“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL.41 ED.9 • WWW.GROOMERTOGROOMER.COM GROOMING?ENRICHMENT LOCAL GROOMERS RALLY TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN GROOMER ANYA KRAVCHUK ARE YOU READY TO ADD SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTO OF ANYA KRAVCHUK PHOTO BY ANIMAL WWW.ANIMALPHOTOGRAPHY.COMPHOTOGRAPHY THE &DE-SHEDDINGTOPSTRIPPING FUR-TYPEFORCOATSTOOLS GRIEFTHEPETPROFESSIONAL AND
Our Concentrated Shampoos And Conditioners Provide The Best Value! USE OUR INFLATION FIGHTERS! DoubleKIndustries.com info@doublekindustries.com • (818) 772-2887 • (800) 821-9449 9711 Mason Avenue • Chatsworth, CA 91311 facebook.com/DoubleKIndustries CRUELTY FREE ECO FRIENDLY
GroomertoGroomer.com Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 5 Fur-type Coats andDe-sheddingStripping The Top Tools for Copyright September 2022. 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 Produc tions, 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 Hosler: Keep Your Motor Running 6 Pawmaste Pet Spa: Putting Animals 26 and People at Ease Are You Ready to Add Enrichment 32 Conner:Grooming?Top 10 Tool Taboos 40 Oquendo: Grief and the Pet Professional 44 Hansen: Pamper your Kitty Clients with 50 Holiday Hernandez:SpecialsThePoodlington Trim 56 Classifieds 66 Show Schedule 66 CONTENTS | SEPTEMBER 2022 ON THE COVER K athy Hosler Daryl Conner Mary JonathanOquendoDavid Deborah Hansen Dr. Cliff Faver JenniferBlakeBishop-JenkinsHernandez EDITOR/PRESIDENTToddShellytodd @barkleigh.com CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Adam Lohr adam@ ASSISTANTbarkleigh.comEDITORGwenShellygwen @ MANAGINGbarkleigh.comEDITORRebeccaShipmanrebecca @barkleigh.com ARTLauraDIRECTORPenningtonlaura @barkleigh.com SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brandi Aurelio brandi@barkleigh.com WEBLukeMASTERDumberthluke @ SOCIALbarkleigh.comMEDIACOORDINATORCassidyRymancassidy @barkleigh.com MARKETING COORDINATOR Allison Smith allison@ ACCOUNTbarkleigh.comMANAGER/ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Karin Grottola karin@barkleigh.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs james@barkleigh.com “THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL.41 ED.9 • WWW.GROOMERTOGROOMER.COM GROOMING?ENRICHMENT LOCAL GROOMERS RALLY TO SUPPORT UKRAINIAN GROOMER ANYA KRAVCHUK ARE YOU READY TO ADD SEPTEMBER 2022 PHOTO OF ANYA KRAVCHUK PHOTO BY ANIMAL WWW.ANIMALPHOTOGRAPHY.COMPHOTOGRAPHY THE &DE-SHEDDINGTOPSTRIPPING FUR-TYPEFORCOATSTOOLS GRIEFTHEPETPROFESSIONAL AND 20 WEAR Local Groomers Rally to Support Ukrainian Groomer Anya Kravchuk 10by Jonathan David by Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins ANYA KRAVCHUK PHOTO BY ANIMAL WWW.ANIMALPHOTOGRAPHY.COMPHOTOGRAPHY
TLC. Actually, there are many similarities in the way they both should be cared for… You can't abuse your clippers by neglecting their proper care and maintenance and expect them to continue to work flawlessly. Clippers need regular cleaning and lubrication to keep them purring. Routine maintenance such as replacing the blade drive will also help them to operate at peak performance.
Groomers need care too. Chiropractor visits and regular massages are a must for many of us, and routine doctor appointments will keep you on top of your health care. Don't neglect other needs that will make your job easier either.
We pet groomers rely on specialized tools and equipment to enable us to safely and efficiently perform our jobs. Therefore, the breakdown or failure of one critical piece of equipment can bring our day to a screeching halt. That's why having everything in good working order is Mostcrucial.stylists depend on their clippers more than any other piece of equipment, so keeping them operating is a must.
How about you. Do you need recharged?
Taking a few short breaks to refuel and refresh yourself will also enable you to be more productive throughout the day. Now that you've got your clipper and yourself fueled up and running, don't forget to care for your clipper blades. To remove the buildup of hair, skin flakes and dirt, it's important to clean them regularly. Putting oil on the clean blades lubricates and protects them from friction. And, you can protect yourself from friction and stress by having your clients sign grooming release forms and by taking before and after photos and videos of the pets you groom. Dull clipper blades won't get the job done. They drag through the hair, slow down your work day and produce poor results. Sharp blades speed up your grooming, produce a good finish and take less effort on your part. You also can't perform at your best if you are not “sharp.” Educate yourself and keep up with what's going on in the industry. Go to shows and attend seminars. Take as much continuing education, in person
Grooming can take a toll on your body, but comfortable, supportive shoes, cushiony floor mats, and ergonomic tools and equipment can make a huge difference in how you feel at the end of the day.
But as important as a clipper is to the smooth operation of your business, what about the person who is using them? That person (you) also deserves to be a priority and to be treated with a little
You can't work for hours on end and expect to do your best work fueled only by coffee, tea or soda…and maybe a candy bar or donut. Caring for yourself with nourishing food and adequate hydration will help you keep your motor running.
As important as a clipper is to the smooth operation of your business, what about the person who is using them?
A clipper needs a source of power to run. If it is battery operated, once its battery is depleted, the clipper can no longer do its job. To keep its motor running, the battery must be recharged, or the clipper plugged into a power source.
GroomertoGroomer.com6 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 Grooming Gab by Kathy Hosler
Yes, clippers and groomers have a lot in common, but there is one huge difference…A clipper can easily be replaced—you can't! So give yourself some TLC and keep your motor running.
8 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
and online, as you can. Learn new techniques to help yourself become more confident in your skills. Even a well-maintained clipper can break down. Using several clippers throughout the day, as well as having backup clippers available, will make any breakdown just a minor inconvenience. However, a groomer breakdown or burnout is not a minor inconvenience; it is far from it. Burnout can be a career-ending event. One way to lessen experiencing burnout is to connect with your peers. Even if you love what you do, feeling alone and isolated can make every day a real struggle. Start or join a local groomers’ group and have regular get-togethers. Being able to “talk shop” and make friends with other groomers is essential. The internet makes it easy to connect with groomers from all over the world. In addition, everyone needs interests and hobbies outside of grooming. Take a cooking class, learn how to make wine, plant a garden or do volunteer work. Plan and take a Clippersvacation!haveone purpose: to clip the hair from a pet. You don't use them to dry a wet dog or clip its toenails. You can't do everything by yourself either, such as be a groomer, janitor, receptionist, bookkeeper, etc. Do what you do best and outsource or delegate the rest to others. Hiring professionals to do specialized tasks, such as your taxes or legal matters, can be a huge stress reducer and could actually save you money. Adding capable staff members to your team can give you more free time, which is priceless.
& Reduces hand fatigue and injury due to dull shear usage Keeps originalshear'sangleintact Safe to use with straights, thinners, curved, chunkers and blenders Shear Saver® gently realigns, smooths and restores sharpness without grinding or removing metal from shear’s edge. By | 50+ Years of Developing Innovative Sharpening Solutions™ Buy Now! $149 .95 SHEARSAVER . RestoresCOMdiminishing edge safely and Extendsgentlyshear’s life and decreases replacementFirst-Evercosts Edge Refining Device Drastically reduces professional sharpening frequency and fees
WEAR
Local Groomers Rally to Support Ukrainian Groomer Anya Kravchuk
e’ve all heard the saying, “not all heroes wear capes.” Well, the same holds true in other aspects of heroism. However, in this case, the saying would be followed up with, “sometimes heroes wear grooming smocks.”
GroomertoGroomer.com10 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
With the assistance of silent heroes like judge Susan Sholar and fellow competition groomer Blake Hernandez, they rallied companies like Diamondg and Foxy Roxy Supply Company to supply a groomer in need with nail grinders, scissors, brushes and combs so that she could fulfill her dream to compete in the U.S. You may be asking yourself, why this is so significant? Who is this groomer?
Anya Kravchuk is a Ukrainian pet groomer from the capitol city of Kyiv where she has worked for the last 12 years. She is certified with the European Grooming Association and has competed in several EGA grooming competitions. In 2015, she opened her own salon in Kyiv called “Grooming Territory” where she was also an instructor, running a small pet grooming academy in the same location. However, in March of this year, she sadly had to leave everything behind—her family, her tools, her livelihood—so she could flee the country with her five-year-old son to take refuge with a friend here in the United States after the war in Ukraine broke out.
Photos by Animal Photography
by Jonathan David
Often there are hidden heroes who come to the aid of people within a professional community; heroes, because even the smallest act of kindness and contribution go a long way to help another who, for one reason or another, finds themselves struggling. Our wonderful grooming community is filled with everyday hidden heroes just like that, and at Barkleigh’s PetQuest grooming show this past June, while some didn’t even realize these heroes were at work, the community came together to help another groomer in need.
W
Anya: On the 23rd of February I had surgery on my face, but it was not difficult, so afterwards they let me stay at home. The hospital was close to my parents’ apartment, so I stayed there with my five-year-old son. In the morning, around 5AM, I suddenly woke up because of the sound of explosions of anti-air missiles. That day we tried to buy food and gas, fast, but every store or petrol station was filled by crowds in panic. Finally we got some and drove a full day by opposite lane to the west of the country. Tanks were everywhere and war planes flew over our heads. We were scared because of the panic all around. My husband, Sergey, has military duty and has to fight in the army when it's his turn, so he can’t leave the country. My mother, Valentina, and father, Mikhail, also live in Kyiv and they were rejected evacuation abroad.
Our three Yorkshire Terriers, Lola, Niki and Zhuzha, and my mother’s five Canadian Sphynxes live together in my mother’s house now. I came to the U.S. with my five-year-old son, his name is Yan. There is a rule that no men can leave the country during the war in Ukraine now, so we escaped only with my son.
Jonathan: I can’t even imagine how that would feel. Thankfully you made it out safely. What was the pet grooming
Have you heard? Unparalleled Performance Superior Comfor t (877)evolutionshears.com560-3057 "Nowadays, grooming is becoming a studentsacademyprofession.popularOurhadlotsofwhowantedtoopentheirownsalons."-AnyaKravchuk
Jonathan: Hello Anya, thank you for doing this interview during such an obviously stressful time in your life. Please tell me a little bit about you and your family.
GroomertoGroomer.com12 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
Anya sat down with me at PetQuest so that I could share her story…
Pet Grooming Software that's Consistent, Sharp & Reliable Like your favorite pair of shears! www.groomsoft.com
GroomertoGroomer.com14 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 industry like in Ukraine before Russia invaded the country?
Jonathan: I know that making the decision to leave Ukraine with your son was a very painful decision, but a necessary one for your and your son’s safety. Where are you staying in the U.S. and how has the adjustment been for you both?
Almost half of them were from other countries because education in Ukraine is much cheaper.
Anya: We had calm and quiet routine work in the grooming industry. Usually owners of pets came to get a new haircut not more than once every two months. Baths for the small dogs they usually do by themselves, but medium and big ones they bring to the salon. About 75% of our clients have dogs of little breeds, like Mal tese, Shi-Tzu, Pomeranian, Spitz or York shire terriers. We groom a lot of cats, too.
Jonathan: Have you spoken to any of your groomer friends in Ukraine?
I was surprised to see so many doodles in the U.S. In Ukraine it is not a popular breed at all. We have maybe a couple of them, but still medium size. Especially in the capital, people live in apartments, not in houses, that is why they prefer small or medium breeds of dogs. Our groomers can groom five or six dogs a day. They also bathe these dogs by themselves; usually we don't use the help of groomer assistants. Nowadays, grooming is becoming a popular profes sion. Our academy had lots of students who wanted to open their own salons.
How are groomers dealing with what is happening in the country and what about the dogs there?
Anya: We live in Bowling Green, Kentucky. My son started to "Many groomers escaped abroad and joined European salons. The experience and strong skills make it easy to compare with nearby countries."
-Anya Kravchuk
Anya: Many groomers escaped abroad and joined European salons. The expe rience and strong skills make it easy to compare with nearby countries like Poland, Turkey, Slovakia and Germany. There is not a problem finding work now. Some of my friends already re turned because they missed their fam ilies and homes, but most continue to work in Europe. They are also proud to show their groom work. They are happy to get abroad experience and compare all they knew before. In Ukraine, in our industry, for the first two months after the attack nobody worked. Nobody needs our services be cause they do not know what they will eat tomorrow. But we’ve had the war already for five months now and owners need to take care of the dogs somehow. They are not looking for expensive ser vices, but groomers are starting to work again anyhow.
Osseo, WI 54758 • 800-456-9821 • www.electriccleaner.com SLEEVE&BLOWER-DRYERSCOMFORT ShieldingHeatFabric AdjustableMachineStrapRemovableForEasyWashFitForAnyHoseSize Available in two sizes–36” & 18” and four designs. MADE IN THE USA Comfort Sleeve ™ Hose protection from heat, scratches, claws, bites & incidental damage. Slot Allows For AttachmentsSizeDifferentHose Patent Pending andRepelsDebrisHair approved!Groomertested& Works with anyhosedryer
JOBSBUY PetGroomer.com Ads 522,000+ Ads to Date Mobile Vehicles Pet Businesses Tools & EquipSELLServices 800-931-1562 sales@GymsForDogs.com www.CoolDogWashTubs.com ARCHITECTURAL DOG WASH TUBS
"From everything you need to learn a lesson, and God will judge or reward my
Anya: I have long dreamed of such a competition; an international competition with very strong competitors. But going somewhere meant giving up control of the salon, canceling my lessons at the grooming school, and leaving behind a lot of routine homework and a child. For me, it was almost impossible. When I met Mrs. Lori Young, the owner of a grooming salon in Bowling Green, I found out that in just one month, one of these competitions would be held in another state not far from me. Of course, I didn’t plan to participate then. It was hard for me to imagine with whom I would leave my son, organize the trip to Ohio, and find grooming tools. After all, I left my home, all my grooming tools remained at work, and no one knew that such grief would happen and life would never be the same. But Mrs. Lori offenders for me." provided Kravchuk
or helpers
visit a daycare center for kids from underprivileged families or who were hit by tornadoes. Yan likes the place, he learns English by talking with the kids, and he even has friends who hug him when he goes home. I admire the endurance, support and help of the teachers, as well as the head of the family enrichment center. Of course, my son misses his old friends, who, by the way, have scattered all over the planet in search of safety. Yan cries, wants to see his father, grandparents, his pets, but I'm afraid to return yet. We live now with an American family whom we met in Bowling Green.
Jonathan: I’m so happy you found a safe place. And since arriving in the U.S., you’ve competed in your first grooming competition in the United States at PetQuest in Ohio recently. I’m sure this was a nice distraction from the stress. How was that experience for you?
GroomertoGroomer.com16 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
-Anya Kravchuk Photo
by Anya
www.groomexpo.com Hey groomers, we’re here to help you connect with pets (and pet parents) looking for your specific expertise. Find pets perfect for your skills
Ondifferently.myway to America, there were many people who betrayed, deceived and lied, but there were also many good things. From everything you need to learn a lesson, and God will judge or reward my offenders or helpers for me.
and Mrs. Susan helped me solve a lot of problems. Special thanks for judging and searching for grooming tools, Mrs. Susan. I want to note that I liked the quality of the scissors and the work of the diamond grinder, which were kindly presented to me. I am incredibly happy with the grooming equipment.
I am used to solving life's difficulties on my own and I am ashamed to often ask for help. I noticed that I began to cry a lot when they offer me help and give gifts. I understand that I don’t know how to accept something just like that. I got used to achieving it with my own labor or pay from my own pocket.
Jonathan: Thank you for sharing your story with me. I think I can speak on behalf of the grooming community here and say we are so happy that you and your son made it out okay, and we wish you and your family continued safety. &
Now I try to analyze a lot of different situations, look for logical chains, think about other realities of life and learn to live
Jonathan: Our special grooming community certainly is remarkable. I know the future is uncertain, but what else would you like to do in the grooming industry while you’re here in the U.S.?
Anya: I can’t plan anything for a long period as I really want to go home, and I pray that the war ends soon. The fact that I am alone without relatives ties my hands, at least in terms of leaving my son and going to conquer other competitions in other states.
Sit, learn, stay... come groom with us! Join our grooming services team! Why us? + Work at your own pace in a smaller groom room + Flexible schedules with full/part-time options + Benefits package & Paid Time Off for full-time groomers + Employee discount up to 50% (plus coupons) + Continued education learn2groomdogs.comthrough + Career growth in Grooming Services Partnership with Paragon School of Grooming Learn More! Scan or forbecomeapspgroomer.comvisitmoreinformation Some Pet Supplies Plus stores are independently owned and operated by Pet Supplies Plus franchisees. Each franchised business is solely and exclusively responsible for determining local hiring decisions, compensation, benefits and other terms of employment. You acknowledge that if you are offered employment at a Pet Supplies Plus franchised business, your sole and exclusive employer is the local franchised business that hired you, not PSP Franchising. PSP Franchising does not participate in any local employment decisions or practices within its franchised businesses.
GroomertoGroomer.com18 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
On fur-type dogs, we use tools that focus on removing the shedding coat, including blow dryers, rakes, deshedding tools, stripping and carding tools, in addition to brushes and combs.
Here are some tools that can be used to help a fur-type coat shed out: 1. A high-velocity dryer pointed perpen dicular to the skin. All undercoat hairs that are in telogen or exogen phase will fall out from just the force of air from a high-velocity dryer hitting them. Even regular stand or hand-held
M
ost of the hundreds of millions of dogs in the world have a fur-type coat, or predetermined length (PDL) coat, that grows to a certain length and stops. It is the natural evolved canine coat, which is still seen in the wild on other canids like wolves and foxes. De-shedding is what most dogs need, and it is a significant source of income for our grooming industry.
What we do to the “jacket” area, or upper torso, is what matters the most for the proper care of that dog’s coat. Cutting the jacket area of a fur-type dog can forever change and damage the natural balance of what is the naturally evolved canine coat; a two (or more) layered coat made up of very different primary hairs (also called topcoat or guard hairs) and secondary hairs (or the insulating undercoat that sheds out seasonally).
Care of the Fur-Type Coat
Topcoat grows very, very slowly and has long dormancy phases in the hair follicle. It provides “structure” to the coat, like the beams that hold up a building. It must be longer and cover the less substantive undercoat. But the secondary, insulating undercoat hairs lack the medulla, or the core of the hair shaft. These furry undercoat hairs are lesser formed and grow in and fall out quickly and seasonally, and are what does all that shedding.
Most importantly, we don’t want to destroy the structure of the coat just to get out the shedding undercoat. We want to use tools that only remove the fastergrowing and faster-shedding undercoat. Clippers are not the answer since they cut both primary and secondary hairs (both topcoat and undercoat). Our job is to use tools that de-shed undercoat while protecting topcoat.
Tools for De-shedding
GroomertoGroomer.com20 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 Groomer’s Guide
Fur-type Coats andDe-sheddingStripping The Top Tools for
by Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins
Stripping the Wire Coat While all fur-type dogs’ coats primarily shed and have more undercoat, wire-coated breeds such as many Terrier provide relief to pets with medicated anti-itch treatments
10:1 Dilution Rate10:1 Dilution Rate MEDICATEDTREATMENTOATMEALANTI-ITCH MEDICATED OATMEAL
GroomertoGroomer.com22 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
dryers combined with a comb or brush will also remove shedding undercoat hairs. Doing this step while still in the bathtub saves on cleanup time because it keeps the wet, de-shed undercoat all inside the bathtub.
DOGHAPPY
TO FUR-TYPE COATS Fur-type coats should be de-shedded instead of clippered. Clipping or shaving these coats will cause damage to the guard hairs that protect the undercoat. Clippering a wire coat can result in severe damage to the hair follicle. Consider hand-stripping the coat instead, especially on the jacket aea.
3. Acrylic or rubber brushes do a great job of gripping the looser hairs ready to shed out of the fur-type coat with out damaging the delicate skin of a dog. These are especially beneficial to the shorter double coats like a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, or the smooth coats found on a Beagle or a Boxer.
LESSSHAMPOOITCHING
WIRE COATS CLIP CLIP? OR NOT TO
2. Rakes and de-shedding tools that have curved or hook-like “teeth” appro priate to the length and thickness of the coat being de-shed do wonders to remove loose coat. Helpfully, rakes and de-shedding tools are generally very ergonomic and are easy for us to pull through the coat without much stress on our hands.
4. Combs that are appropriately sized to the length and thickness of the coat on the dog do an excellent job of reaching past the primary hairs that need to stay in place, and reaching down and finding the undercoat ready to shed out.
5. Carding tools are stripping knives held at a 45-degree angle and used to comb through the coat rather than plucking as you would do in a hand-strip. Tools to avoid for de-shedding fur-type coats are blade-type tools with teeth and a handle that brings the blade to the coat at a 90-degree angle. These tools will cut and tear the fur rather than isolate and grab only the undercoat ready to shed out.
Playground Equipment made especially for FinancingPUPPYPLAYGROUND.COMDOGS!Available•PackagePricing•NewFeatures888-828-3416BoneBedshaveaFull7YearWarranty!Makingplaygroupssaferfor22years!APuppyPlaygroundisaninvestmentinyearsofgreatfirstimpressions!
GroomertoGroomer.com24 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 breeds are just qualitatively different. The wire-coat hair follicles are deeper and more complex. And the wire hairs themselves are thicker with a harsher texture. Therefore, they do not fall out of the follicle as easily. They often need a gentle tug on them, usually with stripping or carding tools, to get the detached wire hairs to come out of the deeperWire-coatedfollicle. dogs will sometimes scratch and dig at themselves trying to get these harsher hairs out of the follicle even after they have detached in telogen and exogen phase and are ready to shed out. So in order to keep the follicle healthy, groomers should hand-strip—at least on the vital “jacket” or upper-torso area of the dog’s coat. Just clippering down these wire coats can cause many follicle problems. The root bits of the wire hairs are left inside the follicle, unable to come out if shaved off like they would if they are pulled out. The hair follicle clogs and many skin problems can ensue, including comedogenic bumps, persistent and troubling itchiness, and even follicle death. This is why stripping, at least partially, is encouraged for wirecoated breeds.
A possible strategy for those wire coats who have come to you already clippered is to compromise by doing what some call a “50-50.” Here, the jacket area of a wire-coated breed is kept longer, hand-stripped some before the bath, but then is cut with a longer blade or moderately shorter attachment comb after the bath. It is recommended in this case to use at least a ½” attachment comb or longer. Wire-coated breeds have significant issues if they are cut too short. Hand-stripping is often perceived as being very challenging for groomers and hard on the dogs. But nothing could be further from the truth. Stripping out wire hairs trapped inside the follicle but ready to come out feels good to the dog and is easy for any groomer to do. Many of us find it extremely satisfying and the dogs look great. No article of this length can cover the intricacies of the hand-stripping technique. Groomers are encouraged to take a hands-on class with a handstripping expert. But no groomer should be hesitant to offer this service and learn how to do it. It is not hard to do and it keeps the coat looking great! Wire coats that are stripped retain their texture, pigment and protective topcoat the best. The stripping knife, which is not actually a knife, is the best tool to use on wire-coated breeds. It doesn’t cut; it just has teeth that help to grip the coat that is ready to come out. Stripping knives come in many shapes and sizes with teeth ranging from fine to coarse, and some are curved more ergonomically in their handles. Actually trying them out at trade shows, hands-on, helps you find one that fits your hands the best. & we don’t want to destroy the structure of the coat just to get out the shedding undercoat.
Most importantly,
Stainless Steel Equipment Call us 877.459.7827today! www.directanimal.com
Photos by Devin Veilleux
“Our animals are a gift to us. My hope is that we’ll use their example and follow their lead and try to see each other in the same way. The world will be a better place if we have more of that.” -Liz Hutchinson at
Salon Spotlight
GroomertoGroomer.comGroomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 Putting Animals and People
26
Ease
by Jen Phillips April
Duringtherapy.”thecourse
L iz Hutchinson’s Palmer, MA pet salon, Pawmastè, specializes in nurturing care in the form of dog, cat, rabbit and guinea pig grooming services, as well as pet massage therapy and“Ireiki.always wanted my salon to be a place of well-being for everyone. I chose the name ‘Pawmastè’ as a play on the Sanskrit word, ‘Namastè,’ which means, ‘I see you and we are one.’ That’s the vibe I want in the salon,” owner and groomer Liz says. Pawmastè grew out of a salon expansion in the winter of 2022, and it reflects Liz’s outlook and calm demeanor. “Originally, I called the shop ‘Rufflections’ which I opened in 2017. We’re in a shopping plaza near Springfield in Palmer, Massachusetts, and were outgrowing our space. When the space next door became available, my landlord asked if I was interested. I said, ‘Yes!’ This doubled our space, and I added what I call a ‘wellness room’ for reiki and massage of the buildout, Liz thought about how she’d bring her passion for self-care to the forefront. “I thought about who I wanted to be as a person and business owner. How did I want to show up in the world? I realized I wanted more love and connection with each other and our clients. I wanted to give the salon a higher purpose of being an engine of love, which I think there is not enough of in the world,” Liz shares. One of Liz’s specialties is emotionally needy dogs (e.g., fearful, anxious, traumatized, aggressive), so she made sure Pawmastè offers a calm oasis. “I like to make people and animals feel safe. My favorite dogs are ones that require a little more patience,” she continues. “I like to build relationships with them and help them feel safe while providing them with an important service. I like to earn that
“When the space next door became available, my landlord asked if I was interested. I said, ‘Yes!’ This doubled our space, and I added what I call a ‘wellness room’ for reiki and massage therapy.” -Liz Hutchinson
cs@AnimalsINK.com | 317-496-8467 AnimalsINK.com .com
In addition, Liz says she aims for shorter days and shorter schedules for her staff. “I try to pay them enough, so that’s possible. Self-care is an area in my life that’s slowly turned into a passion, so it feels right that it should overflow into my business. Lately, it feels to me like there just aren’t enough groomers to care for all the pets out there, and part of me wonders if that’s because [grooming] has a reputation for being a stressful and hectic career. I’d really like to change that!” Kimberly Veilleux is Pawmastè’s cat, rabbit and Guinea pig groomer, and has this to share on cats: “Cat grooming starts with listening to the cats. You have to
trust, and I love making clients feel their dogs are safe with me.” She says she goes slow with these dogs and lets them set the pace. “If I have a client call and express concerns about their dog's anxieties and/or behavioral issues, I usually have them come by for an initial greeting where we just meet each other without the pressure of a full groom. We get a feel for each other's energy, and the dog gets to walk out the door on a positive note. “We might have a few more of these visits involving small things, like nail trims or brush-outs, before we decide to proceed with a full bath/haircut. It’s all up to the dog. We go slow. And I never put looks before comfort. I recently sent a dog home with an ungroomed head because he just wasn’t having it,” continues Liz, “and I wasn’t going to push him or myself. Maybe we’ll get it done next time. My top priority is always to keep stress to a minimum and build/maintain trust, and most owners are veryLizunderstanding.”expressesthat she treats herself and her staff the same way. “My goal is to be a source of love and connection. It’s very important to me that everyone under my roof feels that love. I think a lot of groomers forget to love themselves. And that’s where it all starts. I think it’s one of the most important things to focus on as a team leader. I’m constantly reminding myself and my staff to slow down. I believe that groomers are natural caretakers, and we often say 'yes' to too much and forget about our own needs.”
GroomertoGroomer.com28 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
GroomertoGroomer.com30 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 greet them, acknowledge them, and give them a moment to take in the environment. Cats don’t respond to negativity; they want calm and commiseration.”Kimberlylooks for stress signs like growling, dilated eyes, drooling and a racing heart, and often takes breaks when the cats need them before they get to “the point of no return.” Kimberly also says that grooming cats requires special handling techniques. “I speak gently, sing softly, and try to work as efficiently as possible. If necessary, I do use an air muzzle for their safety and mine, but I take it off as much as possible.”Onething that helps calm the kitties is separating them from the dogs. “The cat room is the only ‘no dogs allowed’ space, so there’s no dog scent. I use pheromones and a Hypochlorous acid disinfectant between each cat as it removes odors and disinfects without perfume. I also have towels that are cat-only and washed separately. Plus, the walls muffle sounds.” Kimberly says.
On a final note, Liz has this to share: “Our animals are a gift to us. My hope is that we’ll use their example and follow their lead and try to see each other in the same way. The world will be a better place if we have more of that.” & “The cat room is the only ‘no dogs allowed’ space, so there’s no dog Kimberlyscent.”Veilleux
Liz added, “Kim loves to share videos of her cats having baths on our Facebook page! They usually melt right into it after a visit or two. Initially, if they aren’t used to the grooming process, they might be a little unsure, but once they start seeing Kim regularly, they get pretty comfy with her in our safe and quiet cat room. Even if they don’t totally love it (Let’s face it, those cats exist!), Kim is really patient and helps them through the process so lovingly.”
Enrichment is defined as “the action improving or enhancing the quality or value of something” (Oxford Languages).
Building relationships with these pets is not only important to our four-legged clients, but it's a great way to build trust with their owners as well. And it adds to the culture of the business by providing
Grooming can be stressful or fright ening for pets for a multitude of reasons. They may have had a difficult experience elsewhere before coming to our salon, or they may just be naturally anxious, ag gressive or fearful. Enrichment grooming creates a positive connection for the pets by concentrating on the physical, emo tional and mental wellbeing of the pet.
GroomertoGroomer.com32 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 by Samantha Palya
And, adding enrichment to your daily grooming can do exactly that for the pets in yourOvercare!the course of time, the groom ing industry has seen different styles, techniques, and tools in which the in dustry has adopted and improved upon throughout the years. Even though enrichment is no stranger to the pet care industry as far as boarding, daycare and training, it is a fresh approach to groom ing that can enhance the experience for the staff, the clients and, most impor tantly, the pets in our care.
In my 27 years of grooming expe rience, I have had very few dogs and cats that I have had to send home due to the inability to get them groomed. So, imagine how I felt the day that I was going to have to call a longterm client and tell them that I was not going to be able to handstrip their Irish TerrierAfteranymore…alengthy process, I felt that continuing her groom was going to be not only an unpleasant experience, but an unsafe one as well. In a last-ditch effort, I grabbed one of our enrichment mats, smeared a tasty treat on it and placed it on top of a box high enough for her to reach. Not only did it be come another grooming aid for me, it also provided a positive connection to grooming for Ginger.
What Is Enrichment Grooming?
So, throughout the next few weeks, we tested this method with other pets, using positive interactions and enrichment activities during the grooming process. And after seeing positive results, enrich ment-based grooming has been integrated into our daily grooms ever since.
How Is It Executed?
How Does it Benefit the Pets?
GroomertoGroomer.com36 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 fun and uplifting activities that engage every staff member, leading to a more positive environment.
Enrichment grooming has many positive effects on the dogs and cats we provide services for. Mentally, it provides good stimulation and brain balance. By using their natural behaviors and instincts, it helps keep them calm, reduces stress and injuries, and helps prevent boredom and anxiety in between or during their services. Emotionally, it builds a positive relationship with their pet care professional, leaving them to feel safe, secure and connected.
There are many different enrichment activities that can be incorporated such as Tellington touch (T-touch), licki and snuffle mats, loose-leash walking, sto ry time with a stylist, nose work and puzzle toys. But the goal is to connect grooming to a positive activity, feeling and experience. This will help with the overall mental health of the pet during the grooming process. One of the most important things to remember is that it's more than just filling up a toy or putting a tasty treat on a licki or snuffle mat. The mindset, body language and overall The goal is to connect grooming to a positive activity, feeling and experience. This will help with the overall mental health of the pet during the grooming process.
Enrichment grooming can calm a senior pet by adding a nose work activ ity while in the salon. Or, it can help a groomer gain trust from a guarded dog or cat that may otherwise become ag gressive in a salon and cause injury to a stylist or staff member. In addition, enrichment grooming can get a puppy started off in the right direction by teaching the fundamentals of grooming with fun and positive reinforcement.
Enrichment grooming can benefit a business in many ways as well. Finan cially, it can generate revenue by adding another service or revenue stream, client retention and increased production. It can also add to the overall culture of the business, reduce injuries for pets and staff, improve customer satisfaction, promote a positive environment, create separation from the competition and help recruit better candidates for employment.
There are benefits for the pet care professional as well, with many of them being similar to those of the pets we provide services for. Mentally and phys ically working in an enrichment-based grooming center or salon can help pre vent burnout and redundancy. Groom ing can be physically demanding, but can also be mentally and emotionally tasking as well. Burnout is a common concern in the pet care industry, and enrich ment-based grooming can help combat it by creating a more positive work flow, environment and overall outlook.
With the current shortage of not only groomers, but staff in general, this is a great way to attract possible employees that are looking for more than a 9-5 job with low satisfaction. This can help reju venate excitement and satisfaction in the pet grooming industry. In an era where we are looking at the science of the skin, paying more atten tion to the nutrition we are providing and focusing on offering safer environ ments, adding enrichment to our pet grooming is just another way we can go beyond the haircut. &
Enrichment grooming can also help prevent bites, injuries and re-aggravation of old injuries, and reduce stress that can lead to exhaustion, physical pain and negative feelings about one’s career. Us ing these types of techniques can help provide higher job satisfaction, boost confidence in handling, improve styling and achieve better work-life balance. Another benefit to the pet profes sional is the financial aspect. This is a great way to add to your bottom line as a business or as an employee through your paycheck or benefits. The best news is you do not need to be a certified trainer or spend a substantial amount of money to introduce enrichment grooming into your facility or practice. By implementing methods that promote care of the pet physically, mentally and emotionally, you can begin your journey to becoming an enrichment stylist.
GroomertoGroomer.com38 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 8 • August 2022 environment is key to providing enrich ment-based grooming.
How Does It Benefit a Business?
How Does it Benefit the Groomer?
THE HERSHEY LODGE & CONVENTION CENTER - HERSHEY, PA W W W . P E T B O A R D I N G E X P O . C O M
hen it comes to pet grooming, our tools are essential. Most of us know the horror of having some indispensable implement break and trying to do our job without it. But did you ever consider that sometimes the way we use our tools or products is potentially dangerous? Read on for a list of 10 common ways that we use (or misuse) our tools that should be avoided and why…
Clipper blades are not inexpensive, and when one gets a few teeth smashed, it’s a blow. It can be tempting to keep using it, but it’s best not to. Broken blades not only leave an uneven finish, but they can also scrape or cut the pet. Some people try to use them under guard combs, but this can be a problem too; catching hair in the comb, cutting irregularly or even splintering further while being used, causing injury to the pet. Retiring broken blades is the wiser choice. One should also avoid using clipper blades that are dull, as they can cause skin irritations. Blades should always be clean and properly oiled to prevent overheating, which can also damage skin and coat.
1Broken Clipper Blades
2Brushes with Bent Bristles
Sadly, the same goes for combs. If the finish on the teeth is chipped, damaged, bent or even broken, they are apt to damage skin and coat. So, retire that well-used tool and let it have a much-deserved rest.
Diluted Shampoo or Conditioner
GroomertoGroomer.comGroomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 8 • August 202240 Grooming Matters W
Many of us mix concentrated shampoo and/or conditioner with water into smaller bottles for daily use, and it can be tempting to save leftover products in those bottles to use the following day. However, this is not recommended, because once the shampoo or conditioner is diluted with water, the amount of preservatives the manufacturer adds to keep the product stable is also diluted. Bacteria from the environment or from improperly cleaned bottles can begin to multiply. Even before the diluted contents smell bad, they can carry enough bacteria to harm pets. The safest option is to discard any diluted products at the end of each day, sanitize the bottles and let them air-dry before reusing.
4
TABOOS 10 TOOL
TOP
by Daryl Conner
3Combs with Broken Teeth
I get it…we all have favorite brushes; the ones that feel so familiar in our hands and work just the way you want to get through specific coats. But, sadly, even expensive brushes don’t last forever. Their bristles become bent, twisted and worn. And those damaged bristles can cause damage to hair that can only be seen under a microscope, which may contribute to future matting. They can also scratch and irritate pets’ skin. It’s a heartbreaker, but toss those beloved, old brushes and treat yourself to a new one (or two).
® OSNA51M5NM ® ® ® ®Kelco, Nature’s Choice! and Wild Animal are all manufactured by Laube . Kelco Dr. HypoKE300700Shampoo Wild Animal Wild ThangKE804500Shampoo ®Nature’s Choice! Dirty Dog® KE200900Shampoo ®® *Made in the USA of US and imported parts/ingredients © 2022 MADE IN THE * Best MoreValueMoney in Your Pocket ... Natural Ingredients Best Qualit y Animal Cruelt y ®® Light weight easy to handle (8.6oz) Length approx. 7” (17cm) short Cordless - cord-pack sold separately 2 Ultra bright lights 8,500 spms (fastest trimmer) 5 Blade size settings Guaranteed to out-perform any other trimmer E E D ® LAZOR CLIP Light weight (16oz) easy to handle E-Z upgrade to cordless 5 super bright LEDs 18’ 4,000cordto 10,000 spm (industry best) Stays cool in your hands Fits all snap on blades Patented lever will not jam up 5 year limited motor warranty Guaranteed to out-perform any Other clipper ® MADE IN THE * MADE IN THE * MADE IN THE Laube Lazor Clip™ 2 LA50310100SpeedLaube Speed Feed Super LA305001Trimmer10 ® UsesRotCordedarymotorstandard snap-on blades* Easy to handle, only 6.5” Weight :8oz Speed 5,000 - 7,500 ( 2,500 -6,500) spm Made in the USA* of us and impor ted par t 1 year motor warranty Patented technology Cordpack Feature Battery pack Feature Laube iClip clipper kit LA8811010 ® TM ® ® ® ® ® TM ® TM ® TM TM
Super-absorbent towels are a blessing to hard-working groomers, cutting down drying time to a remarkable degree. Using the same towel on pet after pet can be tempting, but you risk spreading bacteria and fungus between pets. Towels should be soaked in the disinfectant of your choice between pets or washed at the end of the day after a single use.
9 Reusing Absorber Towels
A good cage dryer will work for many years, but it’s common for the timers on them to give up the ghost.
GroomertoGroomer.com42 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
Electrical cords are meant to be securely insulated, so the live wires may be exposed if they are frayed or damaged. (For instance, if an errant puppy chews on one!) Using damaged cords can result in shocks or even electrical fires. Cords can be replaced in most cases, but the tool should not be used until the problem is resolved. The same goes for plugs that are missing the third grounding prong. Broken plugs can be replaced but are unsafe to use until then.
6
10
Dull or Worn Nail Trimmers
5Tools with Damaged Electrical Cords
Heated Cage Dryers with Broken Timers
Using a cage dryer without this safety feature is dangerous and can potentially lead to overheating pets.
Using a Stand Dryer as a Cage Dryer I’m embarrassed to look back and remember that when I was trained, we often pointed the nozzle of a stand dryer into a cage with a pet in it. Thankfully, I have learned better. Stand dryers produce higher temperatures than cage dryers do because they are designed to be used while working on a dog or cat that is on a table in the open air—not a pet in an enclosed cage. When used as a cage dryer, a stand dryer can cause a pet to overheat and/or suffer burns.
The blades on nail trimmers eventually become dull from regular use. Dull blades cause pressure and may even crush claws rather than cutting them clean. I believe that many pets dread nail trims because they experienced uncomfortable trims from a bluntKeepingtool. grooming tools in good repair and using them the way they were intended to be used is one hallmark of a careful, experienced pet stylist. The safety of the pets we care for is best ensured when we use our tools and products properly. &
It can be tempting to keep towels around for too long, but old towels cannot absorb water efficiently. Worse yet, if they are frayed or have holes in them, they can cause injury to pets if left with them in a cage. Frayed towels can have loose threads which a dog might chew off and swallow. If the towel has holes, a pet can get its head or a limb caught which offers a variety of potentially dangerous outcomes if the fabric becomes twisted while the pet is trying to escape.
Keeping grooming tools in good repair and using them the way they were intended to be used is one hallmark of a careful, experienced pet stylist.
LEARNING HAS NEVER BEEN THIS FUN. SERIOUSLY. POWERED BY GROOMER’S CHOICE EXPERIENCE ON DEMAND VIDEO CONTENT FROM JAY SCRUGGS AND SUE ZECCOPOWEREDBYGROOMER’SCHOICE POWEREDBYGROOMER’SCHOICE SUBSCRIBE TOSSSTV foraccess fo 1000s voftraining ideosandfree admissiontowebinars
7
8 Worn or Damaged Towels
BRILLIANT &PERFORMANCE&PERFORMANCEINQUIETNESSQUIETNESS www.heiniger.com 24 0 Visit us from 24. – 27.05.2022 at the fair Interzoo in Nuremberg Hall 4, Stand 626
GroomertoGroomer.comGroomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 8 • August 202244 Mary’s Musings by Mary Oquendo
The loss of a pet can cause grieving as intense as the loss of a human. Pets are beloved companions. I met Spirit a little over 10 years ago when I was picking up something from my vet. This four-month-old blind puppy had just been surrendered to my vet clinic. It truly was love at first site. Though it took several months to get him healthy, he eventually joined the pack in my home. We knew he would have health challenges. The first being the glaucoma we couldn’t get under control, which led to his eyes being removed. Ricky, my Golden Retriever, took him under his wing and started training him to be a pet first aid demo dog. However, Spirit’s first trade show turned out to be Ricky’s last show as he was diagnosed directly after with a heart tumor and was gone shortly following the diagnosis. Spirit was a clown and loved working the crowd at trade shows. Though even before COVID, Spirit started slowing down and travel didn’t hold any appeal for him anymore. He embraced retirement. He loved sleeping with his head on the cool tile floor while his hips were in front of the roaring fire. There wasn’t anyone he didn’t like and he is immortalized in many photos taken at trade shows. He was more than a beloved pet; he was my trade show buddy. They don’t even have to be our personal pets, many of us love the pets we groom as much as our own. Family can encompass the pets we serve. And it doesn’t matter how much time you think you have to prepare, the bottom line is, they are here one day and gone the next. From that moment, the five stages of grief are set in motion: 1. Denial. “This is not happening. This is really NOT happening.”
Michelle Breen-Krahenbuhl representing the US in the Poodle Class Victor Rosado representing the US in the Handstripping Class Murphy representing the US in the Setter and Spaniel Class Lindsey Dicken representing the US in the Scissor Class 2022 GroomTeam USA Travel Team
Mackensie
PHOTO by AKC
BY ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHY Good Luck! Competing in the World Championship in Kortrijk, Belgium Presented
4. Depression. “This is not a mistake. I cannot fix this. I’ve lost him.”
3. Bargaining. “I can fix this. I doubted myself the entire ride over to the vet.”
5. Acceptance. “There is nothing I can do but work through my grief.” I cycled through the first four within 15 minutes and went back and did it again many times since. Every time I think I’m at acceptance, one of the first four rears its ugly head.
7. Guilt. Somehow it is your fault. “Why did I not see the signs earlier? Maybe if I had, I could have saved him.”
Grief can also manifest in many ways:
6. Shock. You feel nothing but disbelief. It may be like a full-body numbness.
1. Physically. This includes crying, shock, lump in throat, lack of energy, disturbing dreams, insomnia, lack of hunger or overeating, body aches, dizziness, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. I ended up in the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. Do not quickly disregard the last two as just grief as they are also indications of a heart attack.
Pre-Printed & Custom BandanasDoggie
As a groomer, I regard many of my clients as extended family. I will grieve alongside them. A support system is critical in order for grief to run its course.
2. Emotionally. There may be confusion, preoccupation with loss, hallucinations, sadness, resentment, guilt and anxiety.
GroomertoGroomer.com46 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
2. Anger. “This is not fair. I take good care of my pets.”
While Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross describes five stages of grief in her book On Death and Dying, many grief counselors add two more:
4. Spiritually. It may weaken or strengthen spiritual beliefs or move them towards a radically different belief Everyonesystem.works through the stages in their own time. However, there are instances in which someone seems trapped and cannot work through their grief. Here are some warning signs to look for:
2. Panic attacks. They come on suddenly with no discernible pattern.
3. Depression. Depression and grief are different conditions. Grief does mimic some symptoms of clinical depression, but while grief can run its course without intervention, depression cannot. Sigmund Freud summed it up as, “In grief, the world looks poor and empty. In depression, the person feels poor and empty.”
1. Thoughts of suicide. While grieving, it is normal to have FLEETING thoughts of suicide. But if these thoughts persist, tell someone.
NEW!! Shampoo Warmer! Simple & Easy Setup • Fill tank with warm products • Plug in koozie warmer • 12-18 hours of warm product • After 18 hours still maintains 85° • Comfort for both groomer and pet • Available in 3 sizes (3, 5 or 10 gallon) • Color selection: black or blue Callformoredetailsortoordertoday!cosmosbathingsystems.com • 866.974.3787
2. Grief counselors. There are many that specialize in pet bereavement. 3. Animal communicators. Exercise caution because there are many that will prey on your vulnerability. I am fortunate to have the “real deal” as a good friend.
4. Online support. Online resources are valuable, especially if your inperson support is not available. Many online organizations provide free or low-cost grief counseling, as well as assistance in locating local in-person counselors. In addition, some offer virtual candle lightings and chat rooms with other people
3. Socially. A person may either withdraw from or become too dependent on their friends. In addition, they may distract themselves with extra work.
GroomertoGroomer.com48 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
1. Supportive family and friends. Avoid those that minimize your feelings towards your loss because “it’s just a pet.”
The healing process can be hindered by such factors as the circumstances surrounding the death, no previous experience with a loss, insensitive comments or multiple losses. As a groomer, I regard many of my clients as extended family. I will grieve alongside them. A support system is critical in order for grief to run its course. Some of those support networks include:
Online resources are valuable, especially if your in-person support is not available. Many online costprovideorganizationsfreeorlow-griefcounseling.
2. Send a card. There were many cards I read over and over. It was particularly helpful when I could not bring myself to talk to somebody.
GroomertoGroomer.com Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 49 SUBSCRIBE TO TEXT ALER TS TEXT BARKLEIGH TO 94253 Barkleigh will text you up to 4 messages per month & only when we deem it helpful & important • Upcoming Events • Scheduling Changes • Discounts • Special Offers • Flash Sales • Promotions At Physical Events • Opening of Show & Contest Registration Be the FIRST to hear about:
1. Listen to them. Let them talk. You do not have to say anything. It allows them to start moving through the stages.
There are also ways that you can help a friend or client that has lost a pet. Here are some ideas to provide support:
In an ever-changing digital world, we know the importance of infor mation being easily accessible. Due to popular demand, we have developed an SMS alert system which provides you periodic text messages* each month. experiencing a loss. Most of these organizations support their websites with online shops selling personalized memorabilia. A listing of current online resources can be found at: article/pet-loss-and-grief-resourceshttps://resources.bestfriends.org/
4. Make a donation in their pet’s name. My vet made a donation to their emergency fund to help clients with financial veterinary help.
6. Pay attention to the warning signs of suicide. It may save their life. I am very lucky that I have a wonder ful support network of friends and fami ly. The loss of a pet can cause grieving as intense as the loss of a human. Do not discount feelings as “it’s just a pet.” Pets are beloved companions. &
5. Send or give a personalized gift. I give a rose quartz heart to my clients. I received a stone with a silver heart from a dear friend that will be part of Spirit’s memorial garden. You can order personalized gifts and cards through several online retailers.
3. Send a copy of the Rainbow Bridge poem. Many of the online organizations will send a personalized copy to their home.
veryone enjoys special things during the holidays, and clients especially like to see their kitty pampered and spoiled to get ready for the family festivities. Bringing seasonal specials into your grooming business starting in mid-October can strengthen your current client base while attracting new clients, and late summer/early fall is the perfect time to start planning for theseEverythingspecials. from holiday goodies to a facial or a special massage will bring the holiday magic into your grooming business. And by posting your holiday specials on social media, you can announce and advertise the extra seasonal touches to your clients for free or at a low cost.
There are several add-ons you can offer to provide value and make your clients feel appreciated that will be little or no cost to you. The easiest would be adding a five-minute, full-body massage to the bath. Another would be to add a facial. My facials hit the kitty’s pressure points going up the nose and in the ears. I perform the facial just after the bath when the kitty is wrapped up in the towel. While the full-body massage is for the cat who enjoys their bath, I can usually execute a facial on all but the most aggressive felines. Both the facial and massage use no extra products. My only expense on these two items is my time, which makes it a win for my business. A fun holiday tradition that the family can enjoy at home is adding on nail caps colored for the family’s favorite holiday. Combining nail caps in black/orange or brown/orange or red/green or blue/white patterns tend to be popular from October until January. Offering a small discount on the holiday-themed colors can help the feline and their family celebrate the holidays in style.
Goodies and gift-giving are also popular during the holidays. One of my old favorites was giving out a magnetic calendar with my business branding. However, after realizing that not all refrigerators are magnetic, I changed to having a card printed with a calendar. Some families use this to mark their appointments while others use it for a date reference. As a house-call groomer, I would often see my calendars around my clients’ homes. I also love making organic cat nip
Add-Ons
Goodies & Gifts
Pamper your Kitty Clients GroomertoGroomer.com50 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 6 • June 2022 by Deborah Hansen Kitty’s Corner E
GroomertoGroomer.com Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 6 • June 2022 51 .
Another fun holiday tradition I do for my clients is take pictures of their feline wearing a holiday hat. pouches. These are easy if you enjoy sewing. You just cut two-inch squares with pinking shears and sew the outside about 1/8” from the edge on three sides. Then you stuff them with a small amount of poly fill and a pinch of organic cat nip, and sew up the last side. There will be no need for turning as all the sewing was done on the outside. Kitties and humans alike will go crazy over the organic cat nip toys! I have made these with my business colors and with seasonal fabrics. Some of my clients still have the organic cat nip pouches I gave to them years ago. However, not all goodies are equal! My biggest flop was the year I purchased clear, heart-shaped ornaments and put a little bit of each client’s kitty’s fur inside then decorated the outside. One of my more blunt clients said, “I pay for you to take it away. I do not want it back.” So I would stay away from goodies that include the pets’ actual coat.
Getting The Word Out
GroomertoGroomer.com52 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
Festive Photos
Another fun holiday tradition I do for my clients is take pictures of their feline wearing a holiday hat. While I started with a Santa hat, over the years I have added several snowman hats, an elf hat and a fancy hat for New Year’s Eve. My tip is to have the kitty lie in a cat condo in front of a festive holiday back drop then slide the hat on. With the cat lying in the condo, the head is usually stabilized enough for you to take a quick picture. The key to the photographs is not spending more than three to five minutes on a kitty. You may even allow your clients time alone with the hats and backdrop. This can be a fun family activity to wrap up your feline grooms.
With all the great ideas you may have for spreading holiday joy to the felines and families you service, without advertising, it will go unnoticed. Announcing your
The configuration and coloring of the Air Force® Master Blaster® and Air Force® Quick Draw® are a US Registered trademarks of Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Company, Inc. Made in the USA with domestic and international components.*1 year on parts. Some exclusions apply. Deliberately Made Better in the USA® More professional groomers and salon owners depend on MetroVac than any other brand for power, performance and durability. We’ve been the #1 choice worldwide for almost 40 years. You’ll find a MetroVac dryer for any budget, from the hand-held QuickDraw to the epic power of the iconic Master Blaster and more. All built to perform for decades. All-Steel Construction • 5 Year Warranty* Philip Schafmayer NCMG - Champion Groomer, Judge and Pet Salon Owner “MetroVac dryers are dependable and increase shop productivity” DRY DOGS FASTER WITH MASTER BLASTER CELEBRATING 80 YEARS CELEBRATING 80 YEARS 800.822.1602 MetroVac.com CELEBRATING 80 YEARS CELEBRATING 80 YEARS
In the past, I have used a laminated card that listed my specials for owners to view at the beginning of their appointment. I have also written my holiday specials on my receipts. Another easy way to share your holiday festivities is to send out an email or include them in your newsletters. Remember, your existing clients are your best advertising tool. When your regulars participate in your holiday festivities, they will tell their family and friends.
Extra pampering and holiday goodies make the holidays more festive. While it may be a few extra steps during the groom or creating something that goes home with the kitty, many families appreciate the effort. And this appreciation goes a long way in building relationships with your regular clients and getting them to talk about your business in order to attract new clients.
GroomertoGroomer.com54 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 4 AD COLLECTION copy.pdf 1 10/15/21 2:42 PM
If you have a salon, it is very easy to post your holiday festivities. Mobile and house-call groomers may have a more difficult time announcing their specials.
holiday activities on social media is a great free way to reach your local community.
It is also important that your current clients are aware of your holiday specials.
The goal is to get people talking about your business so new clients will try your services. You may want to run several small contests on your social media pages during the holidays to get your circulation and views up. If you have some money to spend on social media advertising, putting it towards your holiday specials may be a good investment.
Remember to advertise early so everyone who wants to participate can have a place on your holiday grooming schedule! &
by Blake Hernandez
FIG
Fig 1) I like to start by shaving that breed-characteristic rat tail. On pets, I use a #30.
Your Grooming
The Poodlington trim is simply putting a Poodle into the best breed standard Bedlington trim that they can be in with their structure. I have had regular doodle clients keep their dogs in a "Doodlington," and even a few Bichons that like to have an "Asian Fusiongton" headpiece. Once you work it into your repertoire, it is definitely a stand-out haircut. BEFOREAFTER Fig 2) This is roughly the shape that you clip in (before any scissoring) to help connect your low tail set to the back of the dog’s roach area.
Fig 3) Because it's a pet trim, I like to keep the roach pretty tame. I usually clip it to one inch so that I know it won't be unmanageable. 1 FIG 2 FIG 3
GroomertoGroomer.com56 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
Elevate
GET RAKE!THIS 14 3 2 CURVED NO SLIP STURDY THE 5 GREAT RAKES: ALSO: GENTLY ROUNDED PINS www.aaroncopet.com SHAPE GATHERS MORE COAT. COMFORTABLE GRIP #710 UNDERCOAT’R - 3 ROWS OF PINS #711 DE-MATTER-LONGHAIR #712 DE-SHEDDER-LONGHAIR #713 MICRO DE-SHEDDER #714 CAT#715DE-MATTHE POPULAR V RAKE ® #716 THE FLEA GRABBER™ NEW BOLT ASSEMBLY. EASILY PENETRATES COAT. HANDLE. BEST BY DESIGN®
FIG 4 FIG 5 FIG 6
GroomertoGroomer.com58 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 Bio-Groom’s 5 gallon pails are priced at the same cost as 4 individual gallons. It’s the same as getting a GALLON FREE! Available in our most popular shampoos; Natural Oatmeal, Super White, Econo-Groom, So-Dirty, Protein Lanolin, Flea & Tick, Groom n’ Fresh, Herbal Groom, Indulge and our luxurious Silk Conditioner. Our 5 gallon pails are the way to go for SUPER VALUE AND SUPER SAVINGS! ORIGINAL ALL NATURAL BRAND
Fig 4) Bedlingtons have shaved necks and parts of their faces shaved as well, so I will go to the front and start with a "U" shave rather than a "V," like we would on American Poodle clips. You will also need to shave the ears into tassels and trim the edges.
Fig 6) They have a long-legged "Terrier front" that is less angled and more flexible for their line of work. So, I clip the front of the chest very tight to give a straighter appearance in front of the dog down to the toes. On this dog, I used a 3/8" guard comb.
* For a calm, cooperative dog, use also during nail trimming, clipper work, brushing, bathing, and more * Saves valuable time in the salon
* Contributes to the safety of both pet and Groomer
* Reduces noise and has a swaddling effect that calms upset, disagreeable pets
Fig 5) Right where the shoulders meet, I will take a #7 and bring it all the way down. This helps set the front of where your roach begins.
* Comes in 3 sizes to fit most dogs Scan to see the AMAZING difference Happy Hoodie makes and to find one of your favorite grooming equipment suppliers
DESIGNED GROOMERSPROFESSIONALTRUSTEDANDBYACROSSTHEWORLDFAMILYOWNED PROFESSIONAL GRADE PRODUCT LOW COST PER USE BALANCED PET FRIENDLY NO SLS PARABENSOR NO CHEMICALSPETRO- NOPERFUMESSYNTHETIC MELNEWMAN.COMPETAGREE.COM BARKLEIGH HONORS NEW PRODUCT OF THE YEAR NOMINEE MELANIE NEWMAN SALON ESSENTIALS EXCLUSIVELY AT PET-AGREE GROOMING SUPPLIES Come Visit Us at Booth 63-65 LEARN ABOUT THIS EXCITING NEW SHAMPOO LINE EVERY PURCHASE OF ANY MELANIE NEWMAN SALON ESSENTIALS product, receives a FREE Dilution FINDMELNEWMAN.COMPETAGREE.COMBottle!USONSOCIALMEDIA: @GOPETAGREE
A division of Rayson Healthcare www.raypet. net 800.526.1526
Fig 7) The biggest mistake people make on this trim is leaving too much flare and fluff on the legs. Bedlingtons are a lithe breed and need tight legs to accentuate their racy body. I like to just rough-clip them down with a one-inch guard so that I'm forced to do a tighter, form-fitting scissor finish. more...muchandwipesTowels,
Wisdom & Grace
Fig 8) Now, with a straight or a very large curved scissor, I begin blending the tail shave line into the roundness over the dog’s back, or the "roach." 7
FIG
Fig 9) I then address the highest point of their tuck-up, which should be directly beneath the highest point of the roach and as close to the skin as possible in order to increase the lithe and racy look.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
FIG 8 FIG 9 The Groomer’s Choice for Quality Products
GroomertoGroomer.com60 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022
GroomertoGroomer.com62 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 Make them green with envy Learn 800.444.1579more WW W.B AR KLEIG HSTORE.COM Kanine Cookie1Cutters3Piece Bow Wow Set 7 Piece Set 4 Piece5 Piece Mini Set Bone Set #6430 #6429 #6435 #6542 DOGINCLUDED!RECIPESBONE FIG 11 Fig 10) Now that the body is set, I can begin scissoring that cleaner finish on the roughed-in legs. Fig 11) Starting from the tuck-up, it’s important to come down at a steep angle so that you can create a very deep chest. FIG 10
GroomertoGroomer.com Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 63 FIG 12 FIG 13 Fig 12) I then comb the topknot to one side and take it straight off with a straight shear. Absolutely no bevel from shave to topknot! Fig 13) At this point, I like to take a large curved scissor and wrap the neck around from the sides into the profile.
GroomertoGroomer.com64 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 FIG 14 FIG 15 FREE SHIPPING in the Continental United States www.groomersbest.com 605-582-3013 www.sportsmansbest.com Elite Bathing Tub with STEPS and DOOR Foot Hydraulic GROOMINGTABLE LowElectricProfile GROOMINGTABLE CMYCYMYCMYMCK GBleaves-2022-Sept-GroomersBest.pdf 1 8/10/2022 9:15:35 AM Fig 14) While this dog still has filling in to do on the muzzle, I will trim it as if it is there so it grows into pattern sooner. You can do a bird’s eye view of the headpiece and carve it into a straight-up topknot. Fig 15) And finally, with a long straight shear, I make sure that everything from nose to occipital has the same line trimmed straight back. I do love this trim as a whole, but I definitely encourage you to try just the headpiece on a freestyle client. It is quite the personality trim! &
antibiotics. It has been a tough journey, but the nourishment Leah receives and the bond we share is so worth it. There is something so special about knowing that your whole body is pouring out the love for your baby that you have in your heart. Have you experienced any bias because of breastfeeding? I think the public is gradually becoming more accepting of breastfeeding, but there is still work that needs to be done. Breasts are so over-sexu alized in our culture that many people still think of breastfeeding as something that needs to be hidden away, either under a nursing cover or in special nursing room, like the one at church am expected to go to every time my baby gets hungry during a church service. In many other cultures, no one looks at you twice when you use your breasts for the very purpose they were designed for—feeding babies! How great would it be if our culture could get to this point, too? Do you have advice for those considering breastfeeding? Read as much as you can about breastfeed ing before you have the baby! spent lot of time learning about giving birth, but I naively thought that breastfeeding would "just come naturally," and I was not very well informed about the problems we ended up having. Also, find a good lactation consultant! was lucky enough to give birth at hospital where – Dr. Sara Pilgrim continued on page 24 PETVET MAGAZINE
RAntimicrobial
By Gwyn Donohue INDUSTRY NEWS
HEALTHADDRESSWORKSRESOURCECOMMUNITYCARETORISKS
D
Ah, the pacifier. All the books say that babies getnipple confusion and not to give them a pacifierfor one month. I learned all my mom friendshad introduced a pacifierafter day two…while in thehospital. I’m so rule–abiding,waited for one month—but regret not starting sooner! All thoselong nights…why didn’tsomeone tell me it was ok to start earlier?!
VWORKINGETERINARYPARENT5
What I didn’t find? Life hacks for the working veterinary mom. So here are my top5 life hacks for the working veterinaryparent (and yes, this applies to you dads, too.)
PHOTOBYLesliePlesser
LIFE HACKS FOR THE By Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Two million people are infected with resistant strainsof bacteria and 23,000 deaths result from antibiotic resistance in the U.S. each year, accordingto Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)estimates.Whatmakes this troubling statistic important to theveterinary community, other pet care professionals andpet owners is that two relatively common bacteria speciesthat have resistant strains, Campylobacter and Salmonella,are also common in many pets. While these are not classified by the CDC as urgent threats of greatest concern tohuman health, they are considered a serious threat.One example is a 2016 outbreak of antibiotic-resistantcampylobacteriosis that involved 113 patients in 17 states,and was determined to be linked to puppies.Instances like this, along with the fact that resistantstrains of bacteria are developing at increasingly rapidrates and outpacing the introduction of new antibiotics,has caused public health officials and the pet care community to actively address the issue of responsible use ofantibiotics in companion animals.“Recognizing that antibiotic resistant germs aregrowing and serious health risk to both humans andanimals, last year PIJAC committed to work with thepet care community to create best management practicesto combat AMR as part of our participation in the esistance PET
NEW
Asahyper–efficientveterinarian, babytohighBriggsForcouldIwastryingtoprepareasmuchasIpriortomyone–and–onlychild.thoseofyouguyswhoknowMyers–personalityscoring,I’mapretty“J”(e.g.,analretentive),soIwantedbeasorganizedaspossibleforthisthing.Boy,wasIinforasurprise.
PETVET MAGAZINE love my Spectra S2 pump for work! Nursing pads- would constantly leak through my clothes without them!
There is something so special about knowing that your whole body is pouring out the love for your baby that you have in your heart. r S a r a s Must- Have B r e a s t fe e d i n g P r o d u c t s
For veterinarians and staff alike, PetVet Magazine is sure to inspire and educate, as well as highlight the incredible industry of veterinary medicine and the wonderful people that make up the veterinary community. PETVET MAGAZINE IS THE ONLY ANDFOCUSPUBLICATIONVET-CENTEREDWHOSEISLESSCLINICALMOREPERSONAL! A ProfessionalsPetPracticalGuideforHealth WWW. PETVETMAGAZINE .COM
IT'S OK TO INTRODUCE THE PACIFIER I prepared as much as I could by reading all theparenting and baby books early. But there are somelies in the books that no one fills you in on—andI’ll share the two biggest right now. First, “skin toskin.” Really? You don’t think your baby is going tonaturally bond to you? You don’t need to strip thebaby out of his PJ’s and unswaddle at night whilebreastfeeding. That’s what I was doing; maximizingthe skin to skin by unswaddling, breastfeeding,changing the diaper, and re–swaddling…and nowI had a totally awake baby. After my sixth week ofdoing this, the teacher of my mom’s group yelled atour whole group of new moms. “NO,” she replied.“Slather a ton of baby diaper rash cream on, feedwith the lights off, and let him sleep off the milkcoma.” You don’t read that in any baby books!
DON’T UNSWADDLE AT NIGHT BEFORE 30 DAYS
GROOM EXPO WEST 2/16/2023 - 2/19/2023 Pasadena, www.groomexpowest.comCA PENNSYLVANIA GROOM EXPO 9/15/2022 – 9/18/2022 Hershey, www.groomexpo.comPA PET BOARDING & DAYCARE 11/7/2022 – 11/10/2022 Hershey, www.petboardingexpo.comPA
GroomertoGroomer.com66 Groomer to Groomer • Vol 41 Ed 9 • September 2022 SHOW SCHEDULE
ALL GROOMING SHOW 8/10/2023www.aagroom.comSchaumburg,8/13/2023IL
NEW 3/30/2023 - 4/2/2023 Secaucus, www.intergroom.comNJ
Established pet grooming business for sale in scenic Saugerties New York. Storefront, all current inventory and equipment included. Grooming, daycare & boarding services currently provided. Willing to train & mentor new owners 6 months after sale. Located on busy roadway, very convenient & easy access to Highway 87 (NY Thruway). Get rid of that high stress job for an opportunity to spend your days working with animals. Text 845.247.4774 or e-mail allgroomedup@yahoo.com
OTHER
YOUR JAMES@BARKLEIGH.COMCONTACTPRODUCT?
AMERICAN
GROOM
JERSEY INTERGROOM
TO LIST YOUR EVENT SEND AN EMAIL TO: ADAM@BARKLEIGH.COM 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. CLASSIFIEDS
NDGAA FUN IN THE SUN 10/21/2022 – 10/23/2022 Orlando, www.ndgaa.comFL EVENTSINDUSTRY
WASHINGTON NORTHWEST
OHIO
LOOKING TO SHARE
info@barkleigh.com(717)691–3388CALIFORNIA
ILLINOIS
MASSACHUSETTS NEW GROOMINGENGLANDSHOW 10/6/2022 – 10/9/2022 Sturbridge, www.newenglandgrooms.comMA GROOMING SHOW 3/16/2023 - 3/19/2023 Tacoma, www.nwgroom.comWA TEXAS TEXAS July Houston,2023 www.txgroom.comTX PETQUEST 6/22/2023www.pqgroom.comWilmington,6/25/2023OH
At Wahl®, we treat you like family with: Product repair service centers all over the US Our love it or return it, 30 day satisfaction guarantee US-based customer service reps at your fingertips
Blackworks & Nature’s Specialties Available at Ryan’s Pet Supplies WWW.RYANSPET.COM | 800.525.7387 EMULSIFIERS Produces thick, frothy foam 50:1 DILUTION RATIO Cost effective formulation AVACADO & OLIVE OILS Rich in vitamins & antioxidants Tangerine Gin Fizz Strawberry Frosé
