Groomer to Groomer May 2019

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 38 ED.5 • MAY 2019

TODAY’S

“MUST–HAVE” GROOMING GA DGETS

PHOTO BY PHIL KLINE // WELL GROOMED AT SXSW

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CONTENTS | MAY 2019

OF THE

TOOLS

TRADE AN IN–DEPTH LOOK AT PET GROOMING TOOLS

22 by Kathy Hosler

by Jonathan David

Learning Patience in Grooming Dogs

6

Adriane's Big Adventure: "Well Groomed" 10 Featured at SXSW Berry: Jumping Jacks

16

Facebook Poll: What Grooming Tool Can't 30 You Live Without?

Berry: Tax Write–Offs, Deductions and Depreciable Expenses: What's the Difference?

32

38

Knowles: Yeast Dermatitis: What Groomers 42 Should Know

Evans: The Latest & Greatest: Today's 46 "Must–Have" Grooming Gadgets

Tutorial: Spaniels in the Salon 56 Groom Texas Preview 68 New Products

70

Groomer Humor

72

Classifieds 72 Calendar of Events

74

WORKING WITH YOU TO ENSURE LAWS ARE FAIR & REASONABLE

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“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 38 ED.5 • MAY 2019

EDITOR/PRESIDENT Todd Shelly todd@barkleigh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Gwen Shelly gwen@barkleigh.com

SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenn Barraclough jennifer@barkleigh.com

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

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

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

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

Michell Evans Kathy Hosler Daryl Conner Khris Berry Michelle Knowles

Copyright May 2019. Groomer to Groomer is published monthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Groomer to Groomer c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Annual U.S. subscription rate $25. Outside U.S. $79. year, surface rates. Groomer to Groomer is free to current Barkleigh Productions, Inc. customers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055.

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TODAY’S

“MUST–HAVE” GROOMING GA DGETS

PHOTO BY PHIL KLINE // WELL GROOMED

ON THE COVER "Well Groomed," at SXSW Story on Page 10 Photo by Phil Kline

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

5

in Grooming Dogs E by Lindsay Vest e

A

fter 23 years in the grooming industry you begin to notice that patience is a learned behavior. Some of us may be naturally inclined to be more patient than others, but I firmly believe that it can be developed in anyone.

I am sure that if you have been grooming dogs long enough you have also found yourself frustrated with a dog at some point. This happens to all of us, but how you handle it makes a world of difference. After witnessing heavy handling over the years and reading about mishandling of pets in grooming shops, I made a decision that I never

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

I am sure that if you have been grooming dogs long enough you have also found yourself frustrated with a dog at some point. This happens to all of us, but how you handle it makes a world of difference. wanted to be that person. I started to rethink how I approach my clients.

Often, the source of frustration for people dealing with a misbehaving dog is the misconception that the dog GroomertoGroomer.com

is being contrary; that the dog is making a conscious decision to make your job difficult. This is a form of anthropomorphism. Understanding that the dog is simply reacting to the situation

Know when to

say NO If you get that dog who is so over wrought

that they may hurt themselves, refer them to a veterinarian groomer.

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can change your reaction.

An uncooperative dog’s behavior is not personal, it stems from some other place. There can be underlying medical conditions causing them pain. Biting and panic are signs of fear, usually from lack of socialization and training, though even dogs can suffer from mental illness. Empathy for the dog you are working on can truly transform your level of patience.

As we are working with a dog, we should always be mindful of how we touch and manipulate their bodies. It’s so easy to get caught up in our schedules or own thoughts and forget we are working with a living creature. I always try to keep in mind how I, myself, would like to be treated in a similar situation.

Picture yourself unable to verbally communicate, perhaps fearful or hurting, and being restrained. That could be pretty scary! For those dogs who have never been groomed, it could quickly become overwhelming for them. I also try to imagine that it was my own dog. How would you feel if you found that someone was mishandling YOUR baby? We should be working within the dog’s comfort level.

If you have a highly reactive dog and you can’t finish the groom or can’t get the finish you are looking for, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Sometimes it’s just good enough. If you find that you are growing too frustrated with a dog, give both you and the dog a break. If you are worried about your schedule, call the owner. Perhaps reschedule for a quieter time or ask them to wait for a call to pick up. Explain that you want to give their dog the most positive experience possible. Know when to say no. If you get that dog who is so over wrought that they may hurt themselves, refer them to a veterinarian groomer.

A good understanding of behavior and body language will go a long way in preventing many of the behaviors that frustrate groomers. Much of our job is training our dog clients how to accept grooming.

Here are some tips to help the grooming process go as smoothly as possible: • Hand Placement: Something as simple as hand placement can drastically change a dog’s behavior.

When introducing the dog to water or a high velocity dryer, a hand laid gently on the back or side can have a calming effect.

• Use Grooming Aids: Tools like the Happy Hoodie, cushioned table mats and restraint systems can make the dog more comfortable.

• Gentle Pressure: Rather than

fighting a dog to stand, use gentle pressure with two fingers under the belly to get a heavy dog up. Remember to give the command for stand for future grooms.

• Body Awareness: Pay attention to how you are manipulating their legs and necks. Stay within their normal range of motion to prevent struggling.

• Gentle Handling: Less is more when it comes to restraint. Too much can lead to panic. Apply only the least amount of pressure needed to get the job done.

• Get the Owners Involved: Talk to them about things they can do at home to help the dog accept grooming.

• Atmosphere: Try to keep the atmosphere calm.

Above all else, be safe. It is a great

honor to be entrusted with the care of people’s beloved pets and we should do everything in our power to avoid betraying that trust. ✂ Lindsay Vest has been an animal lover her whole life and started grooming dogs at 15 years of age in 1996. At 16 years old she became interested in showing dogs in conformation and bought her first show dog, a Pug. She was officially a dog person from that moment on.

Later, Lindsay got into Tibetan Spaniels and started showing them in 2000. She bred under the prefix of Vestal and produced 14 AKC champions. Lindsay has used all of the things she has learned showing and applied it to her grooming career, including producing correct breed standard grooms and advancing her grooming and handling skills.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

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ADRIANE’S BIG ADVENTURE:

FEATURED AT E by Adriane Pope e

Photo by Phil Kline

A

“I am so honored to have been able to attend South by Southwest

Film Festival in Austin, Texas for the premier of Well Groomed. The trip to get there was a long haul but well worth it.

Gucci, Encore and I drove from Conway, SC all the way to Austin, TX. When we arrived in Austin on Friday, our first stop was at the Dirty Dog Self-Wash so that the movie stars, Gucci and Encore, could be pampered from the start. Saturday morning began with a photoshoot with the whole cast and crew. It wasn’t just any photoshoot, it was the real deal; I mean, fans blowing our hair and all.

It was a great feeling.

As I was leaving the photoshoot, I ran into Dan Rather in the hallway of

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

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fter three years in the making, documentarian Rebecca Stern’s first feature documentary, Well Groomed, made its debut at this year’s South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, TX. The film follows top creative groomers Angela Kumpe, Nicole Beckman, Cat Opson and Adriane Pope through their journey to the most prestigious creative grooming competition at the world renowned Groom Expo in Hershey, PA. And this is Adriane’s story about her one-of-a-kind experience at this remarkable event….

10

the hotel—and he wanted his picture with Gucci! We left the hotel and went for another photoshoot at a studio.

This shoot was several hours and very detailed. There, we were able to take pictures with Rebecca Stern and everyone who made this film possible. It was an experience like no other.

Saturday afternoon was filled with promoting the film in downtown Austin. We walked the dogs from the film downtown and handed out bandanas to other dogs on the street. This called for many photo ops. Everyone went crazy over the colorful dogs! Of course Gucci was a diva and made me carry him for many, many blocks. It was so great to experience this with Cat and

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After Gucci, Encore and I got ready, we headed to the red carpet for more photos.

Nicole and their husbands.

After the dog walk, I went to dinner with my mother and sister. I was so glad to have them there! After dinner, it was off to bed for me—I had a long day ahead of me! Sunday morning was a whirlwind, getting ready for the red carpet premier of Well Groomed.

After Gucci, Encore and I got ready, we headed to the red carpet for more photos. Gucci was in his tuxedo.

After the paparazzi were finished, the dog sitters came and picked up the dogs. We went into Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and watched the perfect film of Well Groomed. It was very emotional. At one point, I sat back and closed my eyes to take it all in. I heard people laugh, cry and applaud with such emotion. After the film was over, I was taken by surprise with a Question and Answer session with the audience.

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No one had anything negative to say. One word describing the film that stood out to me was “heartfelt”.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

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Cat, Nicole, Rebecca, myself, and the whole cast and crew went on the stage. The sitters then brought the dogs back to us, and they joined us on stage as we answered questions. No one had anything negative to say. One word describing the film that stood out to me was “heartfelt”.

After we finished the film, we went to the after party which was over the top. We sat there and talked and laughed about the different memories in making this film. The crew stated that this was the most humbling film to make and how it was hard to cut 240 minutes down to 90 minutes.

Monday morning as I was walking the dogs in downtown Austin, I heard many people yell out of car windows and from across the street, “Oh my gosh, there is Gucci and Encore!” This also called for about 100 selfies with Gucci and Encore. We went back to the theatre for the second viewing of the film. Monday was filled with lots of pictures with the public—it really made us feel like movie stars!

After the film, we did another Q&A session, and the last question asked was, “What was your favorite part of the film?”, and I answered, “The ending, because I would have never dreamed I would have won first place in Hershey”.

The audience all applauded with excitement, and it gave me chills.

Tuesday morning I started my road trip back home. As I reflected on the entire weekend, I realized it was one of the best experiences of my life. I want to thank Rebecca Stern for everything she did to make this all possible and my friends and family for the love and support of my crazy hobby over the last 27 years.

The only thing that could’ve made this weekend any better was if my husband, my girls and my dear friend Angela Kumpe could have been there to experience it all with me.” ✂

Recently Jack visited my grooming shop and landed on the table of one of my newer groomers. Jack is a nervous little fellow of snub nose, small dog, no–you–can’t– touch–me–there descent, and his visit proved true to that statement.

E by Khris Berry e

D

uring the grooming service, Jack jumped into the path of an oncoming scissor blade and found himself with a nicked foot pad. Jack’s human mom was understanding of the unfortunate turn of events, having been informed of his behavior during previous grooming services. The Mrs. carried Jack home later that day with an apology, a few instructions for wound care and a hug from her remorseful groomer. All’s well that ends well…or so I thought.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

The next day, Jack’s human dad called and was both upset and aggressive in his approach to the situation. My husband intercepted the phone call and recounted the events of Jack’s scissor incident to Jack’s Mister. As tensions eased, the Mister began to think rationally and understand how the cut happened.

In mid–sentence of explaining how Jack had a habit of being labeled naughty by previous groomers, Mister stopped abruptly and declared, “What do you mean you use scis-

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sors—that’s barbaric!”

When my husband translated the conversation to me afterwards, I was immediately defensive and shocked that the question had been posed. Most groomers would instantly quip—how do they expect us to cut their dog’s hair without sharp instruments? That was indeed my first, and second reaction. The internet abounds with funny memes dedicated to poking fun at odd things owners say to their pet groomer. This comment would be one of those odd

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We must never forget, the pet–owning public knows nearly nothing about what we do and how we do it—it’s up to us to educate clients about our process, our limitations, what we can and cannot do, and what we ask of their pets during the grooming or daycare process. things—barbaric, indeed.

And that’s where the lesson for all groomers lies. We must never forget, the pet–owning public knows nearly nothing about what we do and how we do it—it’s up to us to educate clients about our process, our limitations, what we can and cannot do, and what we ask of their pets during the grooming or daycare process.

We are accustomed to the tools and processes involved in our day

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

to day careers. We are often so familiar with our handiwork that it becomes automatic. Any groomer worth their salt can trim nails, shave the paw pad on a foot, and scissor finish that same foot as fast as you can read the last three sentences. Jack’s foot was a simple task that went wrong—as simple tasks sometimes do.

My groomer handled the nicked foot pad well, handled Jack’s mom

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well, was extremely sorry (even tearful), and Jack was romping and playing the next day. The breakdown simply occurred in communication, or lack of it. We lose sight of the fact that most pet owners don’t know (and perhaps don’t really care) how we accomplish our daily feats of grooming greatness.

We are the professionals in this industry—let’s softly educate our clients about our training, tools

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In a world that is largely unlicensed and unregulated, more pet owners should be asking questions. Instead of recoiling when an owner asks about our safety protocol, our training or our qualifications, professional groomers should respond with “I’m so glad you asked…” a moment of clarity for me to further connect with and encourage open dialog with pet owners.

As a professional groomer, the next time you are tempted to state that you will be using your magic wand to create the mystical doggie– do your client requests, I encourage you to take a moment instead to let them know you will be using multiple sharp objects in close proximity to every inch of their pet’s skin, all

and how we complete our jobs. In a world that is largely unlicensed and unregulated, more pet owners should be asking questions. Instead of recoiling when an owner asks about our safety protocol, our training or our qualifications, professional groomers should respond with “I’m so glad you asked…”

In retrospect, while an unfortunate moment for Jumping into Scissors Jack, this incident provided

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

the while managing his behavior and identifying troubling skin or coat issues. You may even suggest that you will also find time to monitor his stress and develop a groomer/canine client bond that will last for many years to come.

I learned that if Jack’s owners didn’t know we used scissors to cut his hair—it wasn’t shame on them. Rather, shame on me for assuming they did. The devil is always in the details. ✂

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Calming handling procedures for both cats and dogs.

Equipment suggestions to make your job easier & safer.

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OF THE

TOOLS

TRADE AN IN–DEPTH LOOK AT PET GROOMING TOOLS E by Jonathan David e

We’ve all heard the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But when it comes to the world of pet grooming tools, that saying couldn’t be further from the truth!

W

e work in an industry that is ever evolving and the tools of our trade need to also evolve to keep up with those changes. Over time, grooming styles of some breeds change, sparking new ideas for tools. These ideas coupled with advancements in technology bring us new products and equipment to make our jobs easier and more efficient—and that allows us to better serve our furry, four–legged clients.

We’re not reinventing the wheel; there will always be the tried and true staple items that groomers use everyday like brushes and combs and scissors, but even within those groups, there is a wide variety of choices designed for various tasks.

So let’s start by taking a look at the basics and you’ll soon realize that

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

you can teach an old dog new tricks!

BRUSHES Brushes are one of the tools we use every day, but there are many types of brushes for different coats and different tasks. Slicker brushes are one of the most common brushes.

They’re made up of multiple rows of dense, bent, small metal pins with a rubber backing of varying tensions, providing the pins with a flexible base to help ease the pins through the coat and over the skin. Slicker brushes are great for de–matting knotted hair, removing undercoat, stretching and straightening the coat as you blow dry, and achieving a great “fluff” on a coat in preparation for trimming.

Pin brushes are oval, square or oblong brushes with metal or wood pins that are thicker and longer than slicker

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brushes and the pins are distributed with more spacing between them, and are usually more flexible. Pin brushes are much more gentle on the hair and are ideal for coats that are brushed frequently and aren’t allowed to get matted. They’re great for distributing anti–static or conditioning products along the hair shafts, but are less ideal for removing undercoat or matting.

Boar hair brushes have dense bristles made from natural boar hair, sometimes combined with nylon pins.

These brushes are designed for use on short, smooth coats and coarse terrier hair. The nylon pins help stimulate the oil glands in the skin and the boar hair is an excellent natural material to distribute the oils through the coat to bring out the shine and bring the oils to the ends of coarse terrier hair that tend to become dry and broken.

COMBS Pet grooming combs come in a variety of lengths, number of spokes and coarseness, and are made of various metals and sometimes have a ceramic or painted coating. Combs are used for detangling, parting and taming the coat, fluffing up hair for scissoring, or removing undercoat. The coarseness of the comb refers to the spacing between the spokes, with ‘fine’ meaning close spacing and ‘coarse’ referring to wide spacing between the spokes.

Combs can be completely metal or they can have wood or plastic handles and can have thin or wide spines that hold the spokes, and they can be thin or thick gauge, depending on the intended use. There are also a variety of shapes of the comb, such as half moon shape with longer spokes towards the center and tapered edges or even a bowed design to aid in creating circular shapes such as a rounded head.

HAND STRIPPING & CARDING TOOLS Some breeds require specialty tools for working their coats. Terriers that are hand–stripped require specialized tools such as stripping knives, carding tools and stripping stones to remove the coat from the root, causing the hair to regenerate and grow from the hair follicle to maintain the natural coarse texture for protection of the skin.

Sporting breeds also require carding tools, stripping stones and rakes to remove the dead coat and regenerate hair growth from the follicle to keep the skin and coat healthy and provide protection to the dog’s skin. Stripping knives and carding tools have wooden, metal or plastic handles with a rounded or squared off metal piece at the end.

For carding tools, the metal piece is equipped with fine to coarse teeth that grip the under coat and dead hair

Stripping knives and carding tools have wooden, metal or plastic handles with a rounded or squared off metal piece at the end. as you ease it through the coat and gently removes the hair from the skin and surrounding coat, leaving the healthy guard hairs in place.

With stripping knives, the metal teeth are used for gripping the coat as the groomer uses short, repetitive motions to pluck the dead coat from the skin and regenerate the hair.

The stones are another tool used on the coat to remove soft undercoat by easing the rough surface of the stone along the dog’s coat as it grips and removes the soft undercoat, allowing the skin to breathe and the coat to lay flat.

Another specialty tool is a coat rake. Rakes have varying sized and

spaced, hooked teeth to aid in removing thick undercoat and for thinning a dog’s furnishings. Rubber finger caps can also be used on your finger tips to aid in gripping coat to strategically pluck individual hairs.

DE–MATTING TOOLS Another category of specialty tools are de–matting tools. De–matting tools range from types of rakes with long metal pins to reach down through packed coat to help detangle the hair, to tools with a series of curved or bent blades that are used to slice through matted hair. Mat splitters can be very useful, but they need

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Cordless clippers are rechargeable, battery operated clippers and can range from the standard size of the corded clippers to smaller sizes for detail work, such as clean feet and face to poodle patterns or fun and creative carving of the coat.

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to be used with caution. These blades are very sharp and skill and care is needed as you put these tools through the coat to avoid cutting the hair off, or more importantly, to avoid cutting the skin. Sometimes when the coat is too severely matted, the best and most humane option is shave the coat.

CLIPPERS When it comes to shaving the coat, there are several types of electric clippers to choose from. When you’re dealing with matted coats, a corded clipper with a lot of power can cut time and clip through the coat with ease. Various length blades can be snapped on the clipper to achieve a close shave under the mats, or a longer length when matting is not a problem.

Snap–on guard combs can be added on top to set longer lengths on the dog’s coat, from close styles to fuller layered trim styles.

Cordless clippers are rechargeable, battery operated clippers and can range from the standard size of the corded clippers to smaller sizes for detail work, such as clean feet and face to poodle patterns or fun and creative carving of the coat.

SHEARS Now that we’ve covered the tools needed to brush, comb, pluck and shave, let’s talk about our most prized possessions—our shears! I feel that there are no more personal and precious tools that we use than our shears. A good quality shear is an investment in your career and yourself. They’re an extension of your hand and the conduit of your talent so choosing the right shears is key to achieving a great groom.

So what’s the difference between a scissor and a shear? Well, they’re one in the same, but generally a scissor is six inches or less in length and anything over six inches is referred to as a shear.

Grooming shears range from four to ten inches in length, have a variety of

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There are two ways of manufacturing shears: those that are cast and those that are forged. Cast shears are made from liquid metal poured into a mold and forged shears are cut from sheets of metal, welded together and made by hand. features, and come in both right and left handed options.

There are two ways of manufacturing shears: those that are cast and those that are forged. Cast shears are made from liquid metal poured into a mold and forged shears are cut from sheets of metal, welded together and made by hand. Cast shears are made from lower quality metals and are much lower in cost. They will have a basic cutting edge and don’t generally hold a sharp edge for long, requiring frequent sharpening which will grind

down the edge quickly, requiring frequent replacing.

Forged shears are made from high quality stainless steel and have several advantages. First, they can have different degrees of hardness, which will affect the length of time the shear will hold the sharp edge, and the harder metal shears can be sharpened to a finer, sharper edge. The second advantage to this process is that these shears are able to be manipulated for maintenance.

This means that if you were to drop your shears, a sharpening professional can

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manipulate the blades and realign and balance the shear, which could save you from the expense of replacement costs.

Another advantage of forged shears is that the high quality metal needs very little grinding to regain the sharp edge, therefore extending the life of the shear and saving on costs in the long run.

There are three cutting edges: bevel edge, semi–convex edge and convex edge. Bevel edges are a sharp cutting edge and most common, with semi–convex being a finer, sharper edge, and convex being the sharpest edge that is a

true point. Semi–convex edges are designed to be multi–functional as a carving and finishing shear, and convex edge shears are usually reserved for finish work or achieving a clean, smooth finish.

The handles of shears have some variety, too. Even–handled shears have finger and thumb holes which are evenly set with the blade in the center, while offset handles have the thumb hole set lower and off to the side of the finger holes. There’s no advantage to either style other than comfort. Different hands require different positioning, so it’s up to each stylist to choose which is most suitable. The third handle style is called a swivel handle. The swivel handle has a thumbhole that is similar to the offset but the thumbhole has the ability to slide up and down on a track as well as swivel around, leaving the user the option to move the shear around your thumb or you can lock

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the thumbhole in a specific position, therefore customizing the fit. Shears can be straight or curved, and some are reversible to flip the shear to achieve contours in either direction.

Thinning shears are my favorite!

Thinning shears have a variety of sizes and types of teeth. These shears are used for thinning, blending and softening the crisp finish that a straight or curved shear will leave, and are far more forgiving than a straight shear.

The rule of thumb is, a lot of fine teeth closer together will result in minimal hair removal and seamless blending with no lines in the coat. When you want a more aggressive thinner that will take off more coat, the teeth should have wider spacing and more aggressive teeth, which would be beneficial for layering or creating rounded faces and trimmed lines.

A blender or chunker is another

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type of thinning shear. They have bigger teeth that are set wider apart and the teeth are very aggressive. They will give you the most bulk removal but can leave marks on softer coats.

Finally, there are double sided thinning shears. These shears will have teeth on both sides rather than teeth on one side and a straight edge opposite of that. Double sided thinners offer the least amount of hair removal and the most seamless cuts, leaving no lines in the coat. This is a great option for soft coats that show scissor marks or for creating soft, natural finishes.

So, as you can see, there are so many tools at your disposal and so many tools to help you achieve the best possible groom you can. It may be time to teach that old dog some new tricks and try stepping outside your comfort zone with some new tools.

Good luck and happy grooming! ✂

Asked Facebook…

Which grooming tool can’t you live without?

“My electric table! I have to sit down to groom, so being able to adjust table height easily is nice. I also work alone, so I need it to get big dogs on my table, and we have an extra which I use to get them in the tub.”

— Michelle R.

“Groomers Helper! The look on [the dogs’] faces when they realize they can’t get to you ” — Summer R.

“Clipper vac system. It keeps blades cool through the whole groom, and because it pulls hair straight up you do not have to brush up or go over the same area more than a few swipes, and it keeps the room clean.”

— Amanda E.

“Bravura cordless clippers.”

— Joan V.

“My fluff dryer! I have no idea how I groomed for almost three years without a fluff dryer!!”

— Jess H. “My Nail Trimmers have 14yrs of use.

Trimmed thousands of nails with it and still going strong...”

— Harvey J.

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“My morbid sense of humor.”

— Deana B.

“My hands. Without them I can’t work...”

— Ana Teresa R. “No.7 skip blade for clipping out those nasty matts!”

— Linzi M. “Coral Slicker from Chris Christian. I’m saving up for the Black one.”

— Shannon C. “A non-aching body — Alyce M.

”

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“The Sensei half-moon comb.”

— Demi K. “Patience…and my quicker slicker.”

— Charlene E. “Strong black coffee…”

— Kerris G. “My Artero brushes!!”

— Grifferdoo S. “Resco combs are the best, had mine 30 years.”

— Lori C. “A dirty dog.”

— Deana F. “Curved 6.5” scissors.”

— Amber E. ✂

GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS

by Khris Berry

TAX WRITE-OFFS,

DEDUCT IONS

DEPRECIABLE

EXPENSES:

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE??

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ina attends her favorite trade show each year. She eagerly anticipates seeing new products; she makes lists that include supplies such as shampoos, bows and brushes. She needs a new pair of shears but has paused on the purchase until she could make the rounds of each vendor—she likes to hold her shears in her hand before she buys them. The week before she leaves for the trade show, she has a dryer fail so she adds a dryer purchase to her list.

Fast forward, and Gina is driving home with her new purchases packed into her van. She will be adding some spa services utilizing her new specialty shampoos and her newfound education in skin and coat health. She has the greatly needed replacement dryer packed safely behind her and those sweet shears she waited to purchase are in her purse.

She made a few impulse purchases including a new grooming table to ease the burden of lifting dogs—although expensive, she knows that this particular purchase will extend her grooming career a bit longer. It’s not Gina’s first time buying equipment or shears or supplies, so she dutifully collects her receipts and files them away—anticipating that she will need them later.

For most of us, this story ends here. We bring our new tools and supplies home—some of them become staples in our salons and some of them become frivolous purchases. Regardless, we repeat the cycle each year and keep our equipment and product uses up to date with the modern advances of the industry. But what about that nagging little part of the story with the receipts?

What happens to the collection of receipts we tuck away for later use?

Most groomers know that it’s

TOOL VS SUPPLY important to save them for later to provide to their tax professional or accountant upon request. But do you know how to MAXIMIZE their use and ensure that the tool purchases you make actually make you the most money afterwards? Do you know the difference between a tool and supply?

Do you know the difference between a tax write–off and a tax deduction and a depreciable expense?

Like you, my knowledge surrounding my business often stays focused

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Visit with your tax professional about how choosing one, the other, or a combination of both can impact your income statements—they are deducted in different places! on the pets, managing employees and clients, ensuring safety for all and typical daily operations. When it comes to Tools and Taxes—I needed a little direction from my tax professional team. Here’s some advice I received that may benefit every groomer and business owner: First, let’s make sure we know the difference between a tool and a supply—Gina bought both at the trade show. While a simple concept, this is business expensing ABC and worth re-

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visiting. A supply is a consumable item used in your business. Depending on your accounting preferences, it can be categorized as an expense under Supplies, or possibly even Cost of Goods.

Operating expenses and Cost of Goods measure different ways in which resources are spent in the process of running your business. So, your shampoo purchase can be viewed by your tax professional as a regular expense or it can be viewed as the Cost of Goods to create a product within your organization. Visit with your tax professional about how choosing one, the other, or a combination of both can impact your income statements—they are deducted in different places!

Now, back to that stack of receipts and van packed full of purchases from the trade show. Gina bought shears, a dryer and a table. All of these are items are non-consumable so they will be determined as tools. She will use them repeatedly (hopefully for years) in the course of her business. But the story of

the receipts doesn’t end there. Understanding the impact of how to record these tools into your business financial story is critical as those decisions can make financial impacts on your business finances down the road.

If Gina purchased any tool which has a life period of over one year AND it cost over $500, then she will probably be advised to choose to depreciate that tool over the course of five years. She gets to choose if she depreciates the entire purchase and how long she wishes to stretch the depreciation schedule.

This is where most groomers get foggy, and check out. Making the correct choices are valuable to the long–term financial health of your business.

If Gina chooses to take the expense and NOT depreciate the tool, she gets credit for the entire expense in the year she purchases it. That seems like a great idea, but this is where it gets sticky. Even if she takes the deduction in one lump (same year), the tool should remain on her financial record until it has been sold, disposed of or removed from service. She gets the immediate gratification of a deduction but has to carry the VALUE of the tool in her proverbial financial purse for many years to come without getting a deduction for it.

For example: if Gina’s grooming table cost her $2,000 and she elected to expense the entire purchase the year she buys it, but then decides to sell it the next year, she will have to ADD back the depreciation she took early. This means she got credit for an expense of $2,000 in year one. In year two, no matter what she sells the table for, she has to add back $1,600 in depreciation expenses. Remember the five years? That’s $2,000 divided by five, so she could have opted to take $400 per year instead.) Now she’s being assessed for the extra depreciation she didn’t use because she sold the

Understanding the impact of how to record these tools into your business financial story is critical as those decisions can make financial impacts on your business finances down the road.

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8-11, 2019 RENAISSAN CE SCHAU M BU RG CO NV ENTI O N CENTER H OTEL

SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS www.AAGroom.com

table. If she sells the table for $1,500, originally purchased for $2,000, she may think she has a loss to report on her taxes of $500. In reality, she has to report a loss of $500 but a GAIN of $1,600 in depreciation so she has a negative impact of a POSITIVE gain to her business of $1,100. OK, take a deep breath and reread that paragraph.

Understanding how you record your tools and the long–term effect it has on your business is part of savvy business ownership. It seems like a game of chance to most business owners; we are enticed by taking the expense of equipment immediately to reduce our income, but are disappointed when we realize that the tool

continues to work for or against us in our financial picture for much longer.

Predicting the lifespan of your tools will help you navigate this puzzle.

Determining how long a tool should actually be in service and attempting to match your depreciation schedule to its lifespan helps keep things more simple. Housecleaning of your depreciable items year to year can have a drastic impact on your year–end results. Most items that you depreciate should be kept until they are removed from use to help make sure you do not get assessed added depreciation costs—and of course, ensuring that your tools last their natural life span is always helpful!

Many people hear about reducing their income before year–end and will rush to purchase new tools or fixtures.

This is the double–edged sword; the purchase can help reduce your reported income instantly, but choosing how to address that tool purchase on your actual bookkeeping is critical. That tool can end up not providing you with a benefit if it gets removed too early.

So, if you are still reading, you are a super trooper. Tools and Taxes are not exciting to most of us; the housecleaning that we need to do financially can be burdensome as well as completely confusing. Learning which questions to ask and following the paper trail for every tool you purchase will help you determine how to make sure that you are maximizing every benefit of those shears, dryers, tubs, tables, cages and everything else you purchase to operate your business.

I relied on several tax professionals to help me navigate this article— thank you Tom Strohmeier, Strohmeier Accounting and Kris Leitz, E.A KML Business Solutions for deciphering a few of my questions. ✂

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E by Kathy Hosler e

I

f someone asks you what your most important tool is, what will you answer?

Do you say that it is your favorite ‘go–to’ scissors, your clipper vacuum system, HV dryer or specialty brush? Well, those are all very important, and they certainly make our jobs easier, but your most vital tool is the one you can’t groom without.

It is YOU! You may not think a lot about it, but even if you have all the latest and greatest tools in the world, they are worthless if you are not physically able to use them. Just as you maintain and care for your tools and equipment, you need to take care of yourself. This is one time you need to make yourself a priority.

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Just as you maintain and care for your tools and equipment, you need to take care of yourself. This is one time you need to make yourself a priority.

HOW MANY OF THE FOLLOWING GROOMING RELATED CONCERNS APPLY TO YOU? • Hands—You use them to operate almost every grooming tool you have. The repetitive motion of brushing, combing and scissoring all day can really take a toll on your hands, wrists and shoulders. Problems like carpal tunnel and nerve impingement are common complaints of pet stylists. Be sure to choose ergonomic equipment that will less-

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en the risk of damage their continual use has on your body. Tools such as shears can be custom fitted for comfort and functionality.

• Feet—Many stylists are on their feet all day long. Wearing good, supportive shoes is a must. Anti–fatigue mats should be at every table and bathtub in your salon. And, shoes with non–slip soles make it much safer in the bathing area or anywhere floors could be slippery. Take breaks during the day. Some groomers find it

WWW.AQUAAIR-WETDRY.COM

quite beneficial to change their shoes during the day. If possible, do some of your grooming while seated.

• Back—Many groomers have back problems. Improper lifting of pets is one huge contributing factor (bend the knees, not the back).

You should always team lift big or unruly pets. Lots of stylists have also imposed a weight limit on the pets that they groom. Working bent over, standing on your tip–toes or trying to groom in other positions that only a contortionist would enjoy, also contribute to issues with backs.

Adjustable tables make it possible to work on the pet at a height that is comfortable for you. And, tables that can be lowered make it easier to accommodate large pets.

Bathtubs with ramps or other easy pet access are beneficial for the dog and groomer alike.

• Eyes & Ears—High Velocity (HV) dryers really cut down on the time it takes to dry a pet, but you need to take precautions when you use them. Eye protection is a necessity when force drying because large amounts of dander and hair are dislodged from the coat during the drying process. And, HV dryers can be very noisy. Earplugs or noise–canceling headsets are a must to protect your hearing from potentially permanent damage.

PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR FUTURE Do you have any idea how many stylists are without healthcare coverage? Whether you are self–employed or work for someone else, it’s imperative that you have health insurance. It only takes one serious illness or injury to put an end to a career. Medical expenses are one of the leading reasons that people file for bankruptcy.

You should also consider getting short and long–term disability

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out the newest tools and time–saving equipment at the trade shows.

Now that you have taken care of your body, business and finances, it’s time for you. Reserve one hour a day for yourself. That’s not asking too much; it’s less than five percent of the day. Experience activities outside of work. Whether it is whipping up a delicious new dessert, taking a painting class or signing up for archery lessons, trying new things can be challenging and fun, and can help relieve stress. And, when you become inspired and get your creative juices flowing in other areas of your life, your grooming may benefit as well.

Take a well–deserved break, enjoy the vacation of a lifetime or even reward yourself with an early retirement. All this and more can happen when you take care of the most important grooming tool you have...YOU! ✂

If you spend five dollars each day on a caramel macchiato latte, that’s

$1,820.00 a year.

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a number of days, weeks, or months of boarding a next grooming appointment a And much more!

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insurance to protect yourself if you are unable to work. In addition to your physical well–being, there are some other important tools that will help you create a successful career...

• Workplace Security—If you work alone, plan for your own safety.

Having security cameras inside as well as outside your building allow you to see everything that is happening. Many security systems allow you to use your smart phone to monitor everything that is going on in your business 24/7.

If you are a mobile groomer, make sure that someone knows your schedule and where you will be throughout the day—especially if you are going to a new client or will be in an unfamiliar location.

• Financial Security—Do you use your hard–earned income wisely?

If you spend five dollars each day on a caramel macchiato latte, that’s $1,820.00 a year. That same five dollars per day, when invested wisely, can make your retirement years much more comfortable.

You never know when an emergency will occur—your generator goes out, the water heater quits or your car needs a new transmission. Having an emergency fund to take care of these unplanned events is crucial. If you put twenty dollars a week into the fund, you will have over $1,000.00 at the end of a year. Most financial planners recommend that you have a reserve of three to six month’s income.

• Never stop learning—Time, once used, is a tool you can never get back.

One of the best uses of your time is education. The more you know about the pets you work on, the tools you use and the newest techniques in grooming, the better you are able to plan your workday. The key is to learn how to work smarter, not harder.

Attend shows and seminars. Watch the competitions and learn from the best. Network with your peers. Try

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ALL THINGS PAW

by Michelle Knowles

Yeast Dermatitis: WHAT GROOMERS SHOULD KNOW

F

lews, folds of skin, groin and other sebaceous zones tend to get scabby. The skin thickens, may be pink, red or has progressed to the black or gray leathery stage, and the crusts can be maddeningly itchy.

There might also be a strong odor that exudes from the skin. Hair loss may occur, and the coat may look patchy and greasy, and/or scaly.

Overgrowth of M. pachydermatis is caused by some kind of disruption in the skin that throws off the balance of bacteria to fungus ratio on the surface of the skin. There is usually a triggering event that causes the loss of the skin’s defenses. Things like allergies, external parasites, forms of cancer, immune system breakdown, and extended use of antibiotics or steroids can all

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When then skin is disrupted by disease, hormonal upsets, and sometimes injury, M. pachydermatis can become overgrown on the skin and cause itching, discomfort, hair loss and, in many cases, secondary infections. be culprits in creating the conditions of yeast overgrowth.

A study done in 2005 found that dogs with recurring M. pachydermatis can re–catch the yeast as it is carried by the owner on their skin and in some cases from the health care workers, vets, technicians and groomers that handle the pets. Good

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salon and personal handwashing hygiene are essential in keeping this issue under control.

The veterinarian uses a few different methods to diagnose M. pachydermatis. Skin scraping is a method in which a sharp blade, such as a surgical scalpel, is used to scrape the surface tissue of the affected area and placed

on a slide to be examined under a microscope. The sample is then treated with a solution that destroys everything but the fungal cells so they can then be identified. Acetate tape can also be used to pick up loose crusts on the surface of the skin which can then be examined for the yeast and other bacteria that may be present. In some cases, a biopsy can be taken and sent to a lab so it can be determined what exactly is causing the skin issue.

While internal anti–fungal medications may be prescribed by the vet, especially in the case of yeasty ears, there are steps you can take as a groomer to help alleviate discomfort and support the skin in a way that helps control yeast growth and brings the skin back into balance. It is important to remember to refrain from discussing internal medication with the client; this is practicing medicine without a license and could lead to litigation and other legal issues.

Diagnosis by a qualified veterinarian is very important. Symptoms are often similar for both bacteria and yeast, and if the wrong treatment is given, the infection can become worse.

There are several treatment options depending on all the underlying factors and if there are secondary infections present or a systemic condition that is exacerbating the overgrowth.

Here are a few steps groomers can take to help alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition: 1. Clay masks that draw in oils and neutralize the pH of the skin are the first step in reducing inflammation and preparing the skin to receive the cleanser.

2. Cleansers should contain antifungal properties, the main ingredient being miconazole, ketoconazole, climbazole or elemental sulfur, with or without chlorhexidine. This needs to sit on the pet for at least ten minutes

It is important to remember to refrain from discussing internal medication with the client; this is practicing medicine without a license and could lead to litigation and other legal issues.

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pictures of all sides of the pet to be kept in the

to be maximally effective.

3. After rinsing well, use a mineral conditioner or a thinned down version of a neutral conditioner with minerals added as a skin barrier protectant.

Depending on the severity of the infection, this skin regimen may need to be done as often as every three to five days. If not severe, a good rule of thumb is to have the client come in once per week for treatment, keeping in mind that sessions should continue for ten days after the skin visibly recovers. Document all products that are used and take pictures of all sides of the pet to be kept in the file so that you, the client and the supervising veterinarian can track the progress of the treatment.

This issue is a common problem that groomers deal with regularly, but armed with a correct diagnosis from the vet, it is a very controllable condition in which you can give comfort and health back to the skin of your four– legged pet friends. ✂

file so that you, the client and the supervising

References

BEFORE

AFTER

Document all products that are used and take

veterinarian can track the progress of the treatment.

DEAFENING DOGS

CRUMBLING KENNELS

D OI AV THE PITFALLS CHAOTIC CLEAN UP

DAILY DISOR DER

SOGGY STRUCTURES DEFECTIVE DRAINAGE

BOARDING KENNELS: THE DESIGN PROCESS

Current facility or new facility, this must-have book will help you craft a business that runs smoothly from the inside out! Features tons of color photos, helpful diagrams, blueprints, glossary of construction and design terms and so much more!

Another drain choice is using

kennels that raised off 2)are Wait. the floor.

SENT FOR PRICING

3) Scrub.

Image courtesy

ITEM of The Mason CONCRETE •

Footings

•

Stems

•

Slabs

• •

4) Scrub some more.

ESTIMATED COST

Company.

Drive Walks

MATERIALS •

THE RAISED KENNEL SYSTEMS Another drain choice is using kennels that are raised off the floor. These have an integral floor of their own with a drain that connects to a horizontal drain pipe that runs in the space above the building floor, but below the raised kennel floor.

Building Framing

• Roof Framing 6) existing Vacuum.floor This drain pipe is routed to an Interiorthese Partition Framing drain in the room.•Because kennels have a EQUIPMENT RENTAL drain pipe below them, there is a step of about eight inches or so• off Crane the building floor up and into the kennel. If• a floor drain is available in Construction Fencing the room, this may be a good option for kennels • Job John in an existing building and for kennels in levels above grade. This• is Dumpster especially helpful when Scaffold renting a space as• these kennels may easily be moved. They are not permanently mounted to GENERAL CONTRACTOR the building, but are sitting on the floor.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

7) Vacuum some more.

8) Dry and ready for guests.

Part 13: Cleaning Without Drains

PLUMBING CONTRACTOR MECHANICAL Part 10: CONTRACTOR Drain Types & Locations

75

INSULATION CONTRACTOR DRY WALL CONTRACTOR

ON SALE NOW AT

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Boarding Kennels: The Design Process

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Bajwa J. (2017). Canine Malassezia dermatitis. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 58(10), 1119-1121.

Bond R. Advances in Veterinary Dermatology. Vol. 4. Oxford, UK: Blackwell Science; 2002. Pathogenesis of Malassezia dermatitis; pp. 69–75.

Bond R, Saijonmaa-Koulumies LEM, Lloyd DH. Population sizes and frequency of Malassezia pachydermatis at skin and mucosal sites of healthy dogs. J Small Anim Pract. 1995;36:147–150.

Morris D. O. (2005). Malassezia pachydermatis carriage in dog owners.

Emerging infectious diseases, 11(1), 83-8.

Nakabayashi ASei YGuillot J Identification of Malassezia species isolated from patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, pityriasis versicolor and normal subjects. Med Mycol 2000;38337- 341

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The enriched Pro-Vitamin formula allows deep cleansing without stripping the coat of its essential oils. find your local distributor at www.chrissystems.com GroomertoGroomer.com

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THE LATEST & GREATEST:

TODAY’S “MUST–HAVE”

“

Dear Michell, I don’t get to go to very many grooming

trade shows. I feel like I am missing out on the newest and

H

i Becky. I have been grooming since I was nine years old, almost forty years now. I have seen many new tools change the industry for the better. The top of the list would be the pump–hydraulic and later electric tables. Back in the day, resourceful groomers would make adjustable tables out of old barber chairs until manufacturers caught on and started producing tables.

Next, I would say the recirculating bathing system was a real game changer. This tool allowed for less shampoo to be used and eliminated the need for mixing bottles or vats

46

”

greatest tools. Do you have a list of must–haves?

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

of mixed shampoo. Plus, it added a cleaning ability and speed that couldn’t be matched by hand bathing.

Then the first high velocity (HV) dryers hit the market. Before this time, groomers either completely dried the dog with a stand dryer or crate dried, or even air–dried dogs.

It was nerve racking to experiment with the first HV or forced air dryers.

It seemed we would blow the dogs right off the table (we did not.) Now, looking back, it is laughable. The first generations of HV dryers hardly had any pressure at all compared to today’s models. Now it is not uncommon to see groomers use two HV

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—BECKY

dryers at once.

Let’s not forget that there were very few pet shampoo manufacturers then. Now we have hundreds of choices. There were less than ten when I started grooming. My mother’s favorite was Mr. Groom from Amway. It was not uncommon for us to experiment with various human shampoos in an attempt to change or repair coat. For example, using an anti–frizz human shampoo on a show Lhasa Apso to fight static and smooth the coat. Now we can find any and all coat applications in pet product lines.

Parasitic treatments were common

We used toxic chemicals on the pets and ourselves on a daily basis. These were our best options at the time. Today we have so many flea and tick treatments on the market that are much less toxic to the pets and us. place. We used toxic chemicals on the pets and ourselves on a daily basis.

These were our best options at the time. Today we have so many flea and tick treatments on the market that are much less toxic to the pets and us. Plus, we simply see fewer infestations due to better control in general. This area of grooming has almost entirely been turned over to monthly parasite treatments. I am not sure new groomers could imagine the flea and tick infestations that used to come into the shop Groomer_Washer_Dryer_1_18.pdf

1

before monthly flea and tick applications. Thank goodness for science!

It was not uncommon to see groomers who had custom built a bank of cages for their shop. Yes, they were called shops, not salons. They typically looked similar to rabbit hutches. Now we have a plethora of cage and kennel manufacturers that can customize any salon. Models that are of a solid material are quieter, more private, warmer and easier to clean.

Early cordless clippers were loud 1/5/18

and heavy but, in some cases, better than a cord. Early clippers also vented hot air out the sides. Now we have 5–in–1 clippers with one blade that adjusts to five different lengths and use lithium batteries. These clippers are quiet and the blade stays relatively cool. They have improved detailed work like poodle patterns, face shaving, poodle feet and creative grooming, as well as cat grooming. It used to be a real problem to fight hot blades all the time when trying to shave a pet. Often

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Fine–tooth combs are essential for good coat preparation. Many companies have expanded into a full variety of combs. Every groomer needs at least

of different styles to be able to groom whatever comes into your salon.

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groomers would have several blades of the same length ready and waiting because you would have to change out your hot blade for a cool one so you could continue. The alternative was to spray your blade with a cooling agent that states right on the can that it is a carcinogenic. This means that it has the potential to cause cancer. Glad we don’t have to use that anymore!

There are also many lightweight corded clippers and even lightweight cordless clippers that use good–old–fashioned detachable blades.

Snap–on combs or attachment combs were originally plastic. They are designed to fit over a #40, #30 or #15 blade to leave the coat a bit longer. The original ones were made by a company called Dubl Duck and there were only three sizes: 2, 1 and 1.5. Now we have mostly metal attachment combs that come in sizes all the way up to more than 2 inches long. Good prep work with all matts and tangles removed is essential for successfully using attachment combs.

Which brings me to combs. Fine– tooth combs are essential for good coat preparation. Many companies have expanded into a full variety of combs. Every groomer needs at least five combs of different styles to be able to groom whatever comes into your salon. Running a fine–tooth comb, which is relative to the thickness of the coat, through the coat to check for matts and tangles is the preceding step to trimming the coat with an attachment comb.

Not to leave out brushes. Companies have all varieties of brushes.

Having a nice collection to manage different coats is vital.

Scissors have come a long way.

Because early groomers were limited to barber tools, we lacked scissors that worked well on fur. Now manufacturers and sharpeners have great

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Because it is not as easy to improve on straight shears, the improvements have largely come in curved shears and thinning shears. products and techniques to keep us in business. Because it is not as easy to improve on straight shears, the improvements have largely come in curved shears and thinning shears.

That’s not to say that straight shears have not improved, because they have. The different blades and edges mean that you can have five nearly identical 7 inch shears that each cut coat differently. They might even work on one coat and hardly work on another.

Curved shears are finally curved!

Curved shears used to be a slight bend in the blade that you had to study closely to even tell it was curved.

Now, however, there are some amazing curved shears out there. This is important for all things round! It is so much easier and more efficient to make round faces, tails and angles with a tool that is suited for the job.

Thinners come in tons of varieties;

fine, medium, coarse and even curved and double. These can really help to soften the look of a groom and make it appear more natural.

There are new products and tools coming out in our industry every day.

It is so exciting to see things progress.

If you are missing any of the basics that I mentioned here, that would be a good place to start. Good luck!

—Michell ✂ I am a multi-Best-In-Show and Best-AllAround groomer. I am the recipient of many Barkleigh Honors Awards including journalist of the year. I am a Silver and Gold medalist for GroomTeam USA. I am the winner of Show Dog Groomer of the Year 2015. I am a (VIG) Very Important Groomer-Ambassador for Purina and I have been teaching as The Grooming Tutor since 2000. And I groom to make a living, just like you. Please send questions to michell@groomingtutor.com

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WORKING WITH YOU TO ENSURE LAWS ARE FAIR & REASONABLE Groomers and pet professionals work hard to provide the finest care for pets and the highest levels of customer service to pet owners. But as with any profession, unforeseen accidents can occur. Stories go viral on social media accompanied by demands that something be done.

P

eople value their pets.

Understandably, when a pet is injured, well–meaning people want answers and they want assurances that it will never happen again. This can result in the introduction of proposed legislation that may appear to offer solutions, but that can actually result in unintended consequences that do not improve the wellbeing of animals.

HIGH–PROFILE INCIDENTS CAN PROMPT INTRODUCTON OF NEW LAWS You may have heard of “Bijou’s Bill” in New Jersey. Bijou was a six– year–old Shih Tzu who died in the care of his groomer. His tragic story was repeated on social media, in the news, on “Good Morning America” and even on billboards. In response

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

to Bijou’s story, legislation was introduced to ban use of grooming tools such as cage dryers, establish burdensome and arbitrary regulatory requirements, and other provisions. As originally introduced, the bill would have harmed responsible groomers and required the state to establish expensive licensing programs to enforce overly broad and burdensome regulations.

Groomers, pet industry professionals and the American Kennel Club offered alternate solutions, which included establishing a task force of grooming experts to develop reasonable licensing programs that emphasize health and safety. They further recommended establishing a public–private partnership utilizing AKC’s S.A.F.E. Certification Grooming Program or an equivalent

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professional program. By using existing resources, the state could more quickly launch an educational program at lower cost to both taxpayers and to professional groomers seeking continuing education opportunities.

Advocates and pet professionals helped influence the legislative process by being aware of the proposed law, working together and recommending better language. As a result, the revised House measure is more effective and less costly. A Senate version of the same is likely to be considered this year.

As part of their outreach and education efforts, advocates respectfully reminded lawmakers that there are already provisions in existing law to bring charges against a bad actor who commits an illegal act against an animal. In cases where a

negligent or abusive person harms an animal, cruelty laws in all states provide that the appropriate authorities can investigate, and if neglect or abuse is proved, enforce penalties against the individual. These laws are in effect for everyone, whether they are pet owners, animal care providers, shelter personnel or any other person who might groom an animal. Overreaching new laws were not the answer.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR EXISTING LAWS? In recent years, there have been multiple occasions when a person was arrested for dyeing a dog. In some jurisdictions, it is an animal cruelty offense to dye an animal because of laws that were enacted years ago in response to the irresponsible dyeing of Easter chicks and ducklings. For example, under South Carolina state law, it is “unlawful for any person to dye or color artificially any animal”. Groomers who use

pet–safe dyes at the request of pet owners, who compete in creative grooming contests, or even just paint a pet’s toenails could find they are in violation of the law.

Are you familiar with your state and local laws? And more importantly, do you know how to approach your elected officials to request an amendment to an overly–broad law?

At the request of constituents, some local prohibitions have been overturned so it’s no longer illegal in that town to safely dye a Poodle’s ears pink for breast cancer awareness—or just because it’s pretty.

AKC Government Relations provides online tools to help you be a better advocate for dogs and for your profession. Visit www.akc. org/gr and click on the “Legislative Toolbox” for a variety of downloadable materials that you can share with your fellow pet care professionals. Start with “Communicating Effectively with Your Legislators” and “Make Your Contact Count” for

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In recent years, there have been multiple occasions when a person was arrested for dyeing a dog. In some jurisdictions, it is an animal cruelty offense to dye an animal because of laws that were enacted years ago in response to the irresponsible dyeing of Easter chicks and ducklings.

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their community, they must hear from their constituents and from subject matter experts, such as professional groomers. tips on how to get the conversation started with your lawmakers. You can also contact the AKC Government Relations department at doglaw@akc.org for information and talking points.

The policy–making process may seem intimidating, but ordinary citizens truly can impact it. For elected officials to know what’s best for their community, they must hear from their constituents and from subject matter experts, such as professional groomers. Put yourself in a lawmaker’s shoes. Few have any experience with dogs other than a family pet. If all that policymakers ever hear about is that isolated incident where, sadly, a dog was injured, then they are likely to base

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their decisions on that situation.

This is why it’s important to get to know your elected officials.

Introduce yourself and tell them about your profession. Tell them about the great things you do to benefit pets and pet owners in your community. Establish yourself as a subject matter expert on pet grooming and the animal care you provide as a pet industry professional. Let them know that you are available to answer questions and provide honest, reliable information about your business. If you don’t get involved, your lawmakers may only hear one side of the story. By working together, we can promote good laws and more effectively amend or oppose problematic legislation. ✂

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FIG. 1

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

O

ftentimes in the grooming salon we are faced with opting to clipper Spaniel coats for a multitude of reasons. In this month’s tutorial, I will offer suggestions on how to maintain the integrity of a Spaniel coat while honoring the client’s wishes for a shorter length of haircut.

My model for this article, Beau, is a Spaniel mix that has many admirers from all over. When we first started grooming him, he had a light colored, fuzzy coat all over (some know this as spay coat.) He has had a variety of hairstyles since then, but

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his owner loves that we were able to regain the deep, rich color on his body, no matter what hairstyle we try next!

To begin this groom, Beau has been bathed, force and fluff dried, nails ground, and had pads and sanitary area shaved.

Fig 1) Take a carding knife and lay it parallel with the skin. Pull the knife backwards toward the tail of the dog (or in the direction the hair grows). You will remove the undercoat in this manner across the whole body of the dog. I begin with a coarse carding knife and when that

FIG. 2

stops removing coat, I move to a fine carding knife.

Remember, follow the direction of coat growth and check the skin underneath for signs of redness or irritation often. It is also important to hold the skin taught as you move over the body of the dog and to keep your knife flat—this prevents you

FIG. 3

from cutting the coat.

Fig 2) This is a great example of how much undercoat can come out with carding alone. Not only does this technique help you achieve a richer color, more natural texture and appearance, but also aids in the removal of undercoat.

Fig 3) After carding out the

FIG. 4

back coat, now you can take length off of the body to the owner’s preference. Some might like it natural and some might like it a little on the shorter side. For Beau, I used a peach snap-on comb to achieve the desired length.

Fig 4) Clipper the entire body of the dog, stopping at the elbows on

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57

FIG. 5

the front legs and at the bend of leg in the back.

Fig 5) I also like to leave his chest from point of shoulder on one side to point of shoulder on the other and up into a point just above the point of chest.

Because Beau has a bit of a saggy topline, I follow up the snap-on comb with a #4 blade on his rump to even

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

FIG. 6

out his back. I also take the #4 blade reverse on his belly, from the last rib forward between the front legs, to help lift his belly and make him look a little more proportionate.

Fig 6) I took a green snap-on comb over the chest to take length off.

Fig 7) To begin the bevel on a back foot, grab the hair from hock to foot at about a 45 degree angle

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FIG. 7

and cut in the same direction. This helps lift the bevel while you are setting the length for the rest of the foot. Continue scissoring around the foot, holding your shears at a 45 degree angle from the table. When finished, you should have a nice tight bevel around the back foot.

Fig 8) Scissor the back leg from the rump to the bend of leg tightly to

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

help show off the angulation in the hock and back leg. Blend off at the hock. From the rear, the back legs should be two parallel lines.

Fig 9) Once you get the back leg finished, you can connect it to the body of the dog by the tuck up. Beginning at the last rib, you can scissor (or thinning shear in the case of Beau’s coat) in a windshield wiper

FIG. 10

motion to blend the shortest part of the underline (the tuck up) to the long hair on the front of the back leg.

Fig 10) To begin the front foot and leg, cut a straight line across the front of the foot as close to the toenails as possible. I like to make this about a 45 degree angle as well to help lift and elevate the longer leg hair off the table but still allow you

om w fr e N

GENERAL PET RELEASE FORM

MATTED PET

R EASE FORM CAGE DRYEREL RELEASE FORM

Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! safety Because we care about your pet’s that Your Pet is IMPORTANT toandUs! well being, we want to assure you Date

Pet Name

your pet is The health, safety and comfort of in conversations We also believe in including you about the care of your pet. more The use of a cage dryer is safer and your dog, we comfortable for some dogs. For We will recommend the use of a cage dryer.

us. will be made to make your important effort every to pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

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

when adhere to the following safe practices 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. for cage drying will be used. to • Only equipment manufactured this grooming establishment I hereby grant permission to be followed. for my pet at my expense.

• Manufacturer instructions will treatment veterinary obtain emergency 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

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 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.

accident or injury to my pet.

grooming establishment I hereby grant permission to this

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

to

Owner Name

to have a nice rounded shape of the paw. Continue to scissor around the foot at the same angle while the foot is on the table. This allows you to have more control over the shape of the foot, as well as see the cuts as you are making them.

Fig 11) When you get to the back of the front foot, pick the foot up to finish the cut. Once you have achieved

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 Owner Name

Signature

Signature

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.com

Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh

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FIG. 11

FIG. 12

FIG. 14

FIG. 15

FIG. 13

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the desired shape on the front foot, you can soften the edges by using a thinning shear on the bevel.

Fig 12) Using a thinning shear, trim from the throat down the sides of the neck into the shoulder blade. This helps remove any clipper lines you might have, as well as achieve the natural Spaniel look, while making the shoulder muscles pop. When you reach the elbow, continue down to trim the front leg by blending at the elbow and creating parallel lines on your front legs, like you did on the rear legs. Figure 12 shows one leg finished with parallel lines and the other unfinished.

Continue on to the other side of the dog to create the same shape and balance. Be sure your legs are parallel to one another and your tuck up is in the same place on both sides of the dog (if you follow the ribs, it should be!)

Fig 13) To finish off the chest, comb all of the hair to one side and scissor to blend that side in. Comb the hair to the opposite side and scissor to blend. Then, comb the hair up and scissor the ends of the chest.

Fig 14) This should create a smooth, seamless transition from the shorter hair on the shoulders to the longer hair on the chest.

Fig 15) Since Beau is a Spaniel

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FIG. 16

and he keeps a lengthy amount of coat on his ears and head, I like to clean out the openings of his ears with a #10 blade. This helps increase airflow and promote ear health. I also use a #10 blade in the corners of his lip or the “flew” area. This hair is usually darker, stained or appears longer than the rest.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

FIG. 17

Fig 16) To start the face, shave from the corner of the ear to the corner of the eye with a short blade. On Beau, I used a #5 blade reversed.

Fig 17) Once you get to the eye, pick up the clipper and drag the blade across the lip. This leaves more hair than leaving the blade flat but cleans up the longer stray hairs—this

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FIG. 18

is what gives Spaniels those velvety kissable lips!

Fig 18) Finish the face by going over it with thinning shears to get any strays you might have missed with the clipper.

Since “man buns” are all the rage these days, Beau’s look is completed by pulling his head up into a pony or

FIG. 19

FIG. 20

a bun. I have included two different styles he regularly leaves the salon with—a fancier “up–do” and a simple pony.

Fig 19) Then blend the back of the head.

Fig 20) Finish the groom by trimming the ears, and blending and flagging the tail.

You can also go back over the body with a carding knife when finished to remove any leftover clipper lines. I end by using a conditioning spray and a boar bristle brush to buff up the back coat.

Carding the back coat on pet Spaniels before and after clippering can help you achieve much richer color and a more natural texture on client dogs. ✂

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

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ANDIS® COMPANY LAUNCHES CORDLESS NAIL GRINDER

Andis® Company has released the Cordless Nail Grinder – a cutting-edge product for animal groomers. The Cordless Nail Grinder uses lithium-ion power and has six different speeds to take on any nail job, no matter the size! With endurance in mind, the Cordless Nail Grinder is equipped with the power to deliver a three-hour runtime on a single charge. The six speeds are adjustable from 7,000 to 18,000 RPM to quickly trim nails of any thickness. The 11-Piece Cordless Nail Grinder kit comes with a charging adapter, one large sanding drum attachment with three sanding wheels, one small sanding drum attachment with two sanding wheels, a finishing stone and a wrench. For more information, visit www.andis.com or call 800-558-9441.

JULY 19–21, 2019 HOUSTON • TEXAS

Groom Texas is one of the most unique shows in the entire grooming industry, in that it is a grooming show that takes place within the Houston World Series of Dog Shows.

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his unique set–up promotes interaction and sharing of ideas between the grooming and dog show worlds. Groom Texas features educational seminars, breed standard competitions and a creative styling contest.

The Houston World Series of Dog Shows is one of the largest dog shows in the country. And one of the few shows that markets itself as a family entertainment event. Flyball and canine freestyle are just a few of the events geared towards families.

It also includes a large number of booths selling everything dog related that you could imagine.

The show offers the grooming industry the exciting opportunity to compete in front of the general public. Many of the dog owners are fascinated by watching the grooming competitions. Originally, most

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are surprised to find out that there are contests that groomers travel from all over the world to compete in. Then, they often find it interesting to watch it take place. They leave with more respect for the skills of the groomers.

Groom Texas has seminars running throughout the day from Friday to Sunday. Groomers taking an educational package can choose from seminars like, Stylized Poodles in a Flash by Blake Hernandez, The AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification Program, Mobile Grooming Tips & Tricks by Angela Kumpe, Secrets of Handstripping, Salon Sanitation Certificate Class by Corina Stammworthy, Everyday Teddy Bear Trim

by Macie Pisa, among many other classes by all–star speakers.

This year’s show features GroomTeam USA sanctioned competitions on Friday and Saturday, and a creative styling contest on

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Sunday. The popularity of the show among competitors has skyrocketed in the past year. The floor plan had to be reworked to accommodate a more that 100% increase in the number of competitors.

The grand finale of the Houston World Series of Dog Shows has become the creative styling contest. Despite what you may see in comment sections by the public in a creative grooming post, the general pet owner loves to see it up close and in person. The creative groomers are treated like rock stars with the audience flooding the stage area to take pictures.

Groom Texas at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows takes place July 19th–21st at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

For more information or to register, visit

www.TXgroom.com

Featuring

Andis Guest Educator and Judge

Jessica Moore

SATURDAY SEMINAR

HEADS & TAILS; BOTH ARE IMPORTANT Believe it or not a shaved down dog can be made to look worse by a badly balanced head and tail.

I will demonstrate how just a slight change in a few details can make or break the groom.

HOUSTON

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER VISIT

www.TXGroom.com

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CLASSIFIEDS

GROOMER HUMOR

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 Very busy Grooming Shop in Vacaville, CA, for sale. Owner is getting ready to retire and move out of state. Very small, 2 people shop, loyal and established clientele. Asking $ 115,500. Contact: Transworld Business Advisors, Tel. (916) 621-2003

That heart attack moment when you think you’ve cut the dog …

That heart attack moment when you think you’ve cut the dog …

But it was just your red nail polish !

But it was just your red nail polish !

Wisdom & Grace The Lord is good and glad to teach the proper path to all who go astray; he will teach the ways that are right and best to those who humbly turn to him. 10 And when we obey him, every path he guides us on is fragrant with his lovingkindness and his truth.

Psalm 25:8-10 Living Bible

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Dogs are deeply woven into the fabric of our society and families. As the canine solidifies his position as “man’s best friend”, it’s more important than ever for man to understand dog’s complex social language.

TH E

Decoding Canine So cial Dynami cs

BY KHRIS BERRY & JOSH AARON

“Wow, this book goes into and explores the mind of canine behavior like I have not seen before. I found this hard to put down once I started to read it. Kudos on a great read!” — Joey Villani, The “Dogfather”

www.barkleighstore.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALIFORNIA

OHIO

GROOM EXPO WEST 2/20/2020 – 2/23/2020 Pasadena, CA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpowest.com

PETQUEST 6/11/2020 – 6/14/2020 Wilmington, OH (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.pqgroom.com

FLORIDA

PENNSYLVANIA

PET PRO EXOTIC WEST CARIBBEAN CRUISE 1/5/2020 – 1/12/2020 Orlando, Florida (321) 368–6622 cruisinglady@ymail.com www.barkleigh.com

GROOM EXPO 9/12/2019 – 9/15/2019 Hershey, PA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpo.com

MASSACHUSETTS NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 10/10/2019 – 10/13/2019 Sturbridge, MA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.newenglandgrooms.com ILLINOIS ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/8/2019 – 8/11/2019 Schaumburg, IL (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.aagroom.com NEVADA SUPERZOO 6/18/2019 – 6/20/2019 Las Vegas, NV info@superzoo.org www.superzoo.org NEW JERSEY

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/12/2019 – 11/14/2019 Hershey, PA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.petboardingexpo.com TEXAS GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS 7/19/2019 – 7/21/2019 Houston, TX TXGroom.com WASHINGTON NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 5/14/2020 – 5/17/2020 Tacoma, WA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.nwgroom.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 5 • May 2019

EVENTS WORLD DOG EXPO 6/1/2019 – 6/2/2019 Secaucus NJ PETQUEST 6/20/2019 – 6/23/2019 Wilmington OH GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS 7/19/2019 – 7/21/2019 Houston TX ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/8/2019 – 8/11/2019 Schaumburg IL GROOM EXPO 9/12/2019 – 9/15/2019 Hershey PA NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 10/10/2019 – 10/13/2019 Sturbridge MA PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/12/2019 – 11/14/2019 Hershey PA PET PRO EXOTIC WEST CARIBBEAN CRUISE 1/5/2020 – 1/19/2020 Orlando, Florida GROOM EXPO WEST 2/20/2020 – 2/23/2020 Pasadena, CA NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 5/14/2020 – 5/17/2020 Tacoma, WA PETQUEST 6/11/2020 – 6/14/2020 Wilmington, OH

WORLD DOG EXPO 6/1/2019 – 6/2/2019 Secaucus, NJ info@worldexpo.dog www.worldexpo.dog

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

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CLIPS THROUGH THICK & THIN C O RD LESS D O N E RIG H T 1.800.PRO.WAHL

www.wahlanimal.com

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