PetGroomer.com Magazine Summer 2016 by findagroomer

eGroomer Journal January / March 2014

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M A G A Z I N E Formerly “eGroomer Journal”

July / September 2016

American Cocker Spaniel by Jodi Murphy Contemplating the Future of Pet Grooming

$15 Minimum Wage: What If?

HIGH Pressure Groomer

HEAT! What Difference Does it Make?

Maintenance for Andis Clippers

Clipper Blade & Comb Reference Chart

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30 Years Experience Serving Groomers Nationwide Fast Turnaround Clipper Blade Sharpening Clipper & Dryer Repair Scissor Sharpening

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephen Mart PUBLISHER Find A Groomer Inc. ADVERTISING Display advertising in PetGroomer.com Magazine is only available to banner advertising sponsors of PetGroomer.com. To learn more about becoming a sponsor for as little as $1 a day see: www.petgroomer.com/bannerads.htm 800-556-5131 360-446-5348 PetGroomer.com Magazine is published as a download quarterly by Find A Groomer Inc., PO Box 2489, Yelm, WA 98597. Copyright 1997-2016 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Made in USA. PetGroomer.com Magazine makes every effort to provide information that is reliable and practical. It is not intended to replace diagnosis or treatment from a veterinarian or other qualified pet or pet care professional. PetGroomer.com Magazine does not assume any legal responsibility. Readers should always consult qualified healthcare providers for specific diagnosis and treatment. Information provided is not intended to replace formal pet grooming training including pet safety and handling. Viewpoints and commentary expressed in PetGroomer.com Magazine do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of its advertisers, the publisher or associates. Use of any content or services of PetGroomer.com and PetGroomerMagazine.com, including both digital and print copies of PetGroomer.com Magazine, is governed eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free ÂŠ 2014 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved by additional guidelines, disclaimers and privacy policies and notices available at: www.petgroomer.com/mission.htm

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15 INDUSTRY CALENDAR

JULY 2016

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OCTOBER 2016

July, 2016

October 13 to 16, 2016

Groom Texas Houston, TX

New England Grooming Show Sturbridge, MA www.newenglandgrooms.com

AUGUST 2016 August 2 to 4, 2016

October 28 to 30, 2016

SuperZoo Las Vegas, NV www.superzoo.org

NDGAA Fun in the Sun Orlando, FL www.ndgaa.com

August 18 to 21, 2016 All American Grooming Show Wheeling, IL www.barkleigh.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 September 10 to 12, 2016 Groom Wars Southwest San Antonio, TX www.groomwars.net

September 22 to 25, 2016 Groom Expo Hershey, PA www.barkleigh.com

NOVEMBER 2016 November 13 to 16, 2016 Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo Hershey, PA www.barkleigh.com

Dates Pending Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo U.S. Pet Pro Classic www.petstylist.com

PROMOTE YOUR GROOMING EVENT If you are planning a grooming-related event, please send details to: findagroomer@earthlink.net.

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American Cocker Spaniel by Jodi Murphy

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the sporting dogs. It is a happy merry dog with a tail that never seems to stop wagging. Capturing its expression is very important as in any breed. It can be difficult to maintain without the coat matting due to their heavy coat and undercoat. For this reason recommend owners to have them groomed on a regular 4, 5 or 6 week grooming schedule. The length of

this trim can be modified based on the condition of the coat when the dog returns for its next grooming appointment. It is important to find the right length based on the client’s lifestyle and grooming schedule. If the client agrees to have their dog groomed on a 4-6 week schedule, then you can leave more coat than a dog that only gets groomed every 2-3 months.

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THE HEAD

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Starting with the ears, clip the ear leather either against the grain with a 10 blade or with the grain with a 15 blade. A 10 blade against the grain gives a nice clean look. The sensitivity of the skin will determine which blade to use. Start your clipper work at the bottom of the ear leather fold. A good point of reference as to where the clipper work should go down to on the ear is at the jaw line. If the dog has a high ear set the leather fold will be above the jaw line. In this case it may be necessary to lower the clipped area to the jaw line to give the illusion of a longer ear and better ear set. The bottom of the clipped area can be either in a “V” shape which really elongates the ear or a “U” shape. Both of these are acceptable and a matter of personal preference. Clip the ear leather to the top of the ear approximately one finger width into the

skull. Whichever pattern is clipped on the outside of the ear should also be done the same way on the inside of the ear leather. Clip the inside of the ear with a 15 blade against the grain. THE MUZZLE, NECK & CHEEKS Clip the cheek from the ear toward the eye with a 10 blade clipping against the grain. The clipped line should be from the outside corner of the top of the ear to the outside corner of the eye. Clip the throat from two fingers above the breastbone against the grain up to the chin with a 10 blade. On sensitive

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skin a 15 or 10 blade can be used with the grain. Clip from under the ear down to where the neck meets the scapula blending off over the scapula. The entire throat should be clipped very clean with a 10 blade. Clip between the eyes in the stop area creating an inverted “V” with a 10 blade. Using a 15 blade, clip under the eyes to create chiseling. Clip the muzzle with a 10 blade lightly to give a plush appearance. A 7F or thinning shears may be used on a dog that has a snippy muzzle to give a fuller appearance. Clipping the muzzle too close will make the dog look cheeky and the muzzle snippy. Clip the flews with a 15 blade. The muzzle should be the same width as the side skull. Using a 7F blade against the grain clip from where the 10 blade work stops at the top of the ear up into the skull to blend the 10 blade work into the crown. Use thinning shears to remove all hair on the eyebrows. This is an important

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step to capturing the breed’s expression. This is also the hair that falls in the eyes which is why most pet owners do not like the crown. Once the brow hair is removed the crown will stay back out of the eyes. Brush the entire crown over to one side and use thinning shears to blend into the clipped area of the side skull. Repeat for the opposite side. Never comb the crown forward and trim the long hair as this will flatten the top of the skull. The sides of the skull should be very tight and should be the same width as the muzzle. Leaving too much coat on the side skull will make the muzzle look narrow. The crown area consists of a semi-circle from the outside corner of the eye, over the top of the skull to the opposite outside corner of the eye. Some dogs may need more crown than others depending on their skull and what is needed to create the dome. The top of the skull, between the ears, should be tight and well-blended with no obvious clipper lines. The back skull should be thinned tight to the occiput.

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THE BACK

THE TAIL

This breed should be hand stripped, however, most pet trims are clipped. When clipping the back coat, a 4F, 5F or 7F blade can be used.

Clip the underside of the tail with a 10 blade. Clip the top side of the tail with the same blade used on the back.

Blend off with your clipper into the longer side coat so no clipped lines are seen. Never clip the back coat shorter than a 7F as it is not healthy for the skin and does not look natural. It is very difficult to blend the transition line from the back coat into the furnishings when a short blade is used. Go over the entire clipped area with a stripping knife to remove undercoat. This will give a natural appearance and will keep the back coat looking nice and shiny. Thinning shears may be used to blend in the clipped area to longer side coat and leg furnishings giving a natural appearance. When clipping the hip area create a subtle “V” to show the hip muscle. To determine how much of the hip should be clipped, open your hand and place it over the hip, with your thumb on the dog’s pin bone (or point of rump). The area between your thumb and index finger will create a “V” shape. The area within the “V” of your fingers should be set tight.

Use a snap-on comb to set the length of the legs and skirt. Clip the back legs following the shape of the leg. Using the same comb clip the side coat following the shape of the rib cage. Clip the back, the inside and outside of the front legs with the same comb. Leave the front of the front legs to scissor later. The size of the snap-on comb that you use will be determined by what the pet owner prefers. It will also depend on how often the dog is being groomed. If the dog is groomed on a four to five week schedule a ¾” or 1” comb may be used. However, if the dog is not on a good grooming schedule it may be necessary to use a ½” comb. Once you set the length you can now begin to scissor everything in. Starting with the back feet, scissor the base of the foot in round. Using curved shears scissor the rear angulation. The tightest point of the angulation is where the back leg bends at the stifle.

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Scissor from the bend of the back leg to the hock. Comb the coat up on the leg and scissor from the hip down to the feet creating parallel lines. Follow the bend of the thigh muscle and stifle. Scissor the feet so they are nice and round. Comb up the inside of the rear leg and scissor it in the same manner creating a parallel line. Comb the side coat down and scissor in the underline leaving a tuck up. Comb up the side coat. Using curved shears neaten the side coat following the roundness of the rib cage. Scissor the base of the front feet in so they are also round in appearance. Comb up the coat on the entire front leg. Scissor the back of the front leg straight from the elbow down to the back pad.

straight from the armpit to the feet.

Scissor the outside of the front leg straight from the shoulder down to the feet. Scissor the inside of the front leg

Comb up the front of the front leg and scissor a straight line down to the front toes. This will create a nice column look.

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Jodi Murphy

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Jodi Murphy is a two-time Master Pet Stylist, a NCMG (National Certified Master Groomer) through the National Dog Groomers Association of America, as well as MPS Meritus (Master Pet Stylist Meritus) through the International Society of Canine Cosmetology. She is a multiple Best All Around and Best in Show competitor. These titles allow Jodi to certify groomers to their master pet stylist status throughout the USA. She was a GroomTeam USA team member for four years and ranked within the top four pet stylists of the United States. Her popular web site JodiMurphy.net offers competitively priced Instructional Grooming DVDs, Home Study DVD packages, Mobile Grooming Success Seminar DVDs, grooming apparel for every pet groomer looking for fashionable style, function, and long-lasting quality, and select grooming tools and equipment.

www.jodimurphy.net Comb up the coat on the chest and scissor it in to blend into the shoulders. Lift up the front leg and scissor the chest to meet the underline. Use thinning shears to neaten all of the lines where the clipped back meets the longer coat. Trim the ears so they are

curved from the back of the ear to the front of the ear. The ears should never fall lower than the point of shoulder. The finished trim is very flattering to this breed and is easy to maintain if you select the right length.

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(Continued from page 23)

THE FIELD TRIM For dogs that have problems matting, especially in the body furnishings, clip the entire body with the same blade that was used for the back coat. Leave the legs the same length as the previous trim. Clip the entire front chest as well. Leave a little coat in the tuck up area to transition the body into the rear legs. This is a stylish trim that is very easy to maintain and looks very attractive. ▀ eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Contemplating the Future of Pet Grooming Where Mindfulness & Innovative Technology Meet by Dave Campanella, Best Shot Pet Products Over twenty-five years ago I met my best friend and wife, Tracy. Those of you who know us understand how I owe my passion for the pet industry and career to her. That’s because behind every good man is a loving woman, and in my case talented pet groomer. She introduced me to the joys of dog companionship, pet grooming as a profession, and ultimately my job at Best Shot Pet Products. Together we’ve witnessed grooming evolve, and each of us along with it. You could say everything leading up to now was history in the making. So how will professional grooming evolve over the next twenty-five years? I’ve often pondered what the future beholds for us? Take a look into my crystal ball. (Continued on page 29)

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Mindfulness Guides Our Path “What is Mindfulness?” you ask. Some may associate it with Yoga, but the art of Mindful Practice goes way beyond that! While its roots can be traced back many thousands of years to Buddha’s teaching, its modern-age renaissance into mainstream life is a movement many believe will shape the world’s future. Mindful practice is being embraced by corporate culture, internal medicine, and therapy treatments, in our schools and by environmental groups. Noted psychologist and author Dr. Stephen McKenzie, in his book entitled, “Mindfulness at Work: How to Avoid Stress, Achieve More and Enjoy Life” sums up mindfulness as, “Focusing one’s attention on what is, rather than being distracted by what isn’t.” We live in a fast-paced world full of clutter and distractions. No doubt the pet grooming community certainly faces its’ fair share. Just look at all the opinions and misinformation one has to dodge on social media as evidence today.

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We need to let go of the belief that we know what’s best, and the only way to work through a challenge. We must learn to see each new situation clearly. Try seeking out credible fact-based resources when questioning something and put aside all assumptions. For instance, some time ago what started off as genuine consumer concern for safe wholesome ingredients somehow got perverted into false notions that “Science is bad” and “If you can’t grow it, or pronounce its name, it’s a toxic chemical.” Somewhere along the line, non-mindful companies eager to comply may have jumped the gun. In my opinion, they chose not to take the necessary time to educate consumers responsibly on why their ingredient choices were safe or healthy. Instead they eagerly overemphasized and exaggerated their products to fit demand, consequently redefining what “more natural” meant by the enticement of misleading claims and deceptive imagery leading to what’s now an out of control “all natural” bubble ready to burst. The ambiguity of what “natural” is has rampantly become (Continued on page 30)

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status quo for many industries and apparent in ours. Perhaps companies assumed the public couldn’t handle the complexity of the matter, and took the easy way out? Fortunately mindfulness and science work very well together. So in our future I envision managing a pet salon will encompass a more mindful fact-based grooming process at its very core; where each of its fundamental elements seamlessly interrelates to each other.

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What if pet groomer licensing became reality in our future? That would mean core curriculum standards and mandatory testing. Is it such a terrible thing to consider? Essential knowledge of “coat and skin physiology” and “how grooming liquids work” would be required of us as it is for many human cosmetologists today. Nowadays, the apparent lack of core curriculum standards has created an up(Continued on page 31)

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hill struggle of trial and error for many groomers. This may have even lead to some of the recent inexcusable pet grooming fatalities we’ve heard about in national news reports. Being accountable for established trade knowledge and guidelines can lead groomers to mastering their tools and equipment, methods and techniques, as well as overlooked health and safety standards. Think about how many problematic issues could have been avoided by recognizing a more standardized grooming process. Recently the PPGSA (Professional Pet Groomers and Stylists Association) established its “Standards of Care for Safety and Sanitation” guidelines. It’s a fabulous example of one step towards a more mindful future in grooming. Starting to get the picture? Our future is dependant upon more structure and accountability. Keep an eye out for further evolving developments. What can you do to be more accountable? Embracing Technological Innovation “Progressive Grooming Logic” is a Mindful concept I profess in my seminars that’s worth noting here. It acknowledges how each phase of the grooming

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process interrelates with each other, and specifically what correlating methods work best for optimal effect. I see us merging certain tools, methods and concepts for greater efficiency in our salons in the future. By letting the creative flow of fact-based consciousness blossom, fresh new innovations begin to emerge. We’ve all dreamed of the “magic wand” that miraculously releases mats and tangles, erases stains, eradicates foul odors, or would fix stupid. We’ve envisioned carwash type contraptions for dogs that would save time and effort. Have you longed for a lightweight dryer that wasn’t so loud, wouldn’t blow fuses, never broke down, and dried in half the time? What new computer marvels or smart apps can you imagine in our future? We can all bear witness that some of these not so far-fetched ideas may have already been attempted or are brewing. Regardless of their degree of success or failure in the past, I’m encouraged by the abundant inventiveness within the grooming community. I’ve seen a lot of re-purposing of existing technology adapted to fit our industry. However in

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my opinion, there’s also been a lack of fresh genuine innovation. Until now! Here are a few examples of technology worth following: Extraordinary Grooming Liquids Today humanity has welcomed technology into day-to-day life, so I foresee a day when groomers eagerly embrace the science and chemistry responsible for their liquid products. Product performance will notably improve. Groomers will come to rely confidently upon future shampoo and conditioners that “actually work” to quickly release shedding undercoat; annihilate foul odors, and many other challenging situations. Advancements in chemistry will enable bathing without tedious pre-brushing; safely releasing more hair in the tub and with a blow dryer rather than pulling and ripping with a brush beforehand. These will also enable force dryers to act as a virtual brush; harnessing water and air to do much of the hard work. Coats treated with these formulas will smell fresh longer; stay cleaner and more manageable for weeks. All thanks to science!

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Futuristic Bathing Systems Now imagine these advanced formulas simply sprayed directly into a dry coat. No pre-soaking needed. The bather quickly sprays the entire animal with shampoo, rinses after a few minutes, and applies a light non-oily conditioner or final leave-in spray before drying. Voila! Such an innovation would be a must for any mobile groomer with limited water supply onboard. Perhaps everyone in the future will have to conserve water, and could benefit from such a Mindful device. Did I mention this futuristic bathing unit will defy any shampoo dilution rate quandaries by conserving shampoo usage beyond fathoming? Well it will! Hi-Efficiency Hair Dryers Close your eyes and picture a much quieter force dryer that doesn’t routinely set-off your shops electrical breakers. With just the flick of switch, this dryer engages a pulsating stream of negative ions that disperses water molecules at an accelerated rate enabling 50% faster drying time. All this while smoothing

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cuticles on every hair, adding shine, with zero static and no alarmingly hot air. Since the coat was pretreated with advanced liquid technology, you now brush with this dryer, waving it as if the magic wand once dreamed of! Final Thoughts Imagine doing more with less; less shampoo, less water, less energy, less effort, less time, etc. What if you didn’t have to wait too long for the future to come? How long must we wait? What if I said these dreams are within your grasp? These breakthrough innovations in technology are out there just waiting to be discovered. Come and step through a virtual time portal with me, into one of many grooming trade shows, and experience exactly what I’m talking about. Throughout America and abroad there’s a thriving pet grooming industry beckoning you to come and discover its’ future. Your future!

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and bright. Be mindful. You deserve more, so start enjoying your grooming career today. The future is now! ▀

About the Author: Dave Campanella is an informative and entertaining seminar speaker, contributing trade columnist, and genuine grooming enthusiast. He is Best Shot Pet Products sales and marketing director and has over 25 years of pet industry knowledge and experience. He and his wife Tracy coowned a full service pet salon and selfwash in Ohio prior to relocating to Kentucky. They enjoy exhibiting at grooming shows, being industry ambassadors, and showing their Kerry Blue Terrier and Samoyed dogs.

Put aside any hesitation and assumptions. Register today for that seminar or workshop. Explore up and down every aisle of a grooming trade show. Reach out to vendors, manufacturers and experts. Your future can be so amazing eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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HIGH Pressure Groomer GroomFit by Vera Needham What would happen if you turned your

it silent? We can’t see it. Many people

garden hose to the highest water pres-

have no idea they have it until a major

sure with the nozzle closed? What if

event occurs. Just like the hose we for-

you left it running for months or even

get to turn off there is no visible signs of

years? Eventually something is going to

strain until it bursts. When this hap-

give. This is happening to one in three

pens it can take the form of a heart at-

pet groomers living with high blood

tack or stroke.

pressure. Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases in our society with as many as 50 million Americans suffering from it.

HBP is the leading cause of death and disability in the world and is defined by a resting blood pressure above 140/90. Being proactive is extremely important

It is considered the silent killer. Why is eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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especially since most of the risk factors

women with waistlines over 35 inches

are controllable. The good news is pet

are at higher risk.

stylists can create positive change.

Part of your pressure-lowering treat-

Chronic heart and circulatory disorders

ment plan should involve exercise. Many

are linked to prolonged standing at

studies have shown that regular aerobic

work. Simple changes to grooming

exercise like a brisk walk may modestly

workstations can make it possible to re-

lower blood pressure.

duce the requirement to stand all day. Ironically the highest risk factor is for groomers who sit for over eight hours. The key to success is changing positions often throughout the day.

Since beta blockers or other medications may lower your heart rate you should consider helpful self-monitoring such as rate of perceived exertion. Ask yourself how hard you are working on a

If your blood pressure is above 160/100

scale of one to ten. We should be work-

ask your doctor about precautions or

ing at a five or six during the ten min-

special considerations with lifting. Lift-

utes between the warm up and the cool

ing a heavy dog can cause a temporary

down. Ideally we should start with thirty

increase in blood pressure. This in-

minute walk at least three times a

crease can be dramatic, depending on

week.

how much weight you lift. Your physician may put weight restrictions on the dogs you groom. Remember to breathe when lifting. Holding your breath during exertion can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure.

Imagine the constant pressure on the garden hose being comparable to the vessels that carry our blood. With this type of pressure eventually the hose may become wider. When this happens the stretching creates little crevices in

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Clip Shoppe School of Dog Grooming New Jersey - www.clipshoppeschoolofdoggrooming.com

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Employers! Groomers! We Do All the Work for You!

GroomerNetwork.com Whether you are a business owner looking for a groomer, or a groomer looking for a position, we make the search and hiring process easy and convenient.

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Start by holding The BarberStick in the right hand just hard enough that it doesn't slide down in your hand as you hold it. A water bottle can also be used at about 30 percent of your maximum grip. Hold for 120 seconds. Take a 60 second rest while you switch hands. Hold in the left hand two minutes then 60 second rest to switch. Complete this movement 6x total or 12 minutes of hold time. This cycle should be performed once a day, five days-a eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free ÂŠ 2014 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved -week for best results. Many people seeSubscribe resultsFree in 6-12 weeks.ÂŠ 2016 Find A Groomer Inc All rights reserved PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com

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the rubber inside the hose. The same

The American Heart Association re-

thing can happen to the conduits carry-

cently released a report recommending

ing blood in our bodies. Little cracks

exercise as the most effective non-

may start to appear.

medicinal approach to reducing blood

Platelets are a component of blood whose job is to stop bleeding. These platelets think the cracks and crevices are cuts. They stick to rough surfaces.

pressure. The big surprise was the considerable blood pressure lowering effect of isometric handgrip exercises (see previous page).

Why I’m telling you this is because it is

Research indicated that four weeks of

important to wind down properly. After a

isometric handgrip exercises resulted in

strenuous day, or right after a long walk

some of the most impressive improve-

or exercise session, it is important not

ments of up to a ten percent drop in

to lie down until your blood pressure re-

drop in blood pressure. The report

turns to its normal rate.

warns, “Handgrip exercises should be

Take ample time to cool down gently moving in an upright position. If we lay down too quickly we can get a reaction

avoided by patients with severely uncontrolled high blood pressure (180/110 mm Hg or higher).”

that is similar to sugar in coffee. Like

Stylists must practice the exercises con-

the sugar, platelets may settle into the

sistently for five to eight weeks before

crevices and cause clotting. Clotting ac-

any changes are apparent. Also, the ex-

counts for about seventy percent of

ercises must be practiced regularly or

strokes. The other thirty percent of

you may find your blood pressure rates

strokes arise from the hose or blood

sneaking back up again. For alternate

vessel bursting from the long term ef-

handgrip therapy there are many op-

fects of constant pressure. eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

(Continued on page 43)

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www.americangroomingacademy.com 888-550-9274 Temecula, CA

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July /September 2016 PetGroomer.com Publications

tions including a tennis ball, water bot-

have a really aggressive dog? Fight or

tle or special devices you can buy. You

flight immediately sets in. When my ap-

can hold your clippers if you like. I prefer

pointments are booked close together I

the BarberStick. First step is to squeeze

immediately feel increased tension.

about 30 percent of your hardest grip. If

Stress is another somewhat controllable

we grip tightly it will actually increase

factor for groomers. Try to book ample

blood pressure. I like to imagine I’m

time for appointments when possible.

holding a bird in my hand. We do not

Stay out of the pressure cooker when

want to hurt the bird yet we don’t want

you can. ▀

it to get away.

Vera Needham

Breathing is also extremely important when squeezing with special attention paid to the exhalation. Squeeze the Barberstick for two minutes with one hand, then rest for a minute. Next do the same with your other hand; and repeat the steps for 12 minutes a day. It is important to keep this device below the level of your heart. Do this routine at least five times a week. If you have hypertension there is no harm in trying handgrip exercise as a compliment to aerobic activity if your physician approves. When you feel very stressed your blood pressure and heart rate goes up. Ever

Vera Needham is a Medical Exercise Specialist, Pilates Pro Trainer and has been a professional Dog Groomer for over 30 years. Physiotherapy uses exercise to prevent injury. The same type of exercise can be used to prevent injury. Who better than a dog groomer to know the vulnerabilities of the trade? We seem to accept pain as a way of life. Often it doesn’t have to be. Vera’s mission is to educate fellow groomers on injury prevention through exercise. Groom Fit is the result of twenty years of extensive study. Website: www.tubeefit.ca E-Mail: groomfit@yahoo.com

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y t i n u t r o p p Franchise O

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With the training, hands-on education and acquired skill sets our students develop, our pupils graduate with the ability to successfully seek and maintain employment, as highly accomplished pet groomers or assistant groomers. www.petsplayground.com eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free

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Maintenance Suggestions for Your Andis Clippers By Jeff Andrews, Northern Tails Sharpening There are no maintenance-free clippers. All clipper require regular maintenance and inspection for parts wearing out. Whether you choose to do the maintenance or you use the services of a technician, it is best to know more about your clippers than they cut hair. Regular maintenance will prevent failures that may happen during the work day when you depend on them the most. This advisory is for all brands of clippers. But this article will start with Andis because they are the most popular brand for American groomers, vets and trainers. Andis clipper maintenance regardless of model is very straightforward. There is no such thing as a “tune-up.” Parts need to checked and changed along with a general cleaning. Many of the tasks can and should be done by the user. Without regular (Continued on page 48)

Jeff Andrews is "One of America's Favorite Sharpeners." Along with his years of grooming experience in two of his own shops, he is a "World Class Sharpener" that can sharpen all grooming equipment to better than new condition. Jeff is an author and pioneer of many maintenance and grooming video's and articles. They are for groomers who want to make their equipment last longer and save money on their sharpening costs. These videos and articles are on his website free to download and keep for reference. www.northerntails.com eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

PetGroomer.com Magazine eGroomer Journal January / March 2014 (Continued from page 47)

maintenance the performance of the clipper is significantly reduced. Start maintenance by inspecting the head of the clipper. Check to see if the latch has a hook on it. Next check the hinge screws. If they are loose by even one-quarter turn it can cause drag and corn rows in the cut. Frequent use of comb attachment can loosen hinges. Continue your inspection by looking at the black part of the blade drive. Is it chewed up from being in the blades? If so, it can cause a loose fit of the top blade in the blade set. When this happens you might get drag and corn rows. Worse yet blades could snag when using comb attachments. The Blade Drive

July / September 2016 48

PetGroomer.com Publications

stood part of an Andis clipper, and yet the heart of the clipper. When the blade drive is weak or bad the clipper will not perform correctly. The blade drive is made of plastic with scored ribs and connects to the tip which inserts into the top of your blade. Plastics fail with continued use and become soft. The blade drive shown in the picture is 4 weeks old, and it is completely worn out. This drive is discolored from spray coolants being sprayed on running blades. The metal bar across the front is lifting off the drive at the ends. When a blade drive is worn out completely like this one, your clipper will not perform. The reason is simple. The plastic of the scored ribs is now so soft the drive bearing pushes the blade drive to one side of the clipper. It then hesitates before the drive bearing can pull it back the other direction. Thus you can have drag, corn rows, hair stuck in blades with

The blade drive is the most misunder-

(Continued on page 49)

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eGroomer Journal January / March 2014 (Continued from page 48)

combs and other issues. Change the blade drive and symptoms should go away. Andis clipper instructions state that users need to routinely change blade drives. A bad blade drive makes the clipper useless, so you should always have extra blade drives on hand. Hair Issues Hair is the enemy of any clipper. If it is not cleaned out there will be problems with the cutting system. The Andis clipper can have a big problem when hair is impacted around the drive bearing where it fits into the back of the blade drive. This can shorten the back and forth stroke of the blade considerably, which may cause performance problems with very thick coats or when using comb attachments. When changing your blade drive dig out any impacted hair very carefully. Clear the impact from around the drive bearing and also behind the hinge. If there is hair impacted behind the hinge the

July / September 2016 49

PetGroomer.com Publications

blade will not lock on tight and the result is drag. Andis clippers need to breathe. There is a hole that goes completely around the drive bearing. The airflow, even though it may look small, keeps the armature on the inside cool. It also provides a way for carbon dust from the brushes to get away from the commentator. It is extremely important to keep impacted hair from getting inside your blade drive and stopping its airflow. The clippers will get warm and copper windings of the armature could start to burn. Clipper life will shorten. Avoid spraying coolants on blades running on your clipper. I have seen this same warning on Andis operating instructions under DANGER heading #7. Coolants are nothing more than alcohol and propane gas used as a propellant. They cool by evaporation only. Clipper instructions advise users not to use

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PetGroomer.com Magazine eGroomer Journal January / March 2014 (Continued from page 49)

spray coolants for the purpose of lubrication because there is no lube in the spray. It lubes only while it is wet on the blade. This explains why blades heat faster when you use spray coolants in this manner. Coolants pose serious health risks. The M.S.D.S. information warns of the potential dangers to body organs and respiratory systems. User instructions clearly state you should wear an appropriate safety mask when using them. Regular unprotected breathing of spray coolants can make you feel tired and give you headaches.

July / September 2016 50

PetGroomer.com Publications

Andis uses two clipper body halves to hold the cord at the back of the clipper. As you walk around your grooming table the cord can bend in different directions. The body halves can bite down on the cord and over time it may short out. You can help prevent this cord problem from happening with a simple “plastic zip tie.” Zip tie your cord to the hanger as shown. This will make the cord bend out away from the clipper and not cause wear and tear leading to shorts. Ultra Edge users need to to first straighten the bend in the hanger with pliers before attaching the zip tie. ▀

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Northern Tails Sharpening, Inc. You Now Have a Better Choice!

Mail-in Prices Clipper Repair ● Veterinarian Equipment ● Beauty Shears Steel Blades

$5.00

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$6.00

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$5.00

Convex Shears

$10.00

Refurbish 5-N-1 Blades

$10.00

Chunkers

$10.00

Convex Thinning Shears $10.00

We are an Andis Regional Distributor and Repair Center Check out our website’s free instructional videos and articles helping you to maintain your clippers and blades. It’s free to download!

Jeff is a Master Sharpener and Certified Pet Groomer. He knows how your tools should perform. He won’t sharpen worn out tools which could harm animals. His office will call you if any of your tools look bad.

Please call or visit our website for mailing information. http://www.northerntails.com/ eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free

(251) 232-5353 Mobile, Alabama

Our school is not just about pet grooming. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about pets, the petparents, our community and our role in pet rescue efforts by 52 the right habits and approach Copyright 2013 A Groomer All the rights reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.com creating to eachÂŠpet andFind their parents. Inc. From class room to the Lab, and from our receptionist to our CEO, we only have one goal: To improve the pet industry one pet at a time! One Student at a time! Please visit our web site for more information www.johnpaulpetschool.com.

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$15 Minimum Wage: What If? By Grooming Business in a Box® The movement toward phasing in a $15 hour minimum wage has gained some ground. We are not predicting it soon, and it would phase in over several years. Talk of a $15 minimum wage reminded us of the wage disparity issues in our industry. Groomer wages is the most misunderstood financial aspect of grooming. In fact, we wrote an entire book on groomer wages! Most of us know wages are the highest operating expense of staffed grooming businesses. But what about the anomalies of wage

systems? One anomaly alone may be a solution for the impact of a $15 minimum wage. Bear with us. Imagine two grooming businesses in the same town nearly identical in every way. Assume they charge identical grooming prices, and their wage rates are identical. Commission groomers are paid 50%, and if they employ bathers they are paid $10/hour. Now pretend they can both groom the same pets at the same prices. It would seem their net operating profit for this special day would be

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(Continued from page 53)

equal. But it isn’t. How is that possible? The answer must be wage rates. But no, we said they were identical. The answer is the staff structure. One has few or no bathers. As a result they pay 50% commission groomers to do “bath-only” pets that could be done with quality and safety by very skilled pet bathers. The payroll savings from hiring pet bathers remains strong even when you pay bathers above minimum wage. Payroll and related taxes savings can easily lower operating expenses by 10% a day or more. Realize these savings are not from pay cuts, but smart staffing. It is ironic that pet bathers represent such a major contribution to the profitability of the grooming industry, but they earn the lowest wages, and sometimes respect. What does this have to do with the $15 minimum wage? Quite a bit. We asked 108 grooming business owners with staff who would be most affected in their operations if they had to pay a $15 minimum wage. The survey results were:

July / September 2016 PetGroomer.com Publications

Pet Bathers: 62% Pet Groomers: 9% Both Bathers and Groomers: 21% Neither (already pay over $15 hr): 7% Everyone (close business): 1% It comes as no surprise that bathers was the most popular answer. They already earn the lowest wage levels. However, there are also groomers being paid less than $15 an hour across the U.S., and they would have their wages boosted too. Seven percent of owners said both groomers and bathers were making $15 an hour or more, and actually $32 was the highest rate. Some owners make the mistake of thinking that by paying by commission they are relieved of the $15 minimum wage issue. Not so. Groomers paid by commission should still be earning at least federal and state minimum wage. What would thousands of owners not presently paying bathers (and sometimes groomers) a $15 minimum wage do? The most obvious answer is to raise prices. They will have to reexamine operating costs and look for (Continued on page 55)

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reductions that do not affect safety and quality. But do we have some magical answer? We think so. It will work for many and allow them to maintain pricing competitiveness by not having to raise prices more than others. It involves bathers. Staffed operations without bathers can meet the increased payroll costs of the $15 minimum wage by establishing bathing departments. Immediate savings will absorb the impact. It must be executed thoroughly. In our business no full charge groomer ever did bathing. Pro quality bathers making above average wages did every bath, and start-to-finish on bath-only pets. For decades we have proved something groomers may laugh at, or snap! Owners can make significantly more profit from pet bathers compared to groomers. In many staffed shops the profit boost is in the tens of thousands of dollars pet year, and it works even when you pay top wages to bathers! We need them both, but profit levels are highest by pet bathers doing bath-only services compared to the profit derived from groomers doing full grooms. Every bath-only done by a full-charge drains profit.

July / September 2016 PetGroomer.com Publications

Why then is there such a disparity in wage levels between groomers and bathers across the entire grooming industry? Certainly groomers are justified in earning more from expertise and lesser available skills. Smart staffing justifies better bather wages. Grooming business owners need not fear the $15 minimum wage. Look how this company did it by offering $15 wages now without resorting to high grooming prices. See the illustration on the next page. There are 12 bath-only pets to be groomed. The business employs highly-skilled pet bathers capable of pre-bath needs, nails, ears, bathing and drying. They have skills to scissor perfectly around feet, trim hairs between pads, Poodle feet, and even do Poodle faces for “touch up” baths. They can deshed coats, and use thinning and blending shears to touch-up. Finishing touches including buns and bows.

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(Continued on page 57)

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July / September 2016

PET GROOMER

SKILLED PET BATHER

Start-to-Finish Grooming, No Bather Help

Brush, Bath, Dry, Nails, Ears, Touch-Up

50% Commission Same Grooms, Same Prices

$15.00 an Hour Minimum Wage Same Grooms, Same Prices

12 Bath-Only Pets in 8 Hours

Bath-Only Pet 1

$30

Bath-Only Pet 2

$28

Bath-Only Pet 1

$30

Bath-Only Pet 2

$28

Bath-Only Pet 3

$40

Bath-Only Pet 4

$36

Bath-Only Pet 3

$40

Bath-Only Pet 4

$36

Bath-Only Pet 5

$28

Bath-Only Pet 6

$65

Bath-Only Pet 5

$28

Bath-Only Pet 6

$65

Bath-Only Pet 7

$38

Bath-Only Pet 8

$36

Bath-Only Pet 7

$38

Bath-Only Pet 8

$36

Bath-Only Pet 9

$39

Bath-Only Pet 10

$28

Bath-Only Pet 9

$39

Bath-Only Pet 10

$28

Bath-Only Pet 11

$34

Bath-Only Pet 12

$30

Bath-Only Pet 11

$34

Bath-Only Pet 12

$30

TOTAL SALES OF GROOMING SERVICES

$432

TOTAL GROSS COMMISSION WAGES

TOTAL GROSS HOURLY WAGES

$216

$120

TOTAL ADJUSTED SALES

$216

+ $96

Difference

TOTAL ADJUSTED SALES

$312

Even Paying Bathers $15 Hour Minimum Wage REDUCES Gross Payroll Wages $96 a Day for Businesses Where Bath-only Pets are Groomed by 50% Commission Groomers Annual Payroll Reduction $24,960 * Why not convert to this staff structure and bath-only grooming assignment system now? 56

* Operating 5 days a week a year

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July / September 2016 PetGroomer.com Publications

Bathers in this illustration are paid $15 an hour, the scary potential minimum wage of the future for thousands of today’s business owners.

The illustration proves that bathers properly assigned all of the bath-only pets reduced gross wages by $96 a day. Otherwise the $96 would have entirely gone to the 50% commission pet groomers. Did we cheat the commission groomers? No! They got their 50%. We are simply saying keep them busy with full groom pets. Today we hear many owners fearful of a $15 minimum wage. They do not know this information, or will not implement it thoroughly and consistently? We repeat, the $96 a day savings, even when paying bathers $15 an hour, results from not having 50% or more commission groomers do bath-only pets. There is no other secret formula. Leave full-groom assignments to the pet groomers. If you annualize daily savings of $96 for a business open five days-a-week, total annual savings is about $25,000 a year. The entire $25,000 belongs to the business owner without cutting wage levels. No one is suffering from pay cuts to create these savings. It is simply smart staffing and grooming assignments. Train pro quality bathers. In this way, you may not even have to raise to meet $15 minimum wage demands. The industry can easily survive “the future threat.” ▀

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HEAT! What Difference Does it Make? by Debi Hilley

I was asked to write an article for this issue of PetGroomer.com Magazine about heated dryer awareness. I admit I have previously written on this topic many times. So I pondered how do I avoid redundancy? Two incidents happened this week that answered my

question. Saturday morning, Billy Hodges, my groomer, arrived at the shop frazzled from an incident the night before. He is a professional handler and has client dogs as well as his own dogs he houses in a kennel building adjacent

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to his house. His building for the dogs is air conditioned to maintain an interior temperature of 72°F-74°F degrees even during our hot as blue blazes summers in Southwest Georgia. Recent high temperatures have not fallen below 97°F for over two weeks. Heat indexes have been 110°F or higher during the hottest parts of the day (2 to 6 p.m.). Billy’s air conditioner quit working between noon (when his partner went to

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July / September 2016 PetGroomer.com Publications

work) and 6 p.m. Upon arriving home around 6 p.m. Billy went to let the dogs outside. To his surprise the building temperature was 104°F even with regular ventilation. The dogs were generally overheated, lying on their sides trying to cool off. Cockers in full coat were slobbery down to their feet. The Toy Fox Terriers were not bouncing as usual to greet Billy. He immediately let them outside (where it was cooler than inside by at least 10° F). He wet them down with a chamois soaked in cool water and forced them

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into pools of cool water to speed the cooling process. Thankfully his dogs quickly recovered. There was no loss of life. The building has a new air conditioner now. Billy is researching heat detection alarms in case the air conditioning should quit again in the future. Personally I had a similar situation at my grooming shop three years ago while I was vacationing at Disney with my grandchildren. The young girl watching my dogs (we had moved them to the shop for the ease of caring for them) entered the shop to find it had lost half of its electricity because one meter pole had burned up. She found a note from the light company stating she had three hours to make repairs or they would shut off power. In the meantime there had not been adequate power to run the air conditioning. The shop temperature was now in the upper 90’s. The heat detector in the kitchen was going off, and so was the power outage alert. Not only that the alarm company was calling. We managed to get in touch with my landlord and they got an electrician out

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to fix it after hours on a Saturday. No one was injured but I was ever so grateful for Ashley handling this in a way that prevented major problems. She went out of her way to stay and make sure repairs were done and all the dogs were in good care. Unfortunately things do not always end well when air conditioners break. This past weekend there was a related tragedy at an AKC show in Roseland, Indiana. A handler’s air conditioning unit failed and so the did her alarms. Thirteen Golden Retrievers and one German Shorthair Pointer perished in her show truck while she was (according to her) taking a nap. The related article in Dog Show Tragedy reported the air conditioning circuit breaker had tripped. As a result the dogs died of heat exhaustion in a very short period of time from the extreme heat outside. This incident was an accident. It could have been avoided with common sense safety measures most professional handlers use daily. However, I am not going to debate the tragedy. What does all of this have to do with grooming?

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Every day groomers have to take temperature into account in their grooming environments. I regularly hear questions like these on forums and in groups. How hot is too hot to safely groom dogs?  What temperature justifies shutting down and calling owners to pick up their pets?  At what point is it too hot for a mobile groomer to be on the road? The simple answer is, “If you are hot the dogs are hot” (unless you are a woman of a certain age who is hot all the time). The simplicity of this answer may or may not be practical. The Georgia State Dept. of Agriculture (they monitor and license grooming shops) states 85°F is too hot for dogs not acclimated to this temperature range. In my opinion that is too hot. Corporate grooming salons have orders to shut down if interior temperatures exceed 80°F. 

My rule of thumb is, “If the dogs are panting it is too hot.”

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July / September 2016 PetGroomer.com Publications

tral air as well as two window units. We can control the temperature in the bathing/drying room and the actual grooming room. My salon’s building was originally a house later converted to commercial use about 30 years ago. I realize many groomers may not have this option, but when renting or buying property for their businesses, ensure the air conditioning is adequate to maintain safe temperatures. If possible add some window air conditioner units. If the system is not adequate, and you choose to rent or buy, plan to upgrade the system immediately before you go into operation. At this point while writing this article it occurred to me that I could easily tie its message into the original subject of heated cage drying. If the temperature of the salon can be no higher than 80°F to avoid crabby, uncomfortable groomers, or worrying about the comfort and safety pets in our care, then why on earth is it acceptable to leave a dog in a kennel dryer with 80°F air blowing into it? Or how about external heated dryers pointed at

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cages blowing air into them as high as 175°F? It does not make sense. In my opinion it is not acceptable. Using heated dryers also raises the temperature of grooming areas. You increase the risk of overheating as the room gets hotter, and there may be no other ventilation. Every year I write about this heated cage dryer awareness topic, and every year pets die because dryers malfunction or safety measures are ignored. The handler involved in the show truck tragedy did not mean for her dogs to die. NO ONE means for pet tragedies to happen. But they can and do happen. Why take a chance with a piece of equipment that has proven over and over again to be deadly for pets? In a perfect world, kennel dryers would only produce air under 90°F, and they would only be used by trained professionals who completely understand the dangers they pose. Also, professionals would follow appropriate safety measures including constant monitoring.

July / September 2016 PetGroomer.com Publications

fortunately far from reaching these ideals. I understand accidents happen. Malfunctioning equipment such as what happened to Billy and myself do happen. We can be prepared, and I encourage you to be. The point is this. There are potential accidents groomers can significantly avoid. In particular, I point out heated cage dryers. Not in my shop. ▀ About the Author Debi Hilley has written articles for the GroomTeam USA newsletter, NEPGP newsletter, the Groomer's Gazette and publishes her own website, Grooming Smarter. Some of the topics she covers include wet clipping, dematting, using snap-on combs and grooming the Cocker Spaniel. Debi has written a book on CD for dematting and another for Teddy Bear head styling. Currently she is writing another book for every day pet grooming styles for use in the salon. Click the banner below to visit her award-winning blog.

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APPAREL & MASKS ♦ PetEdge Top Performance ♦ Groomer’s Choice EZ Care Wear PetGroomerApparel.com Jodi Murphy Grooming Apparel

BATHING SYSTEMS ♦ PetEdge Master Equip. ProBather ♦ GCCP The BathMaster ♦ Oster Professional Products

BOW, POLISH, COLOGNE ♦ PetEdge ♦ Groomers Choice ♦ Double K Industries ♦ Quadruped Pet Care Products Bandanas Unlimited Bardel Bows Showseason & Naturals

BRUSH, COMB, DESHED ♦ PetEdge Master Grooming Tools ♦ Groomer’s Choice SureGrip Tools WAHL Clipper Corporation

CAGES & ACCESSORIES ♦ PetEdge ProSelect Cages ♦ Groomer’s Choice DuraDog Cages Snyder Mfg. Co. Clark Cages Groomers Best Inc.

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CLIPPERS, BLADE, COMB ♦ PetEdge Master Grooming Tools ♦ Double K Industries ♦ Oster Professional Products WAHL Clipper Corporation

♦ PetEdge Master Grooming Tools ♦ Groomers Choice Monk Colors Shears ♦ Oster Professional Products

DRYERS & ACCESSORIES ♦ PetEdge Master Equipment Dryers ♦ Double K Industries ♦ Metro Air Force® Dryers ♦ Oster Professional Products WAHL Clipper Corporation Snyder Mfg. Co.

SHAMPOO & SPA ♦ PetEdge ♦ Double K Industries ♦ Groomer’s Choice Pet Products ♦ Quadruped Pet Care WAHL Clipper Corporation Madra Mor Canine Mud Treatments Showseason Products Naturals Products Best Shot® Pet Products Espree® Products

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PET ORAL HYGIENE ♦ PetEdge Top Performance ProDental

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♦ PetEdge Master Equipment Tables ♦ Groomer’s Choice DuraDog Tables Groomers Best Inc. Forever Stainless Steel

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♦ PetEdge Master Equipment Tubs ♦ Groomer’s Choice DuraDog Tubs Groomers Best Inc.

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eGroomer Journal / March 2014 On-Site Schools A to Z List of January Sponsors Except All About Dog Grooming Atlanta Pet Fair Aussie Pet Mobile Bandanas Unlimited Bardel Bows & Finishing Touches Barkleigh Productions Best Shot® Pet Products Clark Cages Double K Industries Espree Products Golden Paws Consultants & Distance Learning GoMobile Conversions Groom Pod GroomerNetwork.com Groomers Best, Inc. Groomers Choice Pet Products Groomers Helper Grooming Business in a Box® Groomsoft Groomer Software Intergroom Trade Show Int’l Society of Canine Cosmetologists JKL Pet Grooming School Jodi Murphy DVDs, Books, Apparel King Wholesale Grooming Supplies Kriser’s Stores Groomer Employment Learn2GroomDogs.com Love’s Sharpening Madra Mor Canine Mud Treatments Maple Valley Sharpening Metro Air Force® Dryers National Dog Groomers Association Northern Tails Sharpening Oster Professional Products PawSponge.com Pet Care Insurance Petco Employment PetEdge Grooming Supplies PetGroomerApparel.com PetLinx Software Petsense Stores Groomer Employment Pupparazzi Mobile Franchise Opportunity Quadruped Pet Care Products Ryan’s Pet Supplies Shake Your Tail Pet Management Software Shampoo Lady Grooming Supplies Showseason & Naturals Products Snyder Mfg. Co. Super Styling Sessions DVDs & Seminars SuperZoo Tag Along Mobile Pet Salons Teknopet Mobile Service & Conversion Center The Successful Pet Groomer (Book) Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions WAHL Clipper Corporation WI Assn. of Professional Pet Stylists Wilco Stores Groomer Employment

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SCHOOLS OF PET GROOMING - ON-SITE TRAINING

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DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS

Golden Paws Schools (several locations listed below in Platinum Level) Paragon Pet Grooming School (Michigan) PLATINUM PLUS LEVEL SPONSORS

Clip Shoppe School of Dog Grooming (New Jersey) Groomer Training Center (JKL Classroom Associate) (Pennsylvania) John Paul PetSchool (California) Merryfield School of Pet Grooming (Florida) Pet’s Playground Grooming School (Florida) American Grooming Academy (Florida)

PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS Pennsylvania Academy of Pet Grooming Rio Gran Grooming School (MN) Nanhall Professional School of Grooming (NC) Texas Allbreed Grooming School O.C. Academy of Pet Styling (CA) Dapper Dawg School of Prof. Grooming (MA) Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (WI) Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (NY) Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (FL)

Groomadog Academy (SC) Michigan School of K9 Cosmetology American Grooming Academy (CA) Golden Paws School of Dog Styling Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (MT) Just Four Paws Academy of Pet Styling (PA) Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (IN) Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (PA) Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (MT)

GOLD PLUS LEVEL 1 SPONSORS Canine Clippers Grooming School (VA) Cindy’s Canine Companions Grooming Classes (PA) Oregon Pet Grooming Academy Dog Grooming School of Pennsylvania

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A to Z List of Sponsors Except On-Site Schools eGroomer Journal January / March 2014

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Academy of Dog Grooming Arts (IL)

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American Grooming Academy (CA)

www.americangroomingacademy.com

Canine Clippers Grooming School (VA)

www.canine-clippers.com

Cindy’s Canine Companion Grooming Classes (PA)

www.cindyscaninecompanions.com

Clip Shoppe Dog Grooming School (NJ)

www.clipshoppeschoolofdoggrooming.com

Dapper Dawg School of Prof. Grooming (MA)

www.thedapperdawg.com

Dog Grooming School of Pennsylvania

doggroomingschoolofpennsylvania.com

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (FL)

www.goldenpawsmiami.com

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (NY)

www.pinkdogparlor.com/school.htm

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (PA)

www.goldenpawspittsburghpa.com

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (WI)

www.goldenpawswi.com

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy (MT)

www.happytailslodge.com

Golden Paws Schools

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Golden Paws School of Dog Styling (TX)

www.goldenpaws.com

Groomadog Academy (SC)

www.groomadog.com

Groomer Training Center (PA)

www.groomertrainingcenter.com

John Paul PetSchool (CA)

www.johnpaulpetschool.com

Just Four Paws Academy of Pet Styling (PA)

www.justfourpawsacademy.com

Michigan School of K9 Cosmetology

www.k9grooming.com

Nanhall Professional School of Grooming (NC)

www.nanhall.com

O.C. Academy of Pet Styling (CA)

www.academyofpetstyling.net

Oregon Pet Grooming Academy

www.oregonpetgroomingacademy.com

Paragon Pet Grooming School (MI)

www.paragonpetschool.com

Pets Playground Grooming School (FL)

www.petsplayground.com

South Carolina School of Dog Grooming

www.scschoolofdoggrooming.com

Texas Allbreed Grooming School

www.tagsperfectjob.com

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Journalthat January / March 74 is not commonly known relates toPetGroomer.com It’s eGroomer commonly known all brands of A-52014 blades fit any brand of A-5 clippers. What blade sizes. MostPublications brands of A-5 blades have similar sizes, but how they perform varies. Manufacturers must use design differences in order to avoid patent and copyright infringement. The most common difference between brands is the blade thickness. Similar manufacturer sizes may cut at different heights. You could be in for a surprise if you change brands of the same size blade only to discover the cut is different! For your convenience Jeff at Northern Tails Sharpening prepared the multiple manufacturer reference charts below for blades and snap-ons. Be sure to check Jeff’s web site at www.northerntails.com for more helpful articles, videos and descriptions of his mail-in services. ♦

Clipper Blade Cutting Heights by Manufacturer BLADE SIZE

BLADE CUT

MASTER GRM.TOOLS

LAUBE

WAHL

KLEAN CUT

OSTER

ANDIS

Inches

1/125

0.2

0.5

0.2

1/100

0.3

0.6

0.1

0.3

3/50

—

0.4

1/50

0.5

0.8

0.2

0.5

3/64

1.2

1.0

1.3

1.0

1.2

1/16

1.6

1.5

1.8

1.5/1.6

1.0

1.5

10W

3/32

2.4

—

5/64

2.0

1.5

1.0/2.0

2.0

8.5

7/64

2.8

—

2.0

2.8

1/8

3.2

4.0

3.2

3.0

3.2

1/4

6.4

6.0

6.3

6.0

6.3

3/8

9.5

9.6

8.0

9.5

9.0

9.5

1/2

12.7

13.0

10.0

12.0

13.0

12.0

5/8HT

5/8

15.9

16.0

—

16.0

3/4HT

3/4

—

19.0

T-84

3/16

—

2.4

Snap-On Comb Sizes & Cut Lengths by Manufacturer COMB SIZE

LAUBE SELF ADJ & X-LARGE

WAHL STAINLESS STEEL

MDC ROMANI

OSTER UNIVERSAL

MILLERS FORGE

Inches

1/16

1/8

1/4

1/2

3/4

9/16

1/2 3/4

3/4 0

7/8

5/8

1/2

5/8

1 1/4

1 1/4 1 1/2

1/2

3/8

5/16

3/16

3/8

7/16

1/2

3/8

5/16

1/4

3/16

1/16

1/8

1/16

3/4

1 1/4

1 1/2

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1 3/4

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7/8 1

Charts courtesy of Northern Tails Sharpening 251-232-5353 www.northerntailssharpening.com