Total Grooming Magazine August 2020

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk August 2020

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23/09/2019 16:02:28

Contents

A

s lockdown ends and life returns to something more normal, we have advice on handling payments safely and measures you can introduce to kickstart your business.

There’s also advice from top groomers on introducing puppies to the grooming process.

Please feel free to get in touch with questions and any matters that are of concern to you. We will do our best to address these. Keep safe and well.

Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

20

Handling payments safely

Contents 04 News 06 News 08 News 10 News 16 Heidi Anderton looks at the pros and cons of going mobile vs salon building 20 Handling payments safely

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk August 2020

On the cover:

24 Jenny Farrell advises on how to achieve polite behaviour insalon

34

Paws for Thought

28 Lakhi examines the best introductions for puppies to the grooming process 34 Paws for Thought meets mobile groomer, Emily Wolfe 40 Eye cleansing offer

Image courtesy of Wet Pets Conversions

Editor

Account Manager

Sue Corfield – editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

Becky Smith – becky@tgmpublishing.co.uk

Commercial Director

Credit Facilities Manager

Mike Smith – mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk T: 01795 509110

Natalie Murray – creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509103

© 2020 TGM Publishing Limited, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Whitstable Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to TGM Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Total Grooming Magazine | 3

SPONSORED BY

News and Product Round-up PIF launches online Covid-19 course for pet businesses

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he Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has launched an online Covid-19 course for pet professionals designed to provide them with information about the virus and to help their business operate safely, now that the Government restrictions are gradually being eased.

The Disease Control for Pet Professionals certificate has been developed by industry specialists and will help pet businesses meet the hygiene and social distancing protocols required, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The course covers the following areas:

• Viruses and prevention care • Risk assessments • Health and safety at work • Animal Welfare Act & environmental protection considerations • Transporting animals and handover protocols • Professional practice guidance for pet retailers, dog walkers, dog day care, kennels, home boarders & catteries Vicky Skinner, PIF’s Head of Education explained: ‘This new course will help pet businesses keep themselves, their staff and their customers safe by providing knowledge and information about the virus, how it’s spread and what measures can be

implemented in the workplace to lower the risk of transmission. It’s ideal for any pet professional who is looking for advice and guidance on how to provide a safe environment and a reassuring service to their customers.’

The course is free to PIF members and is £20 to non-members.

Upon completion of the COVID-19 course, candidates will be awarded a downloadable certificate to show their customers they have completed the course.

The course is accessible at: tiny.cc/PIFCOVIDcourse Further information is available from education@petfederation.co.uk

Rùn Raises the Bar on Eco Dog Food

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ùn (pronounced Roon) means ‘with purpose’ in Gaelic, and this new, forward-thinking eco brand has certainly lived up to its name with the launch of a highquality, complete dog food. One of the first cold pressed dry dog foods made in the UK, this premium brand is available to stock in 7.5Kg and 15Kg as well as a 25 kg eco-friendly bag exclusive to trade customers. Offering a big point of difference for potential stockists who would like to embrace the zero-waste trend where customers can fill their own containers, this sales method meets a growing consumer trend. Rùn is also grain-free with single protein and fat sources and uses some of the greenest packaging available: paper.

Lucy Millar, Rùn’s founder developed the brand with a focus on quality but also to tackle the environmental cost of pet food packaging. With nine million dogs kept as pets in the UK*, plastic pet food packaging is a huge problem.

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Across the UK dog population, that could equate to over 12 million plastic pet food bags heading to land-fill. However, Rùn’s packaging is 100% paper.

Rùn’s environmentally-friendly ethos includes a focus on the nutritional value of its diet.

The product recipe has been developed in consultation with a leading canine nutritionist, using only natural ingredients and meat is the number one ingredient.

The current variety is Chicken and Sweet potato and a fish variety will launch in the coming weeks.

Rùn Dog Food is available in 7.5kg (RRP £38.70) and 15kg bags (RRP £63), as well as a 25kg sack offering attractive margins for zero-waste or pet retailers.

Further information is available at www.rundogfood.com or contact

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New Botanicals Shampoo from Dorwest

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orwest has launched a new Beautiful Botanicals shampoo range. There are two new reformulations and one brand new addition.

When it comes to healthy, glossy coats they believe going natural is best, which is why all their shampoos are free of any artificial fragrances, SLS or parabens, they are also free from silicone, mineral oil, petroleum and PEGs. As always only the highest quality ingredients are used including natural essential oils, resulting in perfectly balanced shampoos which enhance coat condition and shine.

Jo Boughton-White, MD, commented “There are many dog shampoos on the market, so we’ve been working on this for a while to ensure we produce something exceptional. Each shampoo has been formulated with unique benefits to ensure you find the perfect match for each dog, and we’re delighted with the results. Good

rinsability means no residues are left behind and the pH is balanced for the pet’s skin, unlike human shampoos. We aren’t promising they’ll make washing pets any easier, but we do promise showstopping results!’

The formulations in this Beautiful Botanicals range include Clean & Fresh, the ultimate clean up shampoo, natural yet effective and newly reformulated with black peppermint, eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils that fleas really don’t like; Soothe & Calm, previously known as Oatmeal Advance, also is newly reformulated to include aloe vera and chamomile extract, it’s more moisturising than ever and is perfect for soothing sensitive skin; and finally the newest edition is Scent & Shine, containing rose geranium, blood orange

and jasmine essential oils, for a beautiful scent and brilliant shine.

Trade discounts are available for salons. 250ml RRP £8.90, 500ml rrp £15.90 For more information visit www. dorwest.com/beautiful-botanicals/

Leading GPS tracker Tractive unveils new feature to keep pets fit

T

ractive, the global market leader in GPS tracking for cats and dogs, has announced the launch of a new activity monitoring feature, allowing pet owners to ensure that their pets stay fit, as well as safe.

This new feature from Tractive lets pet parents follow their cat or dog’s every step, day and night. The activity, tracked in minutes, is logged by the Tractive GPS Tracker and relayed via the mobile app. This gives pet owners valuable insight into understanding how much exercise (and rest) their pet is really getting and helps them shape the lifestyle changes their pet may need, in order to protect their overall health and wellbeing.

With over 50% of UK dogs and 44% of cats classed as obese and with

6 | www.christiesdirect.com

80% of vets citing lack of exercise as a significant factor, Tractive’s new activity monitoring feature is a welcome addition in the fight against pet obesity.

Tractive’s new activity monitoring feature allows owners to: • Track how much time your dog or cat spends being active and resting • Monitor calories burned from your pet’s daily activity • Set daily goals to keep you and your pet on track • Compare activity with pets worldwide The new Activity Monitoring Feature will be available worldwide from July 9th, 2020.

Tractive GPS Tracker, RRP: £44.99 and is available to purchase from https:// tractive.com/en/

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2020 Virtual Dog Walk Around-the-World Big Dog Walk makes pledge to raise thousands for dog charities

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he organisers of the Big Dog Walk series are proud to announce the 2020 Virtual Dog Walk – the World Big Dog Walk Challenge, which will take place in September 2020 and aims to raise thousands of pounds for dog-related charities, whilst not compromising the safety of those involved. Dog walkers from all over the world will complete their walks independently, getting involved via the World Big Dog Walk Website: http://bigdogwalk.co.uk/ world-walk. Walkers can choose to walk wherever and with whoever they like.

It is free to get involved and all money raised will go directly to charities that support dogs in need.

Dog walkers can make pledges to walk a certain distance or raise a target amount for one of the canine charities featured on the website, or a charity of their choice, examples include Pets as Therapy, Mayhew or Streetvet.

Nicole Cooper, Managing Director of the Big Dog Walk series says: “2020 has been a tough year for humans and dogs. Dog charities have been suffering throughout this world heath crisis and so we are asking our pawsome dog walking community to get out and about in their own environment - should that be in a field near your house or even around the block on your regular walkies - and pledge a distance you and your pup will walk during the month of September to raise money for the dogs we all love.

“According to The Institute of fundraising, charities are expecting a 24% reduction in total income for the year, which equates to a £12.4 billion loss, in total (between 23rd March and the 12th May). This loss of income could potentially devastate many animal charities, where lives are often, quite literally, hanging in the balance. The

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World Big Dog Walk aims to make a difference, by calling upon the dog walking community to come together to raise valuable funds for man’s best friend”.

Organisers are aiming to hit a total of 40,075km - the circumference of the Earth and are encouraging dog walkers to let their dogs take the lead, get out into the fresh air and clock the miles up!

Once the miles start clocking up, Pip, the walk’s Virtual Dog, will start his journey around the world map which is updated in real time on the website depicting the miles walked by fundraisers. His aim is to lap the entire world (at least once).

Following months of lockdown and continued social distancing, the next Big Dog Walk series will take place across several sites in the UK, including Hylands House, Loseley Park and

Belvoir Castle, in spring 2021 but in the meantime, organisers are delighted to be able to raise money and get dog walkers involved in their own virtual dog walk challenge.

For more information and to sign up visit: http://bigdogwalk.co.uk/world-walk To donate to Street Vet or Mayhew please visit: Street Vet https://www.justgiving. com/streetvet Mayhew https://www.justgiving.com/ mahome

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Battersea Issues Advice on Separation Anxiety and Post-Lockdown Routines

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ith coronavirus restrictions slowly being lifted, owners may have to start leaving their pets home alone as they return to work – so Battersea has issued advice to make the transition as smooth as possible for the nation’s dogs and cats.

Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Behaviour at Battersea said: “As pets across the country have adjusted to having their owners at home 24/7, some dogs and cats may find it distressing to spend more time alone.

While dogs are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety, cats can also find it stressful when their routine changes suddenly.

“There are steps every owner can start taking now to ease this anxiety and Battersea is always available for advice if you need more help.”

Top tips • Getting back to normal is going to be important for humans too, not just animals! Start trying to set your alarm for the same time you normally would 10 | www.christiesdirect.com

if you were going in to work and going through your normal morning routine.

• If you are currently working from home, it’s a good idea to start working in a different room or area from your pet.

• When you go to your desk to start work, give your dog or cat any toys and treats you normally would when you leave the house. If you haven’t been utilising enrichment toys previously, now is the ideal time to give them a try – puzzle feeders are great at keeping both dogs and cats mentally stimulated.

• Build up time alone slowly and reward good behaviour. Start small, even if that means you only close the door for 30 seconds at first.

• Exercise your dog before you leave them so they’ve had chance to burn off some energy. Make sure your pet has access to things to keep them busy, for example a filled Kong or hard chew toys for a dog, a puzzle feeder with treats for a cat.

• Building up your dog’s confidence

with rewards for good behaviour and mental stimulation – for example, teaching them new tricks.

• Cats might have become accustomed to having someone home all day to let them in and out of the house or having open windows to use for quick access. Suddenly restricting this access might be confusing, so it could be a good time to consider installing a cat flap.

Consider purchasing a camera so you can see what your pet gets up to when left alone. If you can see what your pet does when you leave them, then you can interpret the issues more easily.

If you feel you have tried everything already, you may need to recruit the help of a trainer or behaviourist For more pet behaviour advice, visit https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice.

If you need to talk to someone about your dog’s behaviour, call Battersea’s behaviour advice line on 0203 8878 347 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm).

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Going Mobile…

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The Portable Palace Created from our Revolutionary insulated panel, the Palace provides groomers with unrivalled benefits never seen before in the industry! This amazing new concept was born due to our lining's incredible lifespan - they often out live the vans they were placed in - so we created a demountable pod where your business can be moved on to the next chassis easily when needed - or if you no longer wish to be mobile, you can demount the pod and work from your garden!

• • • • • • • •

As the chassis ages, the Palace can be removed and placed onto a brand new chassis - resulting in a much cheaper cost than having to buy a whole new van and conversion with next to no downtime If the chassis is involved in an accident or breaks down you can simply remove the body, place it on the ground and work from your driveway whilst you wait for it to be repaired.

The lining will not out live the vehicle like so often seen with used van conversions. You then have to sell the van & conversion and then buy a new van and conversion and wait whilst it is converted. Whereas with the Palace, you can keep the pod forever and change the chassis as you need to.

Once you choose to retire from mobile grooming you can remove the Palace, sell the chassis and work from the Palace in your garden instead of having to buy a parlour or convert a room in your house.

When you choose to move home, you can take the pod with you and this portability combined with the size means they will not normally require planning permission in your garden.

You never need to buy a Brand new chassis that can depreciate - simply buy used a chassis and then swap them out as they get too old.

Smaller than its LWB Van equivalent but provides a more workable space inside that is highly customisable as there are no van strutts or vehicle constraints Can be driven on a normal car driving license Say goodbye to having to buy a whole new van and conversion every few years - simply move your Palace from one chassis to another with zero down time and when the time comes and you no longer want to be mobile, simply

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Our fantastic portable grooming Pods allow you to groom from the comfort of your own garden in a fully waterproof, insulated & professional environment. They are completely self contained - for electric you simply plug the cable provided into your house, for water in you simply attach your garden hose and this is piped straight to your Hydrobath. Waste water is held inside the bath and piped out to a location of your choice. The Pods do not normally ever require planning permission and they can be delivered to even the hardest to reach locations. And if you move house? our Pods move with you! Each pod is fully portable and can be moved an unlimited amount of times. Choose from an unlimited amount of interior & exterior options with fully customisable packages to perfectly suit your budget and design with ever Pod and conversion available on finance from as little as £20+vat per wk!

Trailers

Made from our Revolutionary insulated panel, our VCA Approved Grooming trailers provide the perfect solution if you would like to work from home and be mobile without the running costs associated with a van - with no tax or MOT required with trailers! You can leave the trailer on your drive way or hitch up with your vehicle when ever you need to. And when you have finished being mobile you can permanently demount the trailer from the axels and use it as a Garden Pod!

Vans

Our industry leading dog grooming vans provide unrivalled levels of luxury combined with practicality. Choose from new or used vans or supply your own, we work with you to create the perfect package for your business. Complete with a 10 year lining warranty our conversions outlive and out perform all in their class with a build quality that is second to none. Unlimited optional extras and packages are available including sign writing and free delivery back to you.

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Your parlour for life. Our new revolutionary demountable Palace offers benefits never seen before in the industry. Once your chassis reaches the end of its life or is involved in an accident, you simply demount your Palace and work from home or swap it onto a new chassis. If you no longer want to be mobile you can demount the pod and use it as a parlour in your Garden. The palace’s can be driven on a standard UK driving License and are often smaller than their van based equivalent whilst giving you more usable space. Available in a wide range of sizes with unlimited conversion configurations. Available on finance

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Doggy Dangers: Potential Garden Hazards for Dogs Many Brits spent long hours outside in their garden during lockdown. Now, dog owners are being warned to steer their pets clear of possible dangers in their gardens this summer.

1. Fruit Readers might be surprised to learn that the stones and pits in apricots, cherries, plums and peaches contain deadly cyanide.

These fruits could therefore be very dangerous if they’re crushed before they’re consumed and larger stones could be a choking hazard too, whilst the stems and leaves might also be poisonous.

2. Slugs and snails Dogs can catch a dangerous lungworm infection if they accidentally eat a slug or snail that carries the larvae of the parasite.

Though your dog won’t usually want to consume slugs or snails, they should still be cleared away urgently, particularly any that are near toys or sources of water.

3. Plants Tomatoes, potatoes, azaleas and lilies are just some of the common vegetables and flowers that can be deadly to dogs.

Unripe, green or raw potatoes can be severely dangerous to dogs, whilst tomato leaves, azaleas and every part of a lily could be poisonous to dogs and cause vomiting, diarrhoea or even death.

If you grow any of the above, make sure your dog can’t get to them while you’re not looking.

4. Compost Garden compost heaps will usually be packed full of mouldy food and waste, which can produce dangerous mycotoxins which are extremely dangerous to dogs.

A dog might be quite tempted compost that still contains the remnants of tasty dinners though, so 14 | www.christiesdirect.com

Keep vigilant in the garden

it’s important to make sure a proper bin or barriers are used to prevent your pet smelling and then raiding the pile in search of a snack.

5. Fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides Many typical insecticides and pesticides contain chemicals such as metaldehyde and disulfoton which are a significant threat to dogs, so read the packaging closely and don’t buy the product if there’s a potential risk.

Lots of high street fertilisers will also contain anti-pest additives and consequently dangerous chemical, so caution is highly recommended with those too.

6. Ponds If you’re lucky enough to have a lovely pond in your back garden, it’s wise to make sure its exterior is properly barriered with fencing, gravel or plants.

An exposed pond with vulnerable slopes could mean your dog slips,

trips or jumps into the water when unattended and lead to all sorts of difficulties.

7. Weed killer Swallowing or even licking many common domestic weed killers could be really risky for dogs and cause breathing or heart problems if enough is consumed.

This is because many weed killers contain glyphosate, so it’s vital to shut your dog inside if you’re planning to use such a product.

8. Lawn feed Widely available lawn feeds often include ferrous sulphate which has the potential to harm dogs’ skin and cause gastrointestinal problems or iron poisoning.

The safest way for green-fingered Brits who own dogs to grow garden grass is the natural way – with sunlight, water and organic enrichment.

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Total Grooming Magazine | 15

Home or Away Heidi Anderton looks at the best options for delivering a pet grooming service in a pandemic world. Heidi is principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming, with over 30 years in the business, Heidi is a highly qualified and experienced industry expert as well as an award-winning groomer, former Groom Team England member and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA).

T

he pet grooming industry is diverse, which makes it so difficult to regulate and advise on methods, routines and animal behaviours. Environments where grooming is offered can make all the difference to the end result and to your pocket, whether you are employed or self-employed.

Home grooming Grooming pets in the comfort of the client’s own home is not to be sniffed at; no pun intended. However, the impact of coronavirus is likely to make this option problematic for some time to come. Whenever you groom, you will need to follow guidlines from the CFSG. Virus aside, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages: Advantages – Grooming on a 1-1 basis, with the pet in their own environment.

Going to a different place every day Having a closer bond with the owners in an informal setting.

Heidi Anderton

Disadvantages –Time consuming travelling and setting up. Can be physically difficult, bending while bathing, lifting equipment and not having another pair of hands to help.

This is usually a self-employed option for offering a pet grooming service.

Excess hair in the client’s home can be a disadvantage for some clients.

High Street Salon Grooming Lucy Tallant

16 | Total Grooming Magazine

Usually a team effort but grooming from the high street can be a real toll

unless you have another income stream, such as selling pet products, pet day care or offering hydrotherapy.

Advantages –You can gain employment easily in high street salons/chains. All equipment is at the right height. There is usually a team for support. More pets are groomed in a shorter space of time. No distractions from clients. Room for growing your business and improving your employment level.

Disadvantages –Bills, Bills, Bills!

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Rent, rates, service charges, taxes, other premises costs, PAYE, Wages, Pensions, Staff training and Welfare, Administrative expenses, legal and Professional costs – the list goes on!

“I opened my own salon in 1995. I gained assistance from the Princes Trust, but we didn’t have access to the internet then, so things were a lot more challenging than they are today. My salon has developed from a dog grooming salon into a salon and training school with a large cat grooming clientele as well.”

Heidi Anderton

Mobile Grooming Another option is to offer a grooming service in a mobile van. These vans are now professionally fitted out. Drive to the client’s home, set up in the driveway or in the street. You will never be in the same area for too long. In this virus conscious world, it is important to sanitise constantly and keep everything spotless but at least, once the dog is bathed, you will be keeping all contact to a minimum and will just need to follow the usual guidelines for handing him or her over before and after.

Advantages - Low-cost lay out.

Provide a very convenient service with no mess in the client’s home.Grooming on a 1-1 basis, flexible grooming times.

Tools at right height and accessible. No distraction from clients. Covers a large catchment area. Van provides your own advertising.

Disadvantages –Will be too expensive to pay for parking in some areas, mostly a self-employed option for delivering pet grooming. You need to hook up to the customers electric. Can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter depending on your insulation.

Can be lonely.

“I run a mobile dog grooming business in London. My van has been converted into a grooming salon by Wet Pets Conversions who have done a brilliant job. Before I started my business, I trained at Absolutely Animals with Heidi and Christine and their wonderful staff. It was an amazing environment to train in as it wasn’t just the handling and grooming of dogs that I needed to learn. It was how to run a business, dealing with customers and getting 18 | Total Grooming Magazine

my pricing right to run a successful business.

Absolutely Animals are the company that helped me get to where I wanted to be, they taught me everything I needed to know about dog grooming. Even now that I have left they are still on the other end of the phone if I ever have a question or query about dog grooming.”

“The pros of being mobile: Very convenient for my customers as I travel to them and give their dog one to one attention in their own surroundings. I get to travel to different locations throughout the week. Different scenery. Overheads are lower than a salon as it is just me working.

No employees. I can be very flexible with grooming times.

The cons of being mobile: Can’t cater for everyone as not everyone has parking outside their property and a power supply available for me to plug my cable into. Can’t fit as many dogs in as a salon as I have to travel to each customer. Less financial gain than in a salon, as more staff and more dogs can be groomed.

But overall, I am glad I went mobile as it suits me perfectly.” Lucy Tallant

Mobile salons can be as well equipped as high street premises

Grooming from your own home Home-based business: Pet grooming is very flexible. For example, you can start with a home-based business, working from your garage or spare room. That means lower costs – so it can be a great way to start.

Advantages –Very low overheads, you won’t need to leave your own home.

Disadvantages –Clients coming to your home out of working hours. Dogs marking on your premises. Planning permission is required with your local council as this option could disturb your neighbours.

Whichever route you take – you still have a legal and moral obligation to be competent in the service you offer, to be insured and to declare your income to your local tax office.

Keep inspired, motivated, informed and be happy!

Heidi Anderton LCGI ICMG www.absolutelyanimals.biz

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Total Grooming Magazine | 19

Weighing up your options

The British Dog Groomers’ Association gives tips on transaction methods for dog grooming businesses as the recent pandemic puts the kiss of death on cash transactions.

H

andling customer payments effectively is key to a successful dog grooming business.

Having a clear payment policy is one of the most important foundation stones from which a grooming business will prosper and grow. This will help you to set your budgets and ensure your customers know where they stand from the outset. Some businesses display their policies (or terms and conditions) on the wall or hand out individual copies to customers. It’s also important that these are shown on the business website.

Deposits and charges Some groomers will charge a deposit on taking a booking, as a means of securing a minimum income and preventing time wasters. You can choose to adopt this as a universal policy or apply it in situations where customers have a bad track record. Your time is your money after all – waiting for a no show is time when you could have been earning money from another customer.

In a similar vein, groomers protect their income by making charges when customers are unreasonably late to pick up with no good reason or add a charge on for a missed appointment if no deposit was taken. Some groomers will ensure their terms and conditions allow for extra charges if a groom takes longer than anticipated due to matting, or behavioural issues. Rather like a car service, it is wise to get the customer’s consent to these charges 20 | Total Grooming Magazine

before ploughing ahead with the extra work – your terms and conditions should include a warning of these charges and many groomers will call a customer to let them know of the progress made.

If a client requires special treatments (or ‘extras’), it is common for groomers to charge accordingly. On the pampering side are special tear staining removing facials or particularly enhancing shampoos or conditioners.

On the more practical side, if a dog arrives with fleas, a charge needs to be applied for the use of flea shampoo.

Giving discounts Discounts are a great way to reward loyalty, such as through a VIP scheme offering money off after a number of grooms, for example. And groomers building their customer base are naturally going to think about offering discounts to attract new clients.

Discounts also offer the opportunity to grow a particular customer type.

For example, aligning yourself with a

particular employer is another strategy which can show your contribution to the community and spread the word about your business around that community: offering discounts to NHS staff, for example, or offering discounts for military families if your business is near a military base.

Of course, tone of voice is everything when explaining both charges and discounts. It’s an idea to ask a friend to check over your terms

and conditions before you publish them.

Think how the customer will respond to what you write. And it’s worth remembering individual circumstances can require a certain sensitivity. You don’t want to unwittingly penalise a previously loyal customer who has just been bereaved, for example.

Have your say on topics like this, join in the conversation at: www.facebook.com/ groups/BDGAgroomersgroup/

partnership with 123Send, one of the UK’s leading providers of card payment solutions.

Members of the British Dog Groomers’ Association can benefit from market leading rates on their card processing. This service is offered by the 123Send team to help businesses experienced in card processing as well as card processing virgins. They will set you up with a Merchant Account, plus the appropriate terminal product, linked to the required merchant services provider (acquirer). The service ensures that funds are available on the card being used for any transaction and manages the whole process through to settlement of payments into your bank account – all in just 3-4 working days. For those already processing cards they will provide a free ‘health check’ to review existing costs and services.

Fees start from 1.2% for credit cards or 13p for debit. 123Send can also

support you if you wish to change merchant service provider. Their managed terminal service works with all of the major UK acquirers, giving you the flexibility to switch provider while maintaining your hardware and support infrastructure with 123.

All terminal types are available, so both salon-based and mobile groomers are catered for. 123Send also have e-commerce solutions if you take payments online, and UK based technical support is available 364 days a year.

If you are a member of the BDGA, or you would like to join to be able to benefit from this service, please contact the Pet Industry Federation on 01234 273933 or email info@petfederation.co.uk – more information is also available on the website: www.petfederation.co.uk

Handling money Contactless payments and card payments are more in-vogue and commonplace following the impact of the recent pandemic. The Payments Council, the body which represents the payments industry in the UK, predicted that 2015 would be the year when the volume of card payments would overtake cash payments. Now, with cash perceived as ‘unclean,’ card payments are likely to be the favoured method of payment. Convenience is everything. With this increase in card payments, you’re less likely to have any cash on the premises, reducing the number of trips you have to make to the bank, not to mention the time spent cashing up.

Card processing machines don’t come free, of course and there are usually charges to pay per transaction, which is why it you will want to ensure you are paying as little as possible. The good news is that the Pet Industry Federation entered into a business

22 | Total Grooming Magazine

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Enhancing the Customer Experience

Groomer and tutor, Terri Hardwick gives a further insight into how groomers can enhance the salon experience for customers by using NLP (Natural Language Processing):

I

n the June 2020 issue, I introduced you to the ‘customer experience’ and how to improve it using NLP techniques. I’ve worked alongside lots of groomers and I think it’s fair to say we choose to be groomers because we love dogs more than people, would you agree? With that being true for many of us, we need to ensure that our people skills aren’t doing our grooming skills an injustice.

To recap, ‘the customer experience’ is all about how a service provider or a store makes a customer feel throughout the sales process. This starts from the moment the customer makes their first contact with you.

One of the main factors of using

24 | Total Grooming Magazine

NLP in customer service is improving the rapport you build with the customer. Here’s the definition of rapport “A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well.”

How well do you know your customer other than their address?

Building a rapport with a customer happens over time and dedicating just a few minutes at each appointment to asking open questions can go a long way to ensure you fulfil the customer’s needs and thus making them feel good about the experience. A good rapport

can secure that customer’s loyalty and increasing the chances of them recommending you to others.

The beauty about incorporating NLP into your sales technique is that it provides you with the skills to improve your rapport making the customer experience more personal and unique to you. For a contrasting example, asking every customer at the till if they’ve found everything they’re looking for is robotic, impersonal and requires only a yes or no answer. It could also invite a complaint. So rather than me providing you with a list of open questions, you need to think of a new one for every customer, one that’s relevant to them, ergo you could make an observation

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about the client or the client’s dog in your mind and turn it into an open question. Be sure to record it and follow it up next time if that’s relevant.

For example, the customer turns up in a different car to usual. You could say “who’s car have you come in today, it’s not your usual” this opens up a conversation and gives the customer an opportunity to talk about themselves, grumble about car trouble to someone who will listen or to boast about their new car. It makes them feel special because you remembered or noticed something about them and is a chance to talk. Not all customers want a chat at first and that’s fine, if they give you a closed answer, smile and don’t probe; it’s all about tailoring your response to the individual.

Let’s say they do have a moan about an old car that was nothing but trouble.

Don’t worry about it being a negative topic, who doesn’t love a good rant?

Here’s the opportunity for more NLP. Empathise with the customer and use an NLP technique called ‘mirroring’ wherein you mirror the customer’s language, tone of voice, body language and behaviour to that of your client’s.

Be sure not to mimic them of course.

You may hear them emphasise particular words in their sentence which can mean that word is important or relevant to them and the point they’re trying to convey. If you can pick up on that word and repeat it back to them in a natural sounding sentence, you can really make the customer feel heard, listened to and understood, thus making them feel good.

What’s the point in all this effort you might be thinking? Aside from all the statistics available about why the customer experience is so influential, making a customer feel good and have a positive experience can guarantee that you have that customer for their dog’s entire life and that of any other dogs they come to own. Dog groomers can have the same client base for many years which is why our industry is so secure.

Assuming that by having been a customer equips you with customer service skills would really be a fallacy 26 | Total Grooming Magazine

and I implore you to invest in your customer service skills as equally as you would your scissoring skills. There is one thing I hear from groomers when they serve their customers that makes me shudder, and for this I need you to have an open mind. Before I reveal what gets my goat, I want to point out that there’s likely to be a cognitive bias at play, and that is attentional bias. Attentional bias is when we focus our attention on something that we perceive to be a potential threat and ignore other factors, which affects our decision making.

The thing that many groomers do that I consider to be a mistake is scolding customers with matted doodles. We all know that doodles now make up a huge part of our client base so there’s no escaping them. We also know that doodles can often attract inexperienced owners who unknowingly buy from an inexperienced breeder who has told them all sorts of rubbish about hypoallergenic dogs and doodle coats.

You aren’t officially a groomer if you’ve never had to clip off a matted cockerpoo and had the customer blame you to someone else, so we naturally get angry and then anxious every time a new matted cockerpoo walks through our doors. This is what leads to our attentional bias in this scenario – the fret and anticipation of the potential complaint. I have seen many groomers berating these customers and even naming and shaming them on social media, maybe in attempt to prevent the threat of a potential complaint (but what if this is what ultimately causes the complaint).

Nevertheless, consider your client wanting to put off facing a chastisement from you because they know their doodle is matted so they go even longer and allow the dog to become even more matted – #10 all off ? Imagine an inexperienced cockerpoo owner who’s been led to believe that cockerpoos don’t require

much grooming and has been given bad advice about which brush to use so they have no idea what matted hair looks like, and they choose you to give their dog a pamper. How do you think that customer will be expecting to be treated? Do you think they’ll want to face you again and give you their hard-earned cash if they receive a reprimanding? Of course not, which makes it as lose-lose situation for you.

At best they won’t return to you, at worst they’ll want to tell everyone who will listen how horrible their experience was. No wonder we get anxious when that matted cockerpoo walks through the door.

What can you do to turn this scenario around? Empathise. Listen. Mirror.

Work those NLP techniques. Ask your open questions? Ask the dog!

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Total Grooming Magazine | 27

Baby Boom!

Lakhi has been grooming for nearly 30 years and has a salon and training school: Posh Pets Academy, Bournville, Birmingham. He is an international certified Master Groomer. He shows and competes and holds demos around the country. In this issue Lakhi looks at the renaissance in puppy ownership and its impact on groomers:

H

oping you’re all well and getting back into the routine of grooming again.

Most groomers have probably noticed the influx of new puppy clients over the weeks.

Families at home during Covid-19 have had the time to add a new member to their family This month I’ll be offering some advice and tips to help with the puppy grooming experience: A puppy’s first experience is the most important and I have tried to

28 | Total Grooming Magazine

convey some of the methods that we use in the salon to make the experience an enjoyable one. The views in this article are based on my experiences and successes.

Preparing owners Communication with new puppy owners is vital and will seal the trust bond you have with a client. When taking a booking always remember to sound enthusiastic, owners love that you ask certain things or coo over their new addition.

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As well as taking important basic information, try asking what toys the pups like, treats etc.

We always give our puppy owners the same advice for preparing their pups for grooming - asking them to feed treats on a non-slip table to accustom them to heights with a leash for safety.

Using a small child’s battery toothbrush to simulate the vibrations and noises of clippers, hairdryer on in the background whilst they have their dinner. All these help with future grooming.

The big day When a client arrives for their appointment make them feel at ease.

We allow a tour to explain what we’re doing (distancing measures in place).

This really helps to allay fears.

Make a big fuss of the puppy, explain the process and provide an appropriate time for collection. Accurate records need to be kept so you know as much as possible about behaviour, medical and dietary restrictions.

We always pick the pup.up and hold them close to reassure both pet parent and pup, nothing worse than trying to persuade or drag a pup on the leash in front of the owner and shouldn’t be done regardless with any dog .

Bathing I tend to book most pups in on a morning slot, it’s quieter and can get them in and out before the day becomes chaotic.

I allow them to have a few minutes wander around the salon to take in the sights scent’s and sounds. Usually with a stand dryer on in background.

I also find having your own, friendly dog with you helps settle a puppy and provide a good example.

Take every step carefully and allow the pup to relax especially the bathing, most have not experienced a bath or being restrained with a safety strap.

I find they can struggle and pull on grooming straps so tend to use a harness or one front left through noose which helps relieve any pressure on their delicate throat area.

When it comes to drying I don’t use 30 | Total Grooming Magazine

Use a safety snood to help reduce noise of drying

a blaster, puppy coats dry very quickly and a good towel dry and blow dry is less stressful.

I always dry the heads on nervous puppies first. I swaddle them in a towel, sit in a comfy chair and pop them on my lap whilst the stand dryer is over us.

Using a soft slicker or even my fingers is enough to dry the head and ears in minutes.

By that time a pup is more relaxed to having its body dried on the table, however be careful not to allow them to strain too hard and any safety nooses , also all my drying tables are against a wall which helps prevent any falls and allows you better control .

Transfurmation When it comes to styling a puppy, less is more. They can be clipped and scissored at any age and in fact earlier the better to help the coat come through, unless it’s a handstrip or double coat, clipping will not ruin a coat , early neutering will affect it far more.

I have my puppies in every three weeks for around an hour until I feel comfortable they can cope with a full

groom, I’m totally honest with clients and explain the reasons behind the baby steps and usually they’re very happy to oblige with regular appointments.

The first session I tend to tidy around eyes, feet and rear with the nails clipped.

Second time around same as before but scissor the Noddy and legs lightly or a comb attachment that will take the ends off (an extreme transformation can upset owners so I take them down little by little) Third time they’re usually ready for an adult trim and you can lengthen the time it takes to groom.

After every groom always give a detailed report of their behaviour and anything the owners need to work on at home but always in a positive manner.

No owner likes to hear their pup is a terror.

Be honest with anything you can’t achieve, they’ll love you for that.

Explain that maybe you couldn’t trim corners of eyes as they needed more work to acclimatise, give them tips, homework. They’ll appreciate that far more than you keeping on trying to push the issue with the puppy.

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Remember the dog is going to be visiting you for possibly the next 15 years so make it a positive happy experience.

Tips and techniques Always only feed what the owner provides, puppies have delicate stomachs and the last thing you want is a phone call saying “Trixie” is sick.

If you’ve a pup that’s struggling to have nails done, try them in your lap.

Normally I’d get clients to hold them but with the current situation this is impossible.

Remember their joints are delicate so try avoid them pulling or jerking feet or legs.

Make your grooming table as safe and comfortable as possible A harness or noose around the neck and one front leg through offers more support and prevents any damage to neck and trachea. They should be able to move around without their head being held high. If a belly strap is needed then always ensure its a padded one and you can slip your hand comfortably under it, also ensure its vertical and not pulled back towards tail as internal organ damage can occur.

A yoga mat will be more comfortable on their soft feet than ribbed table matting.

We use one of our own amiable dogs to reassure a puppy being dried

Offer little certificates or rosettes for puppies first groom Keeping your table against the wall with a boisterous pup, especially a large breed as this helps prevent any falls Keep products to a minimum, a nice natural shampoo, spritz of cologne will suffice.

Puppy skin is sensitive so try not to send them home caked in chemicals and sprays Allow them time to acclimatise when first arriving with regular toilet breaks, most pups fidget when their bowels are full so tend to need to go after a bath and dry.

Allow them some playtime after the groom too.

32 | Total Grooming Magazine

Distract with suitable treats provided by owners

Ask owners to withhold food for at least two hours before grooming.

A combination of a car journey and the grooming experience can cause some pups to vomit.

Most of all enjoy grooming the pups - you are their mentor and will probably be the most visited and important person, other than their owner, in their life !

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Total Grooming Magazine | 33

Paws for thought...

Paws for Thought visits Emily Wolfe’s mobile salon – L & M Grooming – in Kent and finds out how the pandemic and lockdown affected her mobile grooming business: How it all came about?

I had been working in my own high street grooming salon but was becoming a bit disillusioned. I felt as though I was on a conveyor belt – grooming around 14 dogs every day and most of the money was going to pay the rates and rent on the building.

How did the mobile business come about?

I got a ‘Wet Pets’ standalone conversion, which works very well indeed. It is literally a fully equipped salon on wheels. I cover Kent and South East London and groom an average of six dogs a day. I was a bit apprehensive when I first started but the business was soon expanding. I am a lot happier now and feel like I have more time for the dogs in my care. I have a great customer base now and it is a lot more fulfilling.

What services do you offer?

I offer all the services you would expect from a salon-based groomer. I have a hydro bath and blaster dryer installed and a hydraulic grooming table so bathing, clipping, scissoring, nail trims etc.

How did Covid-19 and lockdown affect your business?

I stopped working for six weeks and resumed early in June. I think I could have started back a little bit earlier but I felt daunted by it all initially. Also, I wanted to make sure that I could be completely compliant with the guidelines.

Being mobile meant that I could meet 34 | Total Grooming Magazine

and of the regulations quite easily. I made my customers aware of the new measures I had introduced and ensured that they understood that I would need to clip my own washable lead on to the dog. Most of my clients already paid by BACs, so I just make sure that everyone now pays via this method.

What do you feel are the pros and cons of mobile vs salon?

The pros of being mobile are endless!

I guess the obvious one that comes to mind is that, after initial investment, the overheads of running a mobile salon are relatively low. I do not have to pay a monthly rental for a unit, monthly utility bills or business rates.

The van needs MOT and servicing once a year but monthly outgoings are fuel, van insurance, business insurance and business phone bill; compared to running a shop based salon these costs are significantly less.

I also love the flexibility of being mobile and working my day around my clients rather than having set opening hours like a lot of shop based salons.

Another pro for me is that I enjoy the variety of travelling to different clients every day. Travelling around in my branded van is also excellent free advertising!

The cons are that if your van is off the road needing repairs then you cannot work.

You also cannot fit so many dogs in your diary per day as you have to make allowances for travel time.

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Emily outside her Wet Pets conversion

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A New Puppy – Our Journey

Heidi Anderton is principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming, with over 30 years in the business, Heidi is a highly qualified and experienced industry expert in teaching dog grooming as well as an awardwinning groomer, former Groom Team England member and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA).

I

have owned dogs for over 30 years, but I am so excited to have a new puppy again to welcome into our lives. Id like t share some of the introduction with you.

Getting to know each other I’ve taken a little while to get to know my new puppy. I did begin by giving her lots of cuddles and reassurance, not putting too much pressure on her so she could get used to her surroundings.

I am beginning to build forward little by little, so she becomes more confident in herself.

The commitment of a new puppy Tiffany’s pedigree is from a long line of show dogs which are well known across the world and her breeders have been most supportive and caring. I saw her with her mummy and the rest of her doggie family twice before I brought her home to England.

Before I started looking for a standard poodle puppy. I thought really long and hard whether I had the time and dedication needed to give her a full and happy life. Standard poodles are a high maintenance breed not only with their coat but also because they are so intelligent, they need to be stimulated mentally and physically and they can live up to 15 or 16 years old. So not a dog to be bought on a whim.

I also need to consider that I have 36 | Total Grooming Magazine

Tiffany has fun in the salon

other dogs at home and at work our whole team takes their dogs to work.

So, I need to make sure there is also room for Tiffany.

Introducing my puppy to the family My new puppy Tiffany has travelled all the way from Spain, quite a long way when your only 3.5 months old! Quite stressful too you would think, but she

seems to be taking it all in her stride.

I arranged for all my other dogs to be in another place so I could welcome Tiffany to our home and let her get used to her surroundings without being frightened at all by an entourage of large excited dogs. I introduced her to them outside of the home and come all home together. This went very well as all my dogs are very well natured and have welcomed Tiffany to the family.

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Clicker Training and Reward Based Training I plan to only use reward-based training with Tiffany. I have joined some Facebook groups for training dogs, reward-based training only and I’m also watching YouTube videos from recognised trainers to help me gain the most up to date practices and the behaviour I desire from Tiffany. I must say that I absolutely love this method of training and I have found the clicker training to work very quickly along with some very sumptuous treats.

The dog training industry has been very diverse over many years and it has been very difficult to get a uniformed and recognised method of training. It has been many years since I have had a new puppy and I am so excited to be using this method today.

I am relieved that the dominance theory has been debunked and that reward based training is now a scientific process. I look forward to using this more and more in the grooming salon, in a safe way, also.

Preparing for a lifetime of bathing and grooming I have started Tiffany in the grooming salon by means of a few short visits first. Every puppy’s first visit to a grooming salon needs to be slow and as quiet as possible, as least invasive as possible with as many treats, praise and love as possible.

Usually with puppy visits we DO NOT recommend a full clip and trim, a reason for this is because you really don’t want to lose the puppy look too soon, and you also don’t want to scare the puppy.

When Introducing the puppy to the bath I usually like to hold a cloth over the shower to avoid any velocity of noise which may be scary. I keep talking to the puppy and usually use a raised shelf, so the dog is in front of me instead of leaning over the puppy in the bath. I find that this gives the puppy more confidence and reassurance and they can interact with me better.

I make sure that I am using puppy shampoo and conditioner. It’s very 38 | Total Grooming Magazine

Tiffany enjoys the bathing experience

important to condition the coat as it makes the drying process easier and more comfortable for the dog.

I will only towel dry puppies on their first few visits to the salon until we get their full trust. I will not use a blaster on a puppy and after towel drying, I use the finishing dryer from a reasonable distance away from the dog so as not to scare them with the noise and the velocity, but to still feel some warmth.

If I do use a belly strap it is only to stop the puppy from falling off the table, never to keep them standing. When using any kind of handling aid it is important that’s there is some flexibility in the tension and that it is not tight

and in the correct position.

It is most important that the puppy is given frequent breaks during grooming, putting them on the floor, letting them have a run around the salon and maybe a little game, as long as it is safe to do so is a great way to instil confidence.

You may also like to use treats during grooming, I love to use the licky matt as a method of distraction as well as lots of verbal praise and reassurance to instil confidence in the puppy.

I have used this method with Tiffany and many puppies. Tiffany is excellent during the bath and the drying process as you see from the pictures.

Eliminate Tear Staining

In some pets, tears, even when produced in normal amounts, can make their way onto the face rather than draining down the tear ducts. This can result in tear stains, those reddish-brown marks that can appear on the fur around the eyes. These stains can be unsightly, especially on pale fur. Ocryl is a gentle eye cleansing solution for pets which helps the eye in several ways.

T

he unique combination of ingredients in the Ocryl solution helps to combat tear staining. Ocryl also helps with general eye hygiene, cleaning crust and mucus from the eye. Crusty, gunky eyes can be uncomfortable for pets if left untreated and debris left in or around the eye can act as a site for bacterial multiplication. The ingredients found in Ocryl help to soften the crusts to make removal easier.

Ocryl is easy to use; for tear staining, soak a cotton swab with the product and apply once or twice a day until the staining resolves (which can take up to 14 days). To maintain results simply use the product 1-2 times per week to keep the eye area clean and the staining at bay. For general cleansing, soak a cotton pad and apply as necessary.

Finally, the applicator nozzle means that the product can also be used straight from the bottle as an eye flush which can help with the removal of debris such as grass seeds, dirt or pollen which can cause irritation.

It is important to ensure underlying reasons for tear staining have been ruled out by a vet. If ignored, any underlying problem may progress and be harder to treat.

40 | Total Grooming Magazine

Exclusive Readers Offer TVM UK, manufacturers of Ocryl, are offering 10 lucky readers the opportunity to win a 135ml bottle of Ocryl (rrp. ÂŁ12). To enter, simply email help@tvm-uk. com with OcrylEyes in the subject line and your name and postal address in the main body of the email, and the first 10 entries will receive a bottle of Ocryl.

For more information about Ocryl, visit www.ocryl.co.uk

Natural Food

SmartBarf SmartBarf vegetable and herb mix for dogs on a raw fed or home prepared diet provides valuable extra vitamins and minerals for a more complete meal.

E: info@SmartBarf.co.uk W: www.SmartBarf.co.uk S: www.facebook.com/SmartBarf

Grooming Supplies Mutneys Made by groomers, for groomers, Mutneys Professional Pet Care have been manufacturing and supplying professional dog grooming shampoo, fragrances and equipment for 20 years. Our range has been developed within working salons and is produced here in the UK at our Shropshire premises. If you would like to know more, why not speak to a knowledgeable member of the team?

T: 08454 68 64 67 or 07968 861 593 E: sales@mutneys.com W: www.mutneys.com

Education Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses.

Faulkners Farm, Ashes Lane, Hadlow, TN11 0AN T: 01732 852 605 E: doggrooming@hadlow.ac.uk Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon (Greenwich) Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses.

Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP T: 020 8856 2960 E: greenwichdoggrooming@hadlow. ac.uk

Food Grooming and Hygiene

Business Services and Insurance Advice

Jelf Insurance Brokers Jelf is an award-winning independent insurance broker and financial consultancy. We provide expert advice to both businesses and individuals on matters relating to insurance, healthcare, employee benefits and financial planning.

T: 0845 869 5342 W: jelfgroup.com

Natural Food

Natural Instinct “Award winning, Natural Instinct are passionate about pets, their raw food diet for dogs and cats follows the motto “you are what you eat” and their wholesome and delicious meals are the convenient, no stress, no mess way to feed raw! Proudly supporting British produce.”

T: 01276 608500 E: retail@naturalinstinct.com W: www.naturalinstinct.com

Insurance

Pet Business Insurance Pet Business Insurance is the UK’s favourite insurance provider to small and medium sized animal businesses.

For over 10 years it has provided specialist cover for all pet care businesses - including walkers, groomers, animal trainers, pet boarding kennels, sitters and many more trades.

Cover can be completed online, or by phone with one of our highly experienced advisers.

T: +44 (0)1284 736 874 E: info@petbusinessinsurance.co.uk W: www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk

Shampoo Animal Health Address: 38-40 Broton Drive, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HB. T: 01787 476400 F: 01787 476998 E: sales@animal-h:ealth.co.uk W: www.animal-health.co.uk W: facebook.com/animalhealth W: twitter.com/animalhealthco

Grooming Clothing

For All Dogkind Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available) T:. 020 7148 0316 E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk W:www.foralldogkind.co.uk

Pet Accessories

Scruffs® Founded in 2005, Scruffs® is now firmly established as one of Europe’s leading brands of luxury pet bedding and accessories.

T: +44 (0) 161 702 5060.

E: sales@petslovescruffs.com.

Trade Association For Pet Care Specialists The British Dog Groomers’ Association is a trade association offers dog groomers a range of practical and financial benefits, including insurance, a legal helpline and qualifications. It is part of the Pet Industry Federation family and provides access to invaluable support mechanisms to give dog groomers the skills and confidence to cope with the challenges of running a business.

T: 01234 273933 E: info@petfederation.co.uk W: www.petfederation.co.uk DAVE WESTBROOK PROFESSIONAL SHARPENER 07739186419 We specialise in all dog & horse grooming equipment.

Burrsville, Frating Rd, Thorrington, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8HT

Dog First Aid Training Courses and Equipment Animal Aiders Animal Aiders provides high quality and affordable dog first aid courses all over England, ideal for dog professionals, including groomers.

T: 01284 811192 or 07758 739332 E: info@animalaiders.co.uk W: www.animalaiders.co.uk

...Image is everything Jim Jump Designs JimJump exclusive range We all know offers that style isan important in portraying a image for any business. of professional lightweight, fashionable hair resistant clothing JimJump have designed that can be mixed and to create your own newmatched exclusive high quality style and personal for everyday wear. fashionable range Give your business a smart and of clothing. professional image as first Our Range impressions count. For more offers information please contact us on exclusive of 267900 T: designs 01787 lightweight E: hair sales@jimjump.co.uk W:resistant www.jimjump.co.uk clothing that can be mixed and matched to create your own personal image for everyday wear.

All garments can be washed and

SHEAR EASE LTD, FREEPOST RTGX-JEHG-XTTH, RHOSYBOL, AMLWCH, ANGLESEY, LL68 9TR

Phone: 01407 832 800

Web: www.sheareaseltd.com

ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING NO ‘HIDDEN’ FEES SAME DAY TURNAROUND INWARD AND OUTWARD POSTAGE INCLUDED IN PRICE FREE POSTAGE LABELS AND PADDED ENVELOPES AVAILABLE CLIPPER BLADE SHARPENING • SCISSOR SHARPENING • CLIPPER REPAIR • CLIPPER BLADE SALES

Total Grooming Magazine | 41

Burtons Easygroom Electric Table

TABLES BATHS CLIPPERS TRIMMERS BLADES SHAMPOOS SCISSORS STRIPPING KNIVES AND MORE

S E E O U R F U LL R ANGE BURTONSGROOMING.COM BurtonsGrooming BurtonsGroomingDirect burtonsgrooming

All prices include VAT, terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of printing and subject to change.

Burtons Grooming Direct is a trading name of Burtons Direct Ltd.

Key Features • Belguim-made poly board with elastic PVC edging.

• Resists scratches.

• All metal edge.

• Durable and long lasting.

• Removable top is easy to clean.

Specifications • 40-95cm adjustable height, table top size 120cm x 60cm (approx. measurements) • Holds up to 80kg.

LT-1405H |

£400

Burtons Easygroom Blaster • • • • •

Portable, only 6kg 3 nozzles Temperature control (normal/warm) Adjustable wind settings 2400W Power

LT-1090A-6 |

£80

C

BACK IN STOCK Burtons Easygroom Plastic Tub

• • • • • • • • •

Material: High-Density Polyethylene.

Light weight tub is built to resist rusting and tarnishing.

As durable as traditional stainless steel tubs.

Textured base of the tub prevents pets from slipping inside the basin.

Adjustable legs compensate for uneven floors.

Removable door lifts straight up and out for easy entry and exit.

Overhead grooming frame to secure dogs Tub needs to be set next to external water outlet; Includes waste and pipe.

Shampoo bottle holder.

£525 Electric Lift Version| LT-1610-1 | £750 Fixed Leg Version| LT-1610 |

Accessories available: Burtons Easy Groom Splash Back Prevent water splashing over your walls using the Splash Back Pannels. Easy to assemble (fits Burtons Easy Groom Tub only.)

LT-A03 |

£180

Burtons Easy Groom Removeable shelf Ideal for bathing small pets. Part of the Burtons Easy Groom range. For use with the Burtons Easy Groom Blue Tub (Static and Electric).

LT-A01 |

£66

Burtons Professional Stainless Steel Bath The Burtons Professional Stainless Steel Grooming Bath has been designed to specifically fit the needs of all groomers. Constructed by Burtons in the UK from high quality, durable, stainless steel, this bath is the staple for many salons.

Key Features: • Front sliding door for ease of access.

• Stainless Steel back and side splash backs.

• Adjustable animal restraining/positioning loops.

• Sturdy Stainless Steel Frame with Adjustable feet.

• Easy Clean, anti-slip Polypropylene Height Adjustable Floor (can be positioned on 2 levels for smaller animals).

• Access Step Stool Included • Removable base.

120-100 |

£800

NATURALLY BETTER

Treat little stinkers kindly!

If you prefer your 'natural' shampoo pure, without chemical scents or artificial colour, give this one a go! Enriched with essential oils to super hydrate and deeply nourish the coat and skin, what's not to like?

simpsons-online.co.uk/showpride 01354 691 830

Showpride PURE Shampoo simpsons-online.co.uk/breeds 1 Litre £ 12 Ref: 4071–144 5 Litres £ 30 Ref: 4071–143