Groomer to Groomer June 2017

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CONTENTS | JUNE 2017

CATS:

?

CARING FOR THE EARS OF OUR PET FRIENDS

ALSO INSIDE

New THE

Conner: Positive Images

6

Listening: Our Most Valuable Tool

12

Northwest 2017 Recap & Contest Results 18

Ask the Grooming Tutor: Salon Facelift

46

Hold the Phones

52

Planning Ahead for Pet Loss

56

New Products

70

Classified Ads

72

Groomer Stories: Growing Up in the Grooming Salon: Macie Pisa's Story

22

Oquendo: Website Rules to Make Your Website Rule!

28

PetQuest 2017 to Feature Friday Business Makeover Seminars 72

Hosler: Combs: Crucial for Grooming

34

Calendar of Events

73

GROOMING SALON PART IV:

HIRING A GENERAL

CONTRACTOR

EDITOR/PRESIDENT

ON THE COVER

ART DIRECTOR

Todd Shelly todd@barkleigh.com

Laura Pennington laura@barkleigh.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Gwen Shelly gwen@barkleigh.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenn Barraclough jennifer@barkleigh.com

MANAGING EDITOR Rebecca Shipman rebecca@barkleigh.com

WEB MASTER

Luke Dumberth luke@barkleigh.com

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Jeremiah Strawbridge jeremiah@barkleigh.com

COLUMNISTS Kim Raisanen

64

by Kathy Rose

EDITORIAL STAFF

Adam Lohr adam@barkleigh.com

42

PAGE 38 by Michelle Knowles

by Kim Raisanen

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Cayla Pavlovec Cayla@barkleigh.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs james@barkleigh.com SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR Alyx Robertson alyx@barkleigh.com

Michell Evans

Dawn Omboy

Mary Oquendo

Kathy Hosler

Gary Wilkes

Daryl Conner

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 36 ED. 6 • JUNE 2017

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

CATS

TO BRUSH OR COMB?

COMBS CRUCIAL FOR

GROOMING

ASK THE GROOMI NG

TUTOR: SALON

FACELIFT

Copyright June 2017. Groomer to Groomer is published monthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Groomer to Groomer c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Annual U.S. subscription rate $25. Outside U.S. $79. year, surface rates. Groomer to Groomer is free to current Barkleigh Productions, Inc. customers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX: (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com

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5

GROOMING MATTERS

by Daryl Conner

How can you increase your grooming business, polish your reputation, delight your customers, and have a little fun all at the same time? The answer is, by taking and publishing photos of your customers’ pets. And it’s easy.

T

hanks to modern technology, you don’t have to have a darkroom and thousands of dollars of photography equipment to record clear, captivating pictures of the animals you groom. Having a high quality digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera will enable you to catch terrific shots. But you can also get some fabulous results using a

6

moderately priced point–and–shoot style camera, or even the camera in your smart phone. And you should, for several reasons.

1. Customers love to see photos of their pet on social media. If your business has a Facebook page, or a Twitter or Instagram account, posting a cute shot of a dog or cat you are grooming can get you a lot

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of traffic when the pet owner shares that picture with friends and family.

2. Gathering and keeping photos of well–groomed pets can help you build up a nice resume of your work to show potential customers or future employers.

3. Having a clear photo of client pets on hand can be useful to remember what style groom they prefer.

吀䠀䔀 倀䔀刀䘀䔀䌀吀 䈀䄀䰀䄀一䌀䔀 倀伀圀䔀刀Ⰰ 嘀䔀刀匀䄀吀䤀䰀䤀吀夀Ⰰ ☀ 䄀䘀䘀伀刀䐀䄀䈀䤀䰀䤀吀夀

堀倀伀圀䔀刀 䈀ⴀ㈀㐀 ᰠ吀栀攀爀洀愀氀 䄀挀攀ᴠ ∠ 嘀愀爀椀愀戀氀攀 匀瀀攀攀搀 伀昀昀攀爀猀 倀爀攀挀椀猀攀 䌀漀渀琀爀漀氀 漀昀 倀漀眀攀爀 ∠ 匀愀昀攀琀礀 䜀甀愀爀愀渀琀攀攀搀 眀椀琀栀 䔀吀䰀 䌀攀爀琀椀昀椀挀愀琀椀漀渀

∠ ㈀ 䠀攀愀琀 匀攀琀琀椀渀最猀 儀甀椀挀欀攀渀猀 䐀爀礀椀渀最 ∠ 䰀椀最栀琀眀攀椀最栀琀 ☀ 䐀甀爀愀戀氀攀 䌀漀渀猀琀爀甀挀琀椀漀渀

嘀椀猀椀琀 堀倀伀圀䔀刀 䄀琀 匀甀瀀攀爀娀漀漀 吀栀椀猀 夀攀愀爀℀

䨀甀氀礀 ㈀㜀ⴀ㈀㤀 䰀愀猀 嘀攀最愀猀

䈀漀漀琀栀 ⌀㔀㘀

∠ 倀攀琀 䜀爀漀漀洀椀渀最 ∠ 匀甀爀昀愀挀攀 䐀爀礀椀渀最 ∠ 䔀渀瘀椀爀漀渀洀攀渀琀愀氀 䌀漀渀琀爀漀氀

GroomertoGroomer.com

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7

GET ON THE PET’S

LEVEL SHOOT CL C OS OSE TO T

FILL THE

FRAME DESIGNATE

SPACE FOR A

BACKDROP

OF YOUR

BACKGROUND

CATCH THEIR INTEREST WITH

A FEATHER

DUSTER

DIVERT EYES SIDEWAYS

TAKE MANY PHOTOS THEN

PHOTOS

YOUR BEST

FOR FLASH

8

BE AWARE

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

CHOOSE

GroomertoGroomer.com

4. In the unfortunate case of a beloved pet’s demise, you can send along a sweet picture of the pet with your condolence card. That is an unforgettable personal touch.

5. A good series of “before” and “after” shots of grooming clients can be eye catching and very enjoyable to look at.

6. There is no better way to improve your work than to look at pictures you took. Suddenly every little “sticky outie” or grooming error will stand out. Learn from the images and see your skills improve.

Here are some tips to help you shoot like a pro: • Get on the same level with the animal. Except for certain situations, taking photos from above will not provide you with a good image of the pet’s face and personality.

• Fill the frame. Don’t be afraid to get up close to capture a certain feature or whimsical expression.

• Be aware of your background. No matter how adorable the picture of the pet is, if the area behind the pet is filled with vacuum cleaner hoses and dirty towels, the effect will be lost.

• On that same note, make sure it doesn’t look like your grooming post or anything else is growing out of the animal’s head.

• Some groomers have a designated space with a simple plain backdrop where they pose pets for pictures.

Something as simple as a curtain or sheet will work, or you can get as creative as you wish, creating seasonal backgrounds, and using props.

• Having a place to photograph pets where there is good natural light is best. If you must use a flash, you run the risk of getting images where the dog or cat's eyes are glowing eerily green. In this case, try to get the pet to turn their eyes slightly away from

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the camera before you click. You can do this by having someone else call the pet or distract it in some way so that it is looking just a bit away from the camera. If you are solo, try tossing a squeaky toy to one side just before you click.

• Feather dusters are a great thing to keep on hand. Fluff it near the pet to capture its interest, then grab the picture quick. Most pets can’t resist the appeal of a feathered wand.

• Don’t be afraid to take a bunch of bad pictures before you get one or two good ones. The biggest gift of digital technology is that you can delete the goofs and keep just the cream of the crop.

Record Keeping Having a camera on hand to record a pet’s physical condition can be an excellent grooming tool. If a pet comes in very matted, take a photo to document the “before.” Claws growing into paw pads? Snap an image. If you find a wound or injury, or the dog has matted matter in its eye corners and you suspect the skin underneath is going to be terribly irritated once you’ve soaked all that off, take a picture before you work. Keeping a good photographic record can come to your aid if there is any question from the owner or veterinarian about injuries discovered during the grooming process. Many cameras can provide a time/date stamp on images, which is a useful tool.

It is good manners to ask pet owners if you have permission to use images of their pets on your web site or social media pages.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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Some groomers have customers sign a release stating that they have permission to post pictures. In all the years that I have been taking and sharing pet pictures, I have only had one person request that I not post images of her animal.

From a legal point of view, photographs of your work are yours to use as you please, but there is no sense upsetting a customer who does not want you to display photos of their pet. I have had people request that I not use the animal’s name or the owner’s last name, and of course I respect those wishes.

If you have never tried taking pet pictures before, why not give it a whirl? Grab your phone and take a few shots of the pets you groom today. You may discover a whole new, delightful aspect of your work. ✂

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OUR MOST VALUABLE TOOL E by Kelley Rose McNeilly e

Clients are the lifeblood of our businesses; without them we could not keep running. So, our goal every day should be to grow and keep our clientele. What is the most important thing you can do to retain clients? Listen.

I

n the many years I’ve been grooming, I’ve always strived to find out what clients liked and disliked about their past experiences with other groomers. This can give me a lot of information on what it takes to please and keep this new client.

The most common complaint I’ve heard lately is that they are unhappy with how the groomer treated them and their needs. In other words, the groomer did not listen or appear to care about what they wanted.

I gained a client last year that seemed very disappointed with his previous groomer. When I asked about it, his response was, “She was a very rude lady. She never smiled,

12

never greeted us, never seemed happy about her job and it was frustrating. We are so glad to not be using her anymore!”

This client has been extremely loyal, keeps weekly appointments, and tips. That groomer lost a good client all because she didn’t smile and acknowledge them in a friendly manner.

It only takes a moment to smile and listen to your client. Customer service should be a priority for every person who deals with the public.

Smile, learn their name—or at least their pet’s name, listen when they speak, even if it’s about their boring day, and be polite no matter how

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stressed you are.

I worked in a salon once with several other groomers. We had a woman come in with an adult Bichon Frise and ask that we give him a “puppy cut.” Oh boy! A groomer’s favorite words! The first groomer did what we typically did for “puppy cut” requests, which was a teddy bear head and one length all over. The owner returned and was very upset to find that we did not fulfill her wish for a puppy cut.

But for some reason she came back again, this time requesting a different stylist. This groomer tried a longer cut but was still unable to please the woman. She ended

If the cut is truly not doable then we should

up circulating through all of the groomers in the salon, arriving at my table last. I made sure that I was the one to check her in and discuss the haircut. She brought a photo of an adorable 8 week old bichon puppy and explained that she wanted her dog to look exactly like the photo.

Now, I follow a lot of groomer groups on social media and I know this is the point where someone would post about the “silly” request the owner made and how the client was out of their mind. They’d post a picture of the finished groom and say the owner was unhappy with it, then other groomers will chide in to say “it looks good, ignore her!” No, that is wrong! Our clients, whether we own a business or work for one, make or break our paychecks. They are the boss and we are supposed to listen to what they say.

If the cut is truly not doable then we should kindly explain this to them, instead of mocking them. But no matter how beautiful the groom is, if it’s not what the client wanted, then it’s not correct. A perfectly groomed American Cocker in full length coat is stunning, but if the owner wanted a superzoo.org #7 over the entire dog, then your cut is not satisfactory.

In the end, I was able to achieve the literal “puppy cut” that she wanted by asking questions and paying attention to what she wanted.

The owner was extremely pleased and I was able to write down the IN THE PET SERVICES BUSINESS instructions so that any groomer You love serving your furry clients, and we love could follow them. helping you advance and grow. SuperZoo provides every important resource for professional pet stylists Listening to your customers is and service providers: business seminars, grooming important and they know when you workshops, certification courses, hot products, cool do. We’ve all heard a client say they trends and lots of fresh inspiration! There’s no need to go it alone—with all the support you’ll find here, brush their dog, to look down and see we’re absolutely better together. something that resembles a wooly sheep. Try, instead of rolling your eyes, REGISTER TODAY at www.superzoo.org asking detailed questions. What do you use to brush him? How are you

kindly explain this to them, instead of

mocking them. But no matter how beautiful the groom is, if it’s not what the client wanted, then it’s not correct.

PERFECT

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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13

Creating a relationship built on

trust,

kindness and the ability to

listen

does a lot to improve your client base.

brushing him? How often do you brush him? I have discovered that many of my clients actually do brush their dog!

But the majority are using the wrong type of brush or techniques.

If asked to see their brush, I’m often handed a bristle brush or something with rubber tips that will actually damage the coat. You could brush a Poodle all day long with a bristle brush and it will probably cause more mats than it removes because of static buildup and friction.

Take a few minutes to show them the correct brush to use for their dog’s coat, show them how to line brush through every part of the dog, and give them advice on dealing with a wiggly dog. These few moments help you to bond with your client and will also make your job easier.

Creating a relationship built on

trust, kindness and the ability to listen does a lot to improve your client base. Clients are more loyal to a groomer that they feel a connection with and they are also more understanding of grooming mishaps or reschedules in emergencies. In the end, it doesn’t matter how good a groom looks if it doesn’t please the customer and meet their expectations.

My Mother used to say, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”

Some conversations have to happen with our clients. We have to tell them when their matted dog needs to be shaved, when there’s a health issue, and when we can’t do a certain cut on a certain dog, along with other things. But say it with kindness and a smile. Your business cannot stand on good grooming alone, it must also have excellent customer service. ✂

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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TM

TM

T M

560 T M

vi si t : f ormor ei nf or mat i on

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

17

2017

O

n April 20–23, groomers from all over the Pacific Northwest converged on the Hotel Murano and the Murano Convention Center in Tacoma, Washington for the Northwest Grooming Show. The show has been taking place in the beautiful area for over a decade offering interactive education, shopping, and a one of a kind Do-It-All Lounge sponsored by BabelBark.

This year, Northwest had 1,073 industry professionals attend, which is 3 percent higher than last year’s attendance. The show also had a sold-out trade show floor with 60

booths representing 46 different companies. The trade show floor also offered fantastic viewing of all Northwest Grooming competitions and several product demonstrations.

“We love traveling each year to Tacoma,” says Todd Shelly, President of Barkleigh Productions. “The groomers in the northwest come to do it all, from seminars to shopping. It’s a special show.”

The Northwest Grooming Show’s competitions showcased the industry’s finest in poodles, hand-stripping, creative and more. The weekend’s

excitement came from a tie-breaker judging in the poodle competition and the people’s choice vote in creative. The best in show winners included: • Nature’s Specialties Best in Show – Victor Rosado • Andis Best All-Around – Victor Rosado • Creative – Angela Kumpe • Rescue – Laurel Behnke The Northwest Grooming Show contest sponsors included Nature’s Specialties, Electric Cleaner, Andis, and World Dog Expo. ✂

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

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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Contest Results

BEST IN SHOW BEST IN SHOW WINNER VICTOR ROSADO WITH TAMMY SIERT OF ANDIS

BEST ALL AROUND BEST ALL AROUND WINNER VICTOR ROSADO

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

19

Contest Results

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER & CREATIVE STYLING 3RD PLACE CAT OPSON

CREATIVE STYLING FIRST PLACE CREATIVE STYLING FIRST PLACE WINNER ANGELA KUMPE

RESCUE ROUND-UP

RESCUE ROUND-UP FIRST PLACE WINNER LAUREL BEHNKE

20

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

CREATIVE STYLING SECOND PLACE CREATIVE STYLING SECOND PLACE WINNER LORI CRAIG

RESCUE ROUND-UP

RESCUE ROUND-UP SECOND PLACE WINNER SAFAYE GONZALEZ

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RESCUE ROUND-UP

RESCUE ROUND-UP THIRD PLACE WINNER KAT WORLEY

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

FIRST PLACE, INTERMEDIATE: KRISTINA MELNIK

FIRST PLACE, ENTRY: ANGELA PATTON

FIRST PLACE, OPEN: VICTOR ROSADO

FIRST PLACE, INTERMEDIATE: SARA SZYMANSKI

FIRST PLACE, ENTRY: AMANDA PAYNE

WIRE COATED

FIRST PLACE, OPEN: VICTOR ROSADO

POODLES

SPONSORED BY

FIRST PLACE, OPEN: VICTOR ROSADO

FIRST PLACE, INTERMEDIATE: KARU WOJITASZEK SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

FIRST PLACE, ENTRY: HEATHER ORMSBEE SPONSORED BY

FIRST PLACE, INTERMEDIATE: KRISTINA MELNIK

FIRST PLACE, ENTRY: KERRI DENSMORE

FIRST PLACE, OPEN: CAT OPSON

FIRST PLACE, INTERMEDIATE: KARU WOJTASZEK

FIRST PLACE, ENTRY: NATE CHANDLER

ALL OTHER

FIRST PLACE, OPEN: MICHELLE SKINNER

FREESTYLE

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

SPORTING

SPONSORED BY

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

21

GROOMER STORIES

#GROOMERSTORIES

GROWING UP

GROOMING SALON MACIE PISA'S STORY E by Melissa Viera e

Growing up, the now 25–year–old Macie Pisa was no stranger to competitive dog grooming. Looking back, she remembers the hard work and excitement that filled her home in the days leading up to a grooming competition.

B

eing the daughter of a competitive dog groomer taught Pisa a lot about the world of dog grooming. Her grooming story began long before she started her own grooming career.

Pisa is the co–owner and salon manager of “The Laundromutt,” a self– service dog spa and grooming salon located in Kenmore, NY. Her days are filled with doing what she loves— grooming dogs. Along with a busy

22

work schedule, Pisa is a passionate and active competition groomer.

In 2014, Pisa started grooming competitively and she has not looked back. Since her competitive grooming debut, her dedication and passion have shown through her work and she has had many accomplishments along the way, such as becoming one of the youngest competitors in the open division. She was also nominated for The Barkleigh Honors

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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“Up and Coming Groomer of the Year” Award in 2016.

Grooming was a normal part of life for Pisa when she was young, as she watched her Mother, Jeanette Anson (Genthner), compete in dog grooming competitions, worked alongside her Mother in her salon “Dressed to Impress Doggie Spa,” and spent time with visiting contest dogs. From the time she was about nine years old, Pisa was washing and drying dogs.

In 2010 Pisa started grooming professionally.

Her passion for grooming only grew, as did her skills.

“I grew up in the salon,” says Pisa. “I was three when my mother started grooming, so it was always part of my life.”

Although Pisa enjoyed spending time with the dogs and helping around the salon, she did not always know she would become a groomer.

It wasn’t until later that Pisa started to take a real interest in grooming as a profession. In 2010 Pisa started grooming professionally. Her passion for grooming only grew, as did her skills. Soon Pisa’s love for grooming was a major part of her life.

Becoming the co–owner of a salon with her business partner, Corina Stammworthy, was an exciting next step for Pisa after she had been grooming for a few years.

“The Laundromutt,” is more than just a grooming salon. The business

operates as a self–serve dog wash where owners can come in and bathe their own dogs. Customers have access to a tub, shampoos, a dryer, and as many towels as they need. Before customers use the service on their own for the first time, they are given a mini–lesson to learn how to use the equipment and safely wash and dry their own dog.

Along with the do–it–yourself dog wash option, the business offers full–service professional grooming.

Dogs that are getting professionally groomed are always washed by the groomers and bathers instead of the owners to ensure they are washed to professional standards.

Pisa describes the work environment as a calm one, explaining that their process for booking appointments allows pets to be dropped off

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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Just like every other groomer, Pisa had to start somewhere and growing up in the grooming world does not mean that she did not experience frustration early on when she started to groom.

and picked up without having to wait around. This type of calm space benefits the animals along with the staff.

The business model has proved successful for “The Laundromutt” which has over one hundred 5 star reviews on social media. As the business grows, so do the goals of owners, Pisa and Stammworthy. The team not only manages the day–to–day operations of the business, but they are now working together to teach other groomers about self–serve salons through seminars and coaching.

Just like every other groomer, Pisa had to start somewhere and growing up in the grooming world does not mean that she did not experience frustration early on when she started to groom. “I dropped my clipper all the time and I’d be afraid I was going to cut a dog,” says Pisa.

For new groomers, Pisa suggests that finding mentors is a must. She advises new groomers to find mentors, and use the resources available to them. “Finding someone to help you is not as difficult as it may seem,” explains Pisa. Finding a mentor could be as simple as sending an email or reaching out to a groomer on Facebook.

From running around at the grooming shows as a young child while her mother was competing, to falling in love with grooming herself—becoming an accomplished competitor and groomer as a young adult—Pisa has come a long way with grooming. She has big plans to continue growing and taking the next steps in her career. For Pisa, her grooming story and the journey is only getting started. ✂

TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION #GROOMER STORIES 26

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born to be bold.

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TO MAKE YOUR WEBSITE RULE! E by Mary Oquendo e

O

n any given day, there are over 3.5 billion searches on Google, each looking to be directed to a website that can help them. It’s safe to say that websites rule. But did you know there are rules that websites need to follow in order to be 1) found in a Google search, and 2) compliant with FTC (Federal Trade Commission) regulations.

Let’s start with the playground bully. You’re happily swinging away when someone much larger than you

28

decides they want your swing. You could stand your ground, but we know how that plays out.

Think of Google as the very large kid on the playground. You want to play there? Well then, you follow their guidelines. Google owns the Chrome browser and it is the search engine. Remember the daily 3.5 billion searches.

GOOGLE HAS INSTITUTED TWO NEW DIRECTIVES 1. SSL CERTIFICATE: The word

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on the street is you can thank the porn industry for this. 12% of all internet sites are porn related. To “protect” users from fraudulent sites, Google is requiring all websites have a basic SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. The purpose of this certificate is to provide an extra layer between your computer and any site. It changes ‘http://’ to ‘https://’.

It provides that little lock you see on some websites.

Without this certificate, anyone

SSL

CERTIFICATE Without this certificate, anyone visiting your website will get a warning that this site may be unsafe.

visiting your website will get a warning that this site may be unsafe. That has the potential to drastically reduce the number of people going to your site.

That’s if your site will even appear in a search. Google can and will blacklist sites they feel have been compromised.

Blacklisting means you will not show up in a search or in the Chrome browser at all. (Even by manually typing your site name in the browser bar.)

This rule is already in effect. If you’re not sure you really need to bother with this, head over to the Chrome browser and put your website in the search bar. That is how your site will appear to potential clients.

My recommendation is to have your host provider install this certificate. It should run you anywhere from $10–30 a year. DO NOT USE cheaper third party software, you will thank

me later. If Square Space is your host, then they automatically do it for you.

And don't forget to have your provider do a 301 redirect as well. The certificate is meaningless without a 301 redirect. If you don’t know what it is, then don’t attempt on your own.

2. POP–UPS: This is only important if you have a pop–up on your site. A pop–up encourages people to sign up for your newsletter.

If Google considers your pop–up intrusive, then they will blacklist your site for mobile applications.

Pop–up dimensions can appear much larger on mobile devices. If you are uncertain if your pop–up is annoying Google, visit your website from your phone. If it appears quickly or takes up the screen, then it’s intrusive and you need to fix that. If you don’t know how, contact your pop–up provider.

Google is the search engine of choice by billions of users. Don’t reduce the likelihood of potential clients even finding your site. These are pretty easy changes to make. If you think this is beyond your capabilities, then let your website hosting company do it for you.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC COMPLIANT) Every website must publish a Privacy Policy page. A privacy policy is a web document telling visitors to your site what information you collect and what you do with that information. The average site needs to address five privacy concerns: 1. Children: You want to make it clear that you do not knowingly solicit information from anyone under the age of 18. This is a fairly new requirement.

2. Submission, Storage, and Sharing of Personal Data: What are you doing with any personal information such as emails and other contact

30

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Every website must publish a Privacy Policy page. A privacy policy is a web document telling visitors to your site what information you collect and what you do with that information. information from clients?

3. Information Storage: Where is their personal information stored?

4. Confidential Information: Under what circumstances will you disclose personal information?

5. Use of Cookies: A cookie is a file that asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. The computer ‘remembers’ your website. If you have ever typed the first three letters of a website and the full name appeared, that’s because a cookie was deposited when you first visited that site.

Feel free to use my privacy policy page as a jumping off point to craft

32

your own. www.spiriteddog.com/ privacy-policies.

WHY DO YOU EVEN NEED A PRIVACY POLICY PAGE IF YOU DO NOT COLLECT ANY INFORMATION? 1. It’s the law. While it is unlikely that the FTC is trolling the Internet looking for sites without Privacy Policies, your site could be reported to them.

2. Third party apps such as Google Analytics and Google Adwords require them. In fact, Google Adwords has specific wordage they want included.

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Installing a Privacy Policy page is quick and easy to do. It does not have to take up valuable menu bar space.

Mine are located in the footer. It just needs to be readily accessible to those who wish to read them.

With over 3.5 billion searches every day, you want your website included. Following Google’s new rules, as well as being FTC compliant, will make your website rule! ✂

RESOURCES www.ftc.gov/news-events/mediaresources/protecting-consumer-privacy

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GROOMING E by Kathy Hosler e

T

he lowly comb. It’s often treated like the Rodney Dangerfield of the grooming industry. It’s used & abused, but “It don’t get no respect!” The basic comb is a workhorse of a tool.

In fact, you can’t complete a groom without one. But, it seldom receives much in the way of recognition or glory. It’s a simple tool that we take for granted. A comb is just a comb— right? No, not any more.

Today’s stylists have a vast array of combs to help them turn out spectacular grooms. There are specialized combs for every need.

34

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

Some are designed expressly to help with de-matting, undercoat removal, and finish fluffing. Others have long teeth (pins), short teeth, double rows of teeth, and ones with alternating lengths of teeth. Additionally, there are those with widely spaced teeth, others with rotating teeth, and the newest uniquely shaped specialty combs. There is a comb for every hairy situation a groomer could encounter.

“A comb is the first tool you pick up when you place a pet on your table at check–in, so you can determine the condition of the coat. And, it’s the last tool you use when you

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“Dogs’ faces have areas that can be difficult to reach—like under the eyes. The half–moon combs make it easy to get into these spots & fluff out all of the hair, which makes it much easier to scissor those adorable round faces.”

— Olga Zabelinskya complete a groom,” says Sam Kohl, owner of Aaronco Pet Products, Inc. Mr. Kohl has designed and manufactured a variety of special purpose combs through the years.

“Many of the combs are designed for a specific job in an effort to make the labor intensive job of grooming a little easier for groomers and their hands,” says Mr. Kohl.

“And just like every tool you use, combs must be able to withstand continuous use without falling apart.”

As with anything else, finding the right tool for the job makes it easier to achieve the desired result.

“Selecting a comb is a matter of personal preference,” says Ruth Ashley, owner of Ashley Craig Pet Products. “The weight of the comb and the way it’s balanced is a big determining factor. If you have small hands, you might not be comfortable with the same comb as a person with larger hands.”

“A good comb should be able to get into the coat and be strong enough to do the job, without bending the pins,” Ms. Ashley continues. “A well–made comb can last a stylist for many years.”

Some of the new specialty combs, like the half–moon shaped comb, have become must–have favorites for many stylists. Olga Zabelinskya, Certified National and International Master Groomer, says, “Dogs’ faces have areas that can be difficult to reach—like under the eyes. The

half–moon combs make it easy to get into these spots and fluff out all of the hair, which makes it much easier to scissor those adorable round faces.

The corners are rounded which lessens the possibility of injuring an eye or other sensitive areas.”

“Premium combs help prepare the coat for scissoring,” continues Olga. “They allow you to get a smooth, even finish without scissor marks. That’s very important when

you are competing.”

You always want a comb to feel comfortable in your hand and while you are using it. And, although how the comb feels in your hand is very important, the way you use it is critical in preventing stress and strain to your hand, wrist, and shoulder.

Judy Hudson, NCMG (National Certified Master Groomer), owner/ operator of Grooming Tails Mobile Pet Grooming, and one of the Grooming

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

35

INSPECT YOUR COMBS

The combs you use can’t last forever. It’s important to periodically inspect them.

ROUGH SPOTS

ON TEETH BENT

PINS MISSING OR LOOSE TEETH

COULD SCRAPE OR CAUSE INJURY (TO A PET'S SKIN)

CAN DRAG THROUGH COAT

CAN AFFECT PERFORMANCE

Professors, gives suggestions on how to prevent these kind of injuries.

“Don’t bend your wrist, keep it straight while you are combing,” says Judy. “You want to position your grooming table low enough so that you are not reaching way up (above your head) to comb the dog.

And, you should always keep your arm close to your body.”

Having your body properly positioned in relationship to the pet on your table is more important than you may think. It can make a world of difference in your comfort and it may contribute to how long your grooming career will last.

The combs you use can’t last forever either. It’s important that you periodically inspect them. Feel the ends of the teeth or pins to see if they have any spots on them that are rough and could scrape or cause injury to a pet’s skin. Bent pins can drag through the coat, and missing or loose teeth can really affect a comb’s performance.

Many stylists don’t really give much thought to the combs that they use, but in reality, combs are like magic wands that help us complete every groom we do. Look at the new cutting edge designs and see how adding some of them to your comb arsenal will help you increase your speed and efficiency to produce spectacular grooms. Combs are indispensable. It’s time they get a little ‘respect’! ✂

Find Groomer to Groomer Magazine on

www.facebook.com/ groomertogroomermagazine

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FOCUSING ON FELINES

by Kim Raisanen

CATS:

?

W

hen I have a cat on my table, the first thing I do is evaluate the skin and coat. I check for tangles and mats.

And by using my hands first to feel for troublesome areas, I am also preventing a painful tug of a comb. Once I have a better idea of the condition of the cat, I know whether to use a clipper or a comb.

Brushing a cat isn’t the best technique in removing shedding hair and undercoat, and a lot of the time it just adds static. Brushes do not reach down to the skin where the problem may be.

But if you decide to brush the cat any-

38

way, I recommend using a soft bristle brush versus a metal slicker brush. The slicker can scrape the cat’s skin so I don’t use them.

Our objective in combing the entire cat is to remove shedding hair, locate hidden tangles and assess the overall coat. It’s important when doing so not to pull the hair but rather gently comb the feline and stop when you come upon a mat.

Depending on the severity of the matting, it may be more humane to either clip the mat out or remove the pelt. If the coat has a lot of matting, I would perform a Lion Cut. Clipping

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a feline is a better option than trying to de–mat the coat with a comb. If you are just clipping a few mats, you can camouflage the area where the mat was removed by back combing the hair above it, so when the mat is removed you can comb the hair over the hole in the coat.

If you are going to be using the clipper anyways, there is no need to traumatize the cat by trying to comb out the tangles. However, if the mat isn’t tight against the skin, you can gently try to break up the mat using your blending shears. This technique can be done safely if you work the

FIG. 1

comb under the mat while you scissor the mat with blending shears. Do not use chunkers, they are too large of a blender to work on cats. You may very well take off too much hair if you’re not careful so I recommend using a much smaller blender shear.

If you decide that the coat isn’t beyond the need of a good combing, there are a few combs that I would

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FIG. 2

recommend. But how do you know what comb to use and in what manner? Before you begin, I suggest that you try to scratch yourself with the comb you want to use on the feline.

If it scrapes your skin or leaves marks, it will injure the skin of the cat you’re working on so make sure your combs have rounded tines.

There are 3 different combs that

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I have in my arsenal of equipment.

(Fig 1) The first is the flea comb or a similar type of comb that is graduated, meaning the tines are spaced equally on half of the comb and the other half the tines are spaced a bit further apart. A flea comb can be a groomer’s indispensable tool.

(Fig 2) I use this type of comb on the head, between the ears, face, chin

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40

and cheeks. On a short hair cat I also use the comb on the front legs. You may be pleasantly surprised just how much shedding hair you can remove from the top of the cat’s head and around the ears with the correct comb.

The second type of comb I use is a medium width greyhound comb (Fig 3). The tines are 1” long.

Depending on the length of hair, this comb can be used on the feline’s back, sides and underneath the belly.

I prefer the black combs that are anti–static. When combing in the armpit area, be careful not to snag any skin folds.

If the cat is a longhaired breed, depending on the density and length of the hair on the body and tail, you can use a medium greyhound comb.

This comb is my “go to” comb when grooming medium and longhair breeds. Begin by combing with the wider pinned side first and then go over the coat once more by using the finer end.

The third type of comb I like to use is the 10” long, 1 ½ inch tined greyhound comb. This comb is best used on the breeds and mix–breeds of the Maine Coon, Persian and Sibe-

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rians. Their hair tends to be thicker or denser than the other breeds.

When I begin grooming a longhair cat I start with this type of comb.

If the comb isn’t removing the undercoat and shedding hair adequately, I move down to the medium greyhound comb. Comb once with the wider side then follow up by using the other side of the comb. This will help loosen shedding hair and, following up with the finer tined side, will remove the hair from the coat.

In summary, the type of comb used really depends on many factors. The length of the hair, density and severity of the matting should all be considered in your decision.

When you have a few different comb choices, it makes the grooming continue smoothly. When you take a few moments to evaluate the coat’s condition, you will know what type of comb to use and in what manner to use them. Common sense tells us that a deeply matted coat should be removed with a #10 blade while going with the grain. There is no reason to tug and pull on the hair when a clipper can do a better job of eliminating the problem. ✂

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ALL THINGS PAW

by Michelle Knowles

CARING FOR THE EARS OF OUR PET FRIENDS

O

Glorious ear! How lovely it is to pet and touch the velvety ears of our animals.

Such a beautiful and loving gesture it is to touch the ear of a loved one. There are so many nerve endings and blood vessels, touching them communicates love and friendship and calms the giver and receiver of these caresses.

Caring for the ears of the pets in our care and the techniques and products used can be controversial as many different schools of thought exist within our industry. I hope to shed some light on the facts and science so that you can make an informed decision on how you care for the ears in your salon.

The canine ear is an exquisite organ that performs many different functions. While hearing things is at the top of the list, sensory perception

42

and mood communication are also important functions of the ear. Each ear can be moved independently of one another and is controlled by 18 or so muscles for each ear. The Pinna, or outer ear flap, comes in many different shapes and is folded with ridges on the inside to help funnel sound to the inner ear. The ear canal itself is shaped like an L and ends at the Tympanic Membrane. This membrane protects the inner ear.

CLEANING For the most part, the ear is a self–cleaning mechanism and in the case of a healthy ear, no cleaning is required! Using commercial ear cleaners on a healthy pink ear may change the pH of the ear by removing the thin wax coating, resulting in the beginnings of irritation and possibly an ear infection.

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Cleaning the dirty ear is very simple by making sure there is no debris, such as seeds, dirt or food (I have seen this) stuck to the inside of the pinna, and you are finished. There are many ear cleaners on the market and most of them are quite gentle and do an efficient job of breaking down the dirt and wax buildup that you see in the folds of the ear. When cleaning the ear with these preparations, one must remember that the inside of the ear is skin and needs to be kept hydrated and protected with a wax or oil after we clean it.

The best oils to use for this are olive oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil. These oils are also available in ozonated versions making them anti–bacterial, anti–fungal and anti–viral. Simply take 1 or 2 drops on your finger or cotton swab and lightly spread the oil inside

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so that the canal is unobstructed and has room for air to move throughout the opening.

Plucking exposes the follicles and blood vessels in the surface of this delicate area and needs to be protected afterwards. If the ear is infected, the pet should be seen by a veterinarian without you having cleaned them at all. The vet needs to see the ear in its dirty state in order to make a correct diagnosis and ear cleaners

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Flushing the ear is a service that many salons still offer. This is a dangerous practice as it involves putting water, shampoo or other substances into the section of the ear canal that we cannot see.

remove the evidence and change the chemical makeup of the ear making cytology and diagnosis impossible.

Ear powder is currently mislabeled and therefore, misused. Powder should never be puffed into the ear to aid in plucking. Over time, the powder that is put into the ear migrates down into the bottom of the canal and forms a cement like plug that can cause all kinds of issues later. Put a “puff” of powder on your table and dip your fingers or hemostats in the powder to get the grip needed to grab the hair.

I understand there are some of us that enjoy a cleanly plucked ear for appearance sake and some require it for a dog that is shown. Pluck away my friends! Simply remember to apply a thin layer of clean oil afterwards to protect the ear skin.

FLUSHING Flushing the ear is a service that many salons still offer. This is a dangerous practice as it involves putting water, shampoo or other substances into the section of the ear canal that we cannot see. The tympanic membrane at the bottom of the ear canal is meant to protect the inner ear from being injured as well as pick up vibrations to send to the ossicles, or the tiny bones, inside the ear. If this membrane is torn or damaged, flushing will simply push debris past this membrane and into the inner ear where it can’t be removed and condemns the animal to lifelong ear problems and possibly surgery.

In this case, it is we who are causing chronic ear problems and we should consider this to be an unsafe practice. Veterinarians have the training and equipment to do ear flushes and this procedure should be handled by them exclusively.

Hopefully this will shed some light on the care of the ears in your care. Let me hear your thoughts! ✂

44

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ASK THE GROOMING TUTOR

Salon

by Michell Evans

Facelift I need advice on how to update my salon. I have been open for 14 years and have never changed a thing. I have been noticing that it looks cluttered, dingy and just does not have a fresh smell anymore.

I wondered if you have any ideas for how to update without breaking the bank. I have been pretty good about keeping up with equipment replacements and repairs but it is desperate for a face lift.

I

—HELEN

am so glad to hear that you are going to update! The first thing to address is the budget. Small bank loans are pretty easy to get. It is important that you accompany your salon’s update with a price increase.

Make sure that the price increase is enough to cover the monthly payment and then some. Your clients will love to see the improvements and they

46

want to see your business succeed.

A small bank loan of say $3,000 at an interest rate of 10%, paid off in 24 months would require a payment of $138.43 per month. A $5,000 loan at the same rate for 36 months would be $161.34 per month. You can see that a relatively small price increase would cover the payment. However, you may want to consider a more

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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substantial increase. Remember that the customers will be WOWed by the new fresh look!

Start with curb appeal. You would be surprised at how easy and inexpensive it can be to put down a cute door mat and hang a flowering pot on either side of the door. Be sure to check your lease agreement and local ordinances and make sure it

2017

ALLHAMERICAN GROOMING SHOW

august 11-13

wheeling, illinois www.AAGroom.com

Decluttering: Divide your items into three piles:

PILE 1

Things that you use in the course of doing business and need to be organized.

PILE 2 12

9

3

6

Things that can be donated.

PILE 3 Trash.

aged space. If the lobby is cluttered it might make them feel overwhelmed. Worse yet, it might make you seem overwhelmed. No one is comfortable in a place of clutter, even if they don’t realize it. Decluttering is very inexpensive because it is mostly your own time that needs to be spent. You may need to purchase a few new pieces of furniture to more properly store surplus supplies and manage paperwork. Make three piles; pile #1 is things that you use in the course of doing business and need to be kept and organized, pile #2 is things that can be donated, and pile #3 is trash.

A fresh coat of paint will really freshen up the place. The dingy look that you mentioned can be largely improved by a clean, bright color and crisply painted trim. When painting a grooming salon it is extra important to wash the walls down before painting. If you are not aware of how dog dander sticks to painted walls, just take your hand and wipe it across the wall. It will show that there is a chalky, waxy substance that is covering the walls. If you do not wash this off before painting you may have issues with the paint sticking. Plus, washing this coating off the walls will likely help with the odor that you mentioned.

Deciding whether paying a company to wash the walls and paint, or close your business to do it yourself, is a numbers game.

How many days will you have to be closed? Typically a company can do it in 2 days, but what do they charge?

Also, it depends on if you have the time. If you have a dropped ceiling with tiles, be sure that they get replaced with fresh new white tiles.

These are very inexpensive.

Flooring is one of the most expensive things to replace. It takes

is allowed. Use hanging pots rather than planters because the planters turn into glorified, yet useless, fire hydrants in no time.

You can order indoor/outdoor rugs that have your name and logo woven right in. Ask yourself what your customers see when they look at your salon from the parking lot. Is there anything that can be covered or re–arranged so that the front of your salon looks neat and organized?

Remember to look through the windows.

Once the customer steps inside, what do they hear, see and smell?

Try to avoid having barking dogs or barking employees where the customers can hear them. Try playing spa music to invoke an instant relaxed feel. These options are not possible in some salon arrangements, but there are other options like scheduling the barking dogs for a short appointment at the end of the day.

You mentioned clutter. When the client walks into your salon, it is important that they see a well–man-

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New artwork and a few plants go a long way to spruce the place up! Also some sort of automatic air freshener never hurts. a lot of time and it might also require a lot of your own labor. Some companies will move all of the equipment and then put it back, but you still have a lot of preparation to do. Hiring a moving company might just save your groomer’s–back from unnecessary stress. They can devise a plan to help you pack–up and move out, and then move back into the space. One good thing about this process it that you will be forced to sort your things.

Flooring is one of the most common culprits for “the odor”. If it is much worn and smelly it might have to be done throughout the

50

entire space. But if it can be cleaned up pretty well, maybe you can get away with just changing the flooring in the entrance area.

New artwork and a few plants go a long way to spruce the place up! Also some sort of automatic air freshener never hurts. I hope this helps you gain the gumption to get-er–done! You will fall in love with your salon all over again! ✂ I am a multi–Best–In–Show and Best–All–Around groomer. I am the recipient of many Barkleigh Honors Awards including journalist of the year.

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I am a Silver and Gold medalist for GroomTeam USA. I am the winner of Show Dog Groomer of the Year 2015. I am a (VIG) Very Important Groomer– Ambassador for Purina and I have been teaching as The Grooming Tutor since 2000. And I groom to make a living, just like you. Please send questions to michell@groomingtutor.com

Find us on

Twitter!

@barkleighinc

HOLD THE

E by Khris Berry e

Telephones…a groomer’s best friend, a groomer’s worst nightmare. It never fails, you have a matted shave down on your grooming table, a customer waiting in the lobby, and the phone is ringing off the hook.

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W

hen you finally get around to playing your voicemails, you filter through the usual requests for appointments, calls to see if Fluffy is ready, and calls from solicitors who are certain you need to buy what they are selling.

Invariably, when you return your voicemail messages, someone will complain that they called four times and you didn’t answer the phone.

You may explain that you were attending to the pets in your care and they take priority. Likewise, the phone rings while you are chatting with your request client and you let it go to voicemail. It seems rude to attend to a phone call while you are speaking with a client.

On the other hand, the client who called four times may have called elsewhere because she assumed you were understaffed and therefore couldn’t provide good service. Perhaps the client you were chatting with saw you screen the call from another client and will wonder next time she calls and gets the voicemail if someone more important was placed above her.

It seems like a no–win situation.

If you answer the phone, you are neglecting a responsibility. If you don’t answer the phone, you are neglecting a responsibility. What is a service professional to do? There are no perfect answers to an imperfect problem, but by assessing your business, its goals, and your values, you may find a solution that fits your grooming business.

Hiring a receptionist will allow someone to focus on your clients and your business while you focus on your grooming or the care of the pets in your salon.

Hiring a receptionist will allow someone to focus on your clients and your business while you focus on your grooming or the care of the pets in your salon. Having a staff member who is focused solely on the needs of the customer is a luxury that many clients will appreciate and many groomers need.

Some salons identify select tasks such as general cleaning, client follow–up emails, appointment reminders, etc. to ensure that the receptionist has plenty of tasks. For growth oriented salons, this position usually justifies itself financially in increased productivity for the stylists and people caring for the pets.

If a receptionist isn’t in the cards for your shop, you may choose to

designate set hours each day during which your phones are manned and your clients can reach a real person. Many shops choose to have delineated hours for being open/ closed but keep in mind, you can also have hours that your phones are open/closed. This leaves clients clear expectations regarding when you will and will not be able to attend to their needs via telephone.

You can leave concise information on your voicemail indicating when they may reach you, as well as information regarding the hours during which you will not be able to answer your business phone lines.

While seemingly uncomfortable at first, trying to be “on call” to everyone at all times often ends up leaving

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While efficient, be cautious to counsel your callers if you are working during a phone call on the off chance that the client pet on your table emits a yelp, squeal, or yip. a less than complete experience for some of your customers. This approach allows you to focus on pets when necessary and client calls when necessary, and will ensure a complete experience for all parties.

Another solution for busy pet stylists is to employ a hands-free phone device such as a Bluetooth compatible attachment so they can continue working while speaking with clients. While efficient, be cautious to counsel your callers if you are working during a phone call on the off chance that the client pet on your table emits a yelp, squeal, or yip. As pet stylists, we sometimes become immune to the sounds of

our workplace and are unaware of the background noise around us. On the same lines, squeals of joy in the background may sound like squeals of fear in a client’s mind, without the visual cues that everything is running smoothly.

If you choose to utilize a voicemail system for answering calls in your absence or when you are unavailable, make certain that you are returning messages in a timely manner. Your personal business values should dictate the timeliness of the return call, but in most instances, all phone messages should be returned each day before the end of business. Keeping a written log

of all messages allows the busy Pet Stylist to prioritize messages and not miss any client connections.

When setting up your voicemail, identify your business name, leave concise and relevant information (such as business hours or website), and instructions about how and when a caller can expect a return call. Your business voicemail is often times a client’s first or last connection to your business; keeping your message consistent with your business values is a great way to connect with your customer before you actually speak in person.

Think of your business telephone as not only a lifeline to the outside world, but also a pipeline to your clients and their pets. In the minds of many customers, how you manage your telephones and voicemail indicates how well you will take care of their pets when they are inside your business. Are you sending the right message? ✂

Find Groomer to Groomer Magazine on

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PLANNING A H E A D for

E by Lara Latshaw & Namrata Kolla e

I

spent the first ten years of my grooming career working for veterinarians. Because of this I had the unique opportunity of caring for dying pets and grieving customers.

There were times when clients couldn’t manage being with their pet during euthanasia and since I was close with their pet, I would offer to take their place so their pet could have someone familiar at their side.

I’ve never once thought assisting clients during these difficult times was not my place as a groomer. If anything, being a groomer lends itself to also being a caregiver for the pet and owner at the end of a pet’s life. Unfortunately, many times pet owners don’t plan ahead for the loss of their pet. This often leads to them feeling like they never got a proper

56

goodbye or regret for how the last days with their pet went.

That is why I’m taking steps in my salon to promote end-of-life preparedness. I want my clients to be as prepared as possible, physically and mentally for their pet’s passing.

Making myself available and open to discussions about end-of-life helps my customers feel like they have a friend in these difficult conversations and, when the time comes, focus on their pet and grief rather than awful logistics.

You may be wondering, “How in the world do I bring this topic up with a client?” One answer is to take advantage of your space. I’ve created a Bereavement Corner in my salon with beautiful plants and decorations that are hard to miss. There are

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I’ve never once thought assisting clients during these difficult times was not my place as a groomer. If anything, being a groomer lends itself to also being a caregiver for the pet and owner at the end of a pet’s life.

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I’ve created a Bereavement Corner in my salon with beautiful plants and decorations that are hard to miss.

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a variety of items for display, including candles, sympathy cards, and a craft item by Pet Perennials where people can mix cremated remains with perennial seed wafers.

I also have a variety of books about pet loss and grief available for people to borrow.

One of the more obvious items is a shadow box with The Forever Spot pet bed inside. The same folks who make the “mushroom suit” for people made these pet beds and shrouds for those who want to bury their companion animal at home or in a cemetery. They contain organic material and mushrooms that allow for safe decomposition, remediate toxins in the body and soil, and provide a way to return their pet to the circle of life. Just having items like these available helps customers

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PLANNING FOR YOUR PET'S END-OF-LIFE

Consider If & How Often You Want to Visit Your Pet After They've Passed

Visualize Saying Goodbye • Ideally, would you say bye to your companion animal at home or elsewhere?

• If you ask for your pet to be cremated, you can ask for the ashes to be returned to you.

• Who should be around at your pet's death? Would you want to be alone?

• If you want to be able to visit your pet, you probably want to bury their body or their ashes on your own property or a cemetery nearby.

• How much would you sacrifice your pet's quality of life?

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Don't Wait—Prepare & Act on Your Plans Now • Start conversation about your aging pet with family or other loved ones.

• Assign responsibilities, including for the case in which you are not there to make urgent decisions.

• Contact a local holistic vet, pet cemetery and/or crematorium to learn your options.

DID YOU KNOW: contacting the county Animal Control department is the best way to check if there are regulations around burying a pet on private property in your locality.

know they can talk to me about this difficult topic of death.

Recently a favorite Havanese client of mine got diagnosed with untreatable cancer. He doesn’t have a lot of time. Because I’m close enough with this client and have been caring for her dog for years, I felt comfortable carefully letting her know the resources I have available and that I’m here if she needs to talk.

I prefaced my message by saying “I absolutely am not trying to sell you anything, I just want you to be able to think about your options ahead of time.” I then explained how I wanted to use The Forever Spot shroud for my Bichon but was unable to because I hadn’t planned ahead for shipping time. I gave her my personal experience and explained why I had these items at the salon. She was grateful to know she could talk to me about these things and appreciated the e-mail.

Another way to promote discussion about aging and death is to have resources readily available for clients.

For example, you can keep a list of mobile veterinarians that specialize in hospice and elder care. My sister, Molly, hired a hospice veterinarian for her senior Heeler mix.

Molly explained, “Having the hospice vet explain things ahead of time and be available when my dog Flora’s life was coming to an end provided me a great sense of relief. I didn’t have to worry about that part of it and could enjoy my time with her.” Many mobile veterinarians offer at-home euthanasia, and so do some brick-and-mortar vets. Some owners are simply unaware they can say goodbye to their pet in the comfort of their own home rather than a vet’s office. You can also collect and share resources on managing grief.

Sometimes pet parents can have a really difficult time processing their sadness when a pet passes away.

This is nothing to be ashamed of and could be an entire topic of its own.

However, the ASPCA maintains a pet loss hotline people can call at 877GRIEF10. Resources like this and the ones mentioned above are great to include on a flyer.

All this is to say, we are in very influential seats as groomers. We change the lives of animals and people every day in small and big ways. Given how much we interact with clients and their pets, caring for them beyond

What makes you unique as a professional? What is your

Groomer Story

grooming is not only in our place, but also extremely valuable. ✂ Visit Gordon’s Grooming at www.gordonspetgrooming.com/ to learn more about Lara’s story and her salon, http://theforeverspot.com/ sustainable-pet-care-blog/ for more information about pet loss and burying a pet with The Forever Spot, and www.petperennials.com/ for more information on Pet Perennials. There is also a Pet End of Life Care and Information Group for Groomers on Facebook you can join.

Send story submission ideas to mjsdogtraining@gmail.com

#GroomerStory

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New THE

GROOMING SALON PART IV: HIRING A

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

E by Kathy Rose e

Simple renovation construction or a complete new salon build–out is an exciting adventure. Unfortunately this can also prove to be a stressful process. Hiring the right contractor can make or break that experience.

Researching prospective contractors is vital!

Y

our first step is to contact your local building department or consumer protection agency. They can provide information regarding licensing requirements for contractors in your area. It is important to know that some laws may vary regarding commercial and personal construction. Armed with knowledge

64

of the legal requirements related to commercial construction, you can begin the process of finding your contractor.

Start your search for a contractor early in the planning stages of your salon. Once a relationship has been established, your contractor can provide a good resource for construction information regarding

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many aspects of salon renovation, design and build–out. You should be able to provide a basic concept of your design plans when speaking with prospective contractors, even if you have not nailed down a specific location.

With your initial legwork of choosing a location completed, a contractor can provide valuable

insight into modification of the space and may even assist you in final location decision by providing rough cost estimate comparisons.

Contractor input regarding renovation costs and plausibility of your design ideas may assist you in finding the right location that will fit your budget.

It is wise to have a general idea and a sketch of an effective grooming salon floor plan. A contractor may not be familiar with how an organized grooming salon operates or even the process involved. Prepare a sample floor plan showing the operation of the main work areas with a broad indication of plumbing,

electric, and lighting needs. Design and include: reception, holding area, bathing, drying and styling areas.

Depending upon the scope of your facility, other considerations may include retail, daycare and overnight pet accommodations.

Understanding the basic concepts of operating a grooming salon will help you choose your location and assist the contractor in providing a bid that will economically adapt your design to an existing space. Keep in mind it is usually more cost effective to adapt your design to the space than to adapt the space to your design.

The best place to start your search for a contractor is by word

Sketch a Floorplan Prepare a sample floor plan showing the operation of the main work areas.

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THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE should be detailed and include a clause permitting you to withhold at least

10%

until you have received a release of lien from the contractor.

of mouth. Ask friends, family and local business owners who they recommend. Get references and testimonials from prior jobs. A good contractor will have a list of references with phone numbers of previous clients. If there is a large gap between jobs, ask questions.

Remember that references are of no value, unless you contact these previous clients.

Chances are you will need at least one permit from the department that enforces building ordinances and codes. It is possible that electrical, plumbing or other specialized jobs may require separate permits. A licensed general contractor should be able to determine the legal requirements for renovations and secure the necessary permits or provide sub-contractors that can provide the necessary permits. Confirm this in your initial consultations with prospective general contractors.

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Once you have narrowed it down to a select few candidates, request a copy of their contractor’s license including the name and telephone number of the licensing agency and the license expiration date.

Contact your state’s licensing board for tradesmen and contractors. All states that license contractors and tradesmen keep a list of license holders. Except for plumbers and electricians, most hourly paid tradesmen do not require a license, but if any significant amount of work is required a license is needed in most states. The state licensing board can also be a supportive ally in resolving issues if you have a problem with a licensed contractor.

Document the insurance requirements such as personal liability coverage, property damage and worker’s compensation. Make sure to see certificates from all sub– contractors. Contact your state’s division of Workman’s Compensation for regulations pertaining to your area and make sure the contractor is in compliance.

Once you have secured the space to be renovated, make sure to detail the scope of work to be completed.

Clearly identify the services and materials that will be provided.

Establish a written schedule with completion dates and penalties for preventable delays.

Get a written contract. This should include a bid based on the job, and a price breakdown for labor, materials, permits, subcontractors, etc. Don’t make any changes without documentation and the financial effect on the bid. This is called a Change Order.

Determine if sub–contractors

Get a written contract. This should include a bid based on the job, and a price breakdown for labor, materials, permits, subcontractors, etc. Don’t make any changes without documentation and the financial effect on the bid. will be hired and if so, make sure you have copies of their licenses and insurance requirements. Confirm your contractor will be onsite to over see all work being performed.

The contractor should provide a schedule for payment that corresponds with a timeline for completed work. The payment schedule should be detailed and include a clause permitting you to withhold at least ten percent until all inspections are passed and you have received a release of lien from the

contractor and all sub–contractors.

This is vital and will help to eliminate the chance of future leans being placed by sub–contractors who were not paid by the general contractor. An average deposit at signing is twenty percent, but may vary dependent upon the scope of work and your area.

Build–out of a new salon or renovation of an old one holds the expectation of future rewards. Doing your homework and following a few cautious steps can help to make

the process not only bearable but also successful. ✂ Kathy Rose is an internationally acclaimed speaker, contest judge and columnist for Groomer to Groomer magazine. A four time GroomTeam USA award winning travel team member, Kathy has designed and built multiple successful grooming salons with nominations for top boutique salon in the country four times and cover of Groomer to Groomer buyers guide.

Everything that leaves your grooming facility should have your name on it.

Get started with Personalized Leashes For years and years, Personalized Leashes from Campbell Pet Company have helped thousands of Pet Care Professionals around the world add more clients, increase referrals and generate more income. Providing your clients with a Personalized Leash or Collar is a smart way to both promote your business and thank them for their patronage. For personalized leashes and collars to dozens of innovative and practical pet-care products, make Campbell Pet Company your trusted supplier of products that help maintain and grow successful grooming businesses. Call for pricing and to subscribe to our quarterly Catalog. You can also shop us online.

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CONTRACTOR CHECK–LIST & ONLINE RESOURCES CONTRACTOR CHECK- LIST: ☐☐ Get recommendations, references and testimonials ☐☐ Find out what licenses & permits are needed ☐☐ Request copy of contractors license ☐☐ Document license information ☐☐ Document insurance requirements ☐☐ Contact state division of work–man’s comp ☐☐ Detail the scope of work to be completed ☐☐ Specify your expectations

☐☐ Document all changes ☐☐ Determine payment schedule ☐☐ Establish clear start & finish dates ☐☐ Determine if subcontractors will be utilized ☐☐ Establish who will oversee all work ☐☐ Maintain copies of all contracts & payment receipts including cancelled checks ☐☐ Check for complaints against the contractor ☐☐ Get everything in writing

ONLINE RESOURCES: • https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor#Finding • http://www.contractors-license.org/

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Exciting 8.5” x 11” four-page newsletter becomes your OWN personal Salon Newsletter!

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These four-page newsletters contain grooming and health information, stories, and cartoons that present a professional image to your community. Give them at each appointment.

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obstacles after serving in combat zones. Doggy ‘Poo boasts oatmeal to moisturize and soothe itchy skin and Argan oil to promote a healthy, shiny coat. Doggy ‘Poo retails for $16.50 and is available at www.unitehair.com. Doggy ‘Poo. Human tested, doggy approved.

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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

Date Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! safety Because we care about your pet’s Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! you that Pet Name

and well being, we want to assure us. will be made to make your effort your pet is important every to The health, safety and comfort of pet’s visit as pleasant as possible. in conversations We also believe in including you Because your pet is severely tangled about the care of your pet. injury, stress and more or matted, it is at greater risk of The use of a cage dryer is safer and All precautions will be taken. However, we dog, trauma. your comfortable for some dogs. For or after We will problems occasionally arise, during recommend the use of a cage dryer. mental or such as nicks, clipper irritation and when grooming, practices safe following the adhere to physical stress. the dryer is in use: request your permission to In the best interest of your pet, we • Dryers must have working temperature should it become necessary. obtain immediate veterinary treatment gauges and timers. used. be for cage drying will to • Only equipment manufactured this grooming establishment I hereby grant permission to be followed. for my pet at my expense.

• Manufacturer instructions will obtain emergency veterinary treatment during will be properly monitored. have a greater chance of injury • Dogs drying in a cage dryer Also, realizing that matted pets a cage dryer to be used. establishment responsible for • Owner must give consent for grooming, I will not hold this grooming I hereby grant permission to this

treatment should it become necessary.

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

accident or injury to my pet.

grooming establishment to

comfortable drying of my dog. use a cage dryer for the safe and Owner Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Date

Pet Name

Pet Name

Owner Name

440c stainless steel in a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors. Your shears will come packaged in a fun box and will always have a free gift included to help you in your grooming day! Only $45/month for a 12 month subscription. www.ScissoroftheMonthClub.com

Same Message, SENIORNPE EWT Style.

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.

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 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

Signature

Signature

Owner Name Signature

Signature #MP-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productions, #CD-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productions,

.com

Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh

.com

Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh

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

#SP-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productions,

Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh

.com

CHECK OUT THE LATEST LINE OF RELEASE FORMS Stock up at the Barkleigh Booth or shop online at www.barkleighstore.com

70

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

GroomertoGroomer.com

Kage Kard Holder Sturdy aluminum card holder that keeps pet information where you need it!

3” x 5” Holds Run Kard 5” x 8” Holds Kenn-L-Kard Attaches easily to cages and crates Has holes for optional wall mounting Sturdy and doesn’t rattle!

All-purpose hanger keeps leashes from getting misplaced or going home on the wrong dog

PRACTICALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE! GroomertoGroomer.com

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. barkleigh.com • barkleighstore.com (717) 691-3388 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

71

INDUSTRY NEWS

e n -25 2

th

ju 2

nd

NW

W

N NE

S

Rob e rt s Ce n t r e

E

NW

Wilmington, Ohio

NE

PQGROOM.COM

FRIDAY TO FEATURE BUSINESS MAKEOVER SEMINARS

P

etQuest, the premier grooming show for groomers and professionals in the Midwest, will feature a fantastic collection of new and exciting seminars including Khris Berry’s new four-hour Business Makeover class on Friday. Whether a new or veteran pet professional, this course offers fresh insights which you can easily implement to infuse professionalism and energy into your business. The course includes topics

in marketing, media, management, and money to help groomers set themselves apart from the competition, no matter the size of their business or number of clients.

Khris will help all groomers unleash their personal brands and take their businesses to the next level with her exciting tips and tricks.

Over 50 companies will be exhibiting throughout the weekend giving groomers the exciting opportunity to see and sample new

Celebrating

25 Years!

Sharp. art. Stay Work Sm

(1991 – 2016)

Precise Cut Shears

Full Full Service Service Sharpening Sharpening & & Repair Repair

120 Fourth Street • Mt. Wolf, PA 17347 (717) 266-7348 • (888) 742-7745 info@precisionsharp.com

www.precisionsharp.com

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

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.

GroomertoGroomer.com

products. PetQuest’s tradeshow pass will include all shopping and contest viewing, in addition to floor demonstrations. Any pet professional can attend the tradeshow, free of charge, by referencing this article at registration.

PetQuest looks to continue its tradition of growth this year in Wilmington, Ohio on June 22-25, 2017. For more information, visit pqgroom.com. ✂

Proverbial Wisdom Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

Proverbs 3:27–28 Living Bible

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALIFORNIA GROOM EXPO WEST 2/15/2018 — 2/18/2018 Pasadena, CA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpowest.com PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO WEST

4/30/2018 — 5/3/2018 Burbank, CA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.pbdwest.com

FLORIDA THE NDGAA FUN IN THE SUN 2017 10/27/2017 – 10/29/2017 Orlando, FL (724) 962-2711 ndga@nationaldoggroomers.com www.ndgaa.com

GEORGIA ATLANTA PET FAIR 3/8/2018 —3/11/2018 Atlanta, GA info@atlantapetfair.org www.atlantapetfair.org

ILLINOIS

INTERGROOM 4/12/2018 — 4/15/2018 Secaucus, NJ (201) 896-0500 www.intergroom.com

OHIO PETQUEST

6/22/2017 — 6/25/2017 Wilmington, OH (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.pqgroom.com

PENNSYLVANIA GROOM EXPO 9/14/2017 — 9/17/2017 Hershey, PA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpo.com PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO

11/6/2017 — 11/9/2017 Hershey, PA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.petboardingexpo.com

TEXAS GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS

8/10/2017 — 8/13/2017 Wheeling, IL (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.aagroom.com

7/21/2017 – 7/23/2017 Houston, TX (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomtexas.com

MASSACHUSETTS

WASHINGTON

NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW

NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW

ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW

10/12/2017 —10/15/2017 Sturbridge, MA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.newenglandgrooms.com

NEVADA SUPERZOO 7/24/2017 — 7/26/2017 Las Vegas, NV info@superzoo.org www.superzoo.org

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

4/5/2018 — 4/8/2018 Tacoma, WA (717) 691-3388 info@barkleigh.com www.nwgroom.com

WISCONSIN PET STYLIST INVITATIONAL

11/6/2016 — 11/7/2016 Oconomowoc, WI www.petstylistinvitational.com

NEW JERSEY WORLD DOG EXPO 6/9/2017 —6/11/2017 Secaucus, NJ info@worldexpo.dog www.worldexpo.dog GroomertoGroomer.com

EVENTS WORLD DOG EXPO 6/9/2017 – 6/11/2017 Secaucus, NJ PETQUEST 6/22/2017 – 6/25/2017 Wilmington, OH GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS 7/21/2017 – 7/23/2017 Houston, TX ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/10/2017 – 8/13/2017 Wheeling, IL GROOM EXPO 9/14/2017 – 9/17/2017 Hershey, PA NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW

10/12/2017 – 10/15/2017 Sturbridge, MA PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/6/2017 – 11/9/2017 Hershey, PA GROOM EXPO WEST 2/15/2018 – 2/18/2018 Pasadena, CA NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 4/5/2018 — 4/8/2018 Tacoma, WA PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO WEST 4/30/2018 — 5/3/2018 Burbank, CA

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 5 • May 2017

73

‘17

THE

WORLD’S LARGEST GROOMING SHOW

HERSHEY LODGE & CONVENTION CENTER

September 14–17, 2017

GroomExpo.COM

WWW. 74

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

GroomertoGroomer.com

LESS FATIGUE LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY TO MANEUVER

CLIPS EASILY THROUGH THICK & M AT T E D C O AT S

NEW

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S R O COL

PET FRIENDLY MINIMAL NOISE A N D V I B R AT I O N

COMPLETELY AFFORDABLE

A BURST OF POWER WITH A BURST OF COLOR MADE IN USA

of domestic & imported parts GroomertoGroomer.com

1-800-PROWAHL www.wahlanimal.com Groomer to Groomer • Vol 36 Ed 6 • June 2017

75

Containment Challenge?

Design a System Perfect for Your Size!

Modular Cage Systems

ds Hundre odular M le of Possib ations Combin

Stainless Steel Hybrid Full Cage Bank

Hammertone White Short Cage Bank with Medium Short Cage

Stainless Steel Hybrid Half Cage Bank

Hammertone White Full Cage Bank with Medium Short Cage

WWW.RYANSPET.COM 1-800-525-7387 “Rely on Ryan’s” for Best Prices, Best Brands TM

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FREE SHIPPING Includes Shampoo - On Orders $99.00 or More*

Need Equipment? Ship it for Free!

Expires 6/30/17

When You Purchase $2000 or more of Paw Brothers® Professional and Value Groom® Equipment.*

Expires 6/30/17

*Within the contiguous United States Only. While Supplies Last. Must Use Coupon Code.

Some Exclusions Apply ©2017 G&G Distribution Inc. All rights reserved. Pricing, shipping terms and manufacturer specs subject to change. Prices good through June 30, 2017 - While Supplies Last