Preparing for Grooming Competitions With a host of grooming events coming up over the summer Joanne Angus of Look North gives her tips on preparing for shows:
H
ow do you enter the world of competition grooming? This is one question we are asked by our students here at Look North Grooming and Training Centre. The answer is dedication, the resolve to build on your skills and belief that you can do it. Many of our students over the years have entered the competition circuit to go on to achieve great things.
that are not trimmed for show but trimmed as pets, it’s a blank canvas and up to you how you style. 3. The key point to competing is preparation; you will never get a good
My top tips to prepare for competition are: 1. The quality of the dog you select is important. As a beginner the quality of the dog would be different to the quality you would need for champion level. Ideally you need to select a good breed type to enable you to get the most from your styling. As a beginner – a dog that you enjoy grooming in the salon, which behaves well on the table and looks good when you have finished, is the one to start with. As you climb the ladder then so the quality of the dog should too. 2. Research the breed so you know exactly what the standard trim should look like; even if you are clipping instead of hand stripping the overall picture should be the same. Obviously in the case of cross breeds or breeds 22 | Total Grooming Magazine
finish on an ill prepared dog. This includes bathing, drying, nail and ear care, under pads and hygiene areas. Make sure the correct drying technique is used for the coat type. 4. Tools and equipment must be correct for the technique you are hoping
to demonstrate. Double check that everything is sharp and always carry spares. Ensure you have the extra items you may need like anti static sprays, scissoring sprays etc and that you have tried and tested them on your selected dog’s coat . 5. Whilst trimming stick to your routine and methods and time yourself. Always have a test run at your salon before the competition to ensure you have your timings right and always allow yourself extra time for nerves! Try to get the dog finished with 10 minutes to spare which will allow you to double check your work for any tatty ends. 6. Present yourself as well as the dog. In other words ensure the dog can be seen easily and does not blend into the colour of your clothes and use a colour co-ordinated table cover to show him off. 7. Watch the judge carefully as they go over your dog, you can always pick things up from this. 8. Pay attention whilst the judge is judging other competitors. They may turn to look at your dog again and it’s fast asleep on the table! 9. Above all enjoy yourself. It’s not often you get two hours to trim the dog so enjoy the experience.
