Back in ancient times, when I was a new groomer, the variety of shampoos and conditioners designed for pet use could be counted on one hand. There were just a few brands, and those brands had a very limited variety of products. They could be depended on to get dogs clean, keep static down and maybe help a bit with detangling…
The Importance of ‘Liquid Tools’ Read More
During this time of holiday gifting, I suggest you take some time to consider some grooming tools that you could (and should) either ask for as gifts or put your holiday tip money towards. Why? For several reasons:
You work hard and deserve to have the best tools for your work.
Groomers do a lot of their work standing up, and there is a good bit of walking involved in our work as well. Did you know that with every mile we walk we experience 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of stress on our feet? Considering that in our business we are often carrying a dog when we walk, you can multiply those numbers.
The Dirt on Holistic Grooming
The word “holistic” is currently a bit of a buzzword in the American language. It brings up connotations of woo-woo-crunchy-granola-touchy-feely-New Age feel-goodism. But what exactly does it mean and how does it pertain to the grooming industry?
What if there was a certification for groomers that wasn’t based on perfect poodle top knots or beautiful bevels on a cocker leg, but on those oh-so-crucial everyday skills such as knowledge of canine behavior, anatomy, bathing techniques, safety, first aid, and ethical business practices, among other things?
Salon Details Certification Read More
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” —William Penn
On internet grooming forums the following question crops up over and over: “How can I groom faster?” Most often this question is posed by people who are newer to our industry, those who have been grooming for five or fewer years.
Ten Tips to Improve Grooming Speed Read More
The old expression “time is money” certainly applies to the job of pet styling. Groomers walk a fine line, trying to groom pets in an efficient manner, without cutting corners or rushing in a way that can cause stress or accidents. After more than three decades in this industry, I have learned to streamline the way I work so that I groom pets rather quickly.
The 60 Minute Spaniel Read More
As a professional pet stylist, what does the word “success” mean to you? I asked this question and got some really interesting responses, which I wanted to share. “I found a niche that suits my grooming skills, personality, and passion for helping pets and their guardians,” says Renee Pierre, owner of Joyful Grooming House Call Pet Service
The Sweet Smell of Success Read More