Groomer to Groomer May 2021 by Barkleigh Productions

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 40 ED.5 • MAY 2021

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

USING

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THE SEARCH

FOR THE

ALL-IN-ONE

TOOL

DEALING WITH DEMANDS

COVER PHOTO GROOMED BY NURIA PÉREZ

THE FORCE:

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CONTENTS | MAY 2021 USING THE FORCE:

TAKING CARE A GROOMER’S TOOL BOX

& THEIR ROLE IN GROOMING

by Khris Berry

by Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins 24 A TRAVELING SPA:

Time to Get Organized! 6

Hansen: The Tools of Cat Grooming

Faver: The Search for the All-In-One-Tool

Tutorial: Hand-Scissored Precious Pomeranian 60

Live Grooming Shows Are Back! 18 Classifieds/Groomer Humor Connor: Dealing with Demands 36 New Products

David: Why My Best May Not Be Your Best

Show Schedule/Industry Events

The Story of House–Call Groomer

Nuria Pérez

by Melissa J. Viera

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 40 ED.5 • MAY 2021

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins

USING

HIGH VELOCITY DRYERS AND THEIR ROLE

THE SEARCH

FOR THE

ALL-IN-ONE

TOOL

COVER PHOTO GROOMED BY NURIA PÉREZ

THE FORCE:

DEALING WITH DEMANDS

ON THE COVER

Copyright May 2021. 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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ON THE COVER: GROOMED BY NURIA PÉREZ

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

TIME TO GET

E by Sally Smith e

well-organized grooming shop is clean with all equipment ready for use and in its place at the start of every day; no hair under the tables and towels are folded waiting near the tub. In other words, no hunting for a blade or thinning shears when the first dog is on the table. Can your shop attest to this? If not, then maybe your shop practices and routines should be examined.

START AT THE BEGINNING First, all equipment must be sorted and inventoried. This means making sure there are enough combs, brushes, shears, clippers, nail trimmers, blades in every size and styptic powder at every station. Anything that needs repair or

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

Not only is inventory important to a shop owner for tax and insurance reasons, but also to ensure every groomer in the shop has adequate supplies at each station. sharpening gets set aside and sent out. If employees take time to hunt for equipment or share things back and forth, there is not enough. Not only is inventory important to a shop owner for tax and insurance reasons, but also to ensure every groomer in the shop has adequate supplies at each station. Ideally, every station is equipped and maintained the same so any groomer can set up there to work, except for personally–preferred

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equipment like shears. The beginning also should involve looking at your practices and procedures. For example, are scissors, shears, combs and brushes cleaned and disinfected regularly? Just imagine causing an outbreak of lice or spreading mange or a topical bacterial infection because dirty tools were used day after day on various pets. Whatever your practices are, from something as simple as spray disinfectants to

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PUTTING PUTTINGTHE THESHOW SHOWBACK BACKTOGETHER TOGETHER

To attain the goal of having your shop clean and ready to start the grooming day every morning, it means every groomer puts in time at the end of the day to clean up, disinfect and reorganize their station and the shop. more cutting–edge Ultraviolet light sanitation equipment, it must be used to be effective. Once equipment is clean, it needs to be organized in a way that makes sense for your shop. Everything should not be thrown together in one drawer, like the junk drawer in a kitchen. Each groomer should decide what works best for them—especially for their own personal tools—but consistency between stations makes

for a more cohesive look. Portable, rolling carts can be at every station, or maybe your shop has mirrored stations and drawers. Ideally, shears are laid out in a drawer or kept in a roll or scissor holster to prevent any nicked blades. Same for clipper blades. If they are lined up in a tray (cheap plastic ones from the dollar store work fine) according to size, it is quickly evident if any are missing and makes it easy to pick out

the size needed. This also helps to keep them from falling on the floor and breaking.

DAILY OPERATIONS To attain the goal of having your shop clean and ready to start the grooming day every morning, it means every groomer puts in time at the end of the day to clean up, disinfect and reorganize their station and the shop. By having each person responsible for their own space, it can quickly become apparent who is cleaning and disinfecting their equipment and who is not.

DEEP CLEANING & OTHER TASKS These daily steps are not the end though; weekly, monthly, or within your established parameters, there are others tasks that get done less often. These might include: • Clean outside windows. • Clean filters on dryers and air conditioners. • Clean ceiling vents. • Wipe down walls (it is amazing what can fly off pets and stick to walls!) • Repair or regular maintenance on equipment. • Purchase new equipment.

THE FINAL GUIDANCE For any business to run well and be organized, leadership must provide the guidance. This comes in any or all of the following forms:

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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1. An employee handbook where rules and expectations of the company are spelled out. This means the same guidelines and rules of the facility apply equally to each employee. A handbook covers such things as vacation and holiday practices, discrimination clauses, overtime guidelines, staff meetings and employee grievances. A handbook defines the policies and procedures that govern the operation of the business and is written by management, or even by an outside company. 2. A Standard Operating Procedures guide defines the “who, what, where, when and how” of the steps to be completed. In other words, processes for easy and complex tasks are spelled out with the goal of everyone being able to follow directions and complete a task with the same outcome. This is where the steps for cleaning up your station or equip-

DAILY OPERATIONS INCLUDE (and should be part of your operating manual):

☐ Blades have hair brushed out of them and are disinfected. Dull blades go in a designated spot for sharpening. Working blades are lined up in the tray again. ☐ Shears are cleaned, disinfected and put away. ☐ Tables are cleared of hair and disinfected. ☐ Tubs are cleaned and disinfected. ☐ Towels used during the day are washed, dried, folded and put away. ☐ Shampoo and conditioner containers are filled. ☐ Disinfecting spray bottles are filled. ☐ Floor is swept/vacuumed including corners and under tubs and tables. ☐ Ribbons and bows are reorganized and restocked as needed. ☐ Grooming stations cleaned—no hair on shelves, movable carts or in drawers. ☐ Mirrors are sprayed with glass cleaner and wiped down. ☐ Trash containers are emptied. ☐ Floor is mopped with disinfectant. All these steps leave the shop ready for the next morning!

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

OSHA safety manuals can be purchased online and downloaded, though they may need tweaking for grooming shops. This is probably the least common handbook in grooming shops. ment maintenance are covered. OSHA safety manuals can also be purInput from staff who do the work chased online and downloaded, though is important here to make sure steps they may need tweaking for grooming and guidance are correct. It can be shops. This is probably the least comhard for management to write out mon handbook in grooming shops. step–by–step instructions unless those OSHA standards are legal repeople have actually done the work in quirements but the shop should still the past. Even so, it can be beneficial to have standard safety practices and have employees contribute to the SOP’s policy statements to guide employees. in their role of day–to–day operations. This manual has material data safety 3. OSHA (Occupational Safety sheets, like those for shampoos or and Health Administration) Safety & disinfectants, which spell out what Training Manual is often prepared by to do if product is ingested or gets an outside company that specializes into eyes. Though not as common in OSHA practices; however, it can anymore, at one time many shampoos also be written by management with and dips were concentrated poisons some research and detail investigation. for fleas and ticks. These products are GBhonor-2021-May-GroomersBest.pdf 1 3/24/2021 7:15:19 AM

now known to be quite a hazard, and if your employees are required to use such products, then they must know where to go for information and what to do in an emergency. A grooming shop is more than just cutting dogs’ hair. It must run and operate like any other business. This involves planning, upkeep, meeting legal state and federal requirements, and creating a workplace environment where an employee can excel in their job. And, walking into a clean, organized grooming salon every morning sets everyone up to have a safe and productive day! &

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In most businesses, tools are necessary to simplify daily tasks. In fact, the difference between an amateur and a professional is acquiring the correct tools and using them appropriately and efficiently. 12

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

by Dr. Cliff Faver

t is valuable to know that all tools work very differently, so it is especially important to match the correct instrument with the job at hand. Sometimes though, we underestimate the power of a good tool. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could build a whole house with only one tool? Think of how much money we would save! In the grooming industry, as well as in veterinary medicine, we would all like to get by with the minimum number of instruments; however, our jobs cannot be thoroughly completed if our toolbox is not full. For example, what if as a veterinarian I only had one drug to treat all dogs and cats with? Would I be able to treat an infection as well as a thyroid problem with the same drug?

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As funny as this sounds, I regularly get asked by groomers which one shampoo (not including a conditioner) they can use for every pet in their salon. There is really no such thing. If you are grooming short– haired dogs, they need to have more oils/greases for their hair and skin because they do not have enough hair to protect them. If I used the same product on a drop– or long coated–dog, it would be a disaster both in appearance and function. It is vital that we maintain the mentality that products such as shampoos and conditioners are essentially just tools. They are not the “cure–all, end–all” to grooming. If you are using them on an incorrect coat type or for the wrong reason, it would be similar to fixing a toilet with a hammer. Yes, it is a tool, but it

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Similar to a seasoned carpenter, we need to study the plans and establish what has to be accomplished before we grab a tool and start swinging blindly. This will definitely not provide the results that we want. is the wrong instrument for the job. If I use a degreasing shampoo on a dog that has irritated skin and is producing excess sebum to soothe the problem, it will drive the skin into shock and exacerbate the issue. Similar to a seasoned carpenter, we need to study the plans and establish what has to be accomplished before we grab a tool and start swinging blindly. This will definitely not provide the results that we want. I often have groomers and pet owners tell me that their dog has a skin problem, so they started them on a medicated shampoo. I’ll ask, “So, what are the skin problems?” They answer, “I do not know.” Then I’ll ask, “So, what is the shampoo medicated for?” And they answer, “I do not know.” Basically, they are treating an unknown skin issue with a product that they know nothing about. That is similar to me treating a cold with an antacid and then wondering why I am not getting good results. Knowing the science behind the skin issue and having extensive product knowledge becomes especially important in getting the best results. If you decide to build a house

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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without the proper training or tools to do so, what do you think the results would be? Useful education on the basics, correct technique and a box full of the correct tools are vital to succeeding in any profession. We also need to decide what specialty we want to be involved in. Very few carpenters also do plumbing or electrical work. Similarly, skin issues may not be your cup of tea. So, do you know a groomer with that passion who you can send those cases to, or do you just use the routine products and disregard the client’s concern? Ideally, if you do not want to work in a certain area (large breeds, skin issues, rescues, doodles, etc.), you should seek out someone that provides special emphasis in those fields. Go have a conversation with them. You may find that they despise something that you are greatly passionate about, which in turn can become a perfect working relationship. For instance, I don’t treat snakes, but one of the veterinarians in my neighborhood does and I gladly send those clients to him. You should have tools that accomplish what your objective is. Ev-

Many salons have learned that a way to increase income without raising the base cost of a bath is to have multiple levels of the routine line such as luxury products, facials, special paw treatments, etc. ery salon that is full–service should consider three basic core lines. The first line is for routine baths, which includes products for short, medium, and long coats for healthy pets. Many salons have learned that a way to increase income without raising the base cost of a bath is to have multiple levels of the routine line such as luxury products, facials, special paw treatments, etc. The second line consists of products for dry coats or early allergy cases. In the spring and fall, we tend to see a lot of dogs that are “itchy” and

constantly scratching. If you consider your own skin or follow social media posts during those seasons, groomers are often posting about the same issues. During these times—whether it is the shift in weather, heating/ cooling in the house or the change of the season—dryness is common in many areas. If this is the case in your area, I suggest being proactive and using products that have extra hydrating qualities. This is an upgrade and I recommend charging extra for this service—not only because these products tend to be a little more ex-

pensive—but also because you should be properly compensated for the knowledge and expertise that helped provide a solution to the problem. The client that takes the “wait and see” approach will often listen more closely after they see the high veterinary bills that follow by not working on the prevention side. Studies show that even if these dogs are truly “allergic” (versus dry skin) that the symptoms will be lessened, if not eliminated, by having a healthy sebum. The third line consists of ther-

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The client that takes the “wait and see” approach will often listen more closely after they see the high veterinary bills that follow by not working on the prevention side.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

apeutic products. It is much more involved because, as we discussed earlier, there is not a one–size–fits– all solution. Ideally, you should have products to combat fungus/yeast and bacteria, as well as products that balance pH, work as anti–inflammatories and promote hair growth, etc. Whether you are building a house or taking care of the skin and hair of pets, a thorough plan is required as well as the necessary tools and knowledge of their purpose. Our goal should always be to get the very best results, not settling for mediocre (or worse) outcomes because we haven’t armed ourselves with the tools and knowledge we need to do it the right way. &

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Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.

We are so excited to finally have live, in-person grooming shows again! The last Barkleigh show was Groom Expo West in Pasadena back in February of 2020.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

remember there being talk at the show of a virus outbreak in China, but we never imagined it would end up affecting the whole world the way that it did. As a company, Barkleigh Productions, and the industry as a whole, had to make quick adjustments. Groomers had to deal with shut downs and changing entire processes pertaining to how they ran their businesses. For Barkleigh, we knew immediately that we needed to make education available online. For a few years we had been talking about creating a larger virtual presence for education, but the pandemic forced us to make it our biggest

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priority. As a form of proof of concept and general practice, we started by offering five certification courses for free to a limited number of groomers in April of 2020. We quickly learned that groomers were starved for continuing education. And I felt very comfortable that our staff was able to effectively produce it. In the past year, we have conducted six World Grooms. We’ve also hosted Groom Expo and All American Grooming Show online, as well as a few stand-alone certificate courses. This was only possible through the support of the groomers that attended and companies that exhibited in the virtual trade shows.

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There seems to be a different energy level to being in an audience watching a live demo. And of course, nothing can take the place of touching and sampling a product. We were surprised at how many groomers who never attended a show were interested in continuing education. I figured most of our online attendees would be the groomers who previously attended live shows. It actually ended up being the opposite. It was exciting to open up new education opportunities to those groomers and to get them more actively involved in the industry. Some have even stated that since they have been exposed to con-

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

tinuing education, they want to now attend live grooming shows. Barkleigh will continue to offer online seminars for those that prefer that format and for those that just can’t get enough education. Of course, for most groomers that have attended a grooming show, there will never be anything quite like the in-person experience. There seems to be a different energy level to being in an audience watching a live demo. And of course, nothing

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can take the place of touching and sampling a product. But, the most important aspect of a grooming show is getting to spend time around and build relationships with other people in the grooming industry. With shows finally starting back up, here is a quick look at all the Barkleigh grooming shows coming up in 2021. Perhaps find the ideal one for you and treat yourself to a wellearned reward for getting through this past year.

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Barkleigh grooming shows coming up in 2021 PetQuest will be our first show back. It takes place at the Roberts Center in Ohio June 17-20. It is the most dog-friendly facility used for a grooming show. PetQuest has a laidback, casual vibe. Many groomers find this to be their favorite show because it tends to be more of a social show. It seems to be easier to start casual conversation with other groomers. Probably the most unique show is the Northwest Grooming Show in Tacoma, Washington July 8-11. The hotel alone makes the show worth it. The Murano Hotel is adorned with a museum-worthy collection of glass art from around the world. Each floor was designed by a different artist. Tacoma is located a short drive from Seattle. Groom Expo West takes place in Pasadena, California July 22-25. It is the second largest grooming show behind only Groom Expo in Hershey. Coming out of the pandemic, for some this might be the perfect excuse to take a much-needed trip to Southern California. The All American Grooming Show takes place August 1215 in Schaumburg, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. Started by grooming industry legend Jerry Schinberg, it is the longest-running grooming show and the birthplace of creative dog grooming. It also has a unique hotel that makes the experience more interesting. Groom Expo is the world’s most prestigious grooming show. With more vendors, attendees, classes and events, it is the biggest in every way. It also hosts the Barkleigh Honors Dinner and Awards Show. Groom Expo takes place in Hershey, PA September 9-12. The New England Grooming Show takes place in Sturbridge, Massachusetts October 6-10. From the historical town to the hotel itself, everything about the show can be described as quaint. The show is one of our smaller shows in terms of vendors and attendees, so it is ideal for any groomer that wants a calmer and more relaxing experience. Intergroom takes place at the Meadowlands Expo Center, just outside of New York City, October 21-24. Intergroom is the third largest grooming show, by attendance. Intergroom hosts a World Championship Competition and the one-of-akind Rising Star Grooming Competition.

For more information on any of these events, go to www.barkleigh.com/shows 22

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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t’s just air, but air molecules moving at a high rate of speed has been one of the most transformative grooming tools in the history of our industry. Those of us more “mature” groomers remember when we did not have this timesaving, quality–enhancing tool. I am actually old enough to remember the introduction of the high velocity dryer into the pet industry. David Stern, grandson of the Founders of Metrovac in New Jersey, tells this interesting origin story: They were a vacuum company who also made an industrial leaf blower that used forced air technology. In the early 1980’s they heard that their leaf blowers were being used by people who showed Pygmy Goats. Stern looked into it. They discovered dog show breeders had borrowed the idea from the goat people. After a bit of research, they decided to market to our industry. They changed some of the exterior features to allow it to be hung on salon walls, made the hose longer, and sold the first Air Force high velocity dryer to pet groomers. At that same time, Rapid Electric had put their flying saucer–looking blower on a stand and started to market the Speedy to our industry as well. I know I speak for all of us when I say how grateful we are for these early pioneers who brought us this powerful, timesaving, easy–to–use technology! High velocity dryers, or forced air dryers, do not have heating elements. This means they are less expensive to build and to maintain. They are safe for dogs and people, when used properly. They work by in–taking the air from a larger opening, then pushing it with a fan/turbine into a smaller output. The air velocity and pressure will increase because it is being pushed

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Mechanically, you want to make sure your electrical outlet has the correct capacity. Read the plate on the dryer and make sure that your electrical circuit has more amperage available than the dryer will pull.

mechanically through a compressed opening. Motors invariably also get hot, transferring some heat to the air passing through, giving the air a gentle warming without the heating elements that can raise the prices and electrical usage of other dryers.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS As with any grooming tool, safety precautions should always be a high priority. First, mechanically, you want to make sure your electrical outlet has the correct capacity. Read the plate on the dryer and make sure that your electrical circuit has more amperage available than the dryer will pull. The loud noise these dryers make is the primary downside. The drying area in my salon is in a separate room from the bathing and grooming areas. My staff are all mandated to wear industrial–strength hearing protection

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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while in that room and dryers are on. I make an issue of this because I am living proof of the damage done. I am already going deaf, with constant ringing in my ears. When I was a young groomer, I was not aware of the damage caused by the noise of these dryers. No one knew to warn me. My staff hears my earnest concerns and knows that they come from my heart. Losing my hearing now is life–changing and devastating. High velocity dryers should not be used without professional–grade hearing protection. I do not want this to happen to anyone else. The requirement for hearing protection for anyone within range of these dryers in a smaller space such as a mobile unit or a single–room salon is singularly important. If we need hearing protection while anywhere near these high velocity dryers, the dogs under the dryers most certainly do. The hooded wraps that are available to put around dogs’ head and ears are an essential protection for their hearing and stress. To dry a dog’s head and ears, turn off the velocity dryers and use a traditional stand dryer or gentle tabletop or handheld dryer. To also reduce the dog’s stress while using an HV dryer, add an Elizabethan–style soft collar around their neck. This makes an excellent barrier to keep their head away from the forced air. To help the dog gradually become accustomed to the noise and power of the dryer, always begin the HV drying process at their rear end and move forward. High velocity dryers should not be used on young puppies, seniors or dogs with stressful health conditions. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions and maintain your dryer by cleaning out the end cap and filter where the air intake occurs daily. And weekly, vacuum out the interior cav-

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ity to keep hair from getting inside and damaging the motor.

NO WIGGLING NEEDED A common misuse of this impressively–designed tool is to wiggle the nozzle back and forth quickly, as we might with a smaller–powered, human handheld dryer, trying to get more push into our own hair. HV dryers were not designed to be used this way. They were designed to make the drying easier for us and to save us this effort. There are five reasons why this is a wrong technique: First, the whipping action is damaging to your wrists. Groomers have enough problems with carpal tunnel syndrome and flipping the already very powerful air around is completely unnecessary.

Second, this rapid shaking makes the dryer even noisier to the dog and to the person doing the drying, further risking the dog’s hearing and ours. Third, the flipping action causes the hair to mat and tangle, creating little “whip knots.” Always hold the dryer still, moving slowly. The longer the hair is, the further away from the coat you should hold it. Fourth, whipping the HV dryer hose around will straighten and dry the hair less. Holding it still, perpendicular to the coat, creating a “sunburst” pattern on the hair and coat dries the skin faster, and straightens and fluffs the hair better. We should move the hose and nozzle slowly around the coat, allowing it to better dry the wet skin and maximize the fluff–drying effect.

GROOMING INSTRUCTOR Teach the next generation of groomers while shaping our profession Mud Bay is searching for an educator in the grooming industry who wants to help us fulfill our mission of combining lifestyle-specific grooming with a focus on skin and coat health while mentoring others to do the same. Our ideal grooming instructor wants to improve the grooming industry and believes they can teach anyone with the right attitude how to be an effective groomer. They have at least seven years of experience in the grooming industry and know how to successfully teach people how to become valuable team members. They know, or are excited to learn, how the right nutrition and dog behavioral techniques can make a difference in the lives of the dogs they groom. Plus, they’re excited to create the procedures necessary to help our locations thrive. In return, Mud Bay is pioneering a new way of grooming that promotes a team mentality where everyone helps give each dog the best possible experience at the Mud Room. We offer a fair hourly wage with earned tips, regular breaks, and high-quality tools provided for all groomers. Full-time employees are also eligible for full benefits including health insurance, PTO, ESOP participation, and a generous discount on any pet supplies or food Mud Bay sells. Due to the unique set of skills the right candidate will have, Mud Bay is prepared to pay a competitive salary for the right person. So if you’re willing to work in Thurston County, Washington, at our two existing locations in Olympia and Lacey while helping shape the Mud Rooms of the future in Seattle, Portland and across the PNW, apply today with your resume and cover letter at mudbay.com/groominginstructor.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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Fifth, rapid motion of the HV dryer will increase the drying time. You will lose actual contact drying time with the coat and skin as you constantly would move the air force away from the spot you are trying to dry. When we blow–dry a dog, we aren’t just drying the hair—we are drying the dog’s skin. So, save the “flippy hairdryer” thing for your own lesser–powered human hairdryers. You aren’t saving any time by using it with an HV dryer on dogs, and you are actually harming the dog and yourself.

THE MANY BENEFITS With proper care, the high velocity dryer can mean a significant improvement to the efficiency and quality of your grooming. One such benefit is the visual aid that these forced air dryers provide the groomer in being able to see down to the dog’s skin fully and completely. Those who blow–dry the dogs, and who should also be wearing breathing masks and eye protection, should always have their eyes on the dog’s skin, looking for any skin or coat issues such as parasites, sores or scabs, hot spots, etc., that need to be reported to the owner’s veterinarian. Some of you may have heard me talk about the different types of coat on dogs, dividing them into the two categories of “hair” and “fur” for easy reference. HV dryers can be used on each in different but helpful ways. For the fur–type dogs that shed and have significant undercoat, especially all double–coated dogs, the HV dryer has revolutionized our de–shedding workload. The dryer itself has become the most important de– shedding tool in our arsenal and has a greater impact on the process than even brushing, combing and raking out

undercoat. Brushout time is dramatically reduced; all you have to do is methodically blow out the undercoat and then brush it away! Flat–head nozzles on HV dryers can be used to gently push through the coat from the skin outward, saving brushing time. Even a fur–type dog that has a completely pelted undercoat can be saved. These natural coat types should never be shaved anyway. Use the close–open–close method: pre–condition the coat, massaging conditioner deep into moistened coat and skin, let it soak for a while, then shampoo and rinse as normal, and apply conditioner again. Hold the high velocity dryer perpendicular to the coat, as close as the dog will tolerate comfortably, and watch the pelted un-

dercoat lift away from the skin! Even if it only lifts away a fraction of an inch, undercoat will naturally do this and create space to slide mat splitters in to break up the pelt. Then brush and rake as usual. Charge extra for this process! Educate your clients on how important it is not to shave down these double–coated dogs. You will save the dog and the owner many years of grief and discomfort. For maximum benefit in normal shedding coats, de–shed with the high velocity dryer while the dog is still in the tub soaking in conditioner. Keep the dryer nozzle at a 90–degree angle, directly perpendicular to the skin, moving slowly around the coat. You will see undercoat lifting away from

the coat on a shedding breed. Hair–type dogs that mat and need to be trimmed require significant coat preparation for a beautiful finish to their groom. If there are any mats in a hair–type dog’s coat, while in conditioner, holding the nozzle directly over the mat, you will invariably loosen the mat without hurting the dog. After final rinsing, the coat now dematts much more easily, especially after you apply coat topical leave–in products that give the coat “slippage.” We stand on the shoulders of those who went before us. To those who have developed and perfected high velocity dryers for the dog grooming industry, we give our thanks! &

GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY! This book teaches you to properly identify social cues, understand their purpose, and apply them correctly to connect more deeply and communicate more clearly with the dogs around you.

BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS

by Khris Berry

TAKING CARE A GROOMER’S TOOL BOX

When you think of the tools of your trade, what comes to mind? For most groomers, one quick look around your work area will tell the true story of your tools, your trade and your business.

rom scissors to clippers, brushes to combs and beyond, the tool needs of a working groomer can seem endless. Many groomers get a reputation for having a lot of gear. After all, this career requires a wide scope of knowledge and having the proper tools to execute those skills is the mark of a true professional. Let’s take a quick look at the necessities and luxuries of the working pet groomer. (Psst, that’s

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

code for: Do you really need another pair of shears?) What are the basic necessities in the average pet groomer’s tool cart? What are the tools which you must have to complete the basic scope of services offered to the majority of pets you will work on daily?

CLIPPERS The clipper will be your go–to for shave–downs and bladed trims. Re-

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gardless of your preference on brand, having a powerful workhorse clipper in your tool arsenal is a must. Corded or cordless is personal choice—and factors such as running time, access to electric, convenience and even availability may determine which option you favor. Know every aspect of your clipper, how to service it and keep it in good running shape at all times—it is a staple. PRO TIP: Keep a back–up clipper

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AVAILABLE AT

Groom-O-Grams do it all! Quarterly, 4 page promotional newsletters packed with articles for every season. Written by industry experts covering at-home pet care tips, safety and upkeep targeted at your clients!

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

in case of accident or mechanical failure. One easy way to achieve this is to “retire” a favored clipper before it reaches its end of tool life and save for emergency use. LUXURY ITEM: Cordless clippers which offer adjustable and disposable blades and mini clippers for specialty areas.

To ensure the safety of the pets you groom, maintain a minimum of two of each size blade in good working order at all times while you are working. Do you want YOUR salon featured in Groomer to Groomer magazine? Tell us why you should be the next Salon Spotlight! Email Rebecca@barkleigh.com

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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BLADES Quality clipper blades in various sizes are a necessity. Although we all look forward to that client who desires a weekly hand–scissored trim with an unlimited budget, the reality is that most of the grooming services we complete are going to be bladed trims, shave–downs and short styles. Maintaining a full range of popular lengths in good–quality brands is critical for the pet groomer. The suggested blades you should have in your tool bag are ⅝, 3 ¾, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 30. While there are other sizes, these are the needed blades for the widest variety of styles and coat types. Clean, sanitize, sharpen and maintain your blades on recommended schedules. PRO TIP: To ensure the safety of the pets you groom, maintain a minimum of two of each size blade in good working order (broken teeth? throw them away!) at all times while you are working. If you must send blades out for sharpening, you will need to increase your blade stable. LUXURY ITEM: Wide blades; these turn time into money for the busy groomer.

COMBS (YES, PLURAL) Every groomer should have a durable, heavy–gauge greyhound–style comb with coarse and medium options for their daily work. Additionally, as the demand for high–quality finishes increases, you should also source a finish comb to achieve the fine detail work your clients appreciate.

Whatever your

PRO TIP: Like all tools, combs must stay in good working order. If you are bending teeth or your comb looks as if it were run over by a truck, you are not using the tool correctly. Use the correct comb for the correct job you need it to do. Finish combs are for fine work. Heavy combs are for heavy work. Broken teeth and/or bent combs are for no work. LUXURY ITEM: Rather than a specific item, splurge on more—more finish combs and more combs in different lengths—you won’t regret it!

clipper choice, simply match their preferred attachment comb and groom on.

SNAP–ON ATTACHMENT COMBS These handy time–savers are a must have. Whatever your clipper choice, simply match their preferred attachment comb and groom on. Like the regular combs above, there is no place for bent or broken attachment combs. PRO TIP: This is a tool too—be sure to sanitize! LUXURY ITEM: My splurge here is a tool sterilizer which makes cleaning these so much easier.

HAND TOOLS Slickers, pin brushes, rakes, oh my! While it’s easy to get lost in the plethora of options available, a working groomer basically needs a flexible slicker and a good stiff slicker. While there is no replacement for a comb, the slicker provides invaluable tension and stretch to curly coat types prior to finishing the groom. For deshedding treatments and undercoat removal, a standard rake with stationary teeth and a good deshedding rake should do the trick. For double and rough coats, a sturdy pin brush is the must–have tool for line brushing, and a bristle brush is the go–to for finishing a terrier coat. PRO TIP: One size does not fit all…and neither does one price. From value–priced to high–end, don’t let

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

price guide your choice. Ergonomics and how the tool holds up over time are great parameters to use when choosing your hand tools. LUXURY ITEM: Splurge on high– quality brushes (such as Boar Bristle) to distribute natural oils and promote a beautiful shine on many coat types.

SHEARS Shears are the Holy Grail of the professional groomer. Better shears do not make better groomers; however, better groomers need better shears to create better grooms. Simply buying shears to “up your game” is not the route to improving your grooms. Each groomer should have a set of straights, a curved shear and a thinner. You should match them to your hand for balance and control, and maintain them. And, of course, never scissor a dirty coat. As you add shears to your arsenal, have a plan

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

for the specific use, coat type and work the new shear will achieve for you. PRO TIP: Blenders/chunkers are almost a necessity with the increase of Poodle–mix coats seen by groomers, but make sure you acquire education with this handy hybrid shear to maximize your results. LUXURY ITEM: Let your spark shine here—whatever your specialty, there is a shear geared toward you!

ODDS & ENDS Nail trimmers/grinder, hemostats, slip lead, grooming loop, bathing loop and styptic powder. These are often afterthoughts for many groomers, but each is important in its own way. All are vital to the groomer so make sure you have back–up for every item on this list. It’s important to note, all of these items need proper sanitation too.

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There are also many specialty grooming items for specialty services. From hand–stripped coats and beyond, there are items which groomers need to achieve the results their clients depend on. This reference list is for regular pet groomers and not inclusive of those services and the education needed to perform them. As the live tradeshows return and online shopping continues, use this handy reference list to ensure that your tools are in good working order and you have everything you need to succeed and thrive. Maintaining your tools is a hallmark of a true professional—and your clients depend on you to keep their pets safe with your sanitation protocol. As you move toward the summer grooming season, happy grooming and happy shopping! &

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

GENERAL PET RELEASE FORM Date

Pet Name

MATTED PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! safety Because we care about your pet’s you that and well being, we want to assure your every effort will be made to make pet’s visit as pleasant as possible. Occasionally, grooming can expose e a hidden medical problem or aggravat or after a current one. This can occur during grooming. we request In the best interest of your pet, te veterinary your permission to obtain immedia y. necessar become it treatment should

MOBILE SALON RELEASE FORM

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

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible. Because your pet is severely tangled or matted, it is at greater risk of injury, stress and trauma. All precautions will be taken. However, problems occasionally arise, during or after grooming, such as nicks, clipper irritation and mental or physical stress.

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

RELEASE FORM

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

SENIOR PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

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

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

PET SAFETY

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

RELEASE FORM grooming establishm

ent to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense. Also, realizing that aged pets have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishm ent responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

Owner Name

Owner Name Pet Name

Date

Pet Name Signature

Signature

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! leigh.com safety ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark Because we care about your pet’s you that and well being, we want to assure your every effort will be made to make pet’s visit as pleasant as possible. Please understand that due to the will very nature of being mobile we ent occasionally be late for an appointm control (traffic, accidents, weather, due to circumstances beyond our unavoidable time delays. etc.) and cannot be held liable for a hidden medical problem Occasionally, grooming can expose . can occur during or after grooming or aggravate a current one. This we request your permission to In the best interest of your pet, t should it become necessary. obtain immediate veterinary treatmen #PR-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productio

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

Owner Name Signature

leigh.com

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

Date

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well

#MP-2 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 being,©we want to assure you that every effort will be • www.barkleigh.com

made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible. Cats are creatures of habit and when exposed to a new environment they can experience elevated stress levels. In the event that your cat is too stressed to safely continue the groom, all procedures will stop and you will be notified immediately. Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming. In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

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

Pet Name Signature

Because we care about your pet’s safety, we want to assure you that every precautio

pet. Due to the intimate nature of the grooming process, or a pet’s tolerance level for stress, strangers, or handling, some pets can become anxious or reactive during the grooming service. If we determine that continuing the grooming service would present a threat to your dog’s emotional or physical health, and/or the safety of groomer completing the service, we will discontinue today’s service and contact you immediate ly. We will take every precaution necessary to complete the grooming service safely and humanely including the proper use of common industry safety equipment such as grooming loops, muzzles, and restraints.

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

Owner Name

Signature

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

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by Daryl Conner

“I’ve been disappointed by every groomer I’ve taken my dogs to,” the owner of two large doodles recently said when she called a groomer friend of mine. Then she continued with the following demand, “I want you to guarantee that you will not shave my dogs.” sking some questions, the groomer ascertained that the dogs had not been professionally groomed in over three months. She offered the following solution: “If you would like to bring your dogs here I’ll be happy to check the condition of their coats and we can discuss what will be possible for grooming them. There will be no charge for this.” The customer declined and moved on.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

We are faced with grooming requests every day. Many are reasonable: “Please cut her tail hair much shorter. I know it’s not breed standard, but then she doesn’t bring as many pine needles in the house.” Or, “Don’t do a sanitary trim. I don’t like to see his boy parts.” I may not agree with what a customer wants, but it’s their pet so I happily comply. But what do we do when a request is unreasonable? Here is an example: Last GroomertoGroomer.com

summer a gentleman contacted me about grooming his young Portuguese Water Dog. The dog had been turned away from several groomers. She is large, muscular and has strong opinions about having strangers touch her. She throws her weight around, tries to fling her body off the table, dances when she should stand still, does not like to be brushed, and fights against the clipper and the dryer. She is just plain difficult. The owner was in

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distress, the dog was matted and he did not know what to do. I agreed to give her a try, and he drove a long distance to bring her to us. The first groom was extremely challenging. We had to clip her coat quite close due to the matting, and she fought hard every step of the way. We were able to send her home with a cute face and some fluff on her tail. We had a long discussion about bringing her every six weeks to get her used to the grooming process and maintain her coat in good condition. We instructed him on how to brush her and what tools to use at home. For a year she came every six weeks, and though she is still not an easy dog to groom, she has become far more manageable. Recently her owner said to me, “As you know, I drive a long way to get here. We are going to start bringing her every 12 weeks instead.” I am not always quick with an appropriate response, but I did myself proud this time and instantly replied, “I would not be interested in continuing unless she comes every six weeks.” I did not want to run the risk of the training we’d done in the past year being lost or having the dog get matted between grooms. I said it firmly, but pleasantly. He blinked hard and made an appointment on the recommended schedule. Sometimes refusing a client’s reGroomertoGroomer.com

quest means we lose the customer, and that is okay. Perhaps another groomer would be a better fit for that person and pet. Other times it turns an unreasonable customer into a good one. When a friend of mine got a doodle puppy, she made it clear she wanted the dog’s coat kept long. I had an honest discussion with her about the importance of home maintenance. At first, all was well, then the inevitable coat change happened. The owner was not brushing and combing at home, and I had to shave her puppy. The woman was bereft. I reminded her that the dog’s coat length was entirely up to her; she could learn to brush, or I was going to clip the dog short. A miracle happened. She learned to brush her puppy, and now I am happy to groom the dog every six weeks—and the owner is proud of her dog’s long, pretty coat. If you are asked to do something that you think is unreasonable, impossible or even dangerous, you must learn to say “no.” Here are some ideas to try the next time you are faced with a situation like this: Be firm, but polite. Refuse the service they requested and briefly explain why. Don’t over–explain; this leaves room for them to argue. Quickly offer an alternative solution. Let’s try this with a real–life scenario. A potential customer

calls and wants to have their fluffy mixed–breed groomed but does not want it bathed because she’s afraid it will be cold. Following the above suggestions, you: 1: Reply with: “No, I am sorry I cannot do that. We work on freshly–washed and dried coats to prevent wear and tear on our expensive tools, and to ensure the most attractive groom possible.” 2: Offer an alternative: “I can, however, make sure that your dog is fully dried immediately after the bath so it will never have an opportunity to become chilled.” Your reply leaves no room for argument, is professional and explains your reasoning. The alternative you offer lets the customer know that you understood her concern and will take care of her pet in a way that keeps it comfortable. Now the customer can decide if they want to work by your guidelines or seek another groomer. Here is another scenario: A customer wants you to groom the dog but leave the mats in the coat because they don’t want it clipped short. You: 1: Reply with: “No, I am sorry, I cannot do that. Leaving mats in the coat is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to serious skin problems.” 2: Offer an alternative: “I can clip your dog close this time and show you what tools you need and how to maintain a longer coat at home. Then we can get you on a regular schedule so we can keep your dog’s fur longer, the way you prefer.” It can feel awkward to refuse a customer request, but we must keep in mind that we are professionals. Learning to say “no” firmly and offering a reasonable alternative is a must–have life skill that will serve you well. &

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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

GENERAL PET RELEASE FORM Date

Pet Name

MATTED PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

MOBILE SALON RELEASE FORM

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

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

RELEASE FORM

SENIOR PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

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

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

PET SAFETY

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

RELEASE FORM grooming establishm

Owner Name

Owner Name Pet Name

Date

Pet Name Signature

Signature

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

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

Owner Name Signature

leigh.com

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

Date

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well

#MP-2 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 being,©we want to assure you that every effort will be • www.barkleigh.com

Pet Name Signature

Because we care about your pet’s safety, we want to assure you that every precautio

Owner Name

Signature

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

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GROOMER STORY

by Melissa J. Viera

A TRAVELING SPA:

The Story of House–Call Groomer

Nuria Pérez Hard work is something Nuria Pérez knows well as a new business owner and a housecall dog groomer.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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er days involve traveling from her home in New Jersey to surrounding areas and into New York—and sometimes climbing stairs or walking a distance from her parking spot with her grooming tools and a table in order to set up in a client’s home. And while not the ideal time to launch a new business, this past January, Pérez’s house–call grooming business, Tamed Manes, became official and has been a great success from day one.

Being a house–call groomer has its challenges, but providing a calm experience for her clients with her holistic approach is a specialty that both human and pet clients appreciate. As her newly–launched website, www.tamedmanesgrooming.com, explains, every grooming visit Pérez makes to a client’s home involves total pampering for the dogs. With a love for animals, Pérez always strives to provide the best for her clients. But how did she go from working in retail to becoming a business owner, professional groomer, certified pet esthetician, certified in reiki and even a volunteer for the Pandemic Pup Relief Tour? The future path of a grooming career may have already been forming for Pérez. Her natural love for animals and especially dogs had her considering a career as a veterinarian at one point, but as she explains, life sometimes changes, and she found herself working in various retail jobs. “I’ve always loved animals and was bored working in retail,” Pérez says. With a less than satisfactory job and compassion for animals, a lightbulb went off for Pérez when she saw a commercial for Animal Behavior College in 2014. She didn’t know it at the time, but that commercial would spark a series of events leading to her current career as a groomer and her business. “I believe I started ABC in the summer going into the fall of 2015,” Pérez explains. Dog grooming was not the only area of study for Pérez. She also studied dog training and veterinary assistant. Pérez started a job as a bather at PetSmart in 2016, and she soon moved on to the grooming training program. But at first, she was not sure it was

Being a house–call groomer has its challenges, but providing a calm experience for her clients with her holistic approach is a specialty that both human and pet clients appreciate.

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going to be for her. Her next job was at a private salon called Just 4 Paws, and this is where Pérez began to further hone her skills and enjoyed working with the dogs in a different type of environment, while also learning about pet Reiki. “The owner of the salon offered this service and taught me how to perform Reiki as well. I furthered my Reiki education with Hae Lee (@stayandvibe) and she officially certified me as a Reiki I and Reiki II practitioner,” she shares. When she was introduced to the app called Groomit, Pérez began taking

her grooming on the road, and again realized the importance of the environment for dogs as she groomed them in the comfort of their own home. Her journey into house–call grooming eventually led to the formation of her own business, Tamed Manes. Offering grooming services complete with facials, breath freshener and face masks, as well as extra options like color shampoo, nail polish, therapy baths and more, it’s no wonder her list of clientele keeps growing. “It isn’t always easy, but I know my hard work will pay off,” Pérez says.

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She has had many sources of inspiration throughout her grooming career and Pérez emphasizes the importance of continuing education. She takes courses to further her skills and always aims to improve and learn more. “Personal development helps me to keep an open mind so I’m not holding myself back with negative or discouraging thoughts. I strive every day to do something better than I did it the day before,” Pérez says. As far as other groomers that inspire Pérez, there are many, but one groomer truly standouts. “My all–time favorite groomer that I look up to is Jess Rona,” she shares. “She’s amazing! She just came out with a course on grooming faces and I’ve already been implementing her techniques.” Pérez has plans to grow her business and a unique plan for her brand of products (we will keep the details a secret for now) which will eventually have a campaign page for those who want to be a part of supporting the product line launch in the future. Her reminder for other groomers is to value yourself even if others don’t know exactly how much hard work goes into grooming animals. And, we need to take care of ourselves the same as, if not more than, the dogs we groom. &

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BUT WHY?

by Jonathan David

why

may notbe

spend a lot of time on social media—probably too much time. Actually, let’s just be honest here, I definitely spend too much time on social media. But in all fairness, I’m not just aimlessly scrolling through posts and looking at pictures or Facebook–stalking people…well, maybe just a little, but I digress. When I’m on social media I’m usually looking at grooming posts and reading threads to see what’s trending, what groomers are interested in and what they’re talking about. I call it “research”… yeah, let’s go with that. But the most common posts I seem to come across are people asking about what tools they should buy.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

What exactly does “the best” really mean? Of course we all have our favorite tools and our preferred brands, but why is one “the best” over another? I constantly see posts from groomers who are in the market for a new clipper or brush or scissor and they’re asking their fellow groomers for some honest opinions like, “Which brush is the best?” or “I’m not happy with my scissors, which brand is the best?” And it got me thinking, what exactly does “the best” really mean? Of course we all have our favorite tools and our pre-

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ferred brands, but why is one “the best” over another? I think asking the question, “Which is the best?” of any product is a very vague question. If you ask an entire industry what “the best” is, you’re going to get quite a few different opinions. Are we talking the best quality, price or durability? Or are we asking which will hold up the best or feel the

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You need to take into consideration:

best in my hand? You see where I’m going with this, right? Let’s look at a few popular products and throw out some food for thought for when a groomer might be in the market for a new tool.

☐ YOUR HAND SIZE

☐ YOUR STRENGTH

GROOMING SHEARS

☐ THE DOGS YOU’LL BE GROOMING

☐ WHAT THE SHEAR WAS DESIGNED FOR

Grooming shears have a huge variety of lengths, alloy blends, edges, weights, designs and so on. For me, “the best” shears are the ones that are right for the task I’m doing. I have a specific favorite for curly coats and an entirely different choice for dense or course coats, and yet another for soft or fine drop coats. You need to take into consideration your hand size, your strength, the dogs you’ll be groom-

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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Pin brushes are gentle on hair; they don’t grip and break hair the way that slicker brushes do so they are often selected to work with delicate hair such as Poodle topknots or the dropped show coats of Maltese or Yorkies.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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ing and what the shear was designed for. It’s great to ask for some opinions, but my best may not be your best.

BRUSHES Let’s talk brushes now. There are so many different types of brushes and they have many intended uses. But if you’re in the market for a new slicker and you ask, “What’s the best?”—you’re going to have to dig deeper than that. There are so many choices of slicker brushes on the market now, choosing one can be dizzying. There are those made of plastic, some of wood and others of metal. Some slickers have short, tight pins and others have long, flexible pins. There are some with hard rubber backing to keep the pins stiff—great for de–matting—and others with a softer, more flexible rubber backing designed to be gentler on delicate hair. But which is the best? Think about the quality of the handle; will it break if it drops? Will this slicker brush be comfortable in my hand or is this handle an uncomfortable shape for me? Ask yourself, “Are these pins the ones that are right for the hair I’ll be using it on?” These are the questions that will help you determine which slicker brush is the best for you. Another popular brush is the pin brush. Pin brushes are another style brush that come in a huge variety of sizes and pin styles. But again, to determine which pin brush is the best, you have to identify what task you need it for. Pin brushes are gentle on hair; they don’t grip and break hair the way that slicker brushes do so they are

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often selected to work with delicate hair such as Poodle topknots or the dropped show coats of Maltese or Yorkies. However, some pin brushes have metal pins and some have wooden pins, so which is the best? Metal pins are more durable and a great choice for drying coats with a gentle ease or architecting a Poodle top knot. But wooden pins are an excellent choice for brushing products like conditioning sprays through the coat, and the smooth, flexible wooden pins offer gentle movement through the strands of hair. In this case, “the best” would depend on what breeds you groom and what you’re doing with the brush.

CLIPPERS Clippers are another bone of contention. In today’s market, there are several types of clippers with different types of blade attachments. The traditional A5–style blades of the corded clippers have given way to cordless 5– in–1 blade styles featuring a lever that moves a blade from a 40 to a 9 instantly. And now a newer design of clippers has emerged featuring an entirely different type of blade that is a 4–in–1 blade which allows you to remove the 4–in–1 blade and attach either a 4–in–1 slim blade for closer precision shaving or a 7F, 5F or a 4F blade for more versatility. Now you have to look at all

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these options and decide which, in your opinion, is the best clipper for you. If you haven’t figured it out by now, what I’m trying to say is that there are so many options in the tools that we use and “the best” choice is the one that you decide is the right one for you. Like I said, my best may not be your best and vice versa. Ask for opinions but don’t bet the farm on what others say. Try things out for yourself and see what new products have to offer you, and you just might find out that “the best” tools are the ones that you fall in love with. Happy grooming! &

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KITTY'S KORNER

by Deborah Hansen

THE TOOLS OF

Cat Grooming The number of tools and gadgets on the market for groomers can be overwhelming. One of the best parts about cat grooming is the amount of tools you actually need.

hen you begin cat grooming, the initial investment in tools and equipment is minimal compared to the investment you would need to make in other areas. Over the years, I have made purchases of items that were marketed just for cat grooming only to return to the basics that I began with.

CLIPPERS Clippers are fun and exciting to test at trade shows. With so many on the market, it is hard to know where to start. My preference is a cordless clipper with a 5–in–1 blade. While they

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

may not be as fast or have the cutting power as some corded clippers, the convenience of the 5–in–1 blade and the fact that they are easier on my hands and wrists make them my first choice. I also prefer them because they are set in plastic which keeps them from heating up like traditional blades, and because of the time–saving feature of changing blade lengths. We all know cats can be squirmy. There is nothing more frustrating than having a cat positioned to get an arm pit mat off and realizing the blade you are using won’t get under the mat. If you have a 5–in–1 blade on your

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clippers, it is a quick slide of the switch and you are able to get the mat off without repositioning the cat. Having a large supply of sharp blades on hand is probably my biggest expense. I do use multiple blades for each cat and disinfect each blade after one use. Sending the blades back to the manufacturer for sharpening is the best deal to keep your blades performing at their optimum. I also send my clippers in for an annual tune–up.

DRYER A variable speed dryer is a must for cats. When you begin drying a

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cat, you always want to start on low and then slowly build up your speed. Turning a dryer on full speed can easily startle a cat which can cause you to lose control. Oftentimes a cat will urinate when the dryer starts. A dryer on low speed can make the difference between a “butt bath” and a full re–bathe.

A bar shampoo really is ideal for cats. It gives you another barrier between your hand and the cat’s teeth during the bath.

SHAMPOO A bar shampoo really is ideal for cats. It gives you another barrier between your hand and the cat’s teeth during the bath. It does take some practice to use them successfully. As a house–call groomer, I see all water types and sources in a day and am able to have success with hard water, well water or city water. If you are struggling to use a bar shampoo, try reaching out to the manufactur-

er for help. In my business, faces and ears are done after the bath with a cotton ball, feline ear cleaner and saline for faces.

OTHER TOOLS My small tool basics include a medium ergonomic handle comb, face and feet comb, small scissor–type nail trimer and corn starch. I do not use any brushes. Corn starch is important to have on–hand to stop bleeding if the quick is cut during a nail trim or to help dry up chin acne.

SCISSORS You are probably wondering about scissors. I do not use scissors in my feline grooming business. In my opinion, the quick, random movements of cats are known for making the risks of using scissors too high of a liability.

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When a cat is sassy, I wear Kevlar sleeves. These sleeves allow me to have full movement of my fingers and give me protection from an unexpected bite penetrating my skin. SAFETY TOOLS Safety is a big consideration when working with felines. Always remember to wear ear protection when working with dryers and a mask when working with flying coat. When a cat is sassy, I wear Kevlar sleeves. These sleeves allow me to have full movement of my fingers and give me protection from an unexpected bite penetrating my skin. A round, hard–sided helmet–type muzzle allows the cat to retain full biting motion while I am able to monitor breathing and pupils to assess the

feline’s stress level. It also allows me to easily remain out of sight from the feline which usually decreases the aggression level of the cat, or at least keeps the cat from an accurate strike with their claws. There is a learning curve with the hard–sided muzzles. It is best to practice on your hand or a calm cat, making sure your fingers remain out of the bite zone and that you are getting the Velcro as tight as possible.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

DRYING SYSTEM My dream piece of equipment is a suction drying system. But, as a house–call groomer, the size and weight make it impractical. However, it would be my first purchase if I went to a salon or mobile model of grooming. There are many benefits to this piece of equipment. Most importantly, it contains the dead coat that is pushed off the cat during the drying process. So instead of having it flying around your work area where it can be inhaled and then needs to be cleaned up, it is sucked into a canister for easy disposal. It also keeps the cat in a contained area so you do not need to keep your hands on the cat during drying.

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I added a suction clipper and deshed system. That included an additional pair of cordless clippers, an attachment to connect the clippers to the suction system and comb attachments for my 5–in–1 blades. If you are struggling to get a smooth comb cut on a cat, this will greatly improve your final product. I also purchased a deshed tool. My deshed add–on service has paid for the system. It is my most popular add–on. Since I am house–call, I run my system off of a small shop vac.

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While there are many grooming products marketed specifically for cat groomers, simple is always best when it comes to cat grooming. Remember, cats have very short attention spans and you don’t want extra things to manipulate when you have a cat in the position you need them for grooming. &

Q: HOW CAN WE START TO PRIORITIZE THE HEALTH OF OUR ANIMAL CAREGIVERS SUCH AS GROOMERS?

A: ARMOR HAND GLOVES Animal handlers have the second highest rate of work-related injuries and illness according to the National Institute for Occupational Health & Safety, averaging $8.8 million in claims annually with an average of about $2,700 per claim. The Journal of the American Veterinary Association, or JAVMA, states that 50% to 67% of veterinarians and 98% of veterinary technicians will experience an injury at some point in their career. With statistics as high as this, what is our industry doing to protect its people? There are a variety of training procedures we can implement and safety gear we can add to our arsenals, but we must first start with eradicating the stigma around protecting ourselves. A common misconception for animal handlers is that to use gloves and prioritize caregiver health is wrong. Or, for an animal handler to use personal protective equipment, such as protective gloves, implies that the animal is dangerous or bad. These common misconceptions could not be further from the truth. In order to continue providing the absolute best care, providers need to be protected. This is why ArmOR Hand® Protective Gloves were created to change the industry approach toward keeping caregivers safe. The gloves do not compromise when it comes to durability, while ensuring superior flexibility and dexterity. Made of fully synthetic materials with no animal products, ArmOR Hand® Protective Gloves provide protection and maximum flexibility so that you can achieve proper restraint techniques. The gloves are so flexible, you can use low-stress handling techniques. Unlike the bulky “welding-type” gloves, a double layer of knit Kevlar and Stretch Cordura provides the dexterity as well as a level of protection while restraining. The gloves provide protection up to the elbow.

Our versatile gloves became certified as Fear Free Preferred Product in 2019 because of their ability to decrease patient and caregiver stress, making animal handling a positive experience. This means our products can be used by Fear Free certified practices and groomers, knowing that the use of our gloves are able to be used with compassionate handling techniques. Some groomers will use a clean pair of gloves with Feliway, or other pheromone products to decrease pet stress and anxiety. There are two styles of gloves available. The Original Full-Finger Glove and the Procedure-Palpation Glove. Each style ensures that whatever tasks need to be done can be accomplished without compromising safety. With the exposure of the thumb, index, and middle fingertips, the Procedure-Palpation Glove enables you to perform the most delicate of operations like toenail trimming, ear cleaning, and grooming. It’s not only bites and scratches that are a cause for concern in animal care, but also the spread of disease. Our gloves are water-resistant and machine washable, meaning you don’t have to rely upon the same pair of gloves for all your patients and they can be easily sanitized between uses. The ease of sanitizing the glove means the risk of transmission for both zoonotic and infectious diseases are minimized when done properly. Additionally, the gloves can be machine washed as well. ArmOR Hand Protective Gloves are changing the way animal care is provided, one pair at a time. See how our products can help you achieve “more feels and less force” today by ordering a pair of ArmOR Hand Gloves. Please follow our Facebook page, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Dr. Laura Catena, Founder and President of ArmOR Hand Gloves, developed the gloves after an injury that almost ended her veterinary career. She underwent extensive surgery on her hand as well as months of physical therapy in order to regain use of her hand. Dr. Catena was awarded the Pet Age 2021 Women of Influence Award. She is a small animal veterinarian, contributor to veterinary journals, and is a medical board advisor to a pet supplement company.

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STYLED UP

by Amanda Aaron & Brittney Valle

AFTER

HANDSCISSORED

Precious Pomeranian BEFORE

FIG. 1

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

omeranians are a fun, spunky little breed. As groomers, we see them in all shapes, sizes, colors and attitudes! And their haircuts can be just as diverse as they are—a show trim, the “Boo”, a fox trim, a lion trim or just a bath and tidy. This tutorial will walk you through a hand–scissored pet Pomeranian trim, and hopefully you can add another Pom style to your repertoire! When beginning a style like this, be sure that the dog is thoroughly bathed, blow–dried and had all undercoat removed. Removing under-

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coat is usually the primary concern before beginning all Pom styles—as well as the primary concern for pet owners! For purposes of this tutorial, paw pads and sanitary have already been trimmed. Fig 1) Begin the groom by trimming the feet. Start at the front of the foot and then trim each side. Ensure you are creating a nice, tight cat–style foot. Repeat these steps on the three remaining paws. Fig 2) Next, lift the front foot up and use a thinning shear to blend

FIG. 2

the long hair on the front of the leg into the foot. Fig 3) Using a tiny super–curved shear like the one shown allows you to create a lifted pastern. If you don’t have a shear like this, you can also use a straight shear and trim at a 45–degree angle from the top of the back pad

FIG. 3

up and out into the leg hair. Repeat steps 2 & 3 on the other front foot. Fig 4) Trim the rear pasterns with thinning shears, creating a slight crescent moon shape from top of the back pad to the hock. Repeat on the other rear leg. Fig 5) Holding the ear so that

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FIG. 4

your finger is on the edge, trim from the base of the ear to the peak, starting wide and ending right at the edge of the ear. This will help you create a rounded fan look on the head shape. And holding the ear in this way will allow you to ensure the dog’s ear is safe, even if they

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

FIG. 5

FIG. 7

FIG. 6

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

decide to move it. Fig 6) Continue by trimming the other side of the ear peak. Complete this on the other ear as well. Fig 7) Beginning at the top of the rump where the tail meets the body, trim the pants by scissoring from the point of rump down to the bend of the leg in a rounded fashion. Fig 8) Once you have the length off the back of the rump, wrap your scissoring around to the outside of the leg and trim it so the coat is even with what you trimmed on the rear of the leg. Trim the other rear leg in the same manner. This shows one finished rear leg and the other unfinished. Fig 9) Next, move to the front

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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FIG. 10

FIG. 11

of the dog and begin trimming at the Fig 10) Also trim from the chest chest. This area should be short. You down and into the front of the legs. want to round this up and into where This helps create a rounded shape all you have already trimmed the ear. over the dog and seamless transiThink of this step as “connecting the tions from one area to the next. dots” on WashUnit_GroomTable_half_12_17_F4P.pdf your groom. 11) Using pair of chun1 Fig 12/19/17 9:35 aAM

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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FIG. 12

kers or thinners, blend your scissoring in to create a smooth finish across the coat. Fig 12) Continuing with your chunkers, move backwards across the shoulder and into the center of the

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FIG. 13

FIG. 14

FIG. 15

FIG. 16

dog. Again, think of connecting the dots—you have the front and rear of the dog trimmed, so connect those two points in the middle to ensure the dog is scissored evenly all the way around. Fig 13) Starting at the tail and working your way forward, scissor the topline straight. Fig 14) Next, scissor the underline to create a crisp, clean line. Fig 15) Comb the entire dog out and, using a blender, scissor the coat all over to create a very smooth surface. This step allows you to “check” your work. Fig 16) Comb the neck hair forward from the withers and scissor a crisp, clean line at the back of the neck. Fig 17) Recheck your head shape and crispen all necessary

BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM 66

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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FIG. 17

lines around the head. Fig 18) Using a thinning shear, clean up the cowlicks just underneath the eyes. This is often a missed opportunity to really change the expression and overall outcome of a groom.

FIG. 18

Fig 19) Finally, trim the tail in a crescent shape from base to tip. Voila! Now you have another perfect Pomeranian style to add to your repertoire. Hand–scissoring a breed like this is all about tak-

FIG. 19

ing off small amounts of coat and creating a smooth, even finish. Use the connect–the–dots analogy by taking length off two different areas and then scissoring to join them in the middle. Good luck and happy scissoring! &

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

CLASSIFIEDS Call (717) 691–3388 ext 224 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 Well established Grooming Business needs the right person or persons to take over. Just step in and get to know the clients, no build out cost and no equipment to buy. Owner is willing to stay and transition client to the right person. Business can be expanded. Only serious inquires please. Located in La Grange Park IL Contact Clara at 708-932-3429 Asking $235,000

GROOMER HUMOR

Wisdom & Grace For the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up and the time of the singing of birds has come. Yes, spring is here.

We just play with puppies all day …

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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Song of Solomon 2:11-12 Living Bible

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Introducing a truly unique line of incomparable professional Grooming Shears. Perfect for all-around grooming and for groomers specializing in small dogs, users of smaller scissors, and groomers who do fine precision work, the new Supra Shears represent the culmination of years of experience in fine shear making. Hand finished by skilled craftsman to exacting standards, these high-quality shears represent the latest in modern technology with the craftsmanship of the finest shear maker. Features include, Rockwell hardness of 59-60, nylon adjuster rides, compact low-profile screw, internal click tension adjuster, beautiful mat finish, high-quality Japanese cobalt steel, sub-zero heat treated,

computer controlled grinding, and hand-sharpened bevel edges. www.bosspetedge.com

om w fr e N

SOCIA L MEDIA RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Your Pet is IMPO

No longer struggle with the dilemma of posting your latest & greatest groom that just so happened to be on your client’s dog!

Date

RTANT to Us!

I hereby authorize the use of photos and/or information relate d to my pet’s expe rience at this establishment. I understand my pet may be used in publications inclu ding electronic, audio visual, promotion al literature, adve rtising, community prese ntations, letters to area legislators, medi a and/or in simila r ways. My consent is freely given as a public service without expe cting payment.

I release this est ablishment and their respective and agents from employees, officers any and all liabil ity which may arise news media storie from the use of such s, promotional mate rials, written articl photographic imag es, videos and/o es. r I grant permission

to use: (Please chec k one below) My pet’s name(s)/im ages My pet’s and my last name/images My pet’s and my first and last name/imag es Establishment Name Owner Name Owner Signature

Barkleigh Produ

ctions, Inc. • 717.6

91.3388 • www.

barkleigh.com

This simple form with space for client’s pet name, client’s name and signature is designed to make it clear to the pet parent their pet’s photo will be shared on social media.

www.barkleighstore.com

Email Rebecca@barkleigh.com

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

INDUSTRY EVENTS ATLANTA PET FAIR 6/24/2021 – 6/27/2021 International Convention Center in College Park, GA www.atlantapetfair.org SUPER ZOO 8/17/2021 – 8/19/2021 Las Vegas, NV www.superzoo.org

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CALIFORNIA GROOM EXPO WEST 7/22/2021 – 7/25/2021 Pasadena, CA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpowest.com PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO WEST 5/3/2021 – 5/6/2021 Via Zoom (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.petboardingexpowest.com ILLINOIS ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/12/2021 – 8/15/2021 Schaumburg, IL (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.aagroom.com MASSACHUSETTS NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 10/6/2021 – 10/10/2021 Secaucus, NJ (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.intergroom.com NEW JERSEY

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 40 Ed 5 • May 2021

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INTERGROOM 10/21/2021 – 10/24/2021 Secaucus, NJ (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.intergroom.com

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WASHINGTON NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 7/8/2021 – 7/11/2021 Tacoma, WA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.nwgroom.com

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