Life

Silver Stylist

“Age is a state of mind. Rather than ask ‘how I keep going’, instead ask ‘why would I stop?’”
Big Things a New Groomer Should Know

Rainbow colored animals fascinate, and Asian inspired trims are all the rage. The competition dogs look like pictures out of a magazine, but what about the details for the up and coming groomer?
Organizing Tips for the Grooming Environment

It seems to me that the world is mostly made up of two kinds of people; those who are naturally organized, and those who are not. Sadly, I fall into the latter category, while dearly wishing to belong in the former.
A Higher Elevation: Pet Groomers & State Licensing

There is so much talk lately about licensing for our industry. We have many different wonderful grooming associations to belong to. We have many ways to become certified in breeds, breed groups and even in species specific grooming. We do have some options for those that choose to continue to educate themselves as pet groomers/ stylists.

Barkleigh Productions to Debut PetVet Magazine

Barkleigh productions is excited to announce the July debut of the bi-monthly PetVet Magazine. The magazine will celebrate the wonderful, complex and interesting people that make up the veterinarian industry.

Client Tips for Keeping Pets in Longer Styles

A short clip can be an excellent grooming choice for many breeds of dogs when clients want something low maintenance for their pet, but what are the style possibilities for clients who want their dogs in fuller coats?

How to Be Prepared for Mobile Vehicle Repairs

As groomers, it’s been drilled into us to have spares of our equipment—spare blades, clippers, and don’t get me started on the number of spare scissors I own. But as mobile groomers, that list grows. There is nothing worse than having to reschedule a day or three over a simple fix just because we don’t have what we need on hand.

Shear Talk: Lefties Need Love To

I remember how excited I was when I was able to purchase my very first pair of custom shears. It had taken six months to save for them and I babied them and cleaned them and had a special case to house them in. I also remember arriving at work one day and I couldn’t find them anywhere.

Groomers Emergency Assistance Fund: Groomers Helping Groomers

Just imagine that after 25 years of hard work, your business is no longer there; maybe it burned down or was swept away in a flood. What if you were in a horrific accident and lost a limb or two? Or a natural disaster totaled all your equipment and supplies?

Intent: A Mind, Body & Spirit Connection

What is intent? You set your intent by the actions you take, the words you speak and the energy you emit. Your intent is put out into your world through word and deed daily. Pretty hefty stuff, huh?

Don’t Be A Grinch! Surviving The Stress Of The Holiday Rush

It is easy to become frustrated with the huge demands that are made of us at this time of year. Here are some tips on how to combat overwhelming schedules which can lead to hot tempers, client miscommunication and perhaps mistakes and injuries.

Groom Team USA Wins The Gold!

After two years of hard work and months of anticipation by United States pet stylists, the 2017 World Grooming Championships kicked off. Every two years this extraordinary international event occurs in our industry.

Groom Expo’17: A Newbie’s View

Groom Expo is incredible…It’s so much more than I expected,” exclaims first time attendee, Diane Madden. “I used to be a hairdresser and have gone to many, many hair conventions, but none of them compare with what I have seen at Groom Expo.

The Gifts Of Grooming

During the holiday season, I spend more time than usual thinking about things I am grateful for. One of those things is my long-time career of pet grooming.
Even though groomers deal with more poop and odiferous bodily fluids than most professionals, and beside the fact that pet grooming is not very glamorous, there are a lot of amazing things that come along with being a part of this industry.

Unexpected Leave Of Absence: Are You Prepared?

Groomers are some of the hardest working people on the planet. From morning till night, you multi-task—and then, you do it all over again the next day. Do you need a break from your hectic routine? Do you find yourself wishing you could take a little trip and get away from it all?

Groom-O-Lantern!

Looking for a fun way to surprise customers and help your shop stand out this fall? Be bold and festive with your very own Groom-O-Lantern! Whether you are a beginner or pumpkin carving master, you will be set to start a new tradition with our groomable dog templates.

Creative Grooming On The Big Screen: Milena Bermudez & Jameson Kon

Five years ago, Milena Bermudez of South Amboy, New Jersey, never dreamed that her creative grooming would be featured on the Netflix original series, Orange is the New Black, or that her skills would be showcased in the new Hugh Jackman movie, The Greatest Showman.

Be The Best You Can Be: Judy Hudson’s Story

Setting goals and dreaming about the future is the easy part compared to the hard work that it takes to reach those goals. If you want to be great at something, you must do a whole lot more than dream about it.

Neglect Of Owner’s Duties

Show of hands: how many of you have friends or relatives who think you play with dogs all day? Who believes your shop is like something out of a movie or situation comedy? That every dog is happy and well cared for?

A Groomer For Rescue Dogs & Cats

Grooming can make a big difference in the lives of pets, and in some cases, it may even save lives. For New York dog and cat groomer, Mark Imhof, also known as “Mark the Dog Guy,” It was a pit bull named Cleo that started him on the path to becoming a groomer for shelter animals in desperate need of his services.

Pet Rescue: Every Pet Has A Story

It is estimated that between six and seven million animals will go into a shelter this year. Many of them will never leave it alive. Three to four million of the pets that enter a shelter will ultimately be euthanized.

Crafting A Career: Your Life, Your Way

When your parents and their parents were young—they chose a career. John became a plumber. Steve was an electrician. Donna became a secretary or a teacher. They trained for or found an opportunity and accepted a job. That job became their career. In short, their career chose them.

10 Mistakes Groomers Make

Everyone makes mistakes. Some are insignificant, for instance, putting a bow on a dog when the owner is someone who prefers bandanas. Some are much larger, and can affect our livelihood.