Life

Grooming Controversies

It might be hard to believe, but there are grooming practices that drum up quite a bit of controversy in our industry. What is common practice for some groomers might be considered to be reckless or dangerous practice by others.
World Dog Expo 2018 Recap

The 2018 World Dog Expo unleashed the world’s most unique experience for dog lovers with celebrity guests, America’s Got Talent’s Sara Carson and Animal Planet’s Shorty Rossi.
AKC Salon Safe Certification Program

“Should groomers be licensed?” is one of the most highly debated questions in the grooming industry at this time. Most groomers believe that there should be some way of separating them from a person who simply reads a book, watches a YouTube video or two and thinks they can be a groomer.
Shaping a Speciality

The kind woman who trained me to groom dogs in the early 1980’s happily shared her knowledge about Poodles, Cockers, Chows and every other breed that graced our grooming tables. But she never let me touch a Scottish terrier. Scotties were her breed.

Vehicle & Personal Locators: Staying Safe When You’re Working Alone

It wasn’t just the thought of going off the road, but the fact that at any given point in my day, no one other than myself knew where I was going or where I had been. That was a scary thought.

Volunteer Grooming in Guatemala

“Saving just one dog won’t change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog.” — Richard C. Call, Philanthropist, Community Leader

What’s so Great About Grooming Shows?

“I was one month out of grooming school and had been grooming for just two weeks when I attended my first show,” said Krista Creekpaum. “Learning more was my goal, and eight years later, it still is. It’s true, the more you learn, the more you want to learn.”

Intergroom 2018 Recap

Intergroom, which took place in April at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, continued the Barkleigh trend of double digit growth for the 2018 year. This year’s show prevailed with a 14.9% financial increase, a total of 2,841 attendees and over 100 vendors, making it the 3rd largest grooming show in the world, behind Barkleigh Production’s Groom Expo and Groom Expo West.

Confession: I’m a Shampoo Hoarder

“Oh Michell. I have a problem with hoarding shampoo. I go to trade shows and learn about new shampoos and then I buy them. All of them. If I read on Facebook that someone likes a shampoo for a particular coat type, I buy it.

Small Poodle Mix is America’s Most Adoptable Rescue Dog

SECAUCUS, NJ – Many people have seen the list of the most popular dog breeds in the country. However, that list only includes roughly 16% of the purebred dogs that are registered with the AKC.

From Bather to Groomer: Are You Ready?

“Dear Michell, I have been a bather in a dog grooming shop for over a year now. I see that the groomers make more money than I do and that frustrates me because I spend so much more time on the dogs than they do. I would like to make more money, but I am perfectly happy to continue bathing dogs.

Meet the Legendary Sam Kohl

“Last September I was walking through the Groom Expo trade show with Sam and Cynthia Kohl,” says Vicki Zwart, owner of Heritage Pet Center in Parker, Colorado. “Strolling toward us was the industry renowned ‘Dogfather’, Joey Villani. When Joey spotted Sam, he called out to him—“Here comes the legend!” As Sam and Joey shook hands, I began to think about the story behind Joey’s comment.”

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.