experts Favorite Grooming Brand

Each year we lose

ABOUT 25%

OF OUR BUSINESS due to life changes like moving, death, don’t have pets anymore, etc. We need to actively be recruiting new clientele all the time.

20

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

and business social media, NOW is the time to get those up and running.

While it is fairly simple to use a receipt email, there are other opportunities with social media as well. Some ideas are: • Share with 10 friends and get 10% off your next groom when they book and complete an appointment (They must give your name or code to build your referral).

• Every time you refer a friend, you get a free upgraded service.

• Every time you mention/tag us on social media, you get an upgraded service or a percentage off.

These are just ideas for you to build on. As pet groomers we need a steady stream of regular and new

GroomertoGroomer.com

customers to keep us earning. Each year we lose about 25% of our business due to life changes like moving, death, don’t have pets anymore, etc.

We need to actively be recruiting new clientele all the time.

You can get immediate, valuable feedback from paying customers using email receipts. Retail stores and restaurants have been doing this for a long time. Often they’ll include a contest entry by completing a feedback survey. You can do the same for your business. This will give you some insight into the purchasing flow for your business, as well as any pain points a customer may have experienced while utilizing your services. People are more apt to say something on a survey or review

than face to face. Take advantage of that by using these tools.

Here are some questions that might be worth including to get some feedback from your customers: • How did they feel about the overall experience?

• Did they feel the service was priced fairly?

• How did they find your services?

• What can you improve about your services?

• How can you improve your check in/checkout flow?

grooming business. By being imaginative with our marketing plans, we don’t have to spend a lot of money to actually make more money. It does take time. That is the key. You have to invest in yourself in order to make your business grow. Now get out there and start that email receipt marketing campaign! ✂

Find Groomer to Groomer Magazine on

www.facebook.com/ groomertogroomermagazine

Using email receipts, you can take advantage of that brief moment when dopamine is released into the brain. Try to encourage customers to share their experience on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more social media sites by tagging your business when they’re still feeling excited and have a “shopping high”.

Why is it important to make it easily sharable? Because customers who have been referred by their friends spend an average of 13.4% more. Having your business social media links easily accessible in your email receipt is paramount to building new customers.

Email is an easy, accessible way for you to help build your business, retain the customers you do have and expand your brand through customer loyalty promotions. This is an easy and inexpensive element to incorporate into your business marketing plan. This is also a great way to promote your online presence through social media interactions from your customers.

In this day and age, we as a collective industry, need to set ourselves apart from every other

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

21

GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS

by Khris Berry

WHAT’S YOUR VALUE? A LOOK INTO

Value-Based

Client Relationships

S

andy is a successful groomer who works in a popular local grooming shop. The phone rings regularly and she enjoys a stable schedule with a high level of return clientele. Like most groomers, she has a rise and fall in her yearly business; busier at the holidays and good weather with lulls during other months.

In the big picture, Sandy and her grooming shop are both successful in their industry. Like most groomers, there are times when Sandy’s grooming shop must navigate financial negotiations with clients. Most commonly, these include when a new client calls to request a price quote, or when Sandy’s shop finds it necessary to impose a price increase or if her regular client requires significantly more work. These financial negotiations can strike fear and dread in the heart of the most seasoned groomer

22

If you are nervous about discussing pricing with new or existing clients, you may have developed a “Value-Based Relationship” with your clients. and grooming business professional.

One of the first questions I ask groomers who are dreadful of discussing price with their clients is “Why?” If you are nervous about discussing pricing with new or existing clients, you may have developed a “Value– Based Relationship” with your clients.

To understand and identify if you have value–based relationships with your clients, let’s begin by examining your client base and your typical client. Mrs. Jones has a toy poodle who you have groomed for 9 years named

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

Princess. You have seen Princess month after month through seasons and change in both of your lives. You have Princess’s haircut memorized and can execute it in your sleep. Mrs. Jones comes regularly and often mentions she is on a fixed income. When you increase your prices due to cost–of– living, inflation, rising expenses or changing conditions in the industry, you are reluctant to pass those increases through to Mrs. Jones. Perhaps you have reasoned that she is on a fixed income; perhaps you have tried to raise

GROOM WITH

LOVE

All pets deserve to look their best!

ConairPRO takes great pride in providing quality grooming tools to keep our furry friends happy and looking their best!

WWW.CONAIRPET.COM WWW.CONAIRPET.COM/VIDEOS.PHP ©2018 Conair Corporation - Glendale, AZ 18PT055321

Breaking the value-based relationship cycle is liberating in many ways, but perhaps the best benefit is having the latitude to choose which principle you want to build your new client relationship upon. her price and she has lamented that she will need to find another groomer; perhaps you have not increased her price, reasoning that the haircut is simple and doesn’t really take that much time. Any of these reasons would indicate that you, in fact, have a value– based relationship with Mrs. Jones.

When a new client calls your salon requesting information about your services, are they requesting pricing first? Or are they asking your specialty, education or safety record?

If they are requesting price first and foremost, they are seeking a value–

24

based relationship with a Pet Service provider. It’s likely they have been conditioned in the past either by other Pet Service providers or the Pet Service Market in your area.

Groomers who negotiate discounts, offer refunds and generally are willing to offer their services at a less than living wage rate, or at a rate which does not allow a grooming business to remain stable and viable, often find themselves in a financial negotiation with clients which resembles a full hostage situation. They have no recourse to fall back on if they do not

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

meet the client demands. And they live in fear of losing the client.

If you are reading this and nodding your head in agreement, or you have clients like Mrs. Jones in your customer base, let’s discuss how to begin to define your Groomer/Client relationship based upon factors other than value. This is a scary concept for many Pet Groomers for several reasons. Breaking the value–based relationship cycle is liberating in many ways, but perhaps the best benefit is having the latitude to choose which principle you want to build your new

WWW.AQUAAIR-WETDRY.COM

When you eliminate value-based discussions with your clients, you have more latitude to direct your business and career to a comfortable, profitable place.

26

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

client relationship upon.

Identify what principles you personally offer your clients. Do you offer clean and sanitary conditions?

Do you have an exemplary safety record? Do you provide specialty services such as technically difficult breed profiles, hand stripping or exquisite scissor skills? Are your hours and location convenient? Is your salon all–inclusive or serve spa– like services? Any of these could be a principle which your clients can learn to associate with your services.

When you eliminate value–based discussions with your clients, you have more latitude to direct your business and career to a comfortable, profitable place. When clients assign worth to your unique skill set or offering, you begin to develop relationships that your clients will value more deeply.

Many groomers brag about their return customers, that their schedule is full for many months in advance or that their phone rings constantly.

We service an industry with an ever–shrinking workforce and an ever–growing client base. However, many of those same groomers are still fearful of imposing necessary cost– of–living increases or balancing their business margins to realize a profit because they are held prisoner by value–based mindsets.

Changing relationships with your clientele takes time and skill. You have to lead your customers to a new mindset and begin dialog with them that will include what you are good at, what you are offering them and what you value in your own career. Learning to educate your customers about the services and teaching them to assign importance to things other than the cost of your services is invaluable.

Change their minds and you change your work destiny. ✂

TM

CL ASSIC L AUBE POWER

®

® F

E

E

®

D

2 extra light batteries Dual bay FAST charger Light weight easy to handle (8.6oz) Length approx. 7” (17cm) short Cordless - cord-pack sold separately 2 Ultra bright lights 8,500 spms (fastest trimmer) 5 Blade size settings Guaranteed to out-perform any other trimmer

MADE IN THE *

Laube Speed Feed® Super Trimmer LA30500110

LAZOR CLIP

Xpress Litening® 2 Speed LA83110101

Xpress Mini Micro® 2 Speed LA73110101

MADE IN THE *

Xpress Mini Lazor™ 2 Speed LA53110101

CORDED, COOL & QUIET MOST POWERFUL / SUPER DUTY 4 SETS OF STEEL BALL BEARINGS EASY TO HANDLE - ONLY 6” WEIGHT: 9oz - 14oz SPEED 2,200 - 10,000 SPMS (industry best) 5 YEAR MOTOR WARRANTY MADE IN THE * PATENTED TECHNOLOGY 18’ CORD

Laube Lazor Clip™ 2 Speed LA50310100

Light weight (16oz) easy to handle E-Z upgrade to cordless 5 super bright LEDs 18’ cord 4,000 to 10,000 spm (industry best) Stays cool in your hands Fits all snap on blades Patented lever will not jam up 5 year limited motor warranty Guaranteed to out-perform any Other clipper

®

®

Natural Alternative

Best Quality Kelco TM Dr. Hypo Shampoo KE300700 TM

®

®

Nature’s Choice!

Dirty Dog® Shampoo KE200900

Wild Animal ® TM Wild Thang Shampoo KE804500

Kelco, Nature’s Choice! and Wild Animal are all manufactured by Laube.

TM

®

MADE IN THE *

®

®

*Made in the USA of US and imported parts/ingredients © 2016

®

Animal Cruelty

Best Value More Money in Your Pocket...

NECESSARY CAT

GROOMING

TOOLS:

PHYSICAL & MENTAL E by Deborah Hansen e

W

ho does not LOVE to buy new tools? Especially when you are at a trade show where you can try everything out! As a former elementary educator who learned how to groom cats as a “bucket list” item and turned my cat grooming education into a successful house call business, my tool list is very minimal. Don’t get me wrong, I love gadgets and gizmos. However, when it comes to grooming a cat, education, mindfulness, control of the cat and environment are far more important than any physical tool.

Education is the most important tool I own. While my formal training gave me the skill and techniques to handle difficult cats, just as important

28

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

is that I have sought out education and training in holistic techniques.

Having a well–balanced education from multiple sources is the most valuable tool anyone can have.

Mindfulness is my second most powerful tool when it comes to grooming a feline. If I cannot focus myself and be at peace in the moment with the cat, the danger level of the groom becomes exponentially higher.

When I am not 100% focused, that is when accidents happen.

Complete control of the feline is the next most valuable tool I have.

Education, mindfulness, experience and being able to read the feline’s body language all lead to maintaining control of the feline during the grooming process.

SPECIAL GROOMER OFFER – SAVE 58%

How could you resist?

Petting Wars: Dog-D og

The lifestyle maga

zine for modern

Aggression In The Home +

dogs and their

Are You Causing Your Dog’s Barking?

What to do if

Dogs Can Smell

SPECIAL GROOMER OFFER – SAVE 58%

HOW COULD YOU RESIST?

Your Emotions!

companions

you’re the proble m

SUMMER 20 18

BEST SUMMER EVER!

Why You Might Be Over-Cleaning Your

FIND YOUR TRIBE

Recipes for Summ er

SEPT ‘18

Easy Homemade

p44

Treats

e.com $5.95

The lifestyle magazine for modern

cats and their companions

PROBIOTICS FOR DOGS ACTIVITIES TO TIRE OUT EVEN HIGH-ENERGY BREEDS GREAT GIVEAWA YS!

1 Year For Just $10

find your bree d match: Is the Shar-Pei, Cane Corso or German Shor

Staff-Favourite

p30

Gear

thaired Pointer for you?

Subscribe to the “Best Dog Magazine Ever” at:

Surprises

SPRING· SUMMER 2018

Fun

HOW TO

The Inner Wild Cat

Finding friends romance at dog & even meetups moderndogmagazin

DISPLAY UNTIL

p12

cat

Cat’s Litter Box (yes, really) and Other

IFIC TERR & TOYS S! T TREA

TAKE FAB PHOTOS OF YOUR CAT

“Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy on how to fix your relationship with your cat

p36

let’s ! plabyest

p52

p4

DREAMY CAT DÉCOR

This cat has 1.3 million followers. Find out why.

STUFF WE LOVE FIV+ CATS WIN IT! GIVEAWAYS ON PAGE 18

Cat Adventure Inspiration p30

moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 31 ‘18

2 Years For Just $10

Foster This Cat

the toys cat 4

$5.95

Make This Sushi Cat Toy!

+ Cat Gear You’ll Actually How To Train Your Cat To Walk On Leash

Want!

moderndogmagazine.com/groomers

Subscribe to the “Best Cat Magazine Ever” at: moderncat.com/groomers

or Call 1-800-417-6289

or Call 1-800-417-6289

Then you’ll never miss the latest in everything dog, from insights into your dog’s behaviour to cool finds, the best toys, awesome DIYs, and heartwarming stories!

Then you’ll never miss the latest in everything cat, from insights into your cat's behaviour to cool finds, the best toys, awesome DIYs, and heartwarming stories!

Something of interest—especially for the dog groomers—I do not carry or use scissors. If you review the breed standards, the only groom that requires any scissoring is the forehead of a Persian or Long Hair Exotic.

The next big tool I have is the environment I work in. As a house call groomer, I typically have less control than most groomers. The important elements of environment include a quiet and dim workspace free of random noises. Excessive human emotions and noises are all reasons for a groom to quickly take a turn for the worse.

After you invest time and finances in a firm cat grooming education, are able to focus yourself on the task at hand, are able to predict feline behavior and control your work environment you are ready to move on to the physical tools that will enhance your grooming skills.

WHAT PHYSICAL TOOLS DO I USE?

LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRAIN

BEST GROOMING ARM

s r o l o Fun C

ear! the y f o r lo he co t is t e l o i v a Ultr

IN THE BUSINESS

G O O D E RG O N O M I C S

800.444.1579

30

shor-line.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

The most important physical items I have for cat grooming are a foam garden kneeling pad to sit on and an N95 rated surgical mask. The foam pad prevents back pain and the mask keeps cat hair out of my sinus passages. Both items I had to learn about the hard way and, to be honest, I was stubborn about using at first. Now I can really see the health benefits in all areas of my life from using these tools. I will add here that my ear muff type hearing protection has also tremendously improved my quality of life.

I use a generic mini scissor style nail clippers and a handled medium comb. For the majority of my work, I use a face and feet comb and stainless combs for comb cuts. I use a smaller clipper and one with a clipper–vacuum attachment. When a cat is being difficult I use an air muzzle and/or bite buster sleeves. A variable speed dryer and a good quality shop vac round out my daily grooming tools.

Something of interest—especially for the dog groomers—I do not carry or use scissors. If you review the

QUADRUPED PET CARE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR EXTENSIVE GROOMING LINE www.quadrupedpetcare.com or call 1-800-638-1135 All Ingredients and Products Made in the U.S.A.

While gizmos and gadgets are fun and exciting, there is nothing better than a firm education in the basics. While the newest thing may make you happy right now, learning how to read a cat will keep you safe. breed standards, the only groom that requires any scissoring is the forehead of a Persian or Long Hair Exotic.

While I will occasionally perform a face trim on a cat, many owners have come to love their cat’s “wolfy” face and feel that when it is trimmed the cat loses its personality.

I do have two dream tools. If I was not a house call groomer, my first purchase would be cat–specific vacuum dryer followed by cage dryers. I have used both in my teaching, education and while visiting other groomers.

The vacuum dryer is my dream

item because it contains all the dead coat that is pushed out of the feline during the drying process. This is beneficial for two reasons. First, it prevents the dead coat from entering my body through my sinus passages.

This makes it ideal to maintain my health and quality of life. Second, it makes clean up a snap. An added bonus is that I do not end up covered in hair.

Cage dryers are also on my dream list because the drying process could begin while I am free to spend my time on something else. There

SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH THE COSMOS BATHING SYSTEM IN ACTION!

32

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

is nothing I would love more than to get a cat bone dry without being exposed to all the hair flying around my work environment.

While gizmos and gadgets are fun and exciting, there is nothing better than a firm education in the basics. While the newest thing may make you happy right now, learning how to read a cat will keep you safe. I encourage you to invest in your education, learn how to center yourself, learn how to keep control of the cat you are grooming and master your working environment. And with that you will find enrichment in all areas of your life. ✂ Deborah Hansen CFMG, CFCG is the owner of a very successful feline exclusive, house call grooming business, Kitty’s Purrfect Spa. She is also the founder of “Deborah’s Programs”, a complete rebooking system to get all cats onto a regular grooming schedule, and owner and creator of Kitty’s Kopy Kats, a stationary store for anyone who grooms cats. Deborah is the creative talent behind Feline Artistic Creations and an author in multiple publications with worldwide distribution. She is also a Feline Specialist and Correspondent for the National Association of Professional Creative Groomers. She can be found at deborahhansen.com.

We’ve built our reputation the same way we’ve built the Wag’n Tails Family: One unit at a time.

IT'S HAIR, NOT

WARFARE: A PRI ME

R

ALL THINGS PAW

by Michelle Knowles

ON

Many misconceptions exist about how, where and why our pets shed and what we, as groomers, can do about it. There are many products on the market to address this very real concern but still so many questions about which is the best one and if they really even work.

H

ere is some basic knowledge to arm yourself when looking for products, using techniques and helping your clients choose de–shedding over shaving.

WHEN DOES SHEDDING OCCUR Seasonal shedding occurs around the solstices, which are June and December 21st. This happens because the amount of light the pet perceives, and the temperature fluctuations let the body know that

34

a new season is on the way and a lighter or heavier coat is needed.

Shedding usually starts at the back of the animal and works its way to the front in order to protect the vital organs longer.

Shedding is most evident in the short coated, natural coated or double coated breeds, but every land mammal sheds in this same way. Year–round shedding is still to be expected but should be minimal and manageable.

If the shedding of an animal is

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

heavy during the off season, there could be an underlying problem and a visit to the vet is in order.

There are many issues and illnesses that can cause the hair to fall out, become thin or even stop growing all together, so eliminating these possibilities is the first priority.

NEEDS OF THE COAT AND SKIN Coats come in a spectrum of needs, topically speaking. From Hairless to Long coat, and everything

WWW.RYANSPET.COM (800) 525-7387 FREE SHIPPING* Includes Shampoos and Dryers

PREMIUM INGREDIENTS PROFESSIONALLY FORMULATED

©2018 G&G Distribution Inc. All rights reserved. Pricing, shipping terms and manufacturer specs subject to change. *Visit www.ryanspet.com for details and coupon code. Within the contiguous United States Only. Must Use Coupon Code.Some Exclusions Apply

OVER 8,000 ITEMS IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

#1 Selling Pet Dryers in the World The American-made Air Force® Master Blaster® Pet Dryer, with exceptional power and unmatched quality, is the perfect tool for all your furry clients, big or small. It is backed by the longest warranty in the industry.

• Variable speed provides infinite control of airflow and noise • Dry Pets 75% Faster • #1 Selling Pet Dryers in the World ALL-STEEL CONSTRUCTION |

5-YEAR MOTOR WARRANTY*

|

MADE IN THE USA

79 Years of Manufacturing Excellence The configuration and coloring of the Air Force® Master Blaster® is a US Registered trademark of Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Company, Inc. *1 year on parts; other restrictions apply. Made in the USA with domestic and international components.

De–shedding when the coat is very dry, or when it is shedding season is an easy technique to master. Using a coat spray, comb or brush out any loose hair and/ or chunks of coat that come out easily before the bath.

in between, all skins need oils, minerals and some form of keratin or collagen to nourish, protect and fill in the cracks in the hair and to preserve the protective layer of the skin. Many coats that shed off– season are simply depleted and can be very dehydrated.

Short coats need the most oil and are usually very “sheddy” all of the time. These dogs can benefit from weekly oil polishes, especially if they are a breed that is meant to be in the water. Hydration is the key to keeping this type of coat from excessive shedding.

Double coated animals need large amounts of minerals, a small amount of oil and a tiny bit of keratin in their grooming routine to keep their coat properly shedded out.

Long coats are delicate and require a very light keratin or collagen to keep their hairs hydrated to the very ends. Mixed breeds can be treated like the breed they most resemble. Dryness can mimic shedding as the hairs can be very brittle and are simply breaking off instead of falling out because it is the end of their life cycle.

ESSENTIAL BASICS TO A GOOD DE–SHED De–shedding when the coat is very dry, or when it is shedding season is an easy technique to master. Using a coat spray, comb or brush out any loose hair and/or chunks of coat that come out easily before the bath. The three bathing steps are as follows: 1. Hydrate—Use a quality conditioner, keratin or collagen product. Wet the pet down first and apply the diluted mixture onto the coat and massage in well.

36

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

37

When selling the de– shed service, make sure you have a pamphlet or handout for your clients so that they know the extra effort you are taking and they understand why the process takes a little longer, as well as why it costs a little more.

This step “fills” up the hairs so the “shingles” lay flat against the hair shaft. Let sit for a few minutes or long enough to sing a song, then rinse.

2. Cleanse—A protein shampoo works best for this step as it nourishes the skin while further filling up the hair cuticle while it cleanses.

Sing another song then rinse well.

Any surfactant left on the coat will interfere with the closing of the cuticle so rinse very well at this stage.

3. Hydrate—Using the same conditioner or the finishing conditioner of your choice (this could include extra oils for the short coats, minerals for the natural coats and keratin for the long coats), apply the mixture as the last step. This is the best time to use a comb or brush to gently work the product into the coat. You will

Pet Pro Hawaii Cruise 2019

BARKLEIGH 2019 CRUISE Pet Pro Cruise 7 Night Cruise

JAN 12-19

Norwegian Cruise Line’s "Pride of America" Sails Round Trip From Honolulu Ports Include Honolulu, Maui, Hilo, Kona, & Kauai

CONTACT: Judith "LUCY" Wheeler- Barkleigh Cruise Agent Cell (321) 368-6622 • Cruisinglady@ymail.com

Visit www.barkleigh.com/cruise for more information

38

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

find that at this point, lots of loose hair will separate from the main coat.

Rinse well and dry or style as usual.

PROTECT YOUR LUNGS This method is very gentle for the pet—even though it adds a little extra time, but the real value of the technique is that it is effective and it keeps most of the loose hair out of the air and out of your precious lungs. Clean up is a little easier also as it keeps the majority of the dead hair in wet clumps in the tub which are easily scooped out and thrown into the trash.

At this point, I will usually let the pet rest from the bath in a holding area or kennel where they are free to rub themselves on towels.

I then get them out and comb out the loose hair while they are still a little damp and then fluff or dry, depending on the needs of the specific pet.

ARMING CLIENTS WITH KNOWLEDGE When selling the de–shed service, make sure you have a pamphlet or handout for your clients so that they know the extra effort you are taking and they understand why the process takes a little longer, as well as why it costs a little more. I love seeing the light go on when they realize why the dog sheds in the first place and that you have the know–how to really make a difference.

Learning to tweak this basic technique has built my bath and brush clientele immensely. Try this method and see for yourself! ✂

and daycare

EXPO

November 5-8, 2018 HERSHEY LODGE & CONVENTION CENTER HERSHEY, PA www.PetBoardingexpo.com

T

rying to operate too many apps can do more harm than good, but streamlining your process with the right technology can be a game–changer for your business.

UPGRADE YOUR BUSINESS WITH

SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY E by Melissa Viera e

Oversized index cards, reminder phone calls and hours of handwritten notes have served our industry well for many years.

But with today’s technology, consumers expect businesses to keep up with the times, providing quick responses and modern experiences.

40

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

SCHEDULING SOFTWARE There are many options when it comes to appointment software. While there are programs made just for pet professionals, other types of scheduling software can work for any type of appointment–based business, and many programs can be customized to meet the needs of groomers. Your chosen scheduling software should do a lot more for your business than serve as a calendar. If you are paying for software that only does what you could do with a pen and an appointment book, then it’s time to shop around.

Before choosing your software, make a list of what you need it to do. Remember, even if the features you need don’t seem to be included, you might be able to customize the software to work with your business.

Always ask for a demo and call before making a purchase. Most software companies have a sales team ready to walk you through every feature.

Here are a few examples of features that I shopped for:

ONLINE BOOKING OPTION (WITH RESTRICTIONS) I love giving my customers the opportunity to book online, but not every service should be booked without talking to the client first. By separating my services, I can offer online booking for some services and for other services I can leave a note in the description instructing the user to call to book. I can also choose to only open online booking for specific days.

Pet Grooming Software

Daily, Weekly & Monthly Calendars Email & Text Messaging Mobile Route Optimization Sales & Expense Reports Grooming History Email Marketing And Much More!

work smarter start your free trial today www.groomsoft.com/g2g

BOOKING MULTIPLE CLIENTS IN ONE TIME SLOT

REMINDERS

While we still have a few people (less than 5 out of hundreds) that ask for a phone call, most of our customers love the automated email reminders.

42

If you book more than one pet per time slot, make sure your software allows this. Even if you only allow clients to book one per time slot online, you might want to manually add additional appointments.

PASSES AND CLASSES Since I run classes and workshops, I looked for software with the option to create classes and different pass purchase options in addition to appointment booking.

NOTES It’s very important for me to be able to add notes in for every appointment and upload pictures of service orders, paperwork and grooming photos.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

This is a feature that can be useful for groomers and should be considered.

REMINDERS I have a very low no–show rate in my business. While we still have a few people (less than 5 out of hundreds) that ask for a phone call, most of our customers love the automated email reminders.

SCHEDULE BLOCKING Most programs make it easy to block off your schedule as needed.

CLIENT PROFILE It’s important for my business to have detailed information, contact details, vaccine records and history all in one place. When each client comes in, we can check that their pet’s

INNOVATED LUXURY PET BEAUTY CARE iGroom was created by professionals for professionals We use naturally inspired ingredients • SLS Free • Paraben Free

• Silicon Free • Phthalates Free

igroom.com

20% OFF

PROMO CODE: groomertogroomer

EXP 7/31/2018 Shampoo • Conditioner • Detangler • Aerosol Spray • Skin Rescue GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

43

Sending promotions and announcements to all of your clients, or just a selected list of clients

WELCOME!

:) vaccines are up–to–date, we have the best phone number and we know about any allergies the pet has—all in one click to the client’s profile within the scheduling software.

PHONE Do you use a landline, cell phone or both? I wanted to make calls while I’m on the go from my business number so I did some

44

is just the start of what email marketing can do.

You can send educational resources, welcome emails and much more. research and found that there is more than one way to do this. With virtual phone systems you can have multiple extensions, send incoming calls to landlines or cell phones and make calls through an app with your business number, even when you are not in the office. Virtual phone systems are amazing for anyone who wants to be connected to their business at any given time.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

EMAIL MARKETING Sending promotions and announcements to all of your clients, or just a selected list of clients is just the start of what email marketing can do.

You can send educational resources, welcome emails and much more. Why manually input each new client into your email list when you can find programs that integrate with your scheduling software?

Strippers

Sam Kohl Products

Available in LEFT and RIGHT–HANDED STYLES ALL STRIPPERS ARE PRE–DULLED Except for the Magna Carder ®

FREE BLAC LEATHER C K ASE WITH EAC SET OF 5 H

Size Printed Clearly on Each Stripper

AARONCO ® Stripping tools are ergonomically designed strippers that fit the hand better and stay more comfortable for longer than traditional stripping tools.

® BEST BY DESIGN www.aaroncopet.com

SOCIAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can be an excellent thing for businesses, but poor posting history can make a business look dead to potential customers.

further automate your daily operations.

Social media can be an excellent thing for businesses, but poor posting history can make a business look dead to potential customers. If you find social media overwhelming, look for platforms that allow you to put all of your accounts in one place, post to multiple places at once, schedule future posts and interact with followers.

THE FUTURE Scheduling, email marketing and social media are just a few of the many areas that you can use apps and software for. New programs are coming out all of the time. When you do your research and follow the recent technology developments, you can get ahead and stay there. Instead of telling you about the specific programs that I use, I hope to inspire you to find what works best for your business. No two businesses are alike. If you rely on technology, your process will change over time to work best with the technology that you use. It’s important to use what works for you instead of only going by what other businesses use.

When you use the right technology for your business, it will help you to grow and improve your process. ✂

INTEGRATIONS Trying to streamline your business won’t work if you try to use too many different programs at once. Software and technology should save time so you can focus on giving your clients the care and attention they deserve. When researching software, look into which apps integrate with your top picks and how all of the working parts can result in a time–saving process. When you have apps that work together, you can

Help your clients with problem urination, house training, destruction, aggression and more!

Holistic PET

GROOMING

THE ART OF

Helping

Pets Feel AS GREAT AS THEY LOOK

L1245

A collection of more than 60 articles about dog and cat behavior from Gary’s award winning articles told in an engaging, simple and easy-to-read fashion.

237 pages - $16.95

www.clickandtreat.com

46

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

Transform your grooming practice into one that reduces stress and promotes the feeling of comfort and security for pets, clients and yourself!

ON SALE NOW AT

GroomertoGroomer.com

WWW.BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM

No Refunds!

NO KIDDING E by Kathy Hosler e

M

rs. Reed makes an appointment with you for her Bichon, Arabella. As soon as you see the dog, you know it’s been many months since she was groomed.

"I love her fluffy,” says Mrs. Reed. “She just needs a little trim.”

She proceeds to tell you that her dog is from championship bloodlines and hands you a book that is all about Bichons—so you can make her look just like the show dogs.

When you check–in and examine Arabella, you show the extreme matting to the owner and tell her that the dog will have to have a short haircut this time.

“I don’t want her short,” says Mrs. Reed snippily. “I want her just like these dogs in the pictures!”

48

You told her that her dog would have to be short, and you thought she completely understood. You did your best, yet she blew up when she saw her dog. What happened? What could you have done differently?

You explain that there is really no other choice. For her dog’s well being, those mats must be removed.

She reluctantly agrees. As she goes out the door she says, “Don’t make her any shorter than you have to.”

When she comes back to pickup her Arabella, she explodes, “You shaved my dog! I told you I didn’t want her short. You have butchered my

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

beautiful Arabella! I’m telling all my friends, and giving you bad reviews on the internet!” She throws a check at you, grabs the dog and storms out.

The next morning, she sends her husband in to demand a refund. Wow! You told her that her dog would have to be short, and you thought she completely understood. You did your best, yet she blew up when she saw her dog.

Klip Kards

Client Index & Extender Cards

Regular Klip Kard 3” x 5” Medium Klip Kard 4” x 6”

Available Colors

Giant Klip Kard 5” x 8”

ARE YOUR CLIENT FILES A DISASTER? These client index cards will stand up against the daily abuse of any active grooming salon and will provide you with basic information on your grooming client.

Track injuries, sensitive areas, medical problems, services, and more!

AVAILABLE IN PACKS OF 100, 500, or 1000!

EXTENDERS STAPLED TO YOUR FILLED KLIP KARD ADD MORE RECORD SPACE! Barkleigh Productions, Inc. barkleigh.com • barkleighstore.com • (717) 691-3388

Every owner should

GENERAL PET

be required to sign

RELEASE FORM

a form that gives Pet Name

Date

you permission

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

to transport their

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary

pet and obtain

tment sho

veterinary care for

treatment should it become necessary.

I hereby grant permission toion this grooming establishment iss gro to to this I hereby permission hereb grant h obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense. rinary treatmentt ffo in emergency emerg ain veterinary

Owner Name

them (at the owner’s expense), should an

Signature

Name N ame #PR-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh.com

S Signa igna

e

emergency arise.

What happened? What could you have done differently?

CLIENT COMMUNICATION We all know that you can’t please everyone, but no groomer wants an unhappy client. Effective communication between the stylist and the client is crucial, and can prevent a lot of misunderstandings—especially during check–in.

The stylist who groomed Arabella was on the right track, but she didn’t go far enough. When she told the owner that her dog would have to be clipped short, she should have had something to show her. Simply saying ‘short’ doesn’t give a visual length for the owner to expect. There are hair length charts that you can purchase (or make yourself) which will allow you to show them how short their pet’s hair will be.

Just as the owner brought pictures of how she wanted her dog to look, you should also have some before and after photos of matted pets to give the owner an idea of how different her pet might look.

PROTECT YOURSELF

JODI MURPHY Visit our website to see what other groomers have to say about the Prima Bathing System.

50

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

Your clients should know what your policies and procedures are. You need to put them in writing. Include the forms of payment you accept, your cancellation and no–show policy, your hours of operation, and anything else that is important to you. Every owner should be required to sign a form that gives you permission to transport their pet and obtain veterinary care for them (at the owner’s expense), should an emergency arise.

In addition, you should have signed releases for geriatric pets, matted pets, cats, and for any other situation you feel is necessary. You can find many pet release forms and other helpful resources at www.barkleighstore.com.

Pet Release Forms Helping you do your job with a modern, professional look!

GENERAL PET RELEASE FORM Date

Pet Name

MATTED PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! safety Because we care about your pet’s you that and well being, we want to assure your every effort will be made to make pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Occasionally, grooming can expose e a hidden medical problem or aggravat or after a current one. This can occur during grooming. we request In the best interest of your pet, te veterinary your permission to obtain immedia y. necessar become it treatment should

MOBILE SALON RELEASE FORM

to this grooming establish ment I hereby grant permissio n to treatmen t for my pet at my expense. obtain emergenc y veterinary

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Because your pet is severely tangled or matted, it is at greater risk of injury, stress and trauma. All precautions will be taken. However, problems occasionally arise, during or after grooming, such as nicks, clipper irritation and mental or physical stress.

CAT GROOMING In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

RELEASE FORM

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense.

Also, realizing that matted pets have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

SENIOR PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your senior pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

PET SAFETY

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

I hereby grant permission to this

RELEASE FORM grooming establishm

ent to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense.

Also, realizing that aged pets have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

Owner Name

Owner Name

Owner Name Pet Name

Date

Pet Name Signature

Signature

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! leigh.com safety ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark Because we care about your pet’s #PR-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productio you that and well being, we want to assure your every effort will be made to make pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Please understand that due to the will very nature of being mobile we ent occasionally be late for an appointm control (traffic, accidents, weather, due to circumstances beyond our unavoidable time delays. etc.) and cannot be held liable for a hidden medical problem Occasionally, grooming can expose . can occur during or after grooming or aggravate a current one. This we request your permission to In the best interest of your pet, t should it become necessary. obtain immediate veterinary treatmen

grooming establishment to obtain I hereby grant permission to this for my pet at my expense. emergency veterinary treatment

Owner Name Signature

leigh.com

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

#VR-2 © 2017 Barkleigh Productio

Date

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well #MP-2 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 being,©we want to assure you that every effort will be • www.barkleigh.com made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Cats are creatures of habit and when exposed to a new environment they can experience elevated stress levels. In the event that your cat is too stressed to safely continue the groom, all procedures will stop and you will be notified immediately.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense. Also, realizing that cats have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

Pet Name Signature

for 2018

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to utilize proper restraints for the health and safety of my pet and my grooming service provider during today’s grooming service. I understand and agree that if the grooming establishm ent deems it unsafe or unhealthy to continue for the pet or the groomer, the grooming establishment will end today’s service and I will be responsible for any services rendered.

Owner Name

Signature

Signature

#SF-2 © 2018 Barkleigh Productio

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

Hard–backed pads with 50 tear–away forms per pad.

www.barkleighstore.com

NEW

Because we care about your pet’s safety, we want to assure you that every precautio #SP-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productio n will be taken to provide ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark a safe and stress–free grooming experience for your leigh.com pet. Due to the intimate nature of the grooming process, or a pet’s tolerance level for stress, strangers, or handling, some pets can become anxious or reactive during the grooming service.

If we determine that continuing the grooming service would present a threat to your dog’s emotional or physical health, and/or the safety of groomer completing the service, we will discontinue today’s service and contact you immediate ly.

We will take every precaution necessary to complete the grooming service safely and humanely including the proper use of common industry safety equipment such as grooming loops, muzzles, and restraints.

Owner Name

#FR-2 © 2017 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh.com

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

leigh.com

You don’t have to accept every pet. If a dog or cat comes in for grooming, and it is snarling, growling, or hissing—don’t feel obligated to groom it. Customers are not always truthful when it comes to their pets and possible aggressive behavior.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING If you notice skin issues, parasites, matting, or anything out of the ordinary—document it immediately, in writing and take a photo of it. If you feel that it is unsafe to continue the groom, stop immediately and contact the owner. Many groomers take before and after photos of every pet they groom. And more and more groomers have video cameras recording everything that happens in their salons.

DON’T BE BULLIED You don’t have to accept every pet. If a dog or cat comes in for grooming, and it is snarling, growling, or hissing—don’t feel obligated

to groom it. Customers are not always truthful when it comes to their pets and possible aggressive behavior. It only takes one dog or cat attack to end your career. And, don’t allow a client to browbeat you into trying to brush–out a pet that you know is too matted.

If they try to threaten you with, “It’s your job to groom my pet the way I want. He’s not matted. I brush him all the time. When I took him to other groomers, they always brushed him out.”

That’s when you politely, but firmly, tell them that, “If the other groomer can brush him out, then you should go back to that groomer. I be-

lieve in humanity before vanity, and will not attempt painful de–matting on a pet that can not be humanely brushed out.”

JOIN FORCES Socialize with other groomers in your area. Get together and meet for dinner every month or two. You might be very surprised to find that you have some of the same clients. There are pet owners who make a practice of taking their pets from groomer to groomer, finding fault with every groom, and then they refuse to pay or demand a refund. These professional con artists often wind up getting free grooms by threatening to post a bad review on several online sites. Having a good relationship with other local groomers can put a stop to people who constantly abuse groomers in this way.

STAND UP FOR YOURSELF You have invested your valuable time and expertise, and used costly equipment and products to groom their pets. Why would you allow yourself to be bullied into working for nothing? Having signed release forms, photos, and video documentation for every pet you groom protects you and your business.

So, from this moment on, you should implement a new policy in your grooming business...no bullies, NO refunds, no kidding! ✂

52

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

VEHICLE & PERSONAL

LOCATORS: WHEN YOU’RE

E by Mary Oquendo e

O

ne cold, snowy day a couple of years back, I was driving down the aptly named Long Mountain Road. This long and mountainous road was buffeted on both sides by packed snow. It was effectively keeping me on the road as I frequently brushed up against the snowbanks, as driving conditions were slick. I glance off to the side and, laughing, thought if I slide off the road into the gully, my white van won’t be found until spring. Oh crap.

No one knows where I am.

I needed to remedy this quickly.

It wasn’t just the thought of going off

54

It wasn’t just the thought of going off the road, but the fact that at any given point in my day, no one other than myself knew where I was going or where I had been. That was a scary thought. the road, but the fact that at any given point in my day, no one other than myself knew where I was going or where I had been. That was a scary thought.

There are both low and high tech options to overcome this problem.

Low tech is simply making a copy

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

of your schedule and leaving it where a trusted employee/significant other/ friend has access to it. I take a photo of the week’s schedule and text it to my hubby. The added benefit is if I forget my appointment book or (gasp) lose it, I can still access my schedule

SAM KOHL’S

BOOKS

SINCE

1973

From the first ALL BREED DOG GROOMING GUIDE published in 1973; to its current 4th edition featuring 193 breeds! Sam Kohl has been educating groomers on tools, business, technique and client relations for 50 years.

® BEST BY DESIGN www.aaroncopet.com

The industry’s trustworthy, time-tested pioneer of educational texts.

While most personal GPS trackers are designed for pets and kids, the upside is they are small

6 inche s

and can fit in a pocket or sewn into a smock. by going through my texts. But if you go missing, the police have a way to track your movements.

High tech involves installing a GPS vehicle locator on your car/van along with the corresponding phone app to track it. GPS vehicle locators are relatively inexpensive. Some are easy enough to mount on your own, while others need to be installed by qualified technicians.

Whether you mount it on your own or hire someone to do it, you will need to purchase a monthly service plan to monitor your vehicle. Many GPS vehicle locator manufacturers offer bundled packages. But did you know that cell providers such as Verizon and AT&T may offer it as well?

In addition to knowing exactly where your vehicle is, they can also

offer a live view GPS, track speed, pinpoint the location and time spent at any given location, roadside assistance, and even rate the driver. As this may help in recovering stolen vehicles, a talk with your insurance agent may help lower premiums.

THAT’S GREAT. MY VEHICLE CAN BE RECOVERED, BUT WHAT ABOUT ME? While most personal GPS trackers are designed for pets and kids, the upside is they are small and can fit in a pocket or sewn into a smock. They are dependent upon battery power and require a monthly service plan as well.

Outdoor sport retailers such as Cabela’s, REI, Eastern Mountain Sports and others sell personal locator beacons. When they are activat-

Your Source for Grooming Supplies!

Including Wipes, the WetPet Disposable Towel, Pee Pads and more!

Call 800-526-1526 • Buy Online! www.raypet.net 56

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

Y O U R E X P E R T IS E

GROOM

GRAM M M O A O G R M G GR ardsROOM RA OM G GRAM GROGROOM GRAM Blizz M t Hair Treat YGRAM O PeGROOM O our Pet R G Cool SuSalons to a en M Hav SFun at the Grooming mmer e f GRA Sa W M O GRAM

Vol. 37

ing Ed. 1 Spr

r

Vol.

rly

The Pet

arte Care Qu

The Pet

Care Qua rterly

ndo

Vol. 37 Ed. 3 Fall

By M

the end ua y bring eQ Car pring ma snow and Pet g The of blowin tside, but ou bliz zards that sheds,

By Kathy Hosler e a pet of By hav Kathy Hosler if you avalanche ngs an . us spring bri shedding ffer love e all loo pet hair es ts o l f k kes , do seems nervous seasonaly dog pet sha ur pe nditiona spite o r for ward you the car, to and hehim When in unco ance, in world off of fly r is hai sum pt mer and much when I take our trembles all of the ere ur so acce a miniexciting ks like and living in . But th for o it loo in yourthat com himt to act be groomed. t tha peningIt e wit h it. ivities wha to them e can dol they hap is d , makes me Why ure whene bliz zar feel rbad. e furnit does ething w for al ovide ver possib And, you e er th Is els rn ? g does he pr do that?” le, m use hin tu to includ we affic. Covblanket or n ” ho so in re towel everyt e our pet t of like e ca ven. tr e g. ing and h thing, and covered witfun s lo pets r us. W “safe ha in es with thor openine and r a thorough rinsdryer sepa rates clo .

This is a question ge that ve a sidthe r? But , only tifhatha refu r home pet e do d insid ofAfte a high velocity more all do fo with a en hai to in you e of looks and no than One ing, are often asked.

Most ove even y fallpets for thhairt be e on t pet dry plac retreat instylists . g coat e. sm cratmor dens s and helps rem cept ding of freshl is a e shed them fy pe open createthe day-to-day t ex m routines to onendrom h oveells When the layer hair canordo. far eegoo ven place to whelm likeatheir d co bing ercoat. ha wa a no do sh nt rem sy to rt a er nts ” ugh the a fe estme n, it loose und ze ace come thedingcrtrea stin eepet shingPland is aas the bi goe s thro A sa rity. It’s come ov an cave be constant, and for everything d frto av hed e at acuatio ofanthe dir just bru ky,ona ording ializ ed de-s groomer shed l le ty s r l rub lik be t, “m spec ch or cu ev I you ona ay s e. life bin l. a essi be the same.oug Any change their gerAaga , su the ssfu h seas prof altw asreal , fighyinpha onsly time-an e thee do isd dry, leav t. inch and uses e the or se life ha rt of pets. ins Alth entsse in todang l orst’tresitt ight re mevent ofly effe and So n eing r ssar flnece syethe osctiv car ancoatminch en -byhav y ev normal routine ecan complet cl be mesth cause your pet om to whe ressful. but fo ra y don e s th high pp and fr very on e ill a sh tool ,styou fear salonnatuis the ha s hair er, deit is simpl ante th ni ,” nor mal e. ir isbut in. th atedova l enr or me to experience pet’ can ts Cal t to d n as pu hair Rememb cirem of l ouroke, ft con or st he shed fear anxiety. to g unw alonsum ing,lap you syovin e pe process. e of Ev ess asso edu re. ere.

Beco sm ec baby

Vol. 38 Ed.

EDUCATE, INFORM, ENTERTAIN & PROMOTE

2 Summer

!

❏ It’s tim e to “freshly-groget that look for omed” Please cal your pet. l now for an appoin tment!

Remarks Name

at

r

look for your pet. t get tha Please ecall for to now ❏ It’s timappointment! an groomed” “freshly- your pet. look for l now for cal Please ment! appoint aninde nt Rem

❏ Appointme

r Pro ❏ It’s time to fes getsio thatna l “freshly-groomed” You

Remarks

❏ Appointm Remarks Name

ent Rem

Groome r Name

inder

❏ Appointment Reminder

at

at

r Your Professional Groomer t oo me me thaGr getnal ” Na festosio ed rks Your sPro time room .

Rema ❏ It’ reshly-g your pet r “f w fo for look call no ment! se nt Plea appoi an ❏ Ap

point

r You

ment

Remi

ssio Profe

nder

nal

at

Gro

r ome

OM

GRO

ary

37 Ed

e

r qu sleQuarterly The Pet Care Ho O

By Kathy

rterly

inte .4W

le rem t th ding , ona cycl proc be l, ding ywh a evererfrom e proc eff is ea hed al Pet t Place? , If you eir de firePets of inlg freqpeproc t edu re for essibe look at things need hed hair spor fter ace is not a one-tim r pet does not de-sus s prof e th algways . Ade-s ld a rs The ks , live with • Aftyougr pet’ from keep tr.an atio ding hair eny of ld yon.ur uent groo you them situ Wou the Fi rewor your s. Pl ev view,init’s easy ic pet’s point nces shed evermershbru kofwith oushin g toN e, ide look hair on at sheddingminthe groo ovion andr hair and spea stemmusss,you n pesrie not your Why ssed in ch as fi s of mtousunderstand same tim can sompr like ever y n thingyothei r apet’ ur r best e own with ve towe r dengwith Bec soause you to disc why theyermightding al not sess out at the problem. ive ex beg ins . For ven,l maye.beI al fe haers, Theiectipo e , mer ed do be sit Stre oises su ain ty pe . Anim angroomer disalstde-suhed alliryou in need t and efall dryon is all loos ten edsum andginsp them n saabou sidl salon’ th in new essi min fetohathe loos ona If yoAren’t untnoftne n.thegroo hairexperience unsure rs situations. off a constan • N r, cert you ithwhen positive sh tobebonding easyr ow amo n it issa after atinova the can beritacan fun r ow vo ys he e.happy, adday A prof pet’s ceeithe pet’s eane sensitive hard Youcare for them skin.wThe their Hav fa rem he to rgroo w com ei t. ding of cl de r redu th e you as hair fort fun. to th ing shed ei en and hom is of the ming need wahair e th for both , and itsalon. nervous rit for they youally dowith less new things orr e on the grooming arly thwhen ag you.keepbath trol by thei rare goyou experience thun cuum more icul e atic un pet.atcoat s - from favo also mak re a lot and ing canofahelp parents Manytub r to va can in r init ial insped You th dramon you ur r pet an As ei ls lik a basic er conand blow dry, ectd,with petwhe you elch nd on asm thpet t forchoo isepbath surroundings? an ol and ing is fa ve a part s are pet ashor bath pet parent, is a ca lm es fimen they oint have se id foras to itbe hair rund eloving at boin.unfamiliar r Yo hair deasie to a com exce ss ter hair placAe. The for veante keafter app and m and t fleastPet get thei r fur poo plete they t willwhat e. It, whi ovyou unw ha urToto remgroo sstyle ove the ticks n.get topet ds aren’t born ac up anpe hear . Pets ha uencie enPets spanexpe sham Used ? take s your yoing opportunity you can nGet kids ked e inYour crat d com no outs ding u Prthe a detode-s salo can set knowing is. us ae.call wor r en duri ca from ot then rience. eq high to hed is com es ei it sum rs ng Our te Yo tinu fr av and sp , dule that the fort is Give thditionerantrimBeing ea spec ial H re at hom ou with and we can hot anmer ion ud monaccustomed at situations g sche n do toatexpect s be aconide. and how to act when heYes, hedding may Cthey to new ths. to on haveess and and min a sche helpHandled t th . cr ter Safecon rssom groo for aby a conpe is Shor requ ened hair trol a less , lo de-s a regu lar d inside pre-book a owl w dule of proc edsbetothekn idea time e low h stimul s pets loos trim wed How ay er brus lmen solu s is saefe ithire appointm follo Continue may the Touch, arepeattsthe grooming und ng massage ne tion idehim all Initially, . on salon. to some and em the . yoru rub, and coat .AThi w st w hair nigrooming thei nceaatofDhom To procedures ents just hair hair fam ilies inued ins pet that can extr o muc n, other d scents pet ding cohing othe Petcan ugh easie shedding als.outat theenbut eim r pet and– especially shed ressintimidating . en ened ofthat and , emak the thro e, it bath be customi for your over itancan beay nt the stkeep a little sensitive e in pare areas trai fe like and healeed will encounter • To ildre at salon. time ly Th t nts Co ch ab ac sa cr need loos an high leav s, may ializ ke s zed easy rt s. For exam e thefegroo f is lid ines su staf elec to fit your -car spec a pl fo onbree ch ise stressful gst ze. furt e use to And hairm blanher n the t el min his gtoes Our and feet,t to noise and his head g ho ro-utthe clippers and n isWe ple, if you style tioof from ehold no lmin to us! s makecrsens timeand d cow us dees. ate, e, crate that pe the niqu to brush don’t have We you have man cttoam in the hs l tech , fricova t an yallo thfor pets in iethat w to brushing and is a Your your pets Socialize ears.sche Introducekno as busy eePet him pets barking, bath remel ges , bi hous verwhe andryers, rt other quwate ed love we can set ucts l inst that at home, dule s and Plac inat does it’s hard to w s landleprodthe to • O le, ch time d. play u neThat’s ns even up week turaralland op combing in fun, important.whe five-minute brushing, Expose fit ever can rs, astool t be really l yoswim e th ly or bi-w catio and maisessions. r pe , thesena bust ntenance re your pet’s ythi ng in - that t, al d pe. Aurquic eekly hom k rub embe thei ed must learn and oving, va ily ’s him some treats appointm star eet, anhim Praise to new be m new people, experiences. and give places, and stylisthim them in uses e stressPets can help Our salo of yo sh d tip-top shap ents to keep as m een fam tothaccept .When you are drying at ca everything n canfor other animals. The earlier you start being l or toa corner that happens le ar e floo take e. In addi if you have caregood. of all your betw uation n peop renalin e of smel tion, in a spec working your them own with during sit hair, him, ial let the the your pet grooming process, better – but, he event plan youlook willatbe any ss. W ch as ad al ’s sens odor of ned, re it’s never too late to be effective. and hear your hair dryer when it sure to get the hold su toan the lvall im stillizethrough ingof it. to st onesand time slot vo An Preparing your pet for his ‘big day is on. Soon the noise and blowing cogn your n inpet to have a horm dies. Weeyallrewant bo uatio our great, th as a sit e Continued inside Continued is so rmon inside ho the

or “s

AVAILABLE AT

Groom-O-Grams do it all! Quarterly, 4 page promotional newsletters packed with articles for every season.

Written by industry experts covering at-home pet care tips, safety and upkeep targeted at your clients!

WWW.BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM

BARKLEIGH PRODUCTIONS, INC • BARKLEIGH.COM • (717) 691-3388

If you have Google as your operating system on your phone, they offer Google Trusted Contacts. You can designate someone to know your whereabouts at all times. But be aware—your Trusted Contact will always know where you’re at or at least know where your phone is. ed, usually by push button, they emit a registered distress signal particular to the unit.

There are three different types of beacons; EPIRB’s (maritime), ELT’s (aviation), and PLB’s (hand held personal units.) They are larger than personal GPS trackers. Some require a monthly service and others do not. When activated, the distress call goes to the local Search and Rescue Team in your area.

As they rely on satellites, they are not dependent upon cell service.

The locator should always be kept charged. It’s not something you want to play with or test out as a specialized team including dogs may appear on your doorstep and send you a bill for a false distress signal.

There are also emergency beacon

apps that can be downloaded to your smart phones. The three apps recommended by tech bloggers include Silent Beacon, Lifeline Response, and bSafe.

They are free but offer upgradable options including small personal connected devices. They are available for both Android and iPhones.

If you have Google as your operating system on your phone, they offer Google Trusted Contacts. You can designate someone to know your whereabouts at all times. But be aware— your Trusted Contact will always know where you’re at or at least know where your phone is.

Samsung has Samsung Safety Assistance on Galaxy phones. You can send out a distress signal to a designated emergency contact.

Classified Ads Since 1997 450,000 Ads Published to Date Secure Website ▪ Many Ads Free, Others Cheap

PetGroomer.com

Help Wanted & Job Search New & Used Mobile Vehicles Business for Sale or Lease Shampoo & Spa Tools, Tubs, Tables & More Schools of Grooming Home Study Grooming Streaming Video Sharpening...and more

Award-Winning Blogs, GroomerTALK℠ Community & Radio

58

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

iPhone also offers an emergency distress option. But access varies based on the model. To find out how to activate it on yours visit: https:// support.apple.com/en-us/HT208076.

Regardless of your phone or operating system, make sure your designated contact is aware you have chosen them. And all phone apps and distress options depend on cell coverage and battery life.

In doing research for this article, I was pretty excited to see some very lovely GPS tracker jewelry, but they seem to go out of business fairly quickly. I was bummed about that.

Whether you choose low or high tech options, free or monthly service, you can replace that ‘Oh Crap’ moment with piece of mind instead. ✂

Your Pet Care Professional Taking

t!

When Your Pet Needs a Smoothie

care of your Puppy at home…

Lear ning to Br ush Your Pet

nal

Mission Accomplished – a Happy Puppy!

chnique to you, Brush Your brushing cannot

Because you and your professional groomer took the time to introduce your puppy to grooming in a step-by-step, gentle, loving way, you made your puppy’s all-imp ortant first visit to the grooming salon a wonder ful experience that will help him enjoy being groomed throughout his life.

Askhave Youra friend Groomwho If you er could this publication, froma Copy benefit for pleaseofpass it on.

Learning to Brush Your Pet Pamphlet

d who could ublication, it on.

• Mechanicsburg PA #PS-3 Barkleigh Productions h.com • www.barkleigh.com (717) 691-3388 • info@barkleig

have a friend who could

benefit from this publication, Sweet Succes s

Tiny fleas can crea please pass items. on. te huge p robl By working with your p et care professional and following their rec ommendations about products and their corr ect usage, and by diligently treating and protecting your pets a nd their surroundings, you and your pets can kiss

the ferocious flea good bye.

J872

#PS-4 Barkleigh Productions • Mechanic sburg PA (717) 691-3388 • info@barkleigh.co m • www.barkleigh.com

Pet Care Series #3 J590

J590

5 Mechanicsburg PA 1705 .com com • www.barkleigh

Puppy’s First Visit to the Grooming Salon

The Ferocious Flea

If you have a friend who could benefit from this publication , please pass it on.

uto

groomer r your se them et looks

Your Pet Care Professional

Are there any disadv antages to these products?

Fleas have to come in contact with the product to be killed. T hat means that fleas actually have to get on , and could possibly bite your pet, before th ey die. There is also a possibility of skin irrit ation at the site of application.

If you

Photo by: Sherri Regalb

r time nefits in ng, not to

Fle

Your Pet Care Professional

Between professional groomings, you may need to brush and bathe your puppy at home. Your groomer can recommend and supply the equipment and coat care products that you will need.

She will also be happy to demonstrate the correct brushing and combing techniq ues that you need to learn to properly care for your puppy.

ring spend ecial ur pet. s hair more rt em as ming. reinforce

e

Keeping your Pet

a Free

In many areas of the country, flea control is a year round necessit y.

In conjunction with con tinuing premise control, many pet ow ners have great succes s with oral or topical pr oducts that are administered once a m onth to their pet. The y come in a variety of bra nds like - Advantage®, Frontline®, Revolution®, and Program®.

There are specific form ulations for dogs and cats, and most are approved to use on puppies and kittens six to eight weeks and old er.

Read and follow the i nstructions, making sur e to use the product that is specified for your pet. These products ar e extremely popular because of their once a month convenience, ease of application, and effectiveness. Most are

waterproof, allowing y our pet to be bathed, or to swim, without dec reasing the product’s effectiveness.

Also, keeping your pet flea free with this continuous protection, is far less costly than trying to eliminate an i nfestation on your pet and in your home.

cause any irritation to himself. Remem ber that his freshly clipped nails may be sharp and can easily irritate his puppy skin. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your groomer immediately.

ll at ou

Pet Care Series #4

#PS-5 Barkleigh Produ ctions • Mechanicsburg (717) 691-3388 • info@ PA barkleigh.com • www .barkleigh.com

Pet Care Series #5

Pet Care Series # 2

Pet Care Series Brochures

Your Pet Care Professional

d

Ick!

a .

If you have a friend who could benefit from this publication, please pass it on.

A Tick!

Protecting Your Pets and Yourself

u

y

#PS-6 Barkleigh Productions • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 691-3388 • info@barkleigh.com www.barkleigh.com

Pet Care Series #7

AVAILABLE IN PACKS OF

20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000!

Written by Professional Groomers for Your Clients!

These quality brochures not only answer the constant questions you get from pet owners, but they will also help you sell products that work and that you personally believe in – products that you retail. They will teach your client how to care for their pet between groomings, which will save you lots of time.

Great promotional tools as well!

MIX & MATCH PACKS OF 100 WHEN ORDERING 1000!

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. barkleigh.com • barkleighstore.com • (717) 691-3388

EXPERIMENTING

ASK THE GROOMING TUTOR

with

NEW TECHNIQUES

Hi Michell. I went to Groom Expo West this year. I attended several classes on various grooming techniques. I was so pumped! I got back to my salon and tried many of the things that I learned. Some of the techniques worked out and others not so much. My customers are loyal and I don’t fear losing them, but it was pretty much a disaster.

60

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

by Michell Evans

I

was running behind, feeling overwhelmed and inadequate.

I always thought I was a pretty good groomer, but after attending classes and watching the grooming contests, I see that I have a lot to learn. Most of my dogs are all one length all over with a cute head and tail. Do you have any advice on how to change and improve my grooming skills without overwhelming myself and my customers?” –Terry The day that we know everything about grooming is the day to retire from grooming. Part of the joy of grooming is that there is no ceiling to the amount of knowledge that can be gained. From customer relations to dealing with difficult dogs and cats, to mastering our own hand eye coordination; every day is a learning experience. They say that the key to a long and happy life is keeping the body and mind engaged. Well grooming does that—for sure!

If terms like rear angulation, up–right head carriage and shoulder lay–back are new to you, it can be overwhelming. Practice reading breed standards in the American Kennel Club’s Complete Dog Book or on their website, and then look at photos of champion specimens of each breed and you will start to see how the terms apply to the dog’s appearance. You will find these terms being used time and again. There is a glossary in the

Try to apply new techniques on just

ONE PET PER DAY, or even one per week, at first. To apply too much too soon can wreak havoc on your schedule and self– confidence.

back of the book to assist you.

Try to apply new techniques on just one pet per day, or even one per week, at first. To apply too much too soon can wreak havoc on your schedule and self–confidence. One of the main differences between stylized grooming and simple shave down grooming is longer leg hair.

Simply converting one dog per day from a shave all over to a shave on the body and an attachment comb of a longer length on the legs will slowly but surely convert your clientele to a more stylized, higher priced clientele. And yes, you would increase the price for this style because it takes more time and more skill.

Leaving longer leg hair gives you more opportunities to develop your scissoring skills. And changing

to longer coat on the legs creates a more balanced look. The fullness that is created on the legs balances out the heaviness of the body, much like fashion can appear to improve one’s physique or conversely tragically destroy it. Dogs do not look their best with shaved legs. Use comb attachments for legs so that the coat is long enough to comb–up and scissor finish.

A good rule of thumb is to go up at least three blades from your body coat length for your leg length. For example, if you shave the body in a #7 blade, you would do a #2 comb on the legs. And if you use a #4 blade on the body, use a #1 comb on the legs.

Many clients will not even notice that the coat is longer on the legs but they might notice that their dog

www.groomersbest.com

www.groomersbest.com

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

61

It is very important that the bits of coat that you leave to create the enhancements are well blended so that the client cannot see that there are two different lengths of coat coming together. Thinning shears are a great tool to use for blending the different lengths together. looks better. Of course, we all have customers who will not approve of the longer coat on the legs. They simply want them shaved. That’s ok.

After some months go by and you are successfully leaving more leg coat on a decent portion of your customers’ dogs, try adding a little bit of coat to fill in a sagging dip in the topline or leave a little coat on the back of the neck to create a better arch, or the appearance of a longer neck. There are any number of physique enhancements that you can create with hair. I am sure these are the kinds of things that you were

seeing and learning at the show that sparked your awareness.

It is very important that the bits of coat that you leave to create the enhancements are well blended so that the client cannot see that there are two different lengths of coat coming together. Thinning shears are a great tool to use for blending the different lengths together. If your enhancements look like bad toupees, it will not go over very well with your customers.

Fall is a good time of the year to try adding some filler–coat here and there because many clients ask to have their dog left a little longer at

Klip Kards

AVAILABLE IN PACKS OF 100, 500, or 1000!

Client Index & Extender Cards

that time anyway. Don’t forget that some enhancements are actually created by removing coat. For example, to make a chubby dog look thinner you can shave the brisket and belly with a shorter blade.

I hope some of these slow and steady changes allow you and your customers to enjoy the process of growth. Keep learning and enjoy grooming, Terry! ✂ Have a question you want Michell to answer? Please send questions to michell@groomingtutor.com

ANIVAC BATHING SYSTEMS Pressure sprayer and foaming wand Industrial quality Independent rinsing valve 2 year warranty

ARE YOUR CLIENT FILES A DISASTER?

Regular Klip Kard 3” x 5” Medium Klip Kard 4” x 6”

Available Colors

Giant Klip Kard 5” x 8”

EXTENDERS STAPLED TO YOUR FILLED KLIP KARD ADD MORE RECORD SPACE!

62

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

These client index cards will stand up against the daily abuse of any active grooming salon and will provide you with basic information on your grooming client.

BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM (717) 691-3388

GroomertoGroomer.com

IAL

SPEC

*

9!

$49$850 Reg

Deep Foaming Animal Bathing System Model # A1900

1-855-900-8822 www.ogenasolutions.com *2 dilution/product system, 3 & 4 available

AUGUST

23 – 26, 2018

NEW

LOCATION

he All-American Grooming Show is bigger and better than ever before! We outgrew our previous facility and are moving to an improved location in Schaumburg, Illinois, with this year’s show taking place on August 23rd–26th.

We are anticipating an exciting show that will feature an array of exhilarating new educational seminars this year such as: The Essentials of Grooming with Jonathan David, Spicing up the Everyday “Puppy Cut” with Mackensie Murphy & Anne Francis, Pet Photography for Social Media with Ren Netherland and A Groomer’s Guide to Purebred Dogs with Jennifer Bishop–Jenkins and many more.

As always, this show will also highlight classes by the top speakers of the grooming industry.

Not to mention the ever-exciting Abstract Design Runway Competition that takes place on Saturday night after Best–In–Show, which will be followed by the All American Party. The party will have a DJ taking requests along with a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres.

The All American Grooming Show is the largest one of its kind in the Midwest and is the world’s fourth largest grooming show behind only Groom Expo, Groom Expo West and Intergroom.

64

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

ABSTRACT RUNWAY

PHOTOS BY ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY

T

SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS

NEW SEMINARS!

• The Essentials of Grooming • Spicing up the Everyday “Puppy Cut” • Pet Photography for Social Media

SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY

2 3 6 2 , t s 2 018 u g u A

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Schaumberg , Illinois BRAND-NEW LOCATION

NEW PRODUCTS PETBAR PLATFORM & SOCIAL MEDIA HUB

Petbar is an app for pet owners, pet lovers and pet businesses from Australia, UK, US, New Zealand and Canada. By registering on Petbar as a business you can increase your on-

line presence and exposure by connecting and communicating with users and by building yourself a business profile. When you register you will also be automatically listed on our Places and Merchants directory. This is an in-built map that allows users to find local pet businesses in their area. They can gen-

GROOMER HUMOR

66

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

BY MILENA KON

GroomertoGroomer.com

erate a generic search or look for more specific categories such as ‘Groomers’ to visit www.petbar.tv

Find us on

Twitter!

@barkleighinc

Written by Barkleigh Honors Award Winner Daryl Conner and Barkleigh Honors Nominee Mary Oquendo.

Holistic PET

GROOMING

THE ART OF

Helping

Pets Feel AS GREAT AS THEY LOOK

Go beyond the physical work of washing, drying, brushing and trimming. Learn the art of

Holistic Pet Grooming.

Transform your grooming practice to one that reduces stress and promotes the feeling of comfort and security for pets, clients and yourself!

AVAILABLE NOW AT

INCLUDES: • • • •

Mindful techniques to reduce stress & improve health Handling procedures intended to calm both dogs & cats Equipment suggestions to make your job easier & safer Natural cleaning options, marketing tips & more!

WWW.BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM

BARKLEIGH PRODUCTIONS, INC • BARKLEIGH.COM • (717) 691-3388

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL (717) 691-3388, EXT. 220 TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED.

Kanine

Call (717) 691-3388 ext 220 to place a Classified.

Rates: 25 words or less – $50.00.

Each additional word – $2.00 each.

Classified ads must be prepaid.

Call for issue deadlines.

Agency Discounts Do Not Apply.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Established Grooming Business/ Custom Home available in Northern Kentucky on 5+ acres. Minutes to major highways, airport, shopping and more! Email benshrout@kw.com for information.w

KOOKIE KUTTERS 11 Different Kookie Kutters Available!

Wisdom & Grace For God pours contempt upon the haughty and causes princes to wander among ruins; but he rescues the poor who are godly and gives them many children and much prosperity. Good men everywhere will see it and be glad, while evil men are stricken silent.

Psalm 107: 40-42 Living Bible

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

SETTER POODLE MUTT TERRIER COCKER LARGE BONE

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

HYDRANT KITTY COLLIE SMALL BONE SCOTTIE

Order Online at www.

P5940

barkleigh .com

Great Holiday Gift Idea!

Charm your clients and friends with doggie Christmas Cookies and Dog Recipe Treats to match.

Kookie Kutters range in size from 2-3/4” to 4-1/2”. Great for breed club treats, fund raisers, sandwich cutouts, or a super holiday gift idea!

Dog Bone Recipes Included Free!

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. 970 West Trindle Road Mechanicsburg P A 17055 (717) 691-3388 • FAX (717) 691-3381 E-mail:info@barkleigh.com www.barkleigh.com

COLOR 25 Cards......$9.95 50 Cards....$16.95 100 Cards....$29.95 200 Cards....$49.95 ORDER TODAY! (727) 804 - 6555 ANIMALPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

68

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

GroomertoGroomer.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALIFORNIA

PENNSYLVANIA

GROOM EXPO WEST 02/14/2019 - 02/17/2019 Pasadena, CA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpowest.com

GROOM EXPO 9/27/2018 – 9/30/2018 Hershey, PA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpo.com

HAWAII

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/5/2018 – 11/8/2018 Hershey, PA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.petboardingexpo.com

PET PRO CRUISE 2019 1/12/2019 – 1/19/2019 Honolulu, HI (321) 368-6622 cruisinglady@ymail.com www.barkleigh.com

TEXAS MASSACHUSETTS NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 11/9/2018 – 11/11/2018 Sturbridge, MA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.newenglandgrooms.com

GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS 7/20/2018 – 7/22/2018 Houston, TX (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com WASHINGTON

ILLINOIS ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/23/2018 – 8/26/2018 Schaumburg, IL (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.aagroom.com

NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 03/21/2019 - 03/24/2019 Tacoma, WA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.nwgroom.com WISCONSIN

NEW JERSEY INTERGROOM 4/11/2019-4/14/2019 Secaucus, NJ (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.intergroom.com

PET STYLIST INVITATIONAL 10/6/2018 – 10/7/2018 Oconomowoc, WI www.petstylistinvitational.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 37 Ed 7 • July 2018

EVENTS GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS 7/20/2018 – 7/22/2018 Houston TX ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/23/2018 – 8/26/2018 Schaumburg IL GROOM EXPO 9/27/2018 – 9/30/2018 Hershey PA PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/5/2018 – 11/8/2018 Hershey PA NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 11/9/2018 – 11/11/2018 Sturbridge MA PET PRO CRUISE 2019 1/12/2019 – 1/19/2019 Honolulu HI GROOM EXPO WEST 2/14/2019 – 2/17/2019 Pasadena CA NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 3/21/2019 – 3/24/2019 Tacoma WA INTERGROOM 4/11/2019 – 4/14/2019 Secaucus NJ

WORLD DOG EXPO 6/1/2019-6/2/2019 Secaucus, NJ (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.worldexpo.dog

70

TO LIST YOUR EVENT, SEND IT TO ADAM@BARKLEIGH.COM

WORLD DOG EXPO 6/1/2019 – 6/2/2019 Secaucus NJ

GroomertoGroomer.com

CO R D /CORDLESS For All Day Use

LI THI UM I ON

For Longer Life

2 HOUR R UN TI ME

60 Min. Charge Time

5

YEAR

Hassle Free

WARRANTY

MADE I N THE USA

of Domestic & Imported Parts

CORDLESS DONE RIGHT 1.800.PRO.WAHL

www.wahlanimal.com

WWW.RYANSPET.COM (800) 525-7387 FREE SHIPPING* Includes Shampoos and Dryers

PREMIUM INGREDIENTS PROFESSIONALLY FORMULATED

©2018 G&G Distribution Inc. All rights reserved. Pricing, shipping terms and manufacturer specs subject to change. *Visit www.ryanspet.com for details and coupon code. Within the contiguous United States Only. Must Use Coupon Code.Some Exclusions Apply

OVER 8,000 ITEMS IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

#1 Selling Pet Dryers in the World The American-made Air Force® Master Blaster® Pet Dryer, with exceptional power and unmatched quality, is the perfect tool for all your furry clients, big or small. It is backed by the longest warranty in the industry.

• Variable speed provides infinite control of airflow and noise • Dry Pets 75% Faster • #1 Selling Pet Dryers in the World ALL-STEEL CONSTRUCTION |

5-YEAR MOTOR WARRANTY*

|

MADE IN THE USA

79 Years of Manufacturing Excellence The configuration and coloring of the Air Force® Master Blaster® is a US Registered trademark of Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Company, Inc. *1 year on parts; other restrictions apply. Made in the USA with domestic and international components.