8 minute read
Expert tips on adding creative touches to your grooms
Getting Creative
Top competitive groomer, Lia Henderson, shares her top tips for getting creative…
Creative grooming is a funny one it’s like marmite - some love it some hate it! We know it’s not for everyone but it can be look absolutely awesome when it is carried out correctly.
There’s so many techniques to master with creative grooming. In the same way that we are taught to groom dogs, it’s a whole new ball game with creative. The safety of the products, how to use them, what’s in them, the effect on a dog’s skin etc... These are paramount.
But this is a small intro into getting creative in the salon and some of the small things we can do to glam up the dogs.
Firstly, only ever do creative if the dog is happy to stand, is completely comfortable and you have permission from the owner. Make sure the products you use are safe!
If you want to practice without the permanent effect of colour. There are lots of products blo pens, chalks, paint pens, glitters, gems, feathers and so much more. We are lucky enough to have a small business in the UK who supplies all the dog safe creative supplies and is very informative and helpful about the products usage. So, if you are unsure find out. This company is called Riddles Creative Box.
Always remember creative is creative so go as wild as your imagination will allow you to, BUT always remember how far the dog can go also. Remember keep away from the eyes, private parts, and if using colour, always do a patch test 48 hours before application - a little blob inside the groin area.
But think of all the amazing little extras you can do. I get asked by my clients to provide a creative makeover for weddings, parties, pride etc... and it can be the simplest of things like a rainbow tail for pride. Some carving on the dog’s coat for an awesome effect, glitter furjazzles, feather extension on the ears, or even just the odd gem. It all washes out (apart from semi/perm colour) always remember to tell the owner that sometimes the product can transfer onto carpets etc... So, I always say ‘have you got cream carpets?’ If so I’m not chalking the dogs legs... Haha!
If you want to know more or you’re interested in expanding your creative skillset there’s loads of Facebook pages but three of the ones I follow which are fab are: Opawz Creative Dog Grooming UK Safe Creative Grooming UK They are very informative, everyone helps one another and there’s lots of tutorials etc...
So grab your dog, some glitter, chalks, blo pens & get creative.
But remember be safe, use safe products, enjoy your new flair for creative grooming. Lia Jayne Henderson @barkingbeautifuldg
Q&A with petcetera etc.
Can you please give me the full name & job title?
Fiona Wilson – Joint Director of petcetera etc (pictured left with sister & joint business partner, Heather).
Can you please introduce petcetera etc to our readers?
petcetera etc has been a staple in the dog showing world for over 50 years – Heather and I are thrilled to have been steering the wheel for almost 25 years of that journey! We source and supply the very best in dog products, worldwide, including an extensive range of grooming products and essentials from big brand names such as Chris Christensen, Double K, Wahl and Heiniger, to name but a few. We are also very honoured to be the exclusive UK distributors of Australian grooming brand, Fraser Essentials and American brands, Pure Paws & Crown Royale. Our mission is to cater for all dog owners, from pet to professional!
How did you make your start in the grooming industry?
Dogs have always played a large part in our lives and are a true passion deep within us both. Between us, we have successfully bred and shown our own generations of Hungarian Vizslas and have a vast knowledge across the dog ownership spectrum, that is shared across our established animal health business, Osmonds. I guess you could say we know dogs inside out!
You’ve got a fantastic range of products for the grooming industry. What was the inspiration behind the range you have?
Quality! We’re all about quality, results, and customer satisfaction. We won’t stock products simply because they’re ‘the next big name!’ We need to know that they will achieve the results our customers require. If it doesn’t meet the high standards of petcetera etc, we will not stock it, it really is as simple as that.
Can you please explain your thoughts on why grooming salon owners should buy from you for their business?
We understand the requirements and pressures of a busy grooming salon and we pride our business on incredible customer service. You’re never a number at petcetera etc, you’re an individual. We can never claim to be perfect, but who is? Just know that you’ll always receive the very best service we can possibly offer.
Where do you see petcetera going in the future?
We have big plans for petcetera etc. We continue to see growth and success through our ecommerce site, www.petcetera.co.uk and at various championship shows, inc. Crufts, so our next step is to expand our premises, here at Bradeley Green, Shropshire. We want to offer everything from grooming seminars and courses to a place you can just chillout with your dog, take advantage of the facilities and enjoy the ultimate canine shopping experience, all under one roof!
Any general thoughts or advice for our readers?
If you are local or passing by our Bradeley Green store in Whitchurch, Shropshire stop by and support our local pet store – we really are your one stop canine shop! Or you can order your FREE petcetera catalogue online now at www.petcetera.co.uk
Good Handling
Heidi Anderton, principal at Absolutely Animals the London School of Pet Grooming and City and Guilds approved centre, founder of BIGA and former GTE member, shares her tips on handling dogs in the grooming salon:
Heidi Anderton
As pet ownership has boomed over the last twenty years and the relationships with our furry friends has progressed the demand for pet grooming has seen an even bigger increase in pet groomers along with the public’s expectations of their skills.
Handling is an important and diverse area which can always be improved upon and whilst this is mostly covered in grooming courses for compliant dogs, lessons should more often be incorporated for grooming difficult and aggressive dogs also. This is a task being asked of groomers daily which becomes more and more apparent in the growth of social media. Handling is an area where continual professional development, practice and further development has to take place.
With new handling aids, knowledge and awareness being updated continually in our profession we can ensure good handling practices in the salon. Here are some of ours: • Always check on any previous history such as record cards or statements from the owner • Use best practice salon handling procedures and lawful requirements such as picking up, moving and establishing in a new area safely and securely • Always groom the dog at your level, never groom down on a dog. • NEVER kiss or put your face near a dog’s face! Always keep a foot between you and the outer limits of the dog’s mouth. • Introduce a new dog to the equipment before you use it. Let them see, smell and hear the equipment before you start. • Always watch the dogs body language and facial expressions. Listen to the dog. If the dog reacts badly to a particular piece of equipment or technique, then stop and try a different approach. There are many different routes to achieving a particular look. • Think positive when grooming, dogs will react to a negative aura. • Talk to your dog, let him know what you want him to do using slight touches and voice rewards.
Useful Equipment
• Neck strap, Belly Strap, Groomers Helper
Essentials for the grooming table. They don’t need to be tight but will gently keep a limitation and boundary for the dog, ensuring safety for both. • Happy Hoodie Great for noise sensitive dogs. If this doesn’t work, use less noisy equipment such as a finishing dryer or towel. • Comfy Cone
Can be put applied and removed very quickly. Creating a barrier between you and the dogs mouth without being intrusive to the dog. Great for dogs who stress with having a muzzle on or dogs who you may be wary of but haven’t actually gone to bite. The barrier helps the groomer to groom the body more confidently without the fear of getting bitten, it also creates more confidence in the dog towards the groomer. • Hammocks Hammocks are useful with dogs which can’t stand for long, are agitated with legs, feet, nails and face work. Dogs are usually relaxed and docile in this equipment. • Treats and voice rewards Encourage owners to bring their dogs favourite treats but the most powerful reward is the tone of your voice. Be sure not to excite the dog being groomed. • Muzzles If the owner suggests a muzzle, use one! This is particularly applicable when dealing with large dogs.
Now hiring Salon Managers nationwide!
Apply online at: petsathomejobs.com
