Groomer to Groomer October 2019

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 38 ED.10 • OCTOBER 2019

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L eaving Home MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A NEW SALON

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CONTENTS | OCTOBER 2019

New

MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A

Salon

A GROOMING SALON WITH

A COMPETITIVE EDGE

12 by Jen Phillips April

by Michelle Knowles

David: Stop Shaving Double–Coated Dogs 6 Are You a Compassionate Groomer?

50

My Journey to Master Groomer

62

16 Tutorial Chinese Crested Bikini Bod

All American Grooming Show Contest Results 20 Groom–O–Lantern Patterns

68

Hosler: Dealing with The Dickersons 24 Calendar of Events

72

CBD: A Groomer's New Best Friend

30 Calendar of Events

73

Berry: Crisis in the Grooming Industry: Where Are All These People Going to Work?

42

38

Tandem AT THE

Table

58

by Daryl Conner “THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 38 ED.10 • OCTOBER 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

Michell Evans

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

L eaving Home

Kathy Hosler

MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A NEW SALON

Daryl Conner Khris Berry Michelle Knowles

CARVING PATTERNS

ON THE COVER

Copyright October 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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Groom-O-Lantern "NEWFIE GONNA GET YOU" Pattern on Page 68

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

5

BUT WHY?

by Jonathan David

S T OP

S H AV I N G T DOUBLE– COATED

DOGS

As pet professionals, at some point we’ve all heard or read that you should never shave double– coated breeds. We’ve heard about the nightmare scenario of ruined coats or creating a situation where the pet is actually worse off and hotter after shaving down their coat. But why is it so bad?

6

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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o answer this question, we first need to look at reasons why we would consider shaving the coat in the first place.

The main reasons most pet groomers are asked to shave double–coated breeds is for relief from the heat, to release matted hair or simply for less shedding. Other common reasons to shave a double coat are for surgical procedures or to treat skin issues.

Let’s start with the issue of relief from the heat. Pet owners tend to liken their dogs to themselves so, naturally, as we would dress in light clothes or take off layers to cool down, they think our dogs need the same type of relief. Their heart is in the right place but they don’t quite get it. Because dogs do not sweat, they have a different system for regulating body temperature.

Double–coated breeds have two layers of hair; a dense and soft or wooly–textured, insulating undercoat and a longer, soft or harsh–textured outer guard hair. Each perform a different function in protecting the skin and regulating temperature. The undercoat provides insulation from the cold and heat and its density helps to protect the skin from minor injuries from bug bites, thorns and other natural outdoor hazards. The guard hairs provide a second layer that can reflect sunlight, repel water and protect the undercoat.

The proper option would be to use de– shedding products and undercoat rakes to remove all the dead undercoat that the dog is naturally trying to release to allow for the dog’s own body to regulate its temperature.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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A dog’s undercoat grows in continuous cycles and will replenish rapidly while guard hairs are slower to grow back and are on a less frequent shed cycle, which is affected by the season and hours of sunlight. In the cooler months with shorter days of sunlight, the body’s response is to grow a more dense undercoat and as the days grow longer and warmer, the undercoat is triggered to release to provide more space between the guard hairs allowing for the skin to cool down. Once the undercoat is shed, the guard hairs continue to reflect the sunlight but the air is able to flow over the skin and the dog can more easily regulate their body temperature.

When we shave this coat, the undercoat grows back rapidly but the guard hairs do not, leaving the undercoat to take over as the main coat. This wooly and dense coat will trap heat and will not reflect the sunlight, thus making your pet warmer and raising their body temperature in the heat.

The proper option would be to use de–shedding products and undercoat rakes to remove all the dead undercoat that the dog is naturally trying to release to allow for the dog’s own body to regulate its temperature. By removing the dead undercoat and revealing the healthy, new coat growth, you would also solve the issue of the excessive shedding, leaving the pet with a thinner, cooler and shinier coat.

This leads us to situation number two: matted coats.

When double–coated breeds go through a natural shed cycle and they release their undercoat, it can sometimes become trapped within the longer guard hairs.

Without regular brushing, the undercoat can become packed and pelted and, in severe cases, can go beyond what would be considered safe and comfortable for brushing and de–matting.

I always advise using every method and product you can to safely remove the matting and leave the coat in its natural state; however, in these extreme cases, shaving may become necessary to relieve the situation. After shaving this type of coat, frequent bathing and brushing will assist the proper re–growth of the coat and you can safely return the coat to its original condition.

Surgical procedures and treating skin conditions can also be a reason a vet may choose to shave a double– coated breed. When a veterinarian performs a surgical procedure on your pet, they shave the area of the incision and the area where the IV is inserted. This is done to ensure a clean, hair–free area to be disinfected to avoid infection during and after the surgery.

I always advise to follow the vet’s advice when it comes to surgery and aftercare. Hair left around an incision site can harbor bacteria and dirt, and the hair itself can become incased in the scabbing at the incision site, causing complications during the healing and slowing the progress.

The same goes for treating certain skin infections. Sometimes a vet may decide to shave the area being treated to allow for application of topical medicines and proper cleaning. If a dog has to be shaved for surgery or for treating skin issues, once the area is healed and the vet approves bathing, frequent bathing and de–shedding of the area as the coat grows back will assist in returning it to its natural state.

A little understanding about the

Without regular brushing, the undercoat can become packed and pelted and, in severe cases, can go beyond what would be considered safe and comfortable for brushing and de–matting.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

9

cycle of a hair follicle also helps to “shed” some light on the subject.

Humans have one hair per hair follicle while dogs can have several hairs growing from the same follicle and they can be in different phases.

“Anagen” is the first phase of growth. This is the phase where the hair is produced and begins to grow out next to an existing hair. The second phase is called the “Catagen” phase. This is the intermittent period where the hair is healthy and exists in the hair follicle. “Telogen” is the final phase where the hair follicle is in a dormant phase, the existing hair is beginning to die and the new hair has not yet begun to grow.

De–shedding will remove hair that is in the Telogen phase, revealing the catagen and anagen phase hair, leaving the dog with the proper coat for protection and temperature regulation. Because the dog will have many hairs— some even in the same follicle, in different phases of growth—if you shave the coat, sometimes it will grow back quickly if you’re lucky enough to have a coat predominantly in the telogen phase. But if the majority of the coat is in the anagen phase, it may take much longer to see the coat cycle through to the final phase, leaving the pet’s coat looking dull and unhealthy for a long period.

Educating clients about proper coat care and warning them about possible issues with shaving these coats will save you and your clients a lot of distress down the road! &

Find us on

Twitter!

@barkleighinc 10

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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ALL THINGS PAW

by Michelle Knowles

g n i v a e L Home:

New

MAKING THE TRANSITION TO A

Salon

Maybe you aren’t happy where you’re at.

Maybe there aren’t enough dogs, or the

place is filled with drama—or just as bad, total indifference.

I

t is always a struggle to admit that the place that you have built a clientele in and invested time, effort and heart in, isn’t taking you where you want to go. It is perfectly ok to find somewhere new.

At some point in our careers, there may be a time (or a few times) that we must make a transition to a new place of employment. This can be a time of anxiety, fear of the unknown and our inner child telling us that we are scared of being judged and found wanting in our skills and knowledge of grooming. Guilt can also play a role in holding us back from finding the perfect place for us to hang our clippers. After all, we

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

have clients that count on us to be there to groom their pets and making them unhappy is uncomfortable and heartbreaking. The bottom line is, unless you go to work every day, happy when you walk in the door, then you are not in the right place for you.

Below are a few common situations.

THE STRUGGLING SALON This is the one that doesn’t have enough dogs to go around but is hypnotic in its pull on your heart. “I just have to have faith that things will pick up”, “People are on vacation”, “Parents are getting their kids ready to go back to school,” or any number of other things that you tell yourself in order

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to stay loyal to a place that is barely helping you pay your bills.

THE MEAT GRINDER This salon books so many pets that none of them can possibly get a quality experience. Groomers are forced to take “just one more” until there is no life worth living at the end of the week.

This type of situation can easily lead to injury and chronic pain and can contribute to job dissatisfaction.

BAD CULTURE This is another trap. All of the employees complain about management, management complains about employees, no one feels good about

being there and all of the dogs are aggressive and anxious because of the bad energy in the place. These places are toxic to everyone and if you get caught in a place like this, the best thing to do is look for another salon where the dogs are happy; usually the people who work there are happy, too.

INDIFFERENCE This is a silent killer of the soul.

No one is excited about the work to be done, no one really gets angry, and everyone just numbly goes through their day, getting their pets done and leaving as soon as they are finished. In this type of environment, it seems like no one challenges anyone to be better, improve their skills or even hands out a compliment when a finish is particularly nice.

These are just some of the things

that can make your current workplace into something you dread going to every day. There is always hope.

While putting yourself out there is scary, it is totally worth doing. It is an opportunity for growth and a chance to find a place that really makes your spirit happy and your pocketbook hold something more than the tissues you’ve been crying into.

Send your resume to all the shops in your area, regardless of whether they have any groomer wanted ads out.

You would be surprised at how many owners and managers are willing to explore what you have to offer. This is a great time to add pictures and certificates to your portfolio…you are working on your portfolio, right?

Explore veterinary hospitals, boarding facilities, pet resorts—you never know

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

13

Questions to ask

your new job prospect:

• Are you offering 1099 or W-2?

• What percentage will you be offering?

• Will I have input into what products I use?

• Will I have a bather, and can I help train them?

• What days will I need to be available?

• Does the new salon support continuing education?

• Will I receive a uniform?

• How many pets will I need to do per day?

• Who will be responsible for cleaning?

• Who will answer phones & track appointments?

• How will you handle days off?

• How will you handle accidents? Who will pay the vet fee?

• Are they willing to implement new techniques?

• Am I free to go after I am done, or will I have to stay until everyone is picked up?

• Will I be able to refuse service to clients and/or pets under reasonable circumstances?

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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until you see these types of operations if they would be a good fit for your particular style.

If you are a salon owner and you have feelings of anxiety and stress, perhaps taking a good look at your culture and how you approach the climate of your establishment needs some loving care. High employee turnover, constant drama or inconsistent quality of work are all signs that your team needs some nurturing. It is always a good idea to reexamine protocols, how the pets are booked and how you listen to the needs of your groomers.

At the end of the day, your work should bring you satisfaction. Your salon should “get you”. Being tired is normal, being emotionally exhausted is not.

Every day is an opportunity to boost one another so that maximum joy and money can be achieved by all. After all, we get to play with puppies every day, right? &

MY JOURNEY TO

Master

Groomer E by Kelsey Ann Sexton e

PHOTO BY HAILI SCHUBERT

I've been pet grooming professionally for 14 years and I have decided to become a Nationally Certified Master Groomer.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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I

t all began for me when I had a little Bichon/poodle mix in 2004. I know what you’re thinking...I’m one of those “doodleheads.” He was so fluffy and so cute...and entirely matted nose to tail because I brushed him with a banana.

When he was eight months old, I took him to the groomer—the cheapest one I could find, too. I walked in and said I wanted to keep his hair fluffy. I was the delusional client. I get him back and he’s shaved everywhere. So I promised my dog we would never endure that again and I would learn to groom myself. I went to work for a corporate salon with zero experience.

Thinking “Oh this will be easy…”

Fast forward through the gritty details….

I learned how to successfully clipper down a dog, held my shears wrong, but got by. Left corporate and went through a couple of jobs; mom and pop shop, rescue, high–end salon, mobile, vet’s office, house–call—you name it, I’ve probably worked it. I learned from several Master Groomers and seasoned stylists along the way.

I finally got the guts and the legal mumbo jumbo aligned for my very own business. I now have a home–based salon right outside of Nashville, TN. I was working alone and lonely with nobody to bounce my ideas off of, so I joined a few groomer groups on Facebook and that’s where I found out about all the trade shows.

The year was 2017, the place was Atlanta Pet Fair. I was finally on my mother planet. So many things!

Shopping, competing, classes, groomers, friends! Also, I realized I knew nothing and felt like a fraud.

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I became addicted to the shows and attended as many as I could. In March of 2018 I became a member of NDGAA. There are several organizations to choose from but this was the starting point for me.

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First, you attend a workshop.

There are several around the US. You can even request to have one in your area if you have a good space and enough people interested. In the workshop you see the four test groups demonstrated by your Master Groomer Certifiers.

The earliest one I found was in Fort Lauderdale. So I signed up and drove to Florida. I watched Pina and Joan groom after we did a mock written test. I realized I had a lot of studying to do. I learned so much, but my ego was bruised. I couldn’t believe I had been grooming this long and didn’t know these things.

Obsession kicked in. I grabbed the AKC book, networked and found a Cocker Spaniel to groom for certification at APF. Then realized, I can’t groom a real Cocker Spaniel.

Luckily, Judy Hudson lives close to me! I was fortunate enough to have one of the most wonderful teachers in my backyard. I would’ve never had the courage to ask her myself, but as fate had it, we met through a private lesson with a groomer friend.

Do not be afraid to ask! Do not be afraid to network! I would’ve never had the opportunities I’ve had thus far without admitting I needed help.

Several Master Groomers offer private tutoring, and online there are subscription sites that offer tutorials.

Time had come to start the tests.

I failed my Sporting written test by one point. Truth be told, I didn’t know what I was studying for. So I had to retake it, but certified with the Cocker Spaniel practical at APF. I took my

critique like a champ and moved on to the next test.

Networking with fellow Nashville groomers, we were able to set up a very successful workshop here.

I tested with my Terriers. Passed my written tests with great scores and passed my Short–Legged Terrier practical. I am halfway there!

The three written tests cover various grooming information about the group you’re testing on. The practical tests consist of four groups (Sporting, Short–Legged Terrier, Non-Sporting and Long–Legged Terrier). Then, when you have a passing score on those, you can take your written Master's Exam.

WHY DOES THIS EVEN MATTER IN THE PET GROOMING WORLD? I used to ask that as well. I can tell you, I have learned so much more about structure and efficiency while grooming because of this journey; the why instead of the how, not just what blade to use. Instead, I now see the dog and can confidently evaluate based off their structure.

Your pet clients will appreciate the special eye you start to develop. Instead of whittling away, you’ll be able to confidently grab a shear and ace that round face. Credentials are impressive to your clients. Shameless social media plugs for your achievements will catch their eye and they will value you even more! &

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I tested with my Terriers. Passed my written tests with great scores and passed my Short– Legged Terrier practical. I am halfway there!

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New Articles Posted EVERYDAY Upcoming Tradeshow & Education Info Network With Peers Daily Groomer Humor

#GroomertoGroomer facebook.com/groomertogroomermagazine

See our new web grooming section!

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

19

Photos by Animal Photography

Contest Results

BEST ALL AROUND BEST ALL AROUND WINNER PHILIP SCHAFMAYER WITH SUSAN SHOLAR OF THE AMERICAN KENNEL ASSOCIATION

BEST IN SHOW

BEST IN SHOW WINNER MACKENSIE MURPHY

BEST FIRST TIMER BEST FIRST TIMER KRIS ALBERT

MIRA-PET COMPASSIONATE GROOMER COMPASSIONATE GROOMER AWARD WINNER DEDE SMITH

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Groomer to •Groomer Vol• 36 Ed 4 • April Groomer to Groomer Vol 38 Ed• 10 October 2019 2017

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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Photos by Animal Photography

Contest Results SPONSORED BY

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

DEB COMPTON

CREATIVE STYLING THIRD PLACE WINNER MILENA KON

SPONSORED BY

RESCUE ROUND-UP

RESCUE ROUND-UP SECOND PLACE WINNER SARAH DROUIN

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GROOMING GAB

by Kathy Hosler

DEALING WITH

Dickersons The

H

i, I’m calling to see what you charge to groom a dog. He’s a real good boy. I brush him every day with my own hairbrush. The breeder told me that he won’t need groomed until he is a year old, but I can’t see his eyes. I’ll bath him before I bring him—that will make his grooming cheaper, won’t it? Oh, and I need him done today.”

We all get calls from people who want special treatment and a bargain price. Those individuals are known as “The Dickersons”. They will ‘dicker’ on the price and every little detail of the groom. They want you to go above and beyond to satisfy their requests, but are unwilling to pay what your services are worth. It’s like they expect to receive all the amenities of a luxury resort, but are only willing to pay for a one–night stay at Motel 6.

To the Dickersons, price is uppermost in their mind and the deciding factor in choosing a groomer. What they often don’t take into consider-

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

We all get calls from people who want

special treatment and a bargain price. Those individuals are known as “The Dickersons”.

They will ‘dicker’ on the price and every little detail of the groom. ation is that it’s not just a question of price, it’s a question of value received for the money spent.

We all like to get bargains, so when people ask about your pricing, don’t be offended or get defensive. Use it as an opportunity to educate them about what makes your services worth more. You have to sell yourself and describe the value you bring to them and their pets.

“In reality, I may be more expensive than others,” you say. “But that’s because I use high quality products, state–of–the–art equipment, and I

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regularly attend continuing education to provide the newest and best services for your pet.”

Most people really love their pets and will not hesitate to spend money on them, especially when they feel they are getting excellent value for that money. The amount you charge for a groom may be vastly different than what other groomers charge.

When it comes to setting your prices, your fees need to cover all of your day–to–day business expenses, rent or mobile van payment, utilities, products and equipment, employee

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“I have a service dog.

Will you groom him for FREE?”

“Do you PRICE MATCH?”

No matter how outlandish or demanding of a request someone makes,

“What do you charge & do I get a DISCOUNT for the second dog?”

remain calm and deal with it in a professional manner according to that policy.

expenses, insurances, etc. It all counts.

If you are just guessing how much you need to charge, you may not be in business for long. Once you know what your expenses are, you can calculate how much money you need to generate each day. Whether you charge by the pet or by the hour, you know what you have to bring in to make ends meet

and make a profit.

So how do you handle it when someone wants a discount? Decide in advance what your policy will be on giving discounts or free services, and then stick to it. No matter how outlandish or demanding of a request someone makes, remain calm and deal with it in a professional manner

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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according to that policy.

“Hi, I have two dogs and I am interested in having them groomed by your mobile service. What do you charge and do I get a discount for the second dog since you can groom them both in one trip?”

“I have a service dog (he’s got a vest and everything). Will you groom him for free?”

“My last groomer charged $45.00 to groom my second generation Mini Aussie Doodle. Do you price match?”

Having a policy in place helps eliminate being caught off guard by a Dickerson. It is absolutely your choice if you want to give someone a reduced price, but don’t allow yourself to be bullied into it. Keep in mind, you can discount yourself right out of business.

And, once you lower someone’s price or give them a free service, they will want and expect it every time. Additionally, they may tell their friends and neighbors, and they will want one too.

“Hi, you groom my neighbor’s two Schnauzers. If I get mine done at the same time, it will be cheaper for all three, right? And, she said that you always give them a blueberry facial for

Don’t allow the Dickersons to take advantage of you. Groomers are notoriously generous. We donate our time and talents at local shelters and rescue groups.

Groomer_Washer_Dryer_1_18.pdf

1

free. I want that for my dog, too.”

Don’t allow the Dickersons to take advantage of you. Groomers are notoriously generous. We donate our time and talents at local shelters and rescue groups. And, at times, do grooms for free, but you can’t give away your skills on a daily basis. Your time is precious, so don’t discount your labor. As a professional you must stand firm and tell the Dickersons that your grooming prices are non–negotiable.

Instead of giving discounts, increase your profits by doing business promotions. They make the client feel that they are getting extra value and they also benefit you. Offer a ‘special of the month’. It could be a premium add– on service, such as a spa treatment or 1/5/18

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nail dremeling. Then, when the owner receives and likes the service, they will continue to request it even when the special promotion is over.

Another business–builder that benefits both you and your client is re– booking. Tell your client that if they book and keep an every four–week (or less) appointment schedule, they will receive a ten percent discount. That’s a real enticement to get clients on a regular schedule, and you won’t really lose money by doing this. When a pet comes in that often, they stay in better shape and will make your job easier.

Dealing with the Dickersons can be annoying. But, if you know how to handle them, they will never get the best of you. &

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A GROOMER’S NEW BEST FRIEND E by Angela Ardolino e

As the owner of a grooming salon, I know I’m not supposed to have favorites, but Chewie and Rico are like family. Rico, a fairly calm poodle, was a groomer’s dream but suffered from allergies.

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hewie on the other hand, loathed being groomed, would even bite, barked non–stop during boarding, and was visibly stressed and anxious when he would enter our doors. My groomers were wary of Chewie, but they did everything they were trained to do to keep him calm.

Around the same time, I began using CBD on my own pets, and offered Chewie and Rico’s mom, Elissa, the chance to try it with her fur–babies. She was excited to try anything that could help them without harsh chemicals.

Within just a few minutes of

giving Chewie a dose of CBD oil, he was calm enough to groom without any fuss. When he came to board with us, he was no longer afraid. His mom thought it was a miracle, but I knew it was because of CBD. CBD has become increasingly popular for both people and pets since the passage of the Farm Bill, which made farming hemp legal in the U.S. For many groomers and shop owners, the rising popularity of CBD can mean that customers may be using it as an option to aid in calming their pets before going in for a groom.

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CBD can help keep anxious dogs and cats calm during their groom, and the CBD–enriched salves can provide relief and aid in healing the most common skin ailments, like yeast infections, skin tumors, growths, hot spots and itchy areas.

Because of the natural relief, the benefit to groomers can be immense.

However, education is the most important thing for groomers who are interested in using CBD to help itchy or anxious clients. Understanding how CBD interacts in the body can help groomers decide if it is right for their clients.

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The endocannabinoid system is comprised of receptors that work to facilitate communication between cells, which can restore homeostasis in the body. Simply put: cannabinoids tell an anxious brain to calm down and direct cells to help them heal.

WHAT IS CBD? The cannabis plant is separated into two plant types; marijuana and hemp. Hemp has less than .3 percent of THC (the psychoactive component associated with feeling “high”) but has all of the cannabinoids, including CBD that the cannabis plant contains.

Unlike marijuana, hemp is legal in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural

compound found in the cannabis plant. These compounds, called cannabinoids, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is comprised of receptors that work to facilitate communication between cells, which can restore homeostasis in the body.

Simply put: cannabinoids tell an anxious brain to calm down and direct cells to help them heal.

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Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system; however, dogs have nearly double the number of endocannabinoid receptors as humans.

This means that they are extremely susceptible to the positive effects of the cannabis plant.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CBD? CBD has a variety of uses. It has been known to aid in the treatment of

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oil products made specifically for pets. aches and pains, joint pain, arthritis, allergies, tumors, cancer, seizures, stress and anxiety. For grooming appointments, CBD can help keep an anxious dog calm without making him fall asleep, and can take some of the fear out of the experience.

Another way that CBD oil can help groomers with their clients is through the use of hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil has the perfect balance of Omega–3 and Omega–6 fatty acids, which contribute to a healthy, shiny coat.

Dogs can lead rough–and–tumble lives. Skidding on concrete can cause dry, flaky paw pads, and constant digging in grass can cause exposure to allergens and bugs. While this is adorable, it can make grooming a nightmare.

Dogs with allergies, hot spots and painful skin may not like being groomed, as baths and clippers may hurt those spots. Moreover, dogs who have skin tumors and cysts may be more sensitive while being groomed, presenting challenges to the new groomer. But, if the groomer is able to successfully provide relief from those painful areas, the dog will begin to associate the groomer with the feeling of relief, which can improve the grooming experience for everyone involved.

WHAT SHOULD GROOMERS KNOW BEFORE USING OR SELLING CBD? It is important to only sell and administer Full–Spectrum Hemp CBD oil products made specifically for pets.

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Full–spectrum means that there are as many natural cannabinoids present as possible and none were removed or isolated during extraction. Broad–spectrum means that some cannabinoids may have been taken out or enhanced.

Whenever possible, full–spectrum is best for pets. Additionally, products made for people may contain artificial sweeteners or added flavoring to make it more appealing to humans, but those ingredients can be toxic to dogs. Using a product made specifically for pets will help ensure that it does not contain harmful or dangerous ingredients.

Most CBD companies use tinctures (oils) or treats to administer CBD. You can mix it into the pet’s food or you can put it in their mouth to swallow. CBD can also be absorbed through the gums and can be administered by lifting the dog’s lip and placing it right onto the gums.

CBD products on the market typically start anywhere from 50 to 150 mg and go all the way up to 1100 mg of CBD per ounce. Typically, the higher the number of milligrams of CBD, the stronger the effect will be. You should also note that every dog reacts to the oil differently, but a dog cannot overdose on CBD. Additionally, there are no dangerous side–effects from CBD. If a pet comes to your shop already using CBD, make sure to discuss with the owner when the dog should receive their next dose to keep them calm during their groom. This can be espe-

cially important if the dog is being left at the shop for several hours.

CBD can be a great add–on to grooming services. For example, at my grooming salon, we keep house bottles of CBD oils and salves to offer to customers as an add–on for $5–$8. Once the pet parents come back and see how calm and happy their pets are, they almost always want to learn more.

This is a great opportunity for groomers to educate pet parents about the positive benefits of CBD, and often, the pet parents will buy a bottle of CBD while they are in the shop because they can see that it works. This can present a great source of income for grooming shops and gives the clients the very best options available to them.

Because of CBD, dogs like Chewie, who would have been impossible for groomers to handle, can now relax and enjoy being groomed without feeling fear or anxiety. The groomers in my

This is a great

shop no longer have to fear anxious dogs because they are able to easily calm them down.

CBD can truly change the lives of everyone in the pet industry and gives dogs and cats the ability to live their healthiest lives possible. &

opportunity for groomers to educate pet parents

Angela Ardolino has been caring for animals since she was 8 years old and has operated a farm rescue, Fire Flake Farm, for over 10 years. She also is the owner of Beautify the Beast, a natural pet salon and spa, and the founder of CBD Dog Health. Angela is an expert in medical cannabis, holding a degree in the therapeutic uses of cannabis from the University of Vermont, and has dedicated her life to providing all–natural relief for pets of all kinds. She has three dogs, and 4–10 at any time that she is fostering or boarding. Visit www.angelaardolino.com and www.cbddoghealth.com to learn more.

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about the positive benefits of CBD, and often, the pet parents will buy a bottle of CBD while they are in the shop because they can see that it works.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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EDGE

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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he St. Petersburg, Florida–based grooming shop boasts a tightly–knit staff of four award–winning groomers and a combination of over 30 years of grooming experience.

Since 2016, they've pampered their four– legged clients with devotion.

“Grooming dogs isn’t just our job.

It’s our career. And we love what we

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do”, says Leslie Dover, the owner of Two Mutts and a Poodle.

“Dogs love coming to us,” Leslie says. “We work hard to maintain a calm and quiet environment for the dogs. Some clients say things like, ‘The last groomer struggled with him, but he’s so good for you.’” Leslie is proud they’ve created such a dog–

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“We’re like a family. We have complementing personalities. It makes for a stronger group at the end of the day.” —Leslie Dover, Owner

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friendly environment.

It’s a cohesive team. Besides Leslie, the foursome includes Kristin Hudson, Izaiah Pheasant and Courtney Crowley (who has been at the shop since 2010.) They’re all passionate about dog grooming and continuing education.

“We’re like a family. We have complementing personalities. It makes for a stronger group at the end of the day,” Leslie says.

The four of them not only work together, but also travel together to grooming competitions and workshops. “We’ve traveled all over Florida, from Jacksonville to Miami, for seminars and workshops.”

Leslie and her team have also been to Orlando and Atlanta for grooming competitions. “We use a combination of our own dogs, and

amazing clients and wonderful groomer friends who have let us borrow their dogs.” This September they’re heading to Hershey, PA for Groom Expo.

Leslie says closing the salon and traveling together took a little getting used to for their clients.

They use social media to stay connected. “We post pictures and videos. That way, they understand exactly what goes on behind the scenes so they realize we’re not just on vacation.”

The salon originally opened in 2009 with a different owner and slightly different name—Two Poodles and a Mutt—when Leslie bought the salon, she changed the name. “I literally had Two Mutts and a Poodle (two boxer mixes and a standard poodle) so it was similar but unique and personal enough to make my own.”

Leslie admits that one of the challenges of running a successful grooming business is being able to stand out from other shops. “There are lots of people who will price shop. Our prices are a little higher than some of the others because of our safety measures, education and dedication. We are our own shop.

But people will call and compare you to others when they don’t know what goes into it.”

One of the things that keeps her going is seeing the joy in their four–legged clients. “I love seeing the transformation of dogs. They can’t groom themselves. They’re so happy because they feel good and they want nothing more than being there with us.”

About her team, she says, “You’re only as good as the person next to you. We love grooming and growing together.”

The salon originally opened in 2009 with a different owner and slightly different name— Two Poodles and a Mutt—when Leslie bought the salon, she changed the name.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

41

GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS

by Khris Berry

CRISIS IN THE GROOMING INDUSTRY:

WILL GROOM

FOR FOOD

WILL GROOM WILL GROOM

FOR FOOD FOR FOOD

ARE ALL THESE PEOPLE GOING TO

R

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The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

ecently, we discussed a looming crisis in the grooming industry. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that our industry will need to recruit, train and employee 64,000 new pet groomers by 2026 just to keep pace with the American appetite for pet ownership. That of course, is assuming that no working pet stylist now steps away from their grooming table in the next five years.

If you are like many working pet groomers, you are already feeling the steady climb in new client calls, have new pets entering client households, and are seeing your typical wait time extend from days to weeks, to perhaps even months. Capitalists and economic analysts would predict that it has never been a better time to be a pet groomer—but those who are suiting up and showing up everyday may disagree.

As an industry, we are facing what often times feels like an onslaught of not only new and increased clien-

tele, but new dog owners as well. We find ourselves explaining, educating, repeating, repenting and exhausting ourselves mentally and physically to find common ground with our clients.

But these are the crisis we already have identified. We know these challenges exist in the pet industry and are gearing up collectively to face them. There is another silent battle being waged that has been overlooked.

Where are these new and existing pet stylists going to work? Is your current employer prepared for growth, to add employees, to navigate business ownership growth and expansion to

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predicts that our industry will need to recruit, train and employee 64,000 new pet groomers by 2026 just to keep pace with the American appetite for pet ownership. accommodate them? Is the existing workforce able to foster new business owners and new establishments as they learn the pitfalls and joys of owning a pet grooming salon? Is the industry prepared to absorb the collective mistakes as new and existing pet grooming business owners catch up to enact safe handling, educated sanitation and professional practices?

Is your employer prepared to operate a profitable, sustainable pet grooming salon while offering fair employee wages and benefits? And we haven’t even touched on the retirement issue for pet groomers who will inevitably

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face a shortened work lifespan due to workplace and innate job hazards.

Ok, now we have a crisis on our hands. What are we going to do as individuals and as an industry to facilitate the answers to these issues?

How will we accommodate this growth and create sustainable, professional, compassionate workplaces?

Let’s delve into some solutions and action items that you can implement now and in the years to come.

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Employers realize that employees and customers are the center of every business. Each business is reliant on people who desire to pay for their services and people who are paid to perform those services. Establishing safe, sustainable, professional and legal workplaces will help the entire industry. Stay up to date on legal pay structures. Follow local, state and federal requirements. Structure your business so that you are financially stable and can not only meet your current obligations, but save for future financial pitfalls as well.

While not a popular subject, apply practical policies that allow your employees to feel supported, safe and directed, and create boundaries that support your business. Time off policies, flexible time off and paid time off are critical to happy employees and sustainability in a growing business.

Health and wellness incentives and plans will ensure that your employees are able to stay in their positions for more years.

As an employer, your initial response will be that these things are too costly or unattainable. It is your responsibility to figure it out. There is no other answer. If your current business model doesn’t allow for these things, then find a new one.

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So, what can you, as an employee, offer to help with the looming questions facing

your industry? The responsibility does not lie completely with the employer. Each needs the other.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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Business coaching, financial advisers or a business mentor can help you navigate your way to a better future for you and your employees. If you are contemplating starting your own pet services business, build it correctly from the beginning.

EMPLOYEES Groomers are a breed of their own. Ask one. Ask anyone who has employed a groomer. I often say that it takes a special person to accumulate the immense knowledge library, hand/eye coordination, skill set and behavior background required to accomplish the job—and then choose to work in an industry which is often undervalued, under-organized and overly dangerous. Who would actually want to do that job every day? Groomers. So, what can you, as an employee, offer to help with the looming questions facing your industry? The responsibility does not lie completely with the employer. Each needs the other.

As a pet services employee, you can begin by ensuring that you are working for an employer who provides legal pay structure and abides by all codes and regulations which govern the community you work within. You work in a dangerous profession. According to a recent article

by The Wall Street Journal, it’s one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. You should choose to work in an environment where your health and safety are valued.

You deserve access to healthcare and the ability to enjoy reasonable time away from your career to recharge yourself on a personal level.

You are a service provider and a caretaker—your work/life balance will be critical to providing compassionate care for the animals and clients you serve. To provide those common career

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amenities, your employer will need to create a financially viable structure which takes care of each employee and the benefits you enjoy, as well as create a financially sustainable future for your place of employment.

The days of fifty percent (or even more) of a business gross proceeds leaving immediately to employees have come and gone. It is nearly impossible to sustain a business with those margins—outside the industry, economic analysts cannot believe it still exists. Inside the industry, it is crippling fair wages, the introduction of benefits and the long term health of grooming salons.

Remember our initial crisis? We need to attract more people into the pet service industry while keeping those who are already here viably

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

employed. The answer isn’t just “raise prices” or “hire more groomers”. The answers lie in having the flexible mindset to structure salon practices and prices so that they are financially viable.

Providing benefits such as healthcare, paid time off and continuing education is a great start, but learning to pay employees, manage other financial obligations and how to set your pricing structures to provide all of these things while providing a valued, quality product for the pet owning public is the key to success for all involved.

Just because the pet service industry functioned “status quo” for the past decade or so, does not mean that it will continue to work in a new period. We are not driving on the wheels our ancestors designed

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and we are not going to manage the growth and change in the industry without bringing our salons toward a more mainstream business track.

Benefits, fair wages and sustainable profits are a benchmark of a successful business.

Every working pet groomer can manifest the career culture necessary to produce a sustainable workplace.

Both employers and employees must face these challenges and work together toward a strong and bright new period in professional pet styling. &

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Compassionate ARE YOU A

Groomer?

by Malissa Conti-Diener

“You see, it’s the love with which you do things that radiates; it’s not the things that you do” – The Law of One (The Ra Material)

T

here are a lot of murmurings right now in our industry over the “Stress–Free”, “New Age” style of grooming. Lots of different approaches and many different philosophies all to do with what some of us have been doing for a very long time. But if you haven’t been grooming in this way, there is always time to make a positive change.

When I first started out grooming, I always put “Gentle, Holistic Grooming” on all my cards and marketing materials. People would always get hung up on those words together. Gentle? Holistic? How much skill does it really take to shave a dog? (I know you have been asked that question before.)

Why would you want to point out that you are intentionally gentle with the

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

animals you groom?

I have been explaining my services long before these wonderful buzz words started popping up in the pet grooming industry. I embraced compassion for the whole animal a long time ago and never looked back.

Keeping a mindfulness about myself, my work and how I do my job has served me well—even though it was a rough crowd out there. I never turned away from my passion for compassionate care and, therefore, those that were searching for a different kind of grooming for their pets, sought out my services.

I am delighted to see so many seasoned and new groomers looking for a more healing approach to their grooming philosophy. Taking a good GroomertoGroomer.com

look at growing in compassionate care is now the goal for many groomers out there. But how do you start? It is easier than you think….

Do we ever really think of our profession as a compassionate one?

As pet grooming professionals, we often lose sight of why we became pet groomers. We often get caught up in the daily grind of our lives and forget about the “why” in our business and focus only on the “how”. By doing this we cheat ourselves and those around us out of our most prized possession —compassion. In the grand scheme of things, compassion should be our number one priority.

Do you know the true meaning of compassion? It might be different than what you’ve heard before. It’s so much

Webster’s dictionary defines compassion as: Noun, a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

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more than feelings of empathy or care.

Based on the Latin roots of the word, the meaning of compassion is to “suffer with.”

Webster’s dictionary defines compassion as: Noun, a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

Those are slightly misleading words because not all the pets and people we see are suffering or stricken by misfortune (that we know of). However, we can apply these related words as well to compassion’s definition.

RELATED WORDS: mercy, empathy, tenderness, sorrow, benevolence, humanity, sympathy, kindness, grace, compunction, lenity, heart, yearning, clemency, softness, consideration, condolence, charity, commiseration, humaneness Of all those related words, humanity, humaneness, kindness, tenderness and heart stand out to me as a professional holistic pet groomer.

I begin each workday the same way. I take a few minutes before I start my work to center myself. I push all the negative and draining thoughts from my mind and body. I meditate (focused prayer) on releasing all that energy to the universe and ask it to replace it with compassion and love. I ask to share it with the animals and people I encounter through out my day. I make a promise to myself that I will let go of any judgements to humans and animals. I give myself permission to let those negative emotions pass over and through me, allowing only patience and tolerance.

Yes, it sounds great, but it’s not easy to stick to! I struggle daily to keep myself open to being nonjudgmental and compassionate. When you feel yourself losing that compassionate heart, or frustration is creeping in, it is easy to re–set. Take a minute to step away, refocus your breathing, shake off what ever has you distracted from your connections and get your mind right so your body can follow the cues.

Simple and easy to do for anyone, anywhere, at any time. You just have to do it!

Compassionate HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO BE MORE

IN YOUR DAILY GROOMING ROUTINES:

• Time is relative. Understand that each animal will require a different amount of time, each time they are groomed.

• Re–evaluate how you book your grooming sessions and your price structure.

• Talk to each customer about the changes you are making within your business and why.

• Leave more space in between your appointment times. This allows you to slow down and not rush through your time with that pet.

• Groom one pet at a time and stay with that animal through the entire session.

• Give pets with special needs extra attention, with slow deliberate movements, keeping yourself calm and gentle always. Never groom while frustrated with an animal.

• Keep some nice, ambient music in your background or water sounds, chimes, etc. Also have some soothing aromas, even just some nice, clean fresh air will help keep your grooming space open to positive energy flowing.

• Keep less pets in the grooming area. By not having kennels filled with barking, frightened animals, this reduces the energy of fear and frustration in the grooming area.

• When bathing, incorporate some gentle massage techniques, use a softer spray of water and wash faces with a washcloth to avoid getting product in the eyes.

• Towel dry as much as you can, incorporating bunting or towel wrapping techniques to help keep the pet calm. These also work wonderfully for nail trims.

• Utilize stand dryers, handheld dryers, fans and gentler drying speeds on the HV dryer.

• Cover the ears with a Happy Hoodie or use cotton to muffle the noises during the drying time.

• Keep the de–matting to a minimum. There is no “gentle” way to demat a coat. Look at the animal with the owner present and come up with a better grooming schedule and style to avoid matted coats. Remember we are not judging; we are offering compassionate suggestions and solutions.

• Take time for yourself. Step outside and stretch, get some sunlight. Eat throughout your day to keep your energy up and your mind functioning at its peak. Keep some healthy snacks that you can grab and grub on while you are working.

• When you feel the effects of energy draining, make sure you re–charge yourself. You can not serve anyone if you are broken.

• Groom happy. Happiness is contagious, spread it everywhere. See the beauty in what an amazing career we have. We are blessed to work with animals and to learn from them. Be happy about making changes that will benefit you and the pets in your care for many years to come.

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A grooming session can be loud and scary and set off a host of anxiety triggers for most pets. We need to understand that, to a pet who is new or fearful, these sights, smells and energy vibrations can be a very frightening experience.

Pet grooming is a very “it all has to be done” kind of job. This is self– imposed and also driven by client expectations of us as professional pet groomers. We basically have one job to do (give a haircut) and there is a finite amount of time for us to complete each task for each pet. Customers expect us to have a can–do attitude when it comes to grooming their pet.

They also expect us to be compassionate when caring for their animal.

Sometimes customer expectations are realistic and sometimes they are

not. As pet groomers, we should have a strong desire to alleviate any suffering that an animal may encounter while in our care. However, how much of your energy is actually focused on the animal and not just on the job at hand?

When we compartmentalize the animals we encounter, we lose all energetic connections. We need to always keep in mind that the focus on the actual living, breathing being we are working with is imperative. Notice I said “with”; I didn’t use the term working “on”.

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tures and this is the first step in understanding compassion. Like the etymology of the word, we need to understand that we have to be ready to “suffer with” this animal as it goes through the routine of a grooming session. Now, we never want to make anyone actually suffer, but look at each thing you need to do to complete your job with the point of view of the animal always in the forefront of your mind and actions.

A grooming session can be loud and scary and set off a host of anxiety triggers for most pets. We need to understand that, to a pet who is new or fearful, these sights, smells and energy vibrations can be a very frightening experience. Now put yourself in those four paws and think of how the entire grooming process feels from that individual animal’s point of view. This is what I mean by “suffering with” that animal. Maybe we can change the word from “suffering” to “sympathizing” or “having empathy” for these pets that cross your hands and hearts daily.

Are you grooming in a high–volume way that does not allow for any type of compassionate interactions with the animals? Now is the time to shift your focus and your energy on “why” you groom, more than the actual “how” or the mechanics of it. High– volume grooming is not a sustainable way for us as professionals to work. It takes its toll on our bodies, mind and spirt, as well as the pets we are trusted with. There are always going to be busy and chaotic days in our business—it’s how we handle them that matters to us and our four–legged customers.

If you can not spend extra time with a pet while working, then maybe you need to approach your whole grooming system with a new compassionate set of eyes.

How do we find, regain or discover our compassion?

As groomers we are faced daily with a wide variety of scenarios between humans and animals. How do you approach these situations? Do you let emotions, frustrations and external problems affect how you do your job? Are you able to separate yourself from all these “things” that affect all of us, and place your focus on what the animal is trying to tell you?

Take a little extra time during the grooming session to slow down, hone in on your natural ability to connect with the pet you have in front of you and just breathe, relax and be mindful of all the things you are asking this animal to do for you. If you can not spend

extra time with a pet while working, then maybe you need to approach your whole grooming system with a new compassionate set of eyes. Our goal in compassionate grooming is to never force anything, but with gentle loving kindness, meet that animal where they are and know that sometimes it takes more than one grooming session to get the “job” done.

How do we get the job done, yet still maintain a balanced and tender approach to the pets and people? Look at each pet individually, knowing and understanding that no two pets are alike. Begin to train your human customers to see grooming in a new way.

We are never looking for perfection in a groom, but what is perfect for that

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animal at that time.

Example: “Fluffy may be a little uneven, but she was really struggling with having her legs touched today, so we didn’t force her, and we did what we could as gently as possible. I noted her discomfort in her file, and the next groom we will try again. Thank you for understanding that this isn’t about a perfect haircut, it’s about treating your pet with kindness and listening to them”.

Each day is different for us, and also for them. Just because a pet has a grooming session that day doesn’t mean it’s their perfect day to get groomed. We all have encountered the grumpy/anxious/naughty pet at one appointment, and the next time you see them they are in a better mood.

We do what we can to help them, in that moment.

Of course you have to re–adjust your booking times and prices to reflect the additional time with each pet, but overall these are small changes to your business with a much larger impact on your customers who truly are looking for that stress–free, compassionate grooming session for their pet.

In working with both animals and humans, trust has to be the main ingredient in our business formula. If we can explain to our human customers why we are doing things this way, they will feel like they are actively choosing your compassionate grooming services over other grooming businesses who have a different philosophy.

Once you understand that every client is not for you, it stings less when a client tells you they aren’t interested in your “new style” of grooming. There is enough for everyone, and with the right marketing, education of yourself and the customers, you will draw in the people and pets that are looking for you. If you have an open mind and heart, and are willing to do the work in a compassionate way, prosperity and positivity will flow your way. &

GROOMING MATTERS

Tandem

by Daryl Conner

AT THE

W

58

Table

hen I was a kid, my dad used to say, “If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” I took that quote to heart, and it’s mostly a good thing— until it isn’t.

For example, three years ago, while doing chores around my little farm, my boot caught on a loop of baling twine and the twine got slammed in a door, and I did an epic face plant on chicken–poop–covered pavement.

When I was able to get up, I knew I’d done some damage to my right shoulder, and despite my aversion to visiting with medical professionals, I went to

the emergency room.

Surveying my x–ray, the doctor quipped, “You did a good job.” I wryly thought, “Well, dad would be proud.”

As it turned out, I had dislocated my shoulder, torn my bicep muscle, suffered nerve damage and destroyed my rotator cuff. This meant no grooming for me.

My business was only two years old and doing nicely. We depend on my income, and I was in a panic trying to figure out how to continue earning money, keep my business afloat and not disappoint my wonderful customers.

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My daughter, Rachel, had been grooming with me since she was a baby in a backpack, and I was a house–call groomer. Later I went mobile, and she and her friends often rode with me on my route. When she was 15, and legally old enough to be employed, she joined the crew as a bather at the upscale spa where I worked. From there, she went on to be employed in other industries, and also groomed in a different state for a while. When I injured myself, she was back home, and successfully embarking on a career selling real estate. Seeing my plight, she kindly offered to work in my studio

three days a week and work her regular job the rest of the time. I was elated.

During my long recovery, I would sit and watch her groom. I chatted with customers, tried to help with one hand (I was mostly in the way), answered the phone and was wildly frustrated by my inability to scissor even the tiniest sprig of fur. Rachel put up with it all. To my surprise, the customers took to her immediately.

It wasn’t long before they’d look past me, and ask, “Where’s Rachel?”, if she wasn’t in the room when they entered.

As months went by and I was able to do a little more, I would sit at one side of the grooming table, and she on the other. We worked on each dog together; drying, brushing, combing, clipping and scissoring. It worked amazingly well. The dogs got done quickly, it was nice having extra hands on the wiggly pets, and we found that we worked beautifully together. But still, as I became more capable, I began to think happily of the time when she could return to her career, and I could have my studio back to myself.

Then something strange happened. The more we worked together, the more I began to dread the day that she would leave. I didn’t tell her that.

I wanted her to follow her own path, but I began to grieve the time that she would go. Then one day she said, “You know, I’m really enjoying grooming.

Would it be possible for me to stay?”

There was some discussion of trying to fit a second grooming table into our small space, so we could operate the way most grooming operations do; each person working on their own pet. But instead we tweaked the way we had already started and forged a unique path. I don’t know any other groomers that work the way we do, but we find it to be practical and fun.

One of us pops the dog in the tub to get it clean and conditioned. Once the dog is on the table, we work as a team. We have it all beautifully orches-

We worked on each dog together; drying, brushing, combing, clipping and scissoring. It worked amazingly well.

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trated; drying together, then one trimming and buffing nails while the other trims paw pads, sanitary areas and such. Then we each brush and comb the side we are working on. Once the dog is prepped, we decide what we will be doing for grooming. We have two clipper vacuum systems and multiples of all our hand tools and scissors.

During the grooming, we tend to

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rotate the dog so we both work on all areas, one catching anything the other missed. After three years of working this way, we are almost able to read one another’s mind, handing each other the needed tools, or holding the pet so a tricky area can be safely trimmed.

Our grooming studio is located on the front porch of my home in rural Maine. It is well off the beaten path.

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The town we are in is so small that we share a zip code with the next largest town. There are no traffic lights, and we can’t even see any neighbors. If the key to starting a good business is “location, location, location,” I was “loco” when I started mine.

Part of my success hinged on a comment the man creating my website made. I was telling him about my dream for my business, and said I was thinking of creating a little area where customers could wait for their pet, since we were a bit of a drive for most people. He seized on that idea. “Hardly any groomers let people stay,” he said, “You should market that.” And I did.

I set up half of my space with comfortable rocking chairs. I put out a coffee maker and a covered plate with home made cookies. I arranged my days so that I only groom one pet at a time, and since I work on animals 50 pounds and under, most pets are done in around one hour. Most of my customers happily pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and either chat, read or surf the net. Some bring needle work, one teacher spreads lesson plans on the floor and stays happily engaged while we take care of her pets. I ask that people not touch their dog or cat while we are working, and I rarely need to remind them.

Customers tell us over and over, “I love to see you two working together,” or “You sure make a good team.” We do. We spend our days chatting and laughing, getting kissed by puppies and often hugged by customers who enjoy rocking away an hour on a farmhouse porch while we pamper their pet.

We now refer to my fall as “the happiest accident.” Neither of us dreamed that we would create this unusual grooming method—and make it work. Last week a customer watching us said, “There is grooming, and then there is grooming. You two do it so well.” Dad had it right. &

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AFTER

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BEFORE

E by Amanda Aaron e FIG. 1

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T

he Chinese Crested dog isn’t one that you would normally see in the grooming salon, but I am hoping that this article is one that you can tuck away for those “What do I do?!” moments.

The Chinese Crested dog comes in two varieties; Hairless and Powderpuff. The hairless variety can vary in the amount of hair that grows on their body. The Powderpuff has a long but soft, thick double coat. In this article we are going to address the grooming

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of the Hairless variety.

Hairless Chinese Crested dogs have a similar skin care regimen to humans, as they are prone to acne, sunburn and dry skin. While they are considered a “wash and wear” dog, they still need special attention with their grooming.

Fig 1) Start with a good moisturizing bath with a hypoallergenic shampoo. It’s important to wash away any dirt and debris that may be on the dog’s skin.

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

Fig 2 & 3) The clipper work can be done in different lengths, but this particular dog is used to having a weekly bath as well as clipper work. I used a #30 reverse to clip all of the short hair off of the croup, loin and back, following upward to the back of the crest. For dogs that are not done regularly, start with a #9 to prevent clipper burn.

Fig 4 and 5) Starting just above the socks, use the same blade length to reverse clip each of the legs (front and back) all of the way up to where you clipped on the body.

Fig 6) Cleanly clip out each of the paw pads.

Fig 7) I used a #10 blade on a cordless clipper to clip the outside edge of each ear, making sure to guard the edges of the ears with my

Patented

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FIG. 8

fingers to prevent any nicks.

Fig 8) I then used a #30 blade on the inside of the ears, again guarding the ear with my fingers. If the dog isn’t used to having a short blade length, go

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FIG. 9

a notch longer to prevent clipper burn.

Fig 9) Carefully, scissor trim around the outside edge of the ear to give it a nice finish.

Fig 10 & 11) Using a blade that is

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FIG. 10

appropriate for the dog’s skin, clipper the throat as well as the face, but cautiously stopping just under the outside of the eyes. They should not have Poodle faces.

Fig 12) My preferred method of

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scissoring the foot of a Chinese Crested dog is while the foot is on the table in a natural position. This ensures that too much hair isn’t removed.

Fig 13) Referring back to the beginning of this tutorial, Chinese

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FIG. 12

Crested dogs have similar skin care to humans. There are many moisturizing products on the market that are pet–safe. Use whichever product that is pet–safe and owner–approved, liberally.

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FIG. 13

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Groom-os n r e t n a L

Looking for a fun way to surprise customers and help your shop stand out this fall? Be bold and festive with your very own Groom–O–Lanterns!

P

umpkin spice lattes, rustic leaves, crisp, cool air and fun Halloween decorations—Fall is well on its way and so are our new Groom–O–Lanterns! We had so many people the last two years using these adorable groomable dog templates to create their own Groom–O–Lanterns that we just had to create more designs for the 2019 fall season.

Check out these new designs as well as some of the lanterns from last year! Don’t forget to share photos of your masterpiece with us via the Groomer to Groomer Magazine Facebook page when you’re done.

We love to see how creative our fellow groomers can be.

Go to www.groomertogroomer. com/groom-o-lantern-3 to down-

load the template suited for your skill level and follow these instructions for pumpkin carving success: Make sure to start with a spacious work area; this process can get messy. Lay down a garbage bag or some newspaper before making any cuts. Clean the exterior of your pumpkin with a disinfecting wipe or damp towel. Once ready, cut a hole around the stem area including a notch. The notch will help realign your top once it’s removed. Next, scrape out the flesh, pulp and seeds.

Once you have decided on the side your pattern will go, scrape extra out of the area while still leaving at least an inch thickness. A thinner wall of pumpkin will make intricate cuts easier but too thin will be prone

to collapse.

Transfer the design using one of our templates by taping it on the pumpkin. Fold over the corners of your paper if necessary to keep the design flat. The darkest part of the template will be removed for light to shine through. Carefully, jab a dotted line following the outline of the template with an awl or sharp pointed tool. Remove the paper and carve along your dotted lines. Your pumpkin is now complete!

Try different sized pumpkins for variety. Larger pumpkins offer up a larger surface area, making carving less of a hassle. Get your staff involved and host a carving party. Skip the templates all together and create your own! &

SHARE YOUR FINISHED PROJECTS WITH US! Use hashtag #GroomOLantern barkleigh_inc

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barkleighinc

GroomertoGroomer.com

groomertogroomermagazine

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by Zsani Molnár

#groomolantern

by Kayla Bazinet-Mann

Go to www.groomertogroomer.com/groom-o-lantern-3 to download the full sized templates

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Y R A U 020 R B FE 3, 2 2 0 2

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BUILD YOUR TOOLKIT, BUILD YOUR CAPABILITIES NOT ALL CLIPPERS ARE CREATED EQUAL. WE'LL EXPLORE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLIPPERS/MOTORS, BLADE TYPES, COMBS, TOOLS AND MAINTENANCE. LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CORD AND CORDLESS, THE USE OF MULTIPLE SPEEDS AND ADJUSTABLE VERSUS DETACHABLE BLADE CLIPPERS. WE WILL ALSO EXPLAIN WHEN AND HOW TO REPLACE TOOLS AND BLADES.

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NEW JERSEY

GROOM EXPO 9/10/2020 – 9/13/2020 Hershey PA

INTERGROOM 4/2/2020 – 4/5/2020 Secaucus, NJ (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.intergroom.com

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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NEW PRODUCTS KLIPTRIO® 3-IN-1 PET NAIL CLIPPER

EARTHBATH® LAUNCHES NEW OATMEAL AND ALOE GROOMING WIPES

The KlipTrio® is the first, and only, 3-in-1 pet nail clipper, allowing convenient access to the tools necessary for a safe, hygienic and complete nail trimming. This is the industry’s safest and most hygienic pet nail clipper, with the first ever disposable styptic powder cartridges that quickly stop the bleeding and provide immediate pain relief. The clipper also features precision cutting blades, an integrated stainless steel nail file and ergonomic handle design. This

earthbath® is proud to announce the release of new Oatmeal and Aloe Grooming Wipes, specially formulated for dogs with itchy, dry skin. Using the unique properties of colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera, these wipes are designed to safely clean and soothe dogs’ coat and skin between baths. These wipes are safe for use on dogs and puppies over six weeks of age and can also be used on cats and kittens. These extra thick, soft and moist wipes are alcohol, lanolin and paraben free.

They are available in two sizes: a 28 count re-sealable soft pack and a 100 count re-sealable tub. For more information on earthbath products go to www.earthbath.com

is the only positive reinforcement nail clipper ever, which is veterinarian and groomer recommended. For more information, visit www.kliptrio.com

Easy!

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! 74

Only Available At: BarkleighStore.com • (717) 691-3388

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 10 • October 2019

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LET THERE BE

LIGHT Tool Klean Anti-Microbial UVC Light Appliances kill germs quickly and efficiently with strong Ultraviolet Light (UVC)

Anti-Microbial UV Light Oven Pro • 2 Stainless steel shelves • Digital control w/timer • Durable construction • Eye protection coating • Mirrored interior

• 8W UVC high efficiency bulb • 253.7 nm wavelength, no heat • For hand tools, clippers, blades, sponges, brushes, collars, bottles, and toothbrushes.

www.ToolKlean.com

L O G IN T O SEE L O WEST L IST PR IC E ONLI NE

K-9 II & K-9 III Blower-Dryers

Now Both Available in Variable Speed!

AV AIL A B L E AT R YAN ’S PET SU P P LI E S

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF MANUFACTURING IN THE USA

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IT’S OUR DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY! 60 years ago, both Ryan’s Pet Supplies and Electric Cleaner Company (manufacturer of K-9 dryers) were founded. In the time that’s passed since, we have served the grooming industry with pride. We do it for you, the groomers. We are incredibly proud to serve such an amazing group of people that do it just because they love it. We thank you for 60 years and hope to serve you for 60 more.

W W W . R YA N S P E T . C O M | 8 0 0 . 5 2 5 . 7 3 8 7