|
From Sally's
Desk...
Dear Groomers...
Busy. Busy. Busy. We are all busy. But, I thank all our Groom
Expo attendees for taking time from your busy schedules to attend
the Hershey show. It is our hometown event, and we love to have
you in "our neck of the woods." What a show! Whew.
The most trade show booths in the history of grooming events,
over 180 booths! The biggest attendance. We are still working
on the numbers. And the biggest payout of grooming contest winnings
in the history of grooming... right here in little ole Hershey.
Did you hear? Vero DaSylva won the third
leg of the Triple Crown, giving her a payout of $22,500.00 for
her grooming on a rescued black mini in the Nature's Specialties
Winner Circle Class. Vero collapsed when her name was called.
I think she half fainted. She had that expressionless look on
her face and crumpled to her knees. Congratulations, Vero. The
little Massachusetts gal who is here via France. She has worked
hard for that win. Hmmmmm, maybe I should consider picking up
a clipper again.
We will cover all the exciting events at
Hershey in the next issue. Watch for it. Now Gwen and I are on
our way to ProGroom Las Vegas in conjunction with SuperZoo.
Hope to see you at a big Barkleigh event
next year. God bless you.
Sally
sally@barkleigh.com
Hello....... Groom Shop?
I have this dear dog that's as sweet as
can be
As soon as you see her, I know you'll agree
If it is alright, I will be in about eight.
If I'm not there at nine, it means I'll be late.
Sweetie doesn't bite often; she knows it's
not nice.
Just nips little children, and me once or twice.
She doesn't like cages, can't stand other
pets,
And if she's upset, she just simply wets.
You may bathe her fur, but don't let it
soak in.
I prefer that the water does not towh her skin.
She has a bad back and can't sit or stand,
So have her lie down while you empty her gland.
She's allergic to powders, and dips make
her sneeze.
So please use the tweezers to pick out her fleas.
She loathes being brushed and watch how
you clip.
She has ten thousand mats, but I don't want a strip.
There's a few more instructions, so here
is a list...
Ignore that huge lump, it is only a cyst.
Leave her back long to hide her bad hip...
A French moustache to cover the wart on her lip.
She laid in something that's black and
quite gummy,
But she always gets cold, so don't shave her tummy.
Poodle feet, Poodle tail, of course, that's
the style!
Don't clip her nails; please use a file.
A very high top knot, perfectly round...
So what if there's little hair to be found.
I'm sure with your talent, if you just
use your noodle,
You can make my Chihuahua look just like a Poodle.
There's a few other things you really should
know.
She wants some perfume and a polka dot bow.
I'll be there to get her, I can't say just
when,
But just in case, have her ready by ten.
Submitted by Gail Overturf from an e-mail.
Author unknown.
Christmas Retail
Items Will Make Pockets Jingle!
Ring In The Holidays with Jingle Bell Collars
Ring in the holidays with Coastal Pet's jingle bell collars.
These adjustable, nylon collars are available in three sizes
for dogs and a safety collar for cats, which is made from a soft,
stretchable braid material. The perfect gift for the holidays,
jingle bell collars are available in red nylon with either green
or gold bells and silver bells on blue nylon. The durable, securely
attached bells produce a beautiful, musical tone. For more information,
request Reader
Service Card #1322.
Add a Boost to the Holidays with Fragrance for the Home
Whether you want to spruce up the natural fragrance of your Christmas
tree or need to add a pleasant "fresh tree" scent to
an artificial one, Natural Magic® Holiday fresh pine-scented
gel is just the answer. Child-safe and pet-safe, it is packaged
in an attractive fourteen-ounce tub with a slotted lid. It not
only imparts a delicate pine fragrance, but it actually interacts
with and removes unpleasant odors for up to ninety days.
Natural Magic Holiday fresh pine-scented spray is also available
in a convenient eight-ounce non-aerosol pump bottle. Natural
Magic gel is also available in a light cinnamon fragrance that
can be used with the Natural Magic Pleasant Valley® Aromatherapy
cinnamon fragrance that can be used with the Natural Magic Pleasant
Valley® Aromatherapy cinnamon spice non-aerosol spray. For
more information, request Reader
Service Card #1323.
Petsy Brush Eases Hand Tension
Petsy Brush is shaped for comfort with a light weight handle
to ease tension in groomer's hands after a long day's work. The
bristles are designed with polypropylene that will not irritate,
puncture or scratch the dog's skin. If you come across a mat,
it will not pull or tug the dog's hair. The bristles are made
to "give way" and return to its normal position. It
also makes an amazing tub brush. When wet, soapy hair is collected,
simply slide your thumb forward to remove unwanted hair. Designed
for pets, by pet lovers. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1324.
No More Tear Stains!
Eye Envy introduces an externally applied safe, nonirritating
effective cleanser and beautifier for removing unsightly tear
stains and inhibiting dark staining production for cats and dogs.
This safe and reliable formula may also be used to help eradicate
most feet and mouth stains. The Eye Envy cleaning system comes
in a range of sizes in original and herbal formulas and is safe
for use on kittens and puppies. Eye Envy does not contain any
bleach, peroxide or steroids.
"Holiday Collection" Eye Envy Holiday Kit (available
for dogs or cats) includes Eye Envy Solution, Eye Envy Powder,
Eye Envy Application Pads and Eye Envy Pet Shampoo. For more
information, request Reader
Service Card #1326.
Holiday Products Collection
Groomers will find a wide assortment of fun and useful items
to communicate with pet parents throughout the holiday season.
Pet-themed postcards, folding cards, magnets, pet Christmas stockings,
pet bell collars, holiday Kong toys, colorful leashes, and much
more are all available from Smart-Practice. Most items ship the
same day. For a Groomer Holiday catalog, request Reader
Service Card #1327.
Making Spirits Bright!
Waggers® offers delectable holiday treats for the family's
best friend! Add some Howliday cheer with Waggers Holiday Stockings
full of delicious Waggers originals® Natural Dog Treats,
available in Chicken, Beef Liver and Peanut Butter. And don't
forget to reward good dogs with Champion Chips® big-beefy,
jerky-like treats! Careful: Santa might be jealous!
Waggers originals® Natural Dog Treats are also available
in variety packs, including the ever-popular Waggers Lil' Wag
Sampler pack with one 8 ounce retro canister of each flavor Waggers,
and New for 2004, Waggers 2 to Go pack with two 16- ounce retro
canisters of Waggers originals®. For more information, request
Reader
Service Card #1328.
Dressed up for the Holidays!
Whether it is a fuzzy, yet durable, toy that your customers are
looking for, or a sporty lead and collar set, you can be sure
that the products from Purple Pebble will make a special gift!
Rope your customers in with LEEDZ, a specialty line of rope
style leads and collars! Featuring a contemporary urban look,
with stainless steel and/or leather accents, LEEDZ are smart
in appearance and design. A uniquely woven material blend offers
both strength and comfort to walker and walkee! This line is
an excellent choice for use with larger breeds.
Soft N Cuddly and Durable, too! Is the catchall phrase for
FLEEZ products. FLEEZ is a specialty collection of synthetic
fleece bedding that feels so good you might want to steel a Cuddle
mat for a catnap yourself! Double-sided Cuddle Mats, Snuggle
Bumpers (for crate bar protection), Pooch Pillows, a Kitty Cat
Mat and two toys, the Ravioli and the Fetch-A-Cinne, make up
this truly unique collection. Without squeaker or stuffing, these
toys are 100% safe, and as holiday gifts, your customers will
eat them up!
"Purple Pebble products exist to ensure comfort, safety
and pleasure for pets and their people," says Heather Groll
De Vaul, founder and President. For more information, request
Reader
Service Card #1331.
New Flavor for Woofy-Pop Popcorn for Dogs
More than two-thirds of pet owners rent movies to watch at home
(according to The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association),
and now there's a healthier way for dogs to enjoy the feature
flick along with a snack Woofy-Pop.
Dogmatic Products, Inc. microwave popcorn for dogs comes in
flavors such as smoked chicken and hearty bacon, as well as the
great new flavor of parmesan. These are all easy to prepare,
all natural and preservative and additive free.
Veterinarians across the country have given the project a
unanimous approval rating, and even assisted with developing
the unique formula and nutritional supplement. Woofy-Pop has
received rave reviews from customers and retailers.
Brewer's yeast has been added to each flavor pouch to promote
healthy skin and a shiny coat. Woofy-Pop comes packaged in a
three pack box. For more information about this product, request
Reader
Service Card #1332.
Give Your Pets A Holiday Dinner Party!
Invite your pets to a gour-mutt Dinner Party and watch them feast
with gusto. Halo, Purely for Pets offers the most scrumptious
and nutritious pallet pleasers for pets. Dinner Party combines
USDA-approved chicken or beef with savory seasonings and sprinkled
over your pet's food turns any meal into a gourmet affair. This
mouth-watering blend of natural flavors is made with the highest-quality
human-grade ingredients and follows Halo's model of providing
the absolute best, because "if we can't eat or use it ourselves,
we won't give it to our pets!" For more information, please
request Reader
Service Card #1333.
Whole Salmon Treats
It's wild! It's Alaskan! The pets love it! Halo, Purely for Pets
announces the release of their latest treat, Liv-A-Littles Whole
Salmon! Liv-A-Littles (available in Chicken, Beef, and Cod Fish)
are the company's fastest growing product. It's only natural
to add no-carb, healthy salmon that's loaded with Omegas
the good fats! The entire line is made from the finest all natural,
human-grade whole meats, and is freeze-dried in the company's
USDA-Approved kitchen. It's delicious and gives pets what they
need: REAL PROTEIN. Their newest Wild Salmon flavor received
a "Four Paws UP!" in a random four hundred pet sampling.
For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1334.
SpaDog Aromatherapy
Spa Dog Botanicals, unique, natural aromatherapy dog care products
in a collectible can, provide natural care for all stages of
life. The age specific pails include Welcome Home Puppy Care,
Wonderdog Natural Care Adult and Mellow Dog Natural Care.
They include a variety of age specific products to pamper
your pet. Each one gallon can is attractive and collectible and
includes a variety of four ounce size products, two soap bars,
unique Spa Dog Botanicals ear care and designer dog toy. For
more information, request Reader
Service Card #1335.
Benedent Offers New Pet Dental Kit
The new Triple · Pet Dental Kit offers the best in
one package! The brush has three flexible heads that clean all
surfaces of the teeth with every stroke. Wrapping around the
teeth, it is much easier to keep the brush on the teeth as the
animal moves. Its padded handle provides a firm grip.
Triple · Pet all natural sugar free toothpaste is sweetened
with Stevia, an herb. It uses just a touch of Tea Tree oil to
promote healthy gums. Pets love its natural vanilla flavor, which
leaves their breath a delight. The paste has a tartar control
formula and is non-foaming. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1336.
SheaPet Offers Products for the Pampered Pet
Finally, there are Shea Butter grooming products for the pampered
pet. SheaPet's botanical-based shampoos, conditioners, and skin
care treatments feature Fair Trade shea butter made by women's
cooperatives in Uganda. The Shea Butter Shampoo will leave a
pet super soft, shiny and tangle-free. The skin care products
work wonders for dogs and cats with sensitive and allergy prone
skin. Shea Butter soothes dry, itchy skin and also helps control
dander and hot spots. Love your dog; Butter your dog! SheaPet's
founder Alisa Puga Keesey, worked in Uganda for twelve years
to help organize Fair Trade cooperatives for women farmers. Fair
Trade helps support conservation of the shea tree and helps women
earn a decent living. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1337.
Indulge Dogs and Owners!
Woofgang's is a new and exciting company that gears all of
its products toward indulging dogs and dog owners at the same
time! Delicious smelling, all natural, fun-infused dog shampoos
and scrumptious treats, fresh baked with allergy-free grains
and organic ingredients are Woof-gang's best selling items.
Woofgang's wants to introduce you to the products that would
look fabulous on your shelves or make excellent gifts during
the holiday season! For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1338.
Gourmet, Healthy Dog Treats
Zanadoo & Co. works to provide conscientious pet owners
with a healthy alternative to the mass-marketed dog treats offered
by today's pet food industry. They specialize in the development
of wheat, corn and soy free gourmet dog biscuits. Their products
contain all natural, human grade ingredients.
The company STRICTLY AVOIDS the use of preservatives, flavor
enhancers, coloring or animal by-products. For more information,
request Reader
Service Card #1339.
Debut Album Features Sven, the Love Dog
K-9 Fusion is a music CD featuring mixed breed acid rock.
Eleven-year-old Sven, the Love Dog, plays each and every instrument
on his debut album. The only exception is the drums, which are
played by Sven's owner and fellow groove monster, Steve Brooks.
Every intense vocalization is produced by Sven or one of his
canine friends in this interpreted expression of the dogs' creative
process It's REAL It's dangerous!
Music lovers and dogs will be amazed! Real music played by
real dogs! For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1340.
IMARC Offers Holiday Tags for their Pet Tag Engraver
IMARC Engraving Systems (Phoenix, Arizona) has introduced a selection
of holiday-themed pet tags for their IMARC Engraver. Offered
in red, green and blue anodized aluminum, these tags have been
laser-etched with holiday designs, such as Christmas trees, presents,
snowmen and snowflakes. Available only while supplies last, these
tags will be sold in bags of fifty (as an assortment of styles)
for $69.50. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1341.
Book Helps Children to Deal With Pet Loss
Pets are members of the family, and the loss of a pet is a
difficult time, especially for children. As part of her Barklay
& Eve book series, Registered Nurse and Licensed Clinical
Social Worker, Karen Carney wrote They're Part of the Family:
Barklay and Eve Talk to Children about Pet Loss.
Through the stories of Barklay and Eve's friends and their
pets, the book answers common questions, while offering children
various ways to grieve. It contains activities, questions for
children about their pets, and emphasizes the importance of expressing
emotions to loved ones. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1342.
The Perfect Holiday Gift for Dogs!
Uniquelyshaped NutriDent Edible Dental Chews have a great
taste that dogs just LOVE plus, they help clean teeth and
freshen breath. They make the perfect holiday gift for dogs!
Towers containing individually wrapped NutriDent chews are
available in festive and removable holiday packaging.
The holiday "sleeve" is easily removed after the holidays.
For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1343.
Squeaky Pets for Christmas
Just in time for Christmas from the softer side of Nylabone:
Cheeky Squeaky Pets! This new hip and fun collection of colorful
plush toys features eight dog toys with squeakers and four cat
toys containing Meowa-Bunga catnip and crinkle all pet
tested and approved!
Made of high quality soft double-sided polarfleece, these
quirky characters have modern shapes and eye catching colors,
including Wake up Douglas P. Leghorn, a rooster who can't wake
up at dawn; Bad Boy Astor, a dog with a penchant for mobile phones;
and Nibbling Jules, a mouse who prefers to live in a silverware
drawer. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1344.
Crazy Dog Is a Chef!
Move over, Emeril and Wolfgang Make way for the newest and zaniest
gourmet chef to spice up the TV airwaves Crazy Dog! "Our
entrepreneurial canine epicure and his cookbook, The Crazy Kids
Guide to Cooking For Your Pet, appeared live on TV in Los Angeles
recently," said spokesperson.
With cameras rolling, human co-author Missy Denzer cooked
up a batch of Lolli-Pups from the book, which contains simple
recipes kids can make for dogs and cats. A panel of four-footed
taste testers gave the treats a huge tails up. They loved it!
I'm so-oo much better than those hoity-toity French chefs, with
their tiresome fois gras and fricassees," said Crazy Dog.
The remote broadcast took place at Cardinal Laboratories (Crazy
Dog's home base) and included back-and-forth cuts to the station's
news anchor team. "Now everyone in L.A. knows what a great
gastronome and author I am, in addition to my entrepreneurial
skills," said Crazy Dog. For more information , request
Reader
Service Card #1345.
An At-Home Spa Treatment Pet Care Package
Beyond Bookmark's Doggie Packs come with all-natural treats and
non-toxic grooming products. Sisters Kay Hawkins and Carol Moore
own Beyond Bookmarks, a care package business providing affordable
care packages with a personal touch. Beyond Bookmarks offers
The Doggie Pack, a pet care package for pet owners who are concerned
about what they give to and use on their pets. The Doggie Pack
comes with healthy nontoxic, natural alternatives for dogs with
skin or food allergies and includes organic Buddy Biscuits made
with all-natural ingredients. The Buddy Biscuits are free of
corn, soy, sugar, salt, egg, dairy products and artificial flavors.
The biscuit's crunchy texture will keep pets, teeth clean and
are non-allergenic.
The Doggie Packs also includes the all natural botanical grooming
products, Buddy Wash, Buddy Rinse and Buddy Splash. The Buddy
Wash, liquid soap that fuses lavender, mint and chamomile essence
leaves pets dirt-free and refreshed. The Buddy Rinse will soothe,
moisturize and rejuvenate your dog's skin. The Buddy Splash,
used between baths, serves to neutralize doggie odors.
The Buddy Sampler Travel Kit is included in the Doggie Pack
and includes grooming travel size grooming products (Buddy Wash
and Buddy Rinse), Buddy Biscuits and a water dish. For more information,
request Reader
Service Card #1346.
A Collection of Dog Bath, Spritzer Aromatherapy Candle
Tin
A custom handmade jute bag with drawstring gift collections,
holds an assortment of your favorite Pet Aromatics products.
Each bag has a dog bath shampoo/conditioner in one, an aro-matherapy
dog coat deodorizing freshening spritz, and an aroma-therapy
candle to use in the home you share with your dog. Scents available:
Canine Coconut, Dew Drop Doggie, Woodsy Woof, Rose Petal Pooch,
Bow Wow Bouquet, and Honeysuckle Hound. Request
Reader Service Card #1350.
Classic Kong Products In Holiday Colors And Themes
Available this holiday, KONG has designed five holiday clip strips
with five of our most popular holiday-themed products. KONG Zoom
Grooms in festive red and green, beautifully embroidered Air
KONG Donuts and Fetch Sticks, and our extremely popular, paw-shaped,
KONG Holiday Stockings and Stocking/ Air KONG Combos. For more
information, request Reader
Service Card #1352.
Giving Dogs and Their Owners Something to Bark About This
Holiday Season
Bobbi Painter Natural Pet Pampering Products, formerly Dogone-It,
unwraps a variety of products exclusively for the holiday season.
The 2004 Holiday Spa Gift basket featuring a 10.5 oz. bottle
of "Gorgeous Dog", one 8 oz. bottle of "Snarly
Dog," a soy-based candle in a heart votive, featuring one
of Bobbi Painter Natural Pet Pampering Products' aromatic scents,
along with a 100 percent cotton "Gorgeous Dog" dog
towel, perfect for "just out of the tub" clean.
Don't forget Bobbi's fabulous stocking stuffer, a sampler
pack of all five 2 oz. products retailing for $28. Canvas baseball
caps in vibrant colors, sporting the color scheme and logo matching
each product are the perfect gift for man's best friend
The Bobbi Painter Natural Pet Pampering Products brand consists
of four dog pampering shampoos and one spray-on-leave-in conditioner
and detangler. Products are in eye-catching packaging with names
that clearly and distinctly describe what conditions the product
addresses.
For example, "Gorgeous Dog" helps nourish all types
of coats and helps to maintain an optimal sheen. "Itchy
Dog" is perfect for dogs with dry coats or skin problems.
Just like its name implies, "Stinky Dog" is for
coats that need deodorizing, and "Bad Hair Day Dog",
a shampoo and conditioner in one, was developed for dogs with
dry and unruly coats.. "Snarly Dog," an innovative,
easy-to-use spray-on product, detangles, nourishes and adds sheen.
Request
Reader Service Card #1353.
Windsor Canopy Beds
Absolutely gorgeous and stunningly designed, Beds for Dogs and
Cats is featuring our Pink Gingham over the canopy, with the
sleeping cushion and bolsters completed in a Pink Faux Fur fabric.
Four tassels around each side and one at the top have been
added. This is sleepy comfort for your pet and an impressive
statement for your home. All the cushions are zippered, removable
and all the fabrics are machine washable. The iron, powder-coated
frame is a soft, off white. Available in Tiny (for pets under
10 pounds), and Small (for pets under 25 pounds). For more information,
request Reader
Service Card #1354.
Lavender Round Bed
For pets who like to sleep around! This reBARKable bed is shown
in lavender faux fur, with a complimenting lavender gingham fabric.
It is sumptously "sleepy soft," zippered, with a removable
cover and is machine washable. Available sizes are: Toy/Tiny/Small/Medium.
Made in the USA by Beds for Dogs and Cats. Request
Reader Service Card #1355.
New Glow in the Dark Leashes and Collars
You'll never lose or step on Fido or Fifi again, at night, with
the release of Co-leash Kryptaglow collars and leashes. The Co-Leash
collar and leash combined as well as single collars and leashes
are a one-of-a-kind invention that can go and glow anywhere with
your pet. The nylon products can glow up to twelve hours with
minimal exposure to light. Pets can stay safe and be easy to
find in the bushes, in the trees, or in the middle of the street.
For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1356.
Naturals Mini Barkery Biscuits
Pet Trend introduces its new Woof! Naturals Mini Barkery Biscuits.
These 100% all-natural gourmet biscuits are made from scratch
and do not contain common allergens like wheat, corn, soy, dairy
or egg. Low calorie, they have no added salt, sugar or fat. The
mini size makes them perfect for dogs of all sizes. Available
in 6 oz. bags in Fresh Veggie or Pumpkin Cinnamon. Baker's dozen
special available! Request
Reader Service Card #1357.
The Election Has Truly Gone to the Dogs
VanDogh Creations announces Bush-BITES!™ and Kerry-WAFFLES™,
superior dog treats with a political twist. Just when you thought
all opinions had been voiced in this dizzying political battle,
man's best friend now has the opportunity to be heard. Has your
dog been barking at the TV or shredding the morning paper? Perhaps
Rover is trying to tell you that he thinks Bush-BITES! Maybe
Fido thinks Kerry WAFFLES. The undecided dog can try both alternatives
before settling on a party affiliation. No matter which side
of the fence your pooch is on, these all-natural dog treats are
sure to be a hit.
Twenty percent of the net proceeds from all sales of Bush-BITES,
Kerry-Waffles and related merchandise will be donated to Big
Brothers, Big Sisters of America, First Book, and National Education
for Assistance Dog Services. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1358.
Comfort Comes In Pink and Blue
Make your new puppy feel safe and comfortable in his new home.
Comfort Heart, a heart-shaped pillow just fifteen inches tall
is perfect for new puppies or adult dogs that need some extra
emotional support. The pillow is digitally enhanced with a mother's
heartbeat on a thirty minute timer that will help your new pup
rest easy in his new environment..
This innovative product by Doggles can also help calm nervous
older dogs to prevent chewing when left alone. For more information,
request Reader
Service Card #1359.
Where Sleeping Dogs Lie...
Where Sleeping Dogs Lie... Cozy Canines and their Napping Nests
by the Humane Society of New York with Julia Szabo is a book
showing 100 full-color photographs of pets in their favorite
napping places taken by photographer Stanford T. Wan. This 88
page book is a hardcover, size 8" X 8" with a jacket,
and was published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang and sells for
$16.95 in the U.S.A. For more information, please request Reader
Service Card #1360.
"Happy Holidays" with Happy Dog Toys
New perfect pet toys in styles just for the holiday season include
Mini JingleBone, a miniature version of the award-winning TennisBone.
Two tennis balls with cool mint flavor on the outside and jingle
bells on the inside are fused to a rubber bone using a patented
super-tough process.
Also included are the Holiday Tennis Buddys, bouncing their
way into little ones' stockings in two adorable reindeer and
two snowman styles. This combination of durable tennis ball and
soft plush is every dog's best buddy.
Kitten Mitten is also on every pet's Christmas list in a festive
blue and white snowflake style for the holidays. The toy fits
like a glove to captivate your kitty with catnip and jingle bells
inside pompoms that dangle from twelve inch reinforced fingers.
For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1361.
These retail items, unique and cute enough to please your
clients will boost your holiday profits and provide a happy and
prosperous season for all!
Lori McAlister
Wins Groomer to Groomer Writing Contest
at Groom Expo
"Lori's story was short, but well
organized and to the point," stated Judy Bremer-Taxman,
who judged the eight entries in the 2004 Groomer to Groomer Writing
Contest. The award for the winner, a sapphire and diamond studded
heart necklace and a gift certificate for $100 toward the purchase
of Barkleigh products, was presented to Lori McAlister of Warsaw,
Indiana, at the Writer's Conference at this year's Groom Expo,
held recently in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The story, entitled Dog People, follows:
Sometimes I wonder if there was a mix-up
when I was born. Clearly, I belong to other people, DOG people.
My family were never dog people. Sure, they liked them... OUTSIDE!
I could beg and plead until I was blue in the face, but whatever
dog I happened to have at that time was not allowed any farther
than the mud room. Of course, that never stopped me from trying!
My mother would not think twice about getting
rid of my best pooch for his first offense, even if it was only
tearing sheets off the line! Poor Reddy, my Irish Setter, didn't
have a chance. I knew he was a "goner" as soon as I
saw a red blur running past the back door with Mom's once pristine
white sheets sailing behind him.
My dad and my sister weren't any better.
Dad got rid of one of our dogs because he didn't realize He was
a SHE until he got her home. My sister had to get rid of her
dog because it wouldn't sit on its blanket and kept putting its
butt on her carpet. They were not DOG PEOPLE! It's a wonder my
delicate, undeveloped little mind wasn't warped.
Now that I'm an adult, I can finally flop
on my bed with my best dog. My guests are encouraged to hurry
to the table before their dinner is stolen. Everywhere I go,
there is a furry head and a long tongue happily enjoying the
breeze from the passenger seat of my van. I consider dog hair
an accessary. Instead of being mortified when I see my son sitting
in church with a black shirt adorned with golden hair, I just
figure the dog people will understand.
Of course, my family is mortified that
I choose to raise my boys in what they consider a hairy, slobbery
environment. I see my mother's face pale as my boys roll around
with our dog licking their faces. My sister looks on in disapproval,
her nose wrinkling haughtily, as she tells her husband, "This
is why we don't have a dog!" as she points at my now hair-covered
son.
Sure, they don't have wet paw prints leading
in from the back door, and their mailmen probably don't refuse
to come to the door with packages.
But, will their vacuum cleaner wake them
up if there's a fire? Will their dust rags put a sympathetic
paw on them after a long, hard day? I think not. I look into
my sweet doggie's adoring brown eyes and know for sure that I
am glad I was born a dog person!
The Groomer's
Round Table
The opinions expressed by the writers
do not necessarily reflect those of Barkleigh Productions, Inc.
I've had a lot of requests lately to shave
down double-coated breeds during the warmer months. Is this a
good idea? I've heard that it ruins the coat.
I live in New Mexico, and we shave the
double-coated breeds all of the time, even throughout the winter.
Most people here don't like the dogs to be coated since it is
hot, but also, many people don't and won't brush their dogs.
I find it more humane to shave them, but I rarely ever go shorter
than a 7F. We shave Pomeranians, American Eskimos, Chows, etc.
Now, I prefer them to be coated, but to
be honest, I hate to demat, so I recommend shaving if the coat
is really messy. Also, down here, most Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus
are done with a 7F. There is less maintenance for the owner,
and the dogs are cute, cool, and clean! I do warn people that
shaving double coated breeds can ruin the hair, but most of the
people don't care since they keep their dogs short year long.
Some of my clients do a short style in
the summer and a little longer style in the winter, like a #2
or #1. I say, if the owner wants the dogs short, do it. Remember,
we are supposed to satisfy the customer and make the dogs comfortable.
People who don't brush their dogs cannot be shamed into doing
it. Also, if you don't shave the dog, another groomer will! Ann,
New Mexico
I tell my clients that they have two choices
when wanting to help keep their pets cool. The first is to use
a shedding blade starting Valentine's Day (love your dog!). If
used every day, by June they should have a pet without the undercoat,
allowing the topcoat to become an umbrella protecting the skin
from sunburn. Then take the blade out again when school starts
in the fall. If time is an issue and the coat is still on the
dog come late spring, then we can take the coat off, providing
the pet is in the house or shade. A tee-shirt often helps. I
also tell them not to laugh at their pet. Some pets hide for
days. The choice is theirs to make! Cheryl Montaigne
I live and work in Southern California
and have been grooming for twenty-seven years. I have shaved
all kinds of dogs, even a Lab or two. In my own personal experience,
the dogs are a lot more comfortable in the summer. I have a Schipperke
myself and when he sees my clipper out, he comes running. He
loves to be shaved and is so much cooler. I do admit that his
coat does not grow back the way it used to, but since I do not
have air-conditioning in my home its a small price to pay for
him to be happy. We have mild winters and he is an inside dog
anyway. I would never tell a client not to shave his dog, but
when it is a Chow or Keeshond especially, I do tell them what
might happen. We also still have fleas here from time to time,
even with Advantage and other products. Pat Beadles, The Golden
Paw, San Diego, Calif.
Hmm... Yes, I, too get many requests for
double-coated summer strips. This cut seems to effect every dog
differently, and I would not be surprised if it had been vet
recommended. I have the utmost respect for veterinarians, but
they too are not all the same. I had a Sheltie that came in on
a regular basis, then disappeared for a year. When this client
finally returned, I told her I missed seeing her and her dog,
and thought maybe they had moved away! She said, "No, my
vet told me Shelties don't NEED to be groomed!" This poor
Sheltie's undercoat was matted as solid as a shrunken wool sweater,
and underneath this clogged undercoat was a terrible skin condition!
I think there are a few things to consider before shaving down
this kind of dog.
Most people do not realize what kind of
a coat care commitment they are getting into with the double-coated
breeds. Does that owner have the time, patience and discipline
to maintain that coat in-between groomings? Have they trained
their dog to tolerate being brushed? If these answers are no,
then I shave the dog, but not without a polite warning. ("Sometimes
it never grows back the same, this coat is their protection,
he will still need to be brushed, he will still shed, he will
still need to be groomed regularly," etc). Consider your
client's reason for having the dog shaved.
A shave down does not mean they are freed
of their brushing duties, nor does it mean they will save money
by having him groomed less often. These are points I explain
thoroughly. You have to use your best judgment considering the
weather in your state. Are these house dogs or outdoor dogs?
How much time do they spend outside? In the end, I always ask
the dog. "Would you rather be shaved down? You'll dry in
a jiffy, you'll go home a lot sooner, you can run around naked,
and poop won't stick to your butt..... Or, you can stay.....
STAY! on this grooming table, be dematted all afternoon if necessary,
until we get a fine-toothed comb through every inch of you."
Guess which they prefer?!?! Professional Grooming Lehigh Valley,
PA
If the dog has never been shaved before,
we try to talk the customer out of it. We explain that the grooming
process (bath, velocity drying, and brushing) alleviates a lot
of the extra bulk and hair... and that shaving them actually
removes their natural insulation "against" the heat
they think they are protecting them from. With dogs like Labs
and Shepherds, we tell them also that shaving doesn't stop the
shedding, it just makes it shorter... and if you've ever gotten
a hair-splinter in your foot you know about it! If the customer
insists, we will shave the dog WITH a signed authorization, and
we inform them the dog is now susceptible to sunburn and overheating,
and to take precautions about them.
On dogs such as a Golden Retriever... we've
found shaving them usually results in the hair not growing back
properly... we offer an alternative. A longer guard comb clip
on the back and sides, and a scissor trim on the bottom, rear,
tail, feet as per a normal golden 'trim up.' This way, the weight
of the hair is lessened, but the dog's coat still grows back
and in the same pattern it's supposed to. This can work on some
Shepherds, Chow mixes, etc. if the coat is light enough after
the blow-out (if the comb wont go through, it looks terrible).
Amie
Here in New Jersey we are still shaving
double coated dogs for the summer. They are booked for this service
clear into August. Many clients have told me their vet recommended
it. When the client arrives for the appointment, I explain the
function of a double coat and encourage a bath and brush and
short trim of all long hair. All but one client has been pleased
with the result. Gail Rosenberg, Leader of the Pack
I do not like shaving the double-coated
dog. It is totally unnecessary.
Number one, the coat may not grow back
to it's original texture. Number two, the double coat is actually
an insulation against heat and cold, providing the coat is maintained
with regular bathing and brushing. I will inform the client of
these particulars along with the sunburn possibility to their
skin if the coat is shaved too short. I then let them decide.
I have even offered a discount to the client who is willing to
bring their dog in monthly for bath and brush, verses shaving.
The excuses I get are: 1) My dog is too
hot, he pants all the time. I tell them that the panting is one
way they cool themselves because they do not sweat. 2) The dog
will shed less when shaved, I reply by saying your dog will still
shed although it may be less noticeable. 3) The best and most
understandable excuse is if the dog lives in a wooded area with
a lot of brush that includes thistles and such that get tangled
in the coat and the owner wants to make it easier to brush the
coat out. If a client still insists on the shaving I compromise
with them by using a #2 Guard or 4F. Cindy Schriber Shaggy Dogs
Professional Pet Grooming, Inc. Middleton, WI
From a groomer who works for a vet... our
doctors usually advise shave downs for medical reasons, such
as skin conditions or horrors, maggots! We do field clips, as
we like to call them, mainly for dogs that are farm dogs or hunting
dogs. There are many foxtails and other weeds that embed themselves
in the coats of Goldens, Springers and Shepherds. We also do
bare feet on most of the breeds around here, as I tell the owners
that it is cheaper to pay me to do bare feet than to pay the
vet to fix a foxtail abscess. Shave downs or field clips do not
need to be so short that skin shows. If an owner wants it that
short, I tell them the problems that may occur and let them take
it from there. Judy White, Animal Clinic East Grooming Center,
Walla Walla, Wa
We , too, have had a record number of requests
to shave Goldens, Labs, Huskys, etc. Most say that their last
groomer always did it, or the vet said it will help the shedding.
We flatly refuse to shave Labs and Goldens. We will scissor up
the feathering on Golden Retrievers for the summer, but will
absolutely not shave them. When I ask why they don't return to
the groomer who did shave them, they reply that they are out
of business. I wonder why! Janet Morgan Rover Dog Grooming Salon
Mayetta, NJ
We do groom in IN, which I'm sure is hotter than Minn. We see
a lot of double coated dogs, especially chows and chow crosses
that are only tended to once a year. They are so matted that
it is a kindness to shave them, rather than do extensive de-matting.
For dogs that are maintained and not heavily matted, we feel
that the owner has to deal with the hair on a daily basis and
do what they want. We will not shave an outdoor dog after Sept.
1. This gives two months before the really cold weather sets
in. We have several indoor heavy coated dogs that get intermediate
hair cuts year round. Beverly Johnson, Spring Valley Kennels,
Anderson, IN
I'm from Phoenix, AZ which is DEFINITELY
a hot state. At 11 PM it is still 90 degrees out! We see these
shave-downs all year round (I shaved down 4 Labs last week) but
especially in the summer. I have never had anyone tell me their
vet recommended it though. All we do is tell people we don't
recommend it and why, but I'd say a good 75% still opt to shave,
even though we've explained it won't make the dog any cooler
(you've probably experienced that "you don't know anything
you pathetic dog groomer" attitude yourself). That's really
all you can do, then when the coat grows in weird all you can
do is smile that "I told you so" smile. I've had to
do it often enough. The sad reality is people simply don't choose
to educate themselves about the breed they're buying before they
buy. They'd rather pay $50 to make the problem go away for a
couple of months. Not only have I shaved down Goldens, Labs,
Chows, Huskies, and Akitas, but I get requests to shave down
short-haired Chihuahuas, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, even
a Weimeraner (most of which I refuse to do). People are morons.
Amy, Phx, AZ
I had always been told that a dogs coat
actually insulates them from the heat, so shaving many breeds
as you mentioned was not recommended. Most vets I know agree.
Are these dogs extremely matted, or is it possible these dogs
have some kind of skin/allergy problem? I shave down one dog
who is, believe it or not, allergic to his own hair and dander!!
Many vets will recommend shaving a dog to treat skin problems,
as topical treatments are easier to apply and get absorbed into
the skin easier without excess hair in the way. One of my own
dogs, a German Shepherd, is prone to hot spots on his flanks
and base of his tail. I've found shaving the hair, in the area
of the hot spot only, allows them to heal much more quickly.
I have many, many customers who swear their dog is much more
comfortable shaved for the summer. These dogs include a Keeshond,
Collie, Samoyed, Briard and a St. Bernard. I'll tell the customer
about the insulation factor, and inform them of consequences
of shaving their dog, such as sun burn. Also, if the dog is obese
(a MAJOR problem with many of my grooming clients), or if the
dog is elderly, they will pant much more than a "normal"
dog. The panting is not necessarily due to them being hot, and
shaving the dog is not going to stop the panting in these situations.
That being said, I will shave down a dog if the customers still
requests so. They live with their dogs and know them much better
than I do. If they say their dog feels better after a shave down,
then I believe them. Tracy Kaecker Designer Fur Pet Salon Petersburg
IL
As the owner of a busy shop (Caruso's Central
Bark, Medford NJ) We are often faced with the same dilemma- what
to do when a customer really wants their dog shaved? We always
offer other obvious suggestions first, ie: regular and more frequent
grooming and de-shedding to make their pet more comfortable during
the hot weather, quality grooming tools to help with the job
at home, or even recommending a better quality food to improve
the condition of the coat and skin. When all else fails, we have
to remember that it is their pet and ultimately they have the
final say. In our area, ticks and fleas can be a problem any
many times the shaved coat is desired to better see what's going
on under the hair. After the customer signs a shave-release form,
we will buzz away- and hopefully the results will keep them happy
and their dog more comfortable. Either way, if you are honest
about the potential results you will have a customer who trusts
your judgment and returns often , even just for a bath in-between
shavings. Judy Caruso, Caruso's Central Bark
This is a response to the Minnesota groomer
who is being asked to shave down a lot of double coated dogs.
Yes, unfortunately there are vets out there who advise their
clients to have their double-coated dogs shaved for the summer
months. I am co-located with a vet, and, after having suffered
many of my lectures, she now refers these customers to me for
a "bath and blow out," as an alternative to shaving.
I find myself explaining over and over to my clients the consequences
of shaving, e.g. losing the guard coat, causing the undercoat
to flourish, damage to the hair follicle, dry brittle regrowth,
etc. I explain that if we are dealing with an extremely matted
coat, or we are treating a skin condition, or we are trying to
make an elderly/sickly dog more comfortable, then I would not
hesitate to clip it down. However, if they have a healthy dog
with a healthy coat that just needs to be cooler during the warm
season, or an excessive shedder, I offer the alternative solution:
a bath & blow out. I explain how, between my shampoo &
conditioning system (I use Best Shot) & my high-velocity
dryer, I can loosen & blow out the undercoat. This preserves
the guard coat, the dog does not need sunscreen protection for
the next several weeks, and the blown out hair remains in my
shop, not in the owners' home. Most customers would rather see
their dogs maintain their natural, beautiful coat and appreciate
my advice. Once they see the results, I recommend that they schedule
an appointment for every 4-6 weeks for maintenance, and they
usually do. Bottom line: educate your customers, they will appreciate
it. For those who still insist that you shave their otherwise
healthy dogs, you might consider having them sign a waiver, stating
that you have explained the consequences of shaving their dog's
coat and they will not hold you responsible if the dog's coat
is subsequently ruined for possibly the rest of its life. Maybe
that will cause them to give it a second thought! Sherry A. Robbins,
Moon Doggies Grooming & Design, Hamilton OH
Salon Planning,
Design and Set Up
by Kathy Rose
THE BUILD-OUT (Part 2)
Designing the floor plan, hiring a contractor
and making renovations to efficiently and safely accommodate
a professional pet styling salon, can seem like a monumental
task. You can eliminate some of the stress associated with this
process, by creating a plan of action and following a few simple
guidelines.
Because there are so many variances, of
interior dimensions, every floor plan is individual. There are,
however, a few essential concepts, which can be adapted to almost
any shape of usable square footage. A basic salon can be divided
into four areas:
Retail and Reception
The reception area of your salon is your chance to make a great
first impression. It should be immaculate and provide a cozy,
welcoming environment. This area requires enough space to greet
your clients and examine their pets, as well as, provide a dedicated
area for record keeping. This may be as simple as a counter with
a telephone, file cabinet and cash drawer or a mini office with
a custom reception desk lined with electronics. Your budget and
available space will determine your end design.
Styling and Finishing
The styling and finishing area is best located adjacent to the
reception area. A partial wall with an inward opening gate is
suitable for separating the reception area from the rest of the
store and will serve as a deterrent to "escape intent"
pets. Your clients will appreciate being able to view pets being
groomed, but will be prevented from wondering into your grooming
area. A table placed out of direct view can accommodate grooming
difficult pets.
Bathing and Drying
Because of the noise, heat and airborne hair from high velocity
blow dryers, the bathing and drying area, functions best as a
separate room. Additionally, wet, shivering pets look pathetic
and are best kept out of the client's view. Non slip flooring
as well as walls that are easy to scrub are imperative. Ideally,
this area is best located toward the rear of the salon, with
a fan venting to the outside. A fan will help to vent the area
of chemical fumes and odors as well as facilitate the efficiency
of the air conditioning.
Kennels or Holding Area
Large salon or small, there will certainly be the need to house
more than one pet at a time. The caging or holding area can be
integrated into the other areas, or you may choose to design
a room specifically for caging. Integrating cages throughout
the salon has the added benefit of being able to quickly place
a pet that you are working on, safely into a cage in order to
answer the phone or greet a client. This, along with a kennel
room, can optimize minimal space.
When planning your floor layout, there
are a few more considerations. Always keep in mind that the pets
in your care must be monitored at all times. Viewing windows,
strategically placed in doors or walls and half walls, called
knee walls, help to provide an open atmosphere, while still managing
noise, hair, and pet safety.
Carefully consider your electrical and
lighting requirements. Outlets should be abundant, easily accessible,
and able to handle the amperage needed to power your equipment
safely and without extension cords. Throughout the salon, plan
for ample overhead lighting, as well as making use of any natural
lighting available. Adjustable track lighting is especially beneficial
in the styling area.
It is especially important, when creating
partition walls, that the areas created, will accommodate large
equipment. Be sure to measure cage banks, walk in dryers and
tubs to ensure that the equipment you will be purchasing or already
have, will fit in the spaces you are creating.
Design tips
· Initial impact should be cozy and inviting.
· Gates should have latches, preferably swinging inward.
· The materials used should be durable, non-porous and
easy to clean.
· Clients appreciate styling room view, not wet pets.
· Separate bathing / drying area from other areas.
· Place appealing, comfortable cages throughout the salon.
· Plan for adequate electrical outlets and lighting needs.
· Make sure interior partitions will accom-modate large
equipment.
· Design for safety of both pets and staff.
You should now have a general idea of the
renovations that are required for your new salon and have created
a floor plan that works with the dimensions of your store. Chances
are, you will need at least one permit from the department that
enforces building ordinances and codes and it is possible that
electrical, plumbing and other specialized jobs may require separate
permits. A General Contractor will be able to determine your
location's legal requirements for the renovations and secure
the necessary permits.
The best place to start your search for
a General Contractor is by word of mouth. Ask friends, family
and business owners in your area whom they recommend, and it
is always a good idea to get more than one estimate for your
renovations. Discuss bids, in detail, with each contractor to
make sure you understand the price variations. The cheapest is
not always the wisest choice, so carefully consider all of the
factors, including experience, materials and reputation, before
hiring your contractor. Get references and testimonials from
previous jobs. A good contractor will have a list of references
with phone numbers of satisfied clients. References are of no
value, unless you call at least a few of them.
Once you have narrowed it down to a select
few, request a copy of the contractor's license, including the
name and telephone number of the licensing agency and the license-expiration
date. Document insurance requirements, such as, General Liability
coverage, including certificates from sub-contractors. Contact
your state's division of Workman's Compensation for regulations
pertaining to your area, and make sure the contractor is in compliance.
Once you have accepted the credentials
of the contractor, there are some important questions you should
ask.
1.Detail the scope of work and clearly
identify and describe the services and materials that will be
provided.
2. Specify your expectations of the quality
and functional requirements of the finished work and find out
what warranty will be provided.
3. Get a written contract that includes
a bid based on the job, and a price breakdown for labor, materials,
permits, subcontractors, etc. Documentation of all changes in
the contract, called a Change Order, should be in writing.
4. Determine a schedule for releasing payments
to the contractor. 10% - 20% is a customary deposit. Depending
on the size of the job, additional payments may be required,
as work is completed. It is a good idea to withhold at least
10% until all inspections have passed and all sub-contractors
have been paid.
5. Establish clear start and completion
dates.
6. Determine if sub-contractors will be
hired and that your contractor be on site to oversee all work
being performed.
7. For more information on hiring a contractor,
contact your local building department or your local Better Business
Bureau
Designing your floor plan and hiring the
right contractor are key steps in the build-out of your new salon.
Creating an effective plan and following some basic concepts
can help you to create the salon of your dreams.
Look for Part Three of Salon Design and
Set Up: "Equipment Set Up" in the next issue of Groomer
to Groomer.
Groom & Kennel
Expo
and Natural Pet Expo
Hollywood. Palm Trees. Warm sunshine.
Beautiful desert. Mountains. Strawberries. And Pet Professionals
from around the world! That's Groom & Kennel Expo 2005, February
11-13th. Where will you be when we are enjoying three jam-packed
days of education, demonstrations, shopping, contests and entertainment?
Great Location...
The location is the Hilton Burbank Airport, in Burbank, California.
The California-based Expo poses the perfect opportunity for your
heavenly escape from cold temperatures, a chance to recharge
your winter batteries. Best of all... it's tax deductible!
Animal Behavior Conference...
For the first time on the West Coast, we are planning a one day
Animal Behavior Conference with a top educator. This was such
an exciting part of Groom Expo this year, that we want to bring
it west. Find out why dogs do what they do and how we can learn
their language to make their experience better and ours easier.
Natural Pet Expo...
New this year, is the joining of the Natural Pet Expo, to the
Burbank event. There will be topics on nutrition, herbal remedies
for groomers, natural ways to treat common groomer problems and
more.
Exceptional Educational Programs...
The seminar begins Friday with a series of exceptional educational
programs. Education continues throughout the weekend with seminars
running concurrently, with topics on grooming, boarding, animal
behavior and health. World-renowned grooming speakers will be
showcased during the event.
Exciting Grooming Competition...
The International Judges Association will host some of the hottest
regional, national and international competition in the country.
Groomers from novice to expert will compete for thousands of
dollars in prize money.
Groomers from all over the world share
a common language in creativity. During the Barkleigh Creative
Styling Competition, this language is communicated loud and clear!
Whether you plan to observe or participate, your imagination
will spring to life, as this colorful event unfolds! So, find
a pretty pooch, color 'em and enter him in this exciting event.
Trade Show...
Remember your checkbooks, business cards and the pastic money!
With over fifty exhibitor booths bursting with bargains, power
shopping will be on your agenda! Vendors will be on hand to demonstrate
state of the art equipment and new products.
There will be many more details to follow
about this exciting event!
An Exceptional, Unforgettable Show!...
Last year, nearly 1000 pet professionals attended pet pro events
and the biggest grooming event ever held on the West Coast. As
details of the Expo unfold, groomers, kennel operators, retailers,
and pet sitters are entering the dates in their day planners.
You owe it to yourself to be among the attendees! Groom and Kennel
Expo promises to be an exceptional event you will never forget!
For more information, request Reader
Service Card #496.
The Grooming
View ... ILLUSIVE EMPLOYEES
by Marea Tully
Where are the groomers? Why don't they
stay with me? How do I prevent them from opening their own shops
down the street?
My mailbox has been full of these kinds
of questions lately. Where do you find a good groomer? Well,
you could start by contacting the best grooming schools, located
all over the country and tell them what you're looking for. You
could advertise in Groomer to Groomer magazine and your local
newspaper, post your job openings on your website, on petgroomer.com
or groomers.com, and at all the veterinarian offices around your
area. Get involved with animal-related volunteer groups and kennel
clubs who already have an interest in dogs or cats and know a
lot about the care and handling of animals and just might love
to come and work for you. You could also try contacting other
groomers in your area and tell them you're looking for someone
part-time and they just might have a worker who would like more
hours and would be willing to put you in touch with each other.
You can also do what most of us have had to do out of necessity
and that is train them yourself!
Train them yourself? My! My! I can hear
it now! "I don't have time to do that! What if they open
a shop down the street after I've trained them? What if they
go somewhere else to work? All my time and effort will have been
wasted."
In more than 30 years of hiring employees,
I personally trained all but two of them. The other two came
from shops where they were unhappy. I made the time to train
them because I was desperate for help. I started by teaching
them how to brush and bath and dry. Then I went into rough cutting
before the bath, and eventually into finish work and scissoring.
Not all trainees will become proficient groomers. One lady was
happy to stay a brusher/bather, and she enjoyed waiting on the
customers, cleaning out the crates and calling the next day's
customers. No other groomer is going to groom the exact way you
want it done anyway, so there will always be a certain amount
of training to do. At least, if you train them, you will profit
from them as long as they stay, so all is not lost.
If they open up a shop down the street,
so be it. That's free enterprise for you. Some shop owners have
had their employees sign a paper that they won't open up a shop
within so many miles of their salon in a given time period. In
the first place, it's probably not worth the paper it's written
on unless carefully executed by a lawyer who specializes in such
things. And in the second place, if you treat them well, they
won't be going anywhere. If you train them, treat them well,
and they leave anyway, you still have the upper hand. It's your
shop the customers are used to going to and it is you they are
used to dealing with, and your grooming that they are willing
to pay for, and very few of your clients will leave.
What's to stop any groomer from moving
into any town and opening a shop right next to yours? So, they
charge five dollars less than you do and you think every one
of your clients will go to them? Don't think so. If your grooming
is up to snuff, your place is clean and welcoming, you have a
pleasant personality and you've been doing their dogs for eons,
they won't be going anywhere. You are like their pediatrician,
and the only time people will leave is because they are unhappy
where they're going, not because of a few dollars. Oh, and the
person who's charging less than you, they are going to have to
do one more dog a day than you do to make the same money. Not
smart!
Hire RIGHT the first time. Don't hire or
train anyone before an extensive interview. First, you will want
to interview them over the phone to see if a personal meeting
is even warranted. Make sure you have a list of all your questions
when the phone rings. The interview should take place in a quiet
atmosphere with a job description in hand. That way no one can
say "You didn't say I had to do that when you hired me",
or " I told you this or that was expected", like cleaning
out crates, the tub or sweeping the floor.
If you think you've found someone worthwhile
and if you have other employees, be sure they meet this new person
and ask them their opinion because they will all have to work
together. You need harmony in a close working situation like
a grooming shop. Be sure to ask them to groom a dog for you before
you hire them, so you can check out their work and their patience.
It is important to remember that when interviewing
you need to talk twenty per cent of the time and listen eighty
per cent. You learn a lot more that way!
So, now you've found your groomer and she's
all trained. How are you going to keep her? The same way you
keep your customers... KEEP THEM HAPPY! I read recently that
when employees leave a job, the number five reason is money.
What comes way ahead of that is APPRECIATION and PERKS! No one
will be happy working for you if you do not let them know they
are doing a great job, that you are more than happy with them
and appreciate them. Tell them with words and show them with
kind gestures.
The first reason people leave a job is
because there is no advancement. They are just stuck doing the
same old thing and going nowhere. The second reason is atmosphere.
Do they get along with everyone else they work with? Is the table
high enough that it doesn't hurt their back? Is the lighting
sufficient to do good work? Is the work place clean and comfortable?
Is the noise level at a minimum? Are you stressing them out with
too many dogs to groom? Is the equipment up-to-date and in good
working order?
Perks that most any groomer would appreciate
are things like paying a seminar fee and taking them along the
next time you go to a trade show. You never want to pay all of
it because people appreciate what they pay for, and if they have
money invested, they will get more out of the seminar. It will
refresh them and give them new ideas to take back to your shop.
Offer to pay their entry fees into a competition, and if they
win, be sure to get a picture, (a gift for your employee), and
have it published in your local newspaper.
They might like knowing a promotion is
in store for them, a raise in six months. Let them decide what
time they're going to lunch or how many dogs they can comfortably
groom in a day. Perhaps they need medical or dental benefits,
or season tickets to a ball game or the arts, a paid vacation,
AAA membership, gift certificates to their favorite restaurant,
or perhaps fresh lobsters or really good steaks for everyone
in their family. Take them out to lunch once in a while just
for fun, as well as for someone's birthday. Give them personal
time off with pay if their needs or service warrant. HAPPY EMPLOYEES
DON'T LEAVE FOR GREENER PASTURES, and remember it lays over the
septic tank.
See you on the road,
Marea
mareatully@yahoo.com
Contest Hint: To those of you who have
competed and never seem to win, I share with you what I read
in the Bonita Daily News.
Think about Dr. Seuss. He suffered twenty-seven
rejections for his first children's book, "And to Think
That I Saw it on Mulberry Street," when he bumped into a
friend who worked for Vanguard Press. Ted, Theodor Geisel, (Dr.
Seuss) told him that he was going home to burn his book but this
encounter led to its publication. NEVER GIVE UP!
P.S. I won the Cardinal Crystal Achievement
Award Journalist of the Year for the third time and would like
to thank all of you who voted for me, Sally Liddick, my editor;
the Andis Company who has made it financially possible for me
to attend all the shows, and Barbara Denzer and Tony Voss from
Cardinal for generously offering such wonderful awards to our
industry.
Email me your comments and suggestions
at mareatully@yahoo.com
and thanks to all who have!
The Wonders of
Grooming .... Say What?
By Bonnie Wonders
It is a natural part of the aging process.
Not that it is any easier to take than arthritis, weight gain
or memory loss. I am talking about hearing loss. Groomers inevitably
experience it. Ahhh, don't preach to me about wearing hearing
protection from those force dryers.
I started out not using earplugs for years,
then went to using them for a few months off and on, but then
got tired of pulling the plugs out and cramming them back in.
It doesn't take long for them to lose their expansion properties.
I discovered this when we were eating lunch, and I found one
in my salad.
"Hey!" I said to Lou as I poked
the thing with my fork. "There's a mini marshmallow in my
salad," I said while trying to stab it with my fork to no
avail.
"Ooohhh it looks like one of your
earplugs," she said, making a nasty face.
"I see," was my response. The
salad was deposited into the trash, along with the remaining
earplug.
The ones that fit around your head like
a phone operator's headset I tried. Sometimes I became so confused
when the phone actually rang and I was swamped, that I ended
up answering myself on the dumb contraption. Either that, or
I forgot to take the headpiece off, and I ended up ramming the
sponge cone into my eardrum when I conked the phone's receiver
into the side of my head. I also clotheslined myself on more
than one occasion. Don't even TRY to imagine how I did that.
Just believe me that it happened.
So, I have succumbed to going "au
naturale" in the ear gadget department. I am paying dearly
for it, however. I am not getting like every other eighty year
old who refuses to admit that they can't hear a pin drop anymore.
Only I am half that age (give or take). I have conversations
with people and find myself telling them that they speak too
softly. They shrug and then start yelling and using their hands
when they talk to me. Oh, yeah like the hand gestures are helping
me at all. The yelling part is all that's necessary.
Some of the best conversations, (other
than the ones that I have with myself) are those between Lou
and me. She's standing eight feet away from me as I'm clipping
a dog, and she's got the big force dryer on. She starts telling
me about the conversation she had with her daughter.
"So, I told Vicki that there was no
sense in her deciding which carpeting she wanted until she had
rhumakki," she said, shaking her head.
"Huh?" was my usual reply. Lou
says many strange things, so this one I was mulling over quickly
in my head. I was getting nowhere with it.
"What's rhumakki got to do with it?"
I asked. I don't even KNOW what rhumakki is, other than it's
a food, and Lou has less culinary experience than I do, so I
knew I was missing something.
"Whhhaat are you talking about?"
she yelled over at me.
"Why does she have to have rhumakki
before she picks out carpet?" I yelled back at her. (I find
my yelling voice is also getting weaker, but that's another story)
"You jerk," she screamed, shaking
her head at me. "I said she needs to have 'MORE MONEY MONEY
MONEY," she said, rubbing her fingers together.
"Oh uhuh," was my only response.
"Wait till I tell John (her husband,
also my cousin) THAT one," she said. "You're such a
Pollock," she added. She seems to tell me that a lot. It's
okay. I really am, and so is she, so I don't get offended.
"Is there NO conversation in here
that stays within these four walls anymore?" I asked.
"Not really," was her reply.
Another excellent example would be when
Mrs. Crone brought in her Lhasa, Missy, one day. I was finishing
up the drying on a dog, and Lou started bathing Missy.
"She said she would like to see her
shaved just once," Lou said. "She said she's never
seen her that way for as long as she's owned her," she informed
me as she struggled to keep the maniacal dog from getting her
soaking wet. That dog NEVER likes to be messed with for grooming
"Did she really?" was my only
question. "She's never said that before," I told Lou.
"Well, she said it today. I thought
it was odd, too, because she always acts like the dog is perfect
just the way she is," Lou added.
More dogs came and went, and it was Missy's
turn to be cut. As per Mrs. Crone's request, I started shaving
her dog down. She always got a #3 comb all over before, so I
decided a 10 would be "shave" enough for her. You know
how it is when someone's never seen their dog in the nude. I
had the dog almost stripped down when Lou walked into the room.
"What are you doing?" she asked
with a furrowed brow.
"Missy," I replied without looking
up.
"But, why are you shaving her?"
she asked, getting closer.
"Maybe because you told me to,"
I said, still not looking up. "You said Mrs. Crone said
she'd like to see her, quote, 'shaved just once', so, shaved,"
I announced, as I hung the clippers on the board. There was a
bit of silence. Then suddenly, the light bulb lit!
"I said that she said BEHAVED! She
said she'd like to see the dog 'BE-HAVE' just once. Not be SHAVED
just once. NOW I looked over at Lou.
"Oh,--! I swear you said SHAVE! Please
tell me you're messing with me," I begged. The look on her
face was nothing to compare with the look on Mrs. Crone's when
she picked up her dog. Well, there went a free grooming.
The last straw came just yesterday. My
son just turned twenty-six, and still hasn't found a decent girlfriend.
The kid is WAY too generous and keeps winding up with these "lost
puppy" kind of girls. I keep telling him he can't save the
world, but alas, he tries. So, he has been trying to cut the
strings on the last girl who has a "few" psychotic
tendencies, let's say.
He was recently promoted, and is working
out of another location of the same electronics store. So, I
have been going in to pay my bill and pick up items at his 'old"
store. I seem to keep getting waited on by the same girl each
time. She's cute, seems sensible and is, from all outward appearances,
friendly and "normal."
So, my son called me yesterday while we
were both at work. Lou was bathing a dog about twelve feet away
from me. I'm on the phone with John and during the course of
the conversation, I mention this girl. "So, why haven't
you ever mentioned Jodi?" I asked him
"What do you mean?" was his reply.
"She seems real nice and everything.
I see her every time I go to your old store. Does she have a
boyfriend?" I asked him.
"Yeah, but you don't bath with fleas
anyhow," was his response.
Now I recall from my youth our slang that
used to baffle OUR parents. We said, "Groovy" and "far
out," and all that stuff. So, I was mulling this over in
my head. I'm thinking this meant she was a less than clean girl,
or someone who had some "undesirable" traits, if you
know what I mean. But I had to get the real meaning of this one
out of the kid.
"You don't bath with fleas,"
he again repeated to me. Lou turned around from over at the tub
and gave me a look.
"He said he doesn't date her because
you don't bath with fleas," I informed her. Lou at this
point threw up her soap covered hands. "You don't date employees!"
she yelled at me. "EMPLOYEEEEES!" she repeated a little
too loudly this time.
"Mom, you've been around those dogs
WAY too long," my son was saying.
That did it!!! Send earplugs to: 756 N.
Center Ave., Somerset, PA 15501 Thank you!
Farnam Pet
Extends its Shed Solution Line
Farnam Pet Products has broadened its Shed Solution
line with two new selections that combat unwanted shedding. Shed
Solution Granules for Dogs and Shed Solution Morsels for Cats
join the company's existing anti-shedding liquid supplements
offering palatable, easy-to-use solutions to this common pet
problem.
While it's normal for cats and dogs to shed, there are conditions
that can lead to excessive or non-seasonal shedding. For example,
the winter months mean dry, chapped skin for pets as well as
people. Shed Solution improves the condition of both skin and
coat, resulting in healthy hair that doesn't die and fall off.
Shed Solution contains a balanced ratio of Omega 6 and Omega
3 fatty acids, and vital ingredients such as biotin, zinc, copper
and vitamins A, D and E. These essential fatty acids, combined
with the necessary vitamins and minerals, provide the ingredients
necessary to reduce shedding. The proper supplementation of zinc
and copper ensures a healthy, lustrous coat, and may prevent
skin lesions.
The Shed Solution for cats is contained in soft, chewy, chicken-flavored
morsels formulated for felines. The Shed Solution granules for
dogs are easy to mix with food, making a neat and easy solution
to excess shedding. For more information, request Reader
Service Card #1329.
G.W. Little Publishes Catalog
for Today's Little Dog
Inspired by the popularity of "doggie
fashion" husband-and-wife John and Angela Grieco have created
the G.W. Little Catalog, the ultimate one-stop shopping guide
to cater exclusively to the dog twenty-five pounds and under.
Featured are designer clothing and accessories
from Donald Pliner, Tarina Tarantino, Little Lily, EMRE New York,
and Puchi Bags. Fashion products are categorized by doggie life-style
and include a crystal heart pendant collar with matching leash
and barrette for the high fashion doggie. A "Good Dog"
sweater, nylon mesh basketball jerseys, a raincoat and matching
hat are there for the little sporty dog. The trendy dog can find
a pink mink jacket, pink boas, and needlepoint shoes.
This catalog includes everything from doggie
shampoo, toothpaste and breath spray to a first aid kit and tasty
indulgences, such as Gourmet Croissant Treats, Baja Taco Treats,
Vegg-chibles Snacks and Daisy Delight's Peanut Polkadots. To
obtain a G.W. Little catalog, please request Reader
Service Card #1330.
Feature Your
Own Pets On The Covers of Two Best-Selling Books!
Chronicle Books has acquired exclusive
publishing rights to Dogs 24/7 and Cats 24/7, two titles created
by Rick Smolan and David Elliot Cohen, the New York Times #1
best selling authors of the Day in the Life and America 24/7
book series. Smolan and Cohen are now turning their attention
to America's love affair with its 68 million dogs and 73 million
cats.
Through October 31st invite pet lovers
to send digital photos of their beloved cats and dogs to www.cats24-7.com
and www.dogs24-7.com. The best of these submissions will be included
in Dogs 24/7 and Cats 24/7, scheduled for publication in June
2005.
People who don't get their pet's picture
in the book to still put it ON the book. Everyone who submitted
a digital photo will receive an email showing their photo mocked-up
on the cover. For only $7.95 (+$2.95 S/H), "proud parents"
will be able to click a link and instantly order customized jackets
for their own copies of Dogs 24/7 and Cats 24/7. For more information,
request Reader
Service Card #1371.
Feedback From
Hershey
I took only one class this year,
Doggie Daycare Keys to Success with Chris Murphy. I can honestly
say that Mr. Murphy gave an excellent presentation. It not only
kept my interest, but was extremely informative.
His expertise showed without arrogance,
while he shared his wisdom and advice to future owners. I had
only one complaint... it was not long enough! Cara Via, Playful
Paws
All-In-One
Way To Wash the Dog
Pet Jet washer is the easy, all-in-one
way to wash the dog! Pet Jet holds the shampoo so you don't have
to no more messy shampoo bottles! Vets agree that full strength
shampoo directly on the skin produces irritation and scratching.
Pet Jet applies shampoo evenly and rinses thoroughly, all with
one hand.
Three nozzle settings, including "Jet
Spray", clean even the dirtiest pets. Includes an 8' hose
and adapters that attach to any faucet or garden hose. When you're
through washing the pet, you can clean the area with the same
washer. Request
Reader Service Card #1370.
Joanne's "Ah-Haaas!"
- Nail Polish To The Rescue!!!
Nail polish helps me to remember
certain things that save me a few minutes. I put just a dot on
top of spray nozzles on my bottles (such as "Quik Dry,"
"Fluff Dry," etc.), so I will know what is open or
closed. Few things are more aggravating than trying to spray
when nothing is coming out. If your sprayer is white with no
other color around the hole where the spray comes out, you know
what I mean. A dot of polish solves this problem immediately.
Groomers Helping
Groomers
Know a Groomer who went above and
beyond the call of duty or one who lends a helping hand whenever
possible? Know a Groomer who is a true friend in times of trouble
or who deserves some recognition for a special service or kindness
that he/she has performed for someone in the grooming industry?
Well, we'd like to hear about that person
for our new column... Groomers Helping Groomers. Mail all entries
to Groomer to Groomer Magazine, 6 State Rd. #113, Mechanicsburg
PA 17055, fax to (717) 691-3388 or e-mail to judy@barkleigh.com.
Calendar of Events
ALABAMA
Oct. 22-24. Southeastern Grooming Show,
Birmingham AL.
Contact (303) 629-3022.
Request
Reader Service Card #1117.
CALIFORNIA
February 11-13, 2005. Groom & Kennel Expo 2005
Natural Pet Expo,
Burbank CA.
Contact (717) 691-3388
www.barkleigh.com
info@barkleigh.com
Request
Reader Service Card #496.
GEORGIA
August 11-13, 2005. Progroom South & IJA Grooming Tournament,
Atlanta GA.
Contact (717) 691-3388 ·
www.barkleigh.com
info@barkleigh.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1307.
HAWAII
January 21-30, 2005. Hawaiian Pet Pro Cruise,
Honolulu HI.
Contact: (717) 691-3388.
www.barkleigh.com
info@barkleigh.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1367.
January 22, 2005. Progroom Hawaii,
Honolulu HI.
Contact: (717) 691-3388.
www.barkleigh.com
info@barkleigh.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1158.
IOWA
October 16-18. Iowa State Prof. Dog Groomers Assoc.,
Des Moines IA.
(800) 532-1466
Request
Reader Service Card #1184
MICHIGAN
July 15-17, 2005. Pet Quest, Lansing MI.
Contact (717) 691-3388
www.barkleigh.com
info@barkleigh.com
Request
Reader Service Card #1276.
MINNESOTA
October 24-25. Total Look 2004,
Shoreview MN
Contact: (651) 770-3792 or (651) 487-0077.
ljbrya@chartermi.net
or annamette@comcast.net.
Request
Reader Service Card #1294.
November 19-21. America's Family Pet Expo,
Novi MI.
Request
Reader Service Card #448.
MISSISSIPPI
February 4-6, 2005. Gulf Coast Grooming Rodeo & Trade Show,
Biloxi MS.
Contact: (228) 831-3566.
w.dewberry@worldnet.att.net.
Request
Reader Service Card #1295.
NEW JERSEY
April 1-3, 2005. Pet Industry Spring Trade Show,
Atlantic City NJ.
Contact: hhbacker@hhbacker.com
Request
Reader Service Card #350
April 16-18, 2005. Intergroom,
Somerset NJ.
Contact: (781) 326-3376
intergroom@msn.com
Request
Reader Service Card #351.
RHODE ISLAND
November 6-8, 2005, New England Pet Grooming Professionals,
Warwick RI.
(508) 799-6176
nepgp@aol.com.
Request
Reader Service Card #1185.
TEXAS
November 13-14. Groomerpalooza,
San Antonio TX.
Contact: (210) 590-0550.
Request
Reader Service Card #1296.
BARKLEIGH
SHOW DATES
2005
January 21, 2005
Hawaiian Pet Pro Cruise,
Honolulu HI
January 22, 2005
ProGroom Hawaii,
Honolulu HI
February 10-13,
2005
Groom & Kennel Expo
2005
& Natural Pet Expo Burbank CA
July 15-17, 2005
PetQuest Expo, Lansing
MI
August 11-13, 2005
Progroom South, Atlanta
GA
(In conjunction with SuperZoo East)
September 15-17,
2005
Groom Expo 2005
Animal Behavior & Health Expo
Hershey PA
2006
February 17-19, 2006
Groom & Kennel Expo
2006,
Burbank CA
September 14-16,
2006
Groom Expo 2006
Animal Behavior & Health Expo
Hershey PA
2007
September 4-6, 2007
Groom Expo 2006
Animal Behavior & Health Expo
Hershey PA
Contact Barkleigh Productions,
Inc.
(717) 691-3388 · Fax (717) 691-3381
www.barkleigh.com ·
www.groomexpo.com ·
www.off-lead.com
|
|