Total Grooming Magazine December 2021

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk DECEMBER 2021

Professional Grooming Equipment and Supplies Your favorite brands and many more all in one place!

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23/09/2019 16:02:28

CONTENTS

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appy Christmas to all our readers.

Thankfully, we have managed to get through the last few months without any further lockdowns. We hope you are all back and running successfully. In this issue, we have lots of advice on cats and cat grooming, there’s also advice on de-stressing dogs over the festive season and tips to help you fight fatigue in the salon during this busy time.

Keep your ideas coming. Contact: editor@totalgroomingmagazine. co.uk

Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

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Best of 2021 – groomers share their favourite products of the year

Contents 04 News 06 News 08 News 10 News 12 News 16 Best of 2021 – groomers share their favourite products of the year 18 Cat grooming

On the cover: Burns Pet Nutrition Ltd www.burnspet.co.uk 0800 018 1890

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk DECEMBER 2021

20 Cat behaviour

Design and Production

Sue Corfield – editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

Grant Waters – grant@cimltd.co.uk James Taylor – james@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509108

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

Account Manager Becky Smith – becky@tgmpublishing.co.uk

Paws for Thought salon profile

28 Calming aids to keep pets stress-free during the festivities 36 Christmas safety advice 38 Tips to help fight fatigue in the salon

24 Paws for Thought - salon profile

Editor

Commercial Director

24

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

© 2021 TGM Publishing Limited, 1st Floor, Saphir House 5 Jubilee Way, 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

News and Product Round-up Christies Direct Launches Scissor Range Christies Direct’s new durable professional DezynaDog scissor range is a cut above the rest

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s consumer demand for pet groomers continues to increase across the globe, modern grooming professionals now require a scissor that can maintain a sharp, effortless cut for longer. Christies Direct have announced the launch of the highly anticipated Aureus, the first high-end scissor range from DezynaDog, a brand built on heritage and experience. With over 60 years of knowledge in the dog grooming industry, DezynaDog are using their expertise to stride into new product areas.

The Aureus Scissor range has been developed from high-quality Chinese VG10 stainless steel and has a hardness rating of an impressive 62-63 degrees.

The scissor is designed with a striking golden finish, a unique, intricately designed tension screw, and has comfortable rubber finger inserts for all-day use.

Brand Development Executive Nakina Lamont is confident the new product will become a best-seller “From the initial concept we wanted a high-quality scissor that was luxurious in design, but more importantly in its finish and grooming ability. That’s why we went for the VG10 Chinese Steel - it has a higher hardness rating, so retains sharpness for much longer” Available in straight, curved, thinner, and chunker models as well as lefty options, the Aureus’ convex edge finish allows for soft, smooth cutting from every angle. The curved chunker is a completely new addition to DezynaDog and a first from any Christies brand.

Combined with being crafted from such a high performing steel, it is set to be a

4 | Total Grooming Magazine

Christies Direct Ambassador, Kayla Harrison

Aureus Chunkers

top performer and a number one seller in 2022.

Nakina continues “the reason we have added these is simply the huge volume of requests from our customers - the main thing we strive towards is obviously to cater for groomers’ needs, so it was a no brainer to develop these.

Curved chunkers are a great tool for

using on rounded areas of the body, particularly the head, to get that perfect rounded top, and they’re also great for using on dogs that are more fidgety.

And because the scissors stay sharper for longer, they will save professional groomers time, and money, so they’re a win-win.”

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Christies Direct Maintain Top Dog Position in Global Dog Grooming Supplies Sector

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o keep pace with soaring demand for dog grooming products, the rapidly growing Ballymoney business, Christies Direct, have installed an innovative new liquid filling machine in their Agivey facility. By adding this line, the multiaward-winning business has increased its output capacity by 422%, which will easily sustain the projected growth for 2022.

The machine, with its output speed capabilities of 15-60 bottles per minute, can draw liquid from any external source, and can fill all the Groom Professional range in-house to an accuracy of +0.5%.

Operations Manager Neil, who heads up the department said, “We have installed a Quad head fully automated compact liquid filling machine that is

6 | Total Grooming Magazine

driven by a volumetric pump system to ensure high accuracy across a wide range of low to medium viscosity liquids. In simple terms, the filling machine will enable us to maintain our domination of the dog grooming supplies market, not just as we prepare for 2022, but also for years to come.”

In addition to this, Christies Direct have added infeed and outfeed rotary tables, automated labelling and batch coder and semi-auto capping machine, all linked with integrated conveyor.

These innovative additions help increase output speed and decrease product unit costs, by automating many of the laborious and repetitive tasks with real pace.

He adds “Along with our shampoo, conditioners and colognes, this machinery is extremely versatile

because it is suited to a large range of various uses, which will help our Product Development team create new product lines. It will open up more possibilities for us going forward.”

Managing Director, Colin Christie is confident this investment will increase their market share “Over the last 12 months we have seen phenomenal growth of our own brand pet grooming solutions and products to new and existing customers in Europe, USA, Middle East and the Far East.

This new machinery will mean we are in a strong position to become one of the largest pet grooming suppliers in the world. Product innovation is a key focus in our business and this investment ensures that we can bring products to market more quickly.”

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Dorwest Wins Supplier of the Year!

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hosen from a record number of entries, the experts in herbal pet care Dorwest Herbs has won Supplier Of The Year at this year’s National Pet Industry Federation Awards. The PIF’s Gala Awards evening was held at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire on 21st October and recognised public acknowledgement of outstanding candidates and businesses for their impact on the pet industry during 2021.

An independent judging panel chose winners from 19 categories.

Jo Boughton-White, Dorwest MD commented “We are absolutely thrilled to win this award and it’s a testimony to our hard-working team.

It’s certainly been a busy year, and with the increasing number of new dog owners our fantastic team have been there to help, from the initial enquiry talking through customers pet issues on the phones to the product being dispatched”. Jo goes on to say “A trend we have seen develop over the past couple of years has been separation and general anxiety. Fortunately, through the sale of our bestselling calming tablets ‘Scullcap & Valerian Tablets’ and the expert advice given from our product advisors, I’m delighted that we have been able to help so many owners and their dogs remain calm and relaxed through these exceptional times and ensure there was continuity of supply”.

Dorwest take the word ‘expert’ very seriously and has a wealth of knowledge spanning over 70 years.

They remain a family-run business, now in its third generation and run by husband-and-wife team Ben & Jo Boughton-White, which has allowed a lot of valuable insight and knowledge to be passed down. Known for working to only the highest of standards no wonder they are the UK’s leading provider of canine and feline herbal supplements.

Jo goes on to comment “Every day brings new challenges in these difficult times, and many UK businesses have 8 | Total Grooming Magazine

adapted over the past couple of years, it was important to us that we did this as well to be able to supply and support our stockists. Next year we will continue to provide customers the best possible service, together with the launch of new products supporting pets’ health further”.

To find out more about Dorwest visit call 01308 897272, email info@dorwest.com or visit www.dorwest.com www.facebook.com/Dorwest and follow @Dorwest on Twitter and Instagram

About Dorwest

Dorwest is the UK’s leading supplier of canine and feline herbal supplements - with over 70 years of experience. From carefully selecting our herbs and raw ingredients, to overseeing all manufacturing processes, to delivering excellent customer service; we only work to the highest standards to provide the best for your pet.

Latest Research on Cutting Rehoming Rates Behavioural advice could reduce dog rehoming rates, research suggests

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Hartpury University graduate has found that almost 25% of people calling Wood Green The Animal Charity to give up their dog accepted behavioural advice to support them keeping their pet and finding a sustainable solution.

This intervention could potentially reduce the number of companion dogs needing to be rehomed annually - currently a devastating issue with over 100,000 dogs entering UK rescue centres annually. Consequently, the stress associated with maintaining a dog in sheltered conditions and rehoming them, and the trauma for the owner was eliminated in a quarter of cases.

The research was carried out by Hartpury University graduate Natalie Powdrill-Wells, now Welcome Centre Manager at Wood Green The Animal Charity. The project analysed the call records of 1131 relinquishment

10 | Total Grooming Magazine

requests to establish if the offer of free behaviour advice was accepted.

Results showed that the advice was accepted in 24.4% of cases and behavioural problems were a significant predictor of whether advice was accepted. The advice was accepted almost six times more often by owners with dogs with general management behaviour problems, compared to owners who had problems with aggression between dogs in their home.

The data suggests that owners are prepared to accept behaviour advice at the very first point of contact with a rehoming centre or charity, so advice interventions could potentially impact the number of dogs handed over to rescue centres.

The impact of an intervention offering behavioural advice may be limited by overall levels of advice acceptance by owners and therefore complimentary proactive solutions

should also be considered.

Talking about the research, Natalie, a 2020 graduate from Hartpury’s MRes Animal Behaviour and Welfare programme said: “This paper presents a really exciting insight into alternatives to having to give up a companion dog. With owners willing to accept behaviour advice instead of proceeding directly to rehome their dog, there is real potential to keep more dogs with families and reduce the stress and heartache involved for both parties.

We hope that by sharing the findings it will present other animal welfare organisations with the opportunity to consider alternative ways to help more pets and people live better lives together. We’re really looking forward to taking this area of research further and attempting to understand more about the impact of interventions such as this one.”

Dogs at Work Dogs could soon be part of everyone’s working lives

The pressure is mounting to allow dogs in the workplace

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n recent weeks, many workers have faced the inevitable post-pandemic return to their workplace. But what happens to the 12 million dogs in the UK who now face being left home alone?

A recent study found that 54% of pet owners would consider quitting their job if their employer didn’t allow them to take their dog to work.

But with many employers not fully understanding the implications of having a dog in the workplace, the National Pet College (NPC) has today launched the unique Dogs in the Workplace online course, aimed at equipping employers and employees who want to share their working space with dogs in a responsible and safe way.

There are many benefits to having dogs in the workplace, including improvements in colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing, stress reduction due to the human/animal bond, improved staff morale and the need to take regular breaks away from the screen with their dog outside in the fresh air.

To deliver confidence to both management and other team members that dogs in the workplace is a positive

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step for the business to take, the NPC’s online training portal will guide learners through a six-step process to allow them to overcome the challenges and develop a positive, dog-friendly culture.

With separate modules for the employer to develop a suitable ‘Dogs in the Workplace’ policy and for employees to ensure their dog is a suitable candidate to have in the workplace, the courses will ensure sensible and robust procedures are in put place that protect the business, other workers, clients and ensure the welfare of dogs themselves. In addition, employers will be supported in developing a ‘doggy code of conduct’ and suitable risk assessments, while owners will be provided with basic dog behaviour guidance to enable them to undertake the ‘goodness of fit’ behaviour evaluation.

Supported by the Pet Industry Federation and DogFriendly, the comprehensive National Pet College training could lead to many more dogs becoming part of everyone’s working lives.

Vicky Skinner, National Pet College’s Head of Education, commented: “We

have long been aware of the benefits of having dogs in the workplace, be it as companionship or as therapy.

Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of these benefits – including productivity, employee morale and attracting new talent – and with the right training, will be suitably equipped with the tools to ensure that dogs are integrated into the workplace smoothly and with consideration to other staff and the dog’s welfare.

“The demand for dogs in workplaces has increased significantly since lockdown ended, and we believe that soon, dogs could become a permanent fixture in many offices, supporting their owners with wellbeing and enhancing the work/life balance.

“The National Pet College is the first education provider in the UK to recognise the need to deliver training in this subject, and provide accreditation that will ensure both employers and employees feel confident about having dogs in their place of work.”

Further information about the courses can be found online at www.nationalpetcollege. co.uk or via the Instagram channel @ NationalPetCollege.

How can we empower our clients to understand more about supporting skincare health?

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e are all now very much aware that the over use and misuse of medications specifically antibiotics has directly led to resistance and the rise of the superbugs! Without pointing the fingers of blame we should now look what this means for the future of germ protection for ourselves and our animals. Without doubt caring for the natural immune system through supporting nutrition and good health choice practices is long known to be our best line of defence, however in many cases this is often not enough.

ENTER Leucillin Leucillin is a high efficacy, broad spectrum topical antiseptic; the Leucillin formulation can achieve an unbeatable 99.99999% efficacy against harmful pathogens.

What can I recommend the use of Leucillin for?

A unique user friendly formula Leucillin can be used by both professionals and animal owner. Leucillin has an extensive range of applications including first aid, post surgical sites, effective allergy management, ear and eye care. As a professional Groomer Leucillin is an essential tool to have on hand for every skin eventually.

• Clipper Rash or clipper burn often from clipping away excessive matting, resulting in inflamed, sore skin, often presenting after the dog has left the salon. Spraying the skin liberally after a groom with Leucillin instantly soothes and calms the skin, Leucillin acts quickly to kill pathogens dramatically reducing the likelihood of infection occurring, happy dog, happy client!

• Tear Staining, “gunky” eyes, grubby 14 | Total Grooming Magazine

beards and pink paws. Excessive tear production often associated with a yeast imbalance results in a discolouration of the hair.

Using Leucillin as an eye cleanser or flush, kills bacteria and yeasts.

Applying daily will lighten the staining and coat regrowth comes through its natural colour!

• Delicate Skin Leucillin active ingredient is cleverly the very same chemical your pets own white blood cells create to kill infecting pathogens within their own bodies meaning that Leucillin is recognized and accepted by the body as its own! It can safely be applied to all skin types including ears, eyes and mouth.

• Cuts, Nicks and Scratches, if discovered underneath matting or during a chipping off, Leucillin can be applied straight away. Leucillin works on contact so the potential of infection to occur is removed, skin is instantly and visibly calmed.

• Great for Allergies and paw chewing, Leucillin works in harmony with the body’s own defence mechanism and effectively calms the autoimmune system, it is instantly soothing and calming to the skin and kills secondary infection caused by itching, chewing and scratching.

• Fast Acting Leucillin is efficacy tested in NHS laboratories, in recent tests Leucillin achieved a class leading 99.99999% (Log7) or maximum measurable reduction in bacteria, meaning Leucillin works so fast it kills pathogens on contact!

• Easy add on sale Leucillin is also an excellent additional sale after a

groom as an easy to use tool for your customers to care for the skin, ears and eyes of their pet between grooms. Leucillin is cost effective, has great margins, small minimum orders and free promotional literature.

Working with Leucillin Skincare Leucillin prides themselves on their customer care and retail support. For ease of purchase Leucillin is available through most UK pet wholesales and also offers direct accounts.

Leucillin provides free point of sale, literature, product training and is available to answer customer queries over telephone, email or through social media support.

December the first marks the start the infamous Leucillin Christmas Quiz, the annual festive brain teaser runs on Facebook and tests festive and animal knowledge. Not just “Googleable” answers our quiz tests film, music, mathematical and visual memory skills! With questions posted every other day there are 12 chances to win! Leucillin doesn’t do “naf ” prizes and each prize coming gift wrapped to go under the Christmas tree for the big day. LIKE the Leucillin Facebook Page or follow Leucillin_skincare on Instagram and please encourage your customers, friends and family to get involved with this little bit of pet driven festive cheer and be in with a chance to win their fur-family some lovely gifts!

Team Leucillin wishes you Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year

Best of 2021

There are many innovative new products launched every year within the grooming sector. Below are a few recommended by some of the country’s top groomers: Fern Gresty and Sarah Mackay iPet Network rate the following: Fern Gresty and Sarah Mackay iPet Network rate the following: Roses Top Dog Mega Absorbent PVA Dog Towel: This amazing towel is perfect for dog grooming as it can absorb 20x its weight in water!

Cost: £4.50 www.rosestopdog.com

Roses Top Dog Infrared Pet Hair Dryer and Treatment Brush: This is perfect for groomers as the Black Diamond brush head is ideal for double coated dogs whether they are coarse or soft haired, and the pinhead brush is nice and gentle for single coated dogs.

Cost: £49.99 www.rosestopdog.com

Ben Thorpe, director and dog groomer at Bone Idol: Colin Taylor Sassy Bitch Comb: I love this comb which is designed for styling on a clean matt free coat, for all breeds.

Cost: £36 www.colintaylorproducts.com

Chris Christensen’s Slicker Brush: This amazing brush is designed for fluffy, curling cottony coats and comes in some very stylish colours.

Cost: £59.95 www.mutneys.com

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MUTNEYS..MORE THAN JUST SHAMPOOS All the salon essential equipment you need to run a busy salon, now back in stock

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Add Cat Grooming to Your Salon Offer Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty - the iPET Network share their views:

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veryone enjoys watching their cat groom themselves, and a cat’s mouth is antibacterial, which means when kitty licks her fur she is actually doing quite a good job of making herself ‘clinically clean!’

With cats as well as dogs there are different coat types, and it is important to get to know a pet and their grooming needs.

Of course with a short furred moggy the challenge is not as great, but for a cat with fine long fur this should be a consideration for prospective pet owners.

Pedigree and purebred cats are bred to meet the breed standard as closely as possible, and coat types vary from breed standard to breed standard.

In the grooming world we often see cats where the owners have waited far too long to take their pet to the groomer, and with cats more than dogs it feels as though owners wait for it to become a welfare issue before turning up.

We all know that cats are very different to dogs in terms of temperament. iPET Network expert groomer Heidi Anderton, who runs Absolutely Animals in Lewisham, South West London, says you have to ‘treat them like an egg’.

Experienced groomer Heidi, who has pioneered her own two person grooming technique, said: “Unlike a dog, cats read you from your core, in our salon we have two groomers per cat, and they know if you are chatting about something that is not the groom.

It has to be all about them!”

With long furred cats the RSPCA

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says that owners should be brushing their pet at least once a week. And that grooming not only prevents matting and tangles, but also removes dust, loose hairs and dead skin.

The owner grooming their cat at home also gets them used to the brush, so that when they do come to our salons they are calmer and more used to being looked after.

Having a calm cat to work with also allows the groomer to check for any skin or health problems which they may not otherwise be in a position to look out for.

So when a cat comes into your salon our advice is to advise the owner to get a brush and keep it up a bit at home too, because we all know that some cats love to draw a bit of blood!

As part of the course, we advise trainee cat groomers to always trim the animal’s nails before the groom begins. You can also wear forearm sleeves which provide protection from scratches and bites.

If absolutely necessary a sympathetically used muzzle, or Elizabethan collar can help to make the process less stressful for the cat but must be used humanely.

Cat grooming is certainly different to dog grooming, but with an iPET Network cat grooming qualification it can easily be added into your existing business model, with very little initial outlay.

To find out more visit www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

Understanding A Cat’s Body Language

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ouldn’t it be great if we could know what cats are thinking? Well, we might not be able to read their minds, but they certainly give us some clues via their body language!

Cats often use body language to communicate their mood to people, as well as other animals. It can even help you to spot the signs they might be feeling unwell.

In this guide, the pet wellness experts at Itch Pet are here to give you the lowdown on what a cat’s body language is telling you.

Signs of a Happy Cat When a kitty is neutral, happy or relaxed, you might pick up on some of the following signs (often accompanied by purring): • Sitting on their hind legs, with front 20 | Total Grooming Magazine

paws neatly together and upright ears, which might rotate in response to certain sounds.

• Lying down with their paws tucked underneath their chest, and eyes closed or slowly blinking if they’re feeling drowsy.

• Sleeping on their back, with bellies exposed and paws in the air or by their sides – this is one fully reclined feline!

Signs that a Cat is Playful or Alert If a cat is in a playful mood or feeling alert, here are the key things to look out for: • Playful behaviour often mimics hunting behaviour in cats, so they may have their ears forward and their pupils slightly dilated, with whiskers forward too.

• A cat will have a raised tail while

playing, and might crouch down to stalk their prey (even if it’s a toy) before swinging out with their paws.

You can play some great games with a cat when they’re in this sort of mood.

Just be careful not to get clawed midplayful swipe!

Signs that a Cat is Anxious or Scared If a cat is feeling fearful, anxious or worried, be on the lookout for the following: • Eyes: their pupils will be dilated and round or oval in shape, with no blinking.

• Ears: these may be swivelling quickly to catch any noise, or even flattened back.

• Whiskers: pulled back, to the side, or bristling when they’re afraid of something.

• Tail: it’s likely their tail will be still, or flicking slightly at the tip if a cat is anxious.

• Posture: they may arch their backs, cower down onto their paws, or crouch if they’re preparing to run away.

If you notice any of these signs, try and provide some reassurance to the cat – or remove the stressor if you know what’s causing them to worry.

To help a frazzled feline, you could try using a pheromone diffuser. Pheromone diffusers release calming pheromones that a furry friend will subconsciously associate with a sense of security, helping them feel safe, happy and relaxed.

Signs of a Sad Cat Cats can be sensitive souls, and it’s absolutely possible for them to feel sad or get depressed after prolonged stress.

Here’s what to look out for: • Lacking interest in treats or toys.

• Becoming reclusive or demonstrating a heightened fear of strangers.

• They’re looking a bit unkempt. Sad cats may stop grooming themselves, and develop a less than catwalk-worthy, shabby coat.

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• Sleeping a lot.

Sometimes cats show signs of depression when they’re dealing with underlying health issues and may need getting checked over at the vets. Give them plenty of attention and affection (if they’re receptive to this, of course), and make sure there’s enough food, water and space for them to relax.

Signs that a Cat is Angry or Irritated There are various things that can rub a cat up the wrong way. For example, going in for a belly tickle when they’re just not in the mood. Keep an eye out for body language like this: • Pacing impatiently or yowling to communicate their frustration.

• Turning all their attention to the object or person causing their anger or irritation.

• Drawing their lips so you can see their teeth.

• Crouching with their tail stiffly underneath them, eyes open with slit pupils, and fur standing erect on their backs.

If a puss is giving off these vibes,

it’s best to back off and leave them alone. Don’t hold eye contact with the cat either and give them some space to calm down.

How to Show a Cat Affection with Body Language From treats to ear rubs, there are many methods of reassuring a cat, including with your own body language. You can help a cat relax by: • Blinking at them slowly, and looking into their eyes when they’re feeling sleepy or calm.

• Building trust with a cat by allowing them to fall asleep on you.

• Letting them rub their cheeks on you – this is usually their way of claiming ownership.

• Letting them knead their paws on your lap before they settle down.

• Grooming their fur with a glove or brush when they’re already feeling pretty chilled.

We hope these tips will help you better read a cat’s body language so you can provide them with a calming grooming experience.

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Total Grooming Magazine | 23

Paws for thought... visits Jo Woods, who runs Jo’s Dog Grooming in Crawley who trained with Bone Idol part of the iPET Network: Jo began her career after a life changing epiphany.

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he and her father battled cancer at the same time, and due to the pandemic she was offered redundancy by her airport job.

Jo knew that it was the right time to follow her dreams and enrolled with the Bone Idol Academy in Hove, Sussex.

Here she tells her amazing story...

I have always loved dogs, and grew up playing with my parents’ loyal German Shepherds Zoe and Sasha.

From a young age I wanted to work with animals, and after school I went to Brimsbury College to study animal care, hoping to become a veterinary nurse.

I loved the course, but during a stint of work experience I had an experience that really put me off getting into the veterinary profession.

A healthy German shepherd, just like Zoe and Sasha, has been brought in to be put to sleep, simply because the owner didn’t want it anymore, and I

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was told to assist with the procedure.

I sobbed and sobbed and it was really traumatic, and after that my heart just wasn’t in what I thought had been my dream job!

I ended up flitting from job to job, before finally securing a role at Gatwick Airport, life had taken over, and my animal dreams were firmly on hold.

I worked at Gatwick for years, working shifts, and enjoyed the job but at the back of my head was always the feeling that I should have worked with animals.

But then my life changed completely...

Ever since I was thirty I have always developed cysts in my breasts, and trips to the doctors to have them checked out had become a regular occurrence.

But on one of these ultrasound trips, which felt so routine I received earth-shattering news. The ultrasound technician looked at the screen and just said “that’s not a cyst”. I was soon

diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

I was utterly in shock, and the trauma was compounded by the fact that my dad Mervyn was also battling prostate cancer. I knew that I had to be strong, but some days I really struggled, all of my family, especially my partner Mick were utterly devastated.

There was a moment of realisation one day when I was talking with friends, I realised all my hair would fall out.

It seems like the least of my worries, but it was like the final straw and I just broke down.

My treatment ended up being seven rounds of chemotherapy, and I was very lucky not to feel sick for most of the process.

There were other side effects though to contend with, the treatment attacked my joints and muscles, and I was in a lot of pain.

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Total Grooming Magazine | 25

There were really dark moments where I thought ‘I really could die from this’ but Mick pulled me out of those dark places with his amazing sense of humour, he didn’t let me mope and I don’t know what I would have done without his support.

Thankfully both me and dad recovered, which was a real cause for celebration, but I had to take a whole year off work which really made me assess what was doing with my life. I started to think about animal jobs, and my childhood dreams.

When I got back to work life took over again for a while, and I got back into the day to day, Mick and I also finally tied the knot which was a beautiful way to celebrate all that our family had been through and achieved together.

But then the pandemic struck!

Once again, together with the entire world, everything was turned upside down and the travel industry really suffered which affected my job. Once again I was forced to reconsider my career and my future, and one night I said to Mick ‘I think I want to become a dog groomer’.

But I was nervous, I was 45 and it had been years since I had done any kind of education. Mick spurred me on though, telling me to ‘go for it’, and I knew that I was doing the right thing.

I was offered a severance package by work, which meant that I could take a course, and I did lots of research to find the right qualifications for me.

I found The Bone Idol Grooming Academy in Hove, and when I spoke to them I just felt so comfortable. At the start of the course my confidence was low, but the other students and course leader Helen were so amazing, I soon felt really comfortable.

I realised how much I had missed learning, and looked forward to going to the Grooming Academy for every class. They make it a fun environment and there was no pressure to be perfect

the first time, it did me the world of good and my confidence skyrocketed.

When I passed the course there was cause for celebration again, and Mick took me out for a slap-up steak house dinner. I felt on top of the world.

Since I finished the course I have been dog grooming full time, and my parents and Mick invested in me as a business so that I could set up a premises at the bottom of our garden.

The first week I must admit I was nervous, and asked my mum to sit down there with me for support, but it is going really well.

I love being my own boss, and often compact the work into four days so I have more time to spend with my husband and family.

To make things even better, we have also got a new dog of our own, Bailey

the English springer spaniel who we are head over heels in love with. It feels like the cycle is complete.

I’ve also been blessed with wonderful clients with amazing dogs, and I couldn’t be happier that I took the plunge and allowed my dreams to finally become a reality!

Want to feature in Total Grooming Magazine?

Send an email to: editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk, or write to us at: Total Grooming Magazine, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. 26 | Total Grooming Magazine

Stay Calm & Carry On We all know how full-on Christmas festivities can be and if your clients’ pets suffer from fear, phobia, or any one of the several types of anxiety, you may wonder what advice you can give or products you can retail that can help calm an anxious dog.

T

here are many different calming products that can help relieve the stress & anxiety that our pets can experience. Everything from wearables to audio & visual stimulation to treats & supplements.

These natural remedies are a safe alternative to prescription medications.

Here is a selection of 10 natural remedies on the market for anxious dogs.

Under The Weather - Calming Soft Chews Not all dogs are okay with wearing shirts or collars to calm them, so it can be nice to have a form of anxiety relief that all pets can enjoy. These calming 28 | Total Grooming Magazine

chews help to support relaxation & balanced behavior in pets. The chews contain Ginger to help settle the stomach, Chamomile & L-Theanine to help promote relaxation and restful sleep, and L-Tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin (the happiness neurotransmitter in our brains) once absorbed.

I Heart Dogs - When You’re Away Comfort Cuddler Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety miss their person when they are left alone even for a short time.

This makes them anxious and nervous.

Your dog loves your scent, because they associate it with your presence,

so leaving something of you behind when you leave can help. The Comfort Cuddler has a pouch that opens up where you can stuff an item of clothing that smells like you inside. It then

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Pet Releaf - CBD/Hemp Oil One of the biggest products & additives on the market for pets right now is CBD & hemp oils. But what exactly are they and how can they help your anxious pet? Simply put, CBD acts as a 5HT1A (a very important serotonin receptor) agonist, which in turn helps our brain transmit more serotonin, reducing stress and improving our overall mood & function. Pet Releaf offers some of the highest quality CBD Hemp Oil on the market for pets.

ZenCrate - Smart Anxiety Relief Crate During scary & stressful times like storms or fireworks, or even when you leave for work, it can really help your four legged friends to have a safe space they can retreat to. The ZenCrate provides that in a way no other company has. The ZenCrate works by playing soothing music & creating a gentle air flow once it detects your pet inside. When your pet is calm and exits the crate, it automatically turns off.

Dog TV - DogTV When your pet gets anxious or scared, a lot of times talking to them or keeping them entertained can help to ease those nervous nillys. This is because dogs often react positively to the right kinds of audio & visual stimulation. DogTV has created a one-stop-shop full of programming for dogs. All of the content they provide is scientifically developed to provide the right type of stimulation for your dog in different scenarios. The result is a happier, calmer, less stressed pup.

Pet Acoustics - Pet Tunes Not all dogs experience anxiety while just at home, so wouldn’t it be nice to have a portable form of comfort for your dog when you go on road trips or they are staying with someone else?

Pet Acoustics has developed Pet Tunes, a portable speaker pre-loaded with frequency modified music that has been 30 | Total Grooming Magazine

clinically proven to help reduce stress & anxiety in dogs. This rechargeable speaker is small and can be taken anywhere with your pup to help keep them happy anywhere life may take them.

Smart Pet Love - Snuggle Puppy Dogs are pack animals, and they are instinctively drawn to stick with their “pack”. This is why they become so attached to their owners; you are their new pack once they leave their mom & siblings. The Snuggle Puppy plays to those instincts by recreating that pack intimacy with a real-feel heartbeat & warmth. Your dog can cuddle up to the Snuggle Puppy in times of loneliness or fear, and feel the comfort of a “real” companion.

EarthHeart - Canine Calm Spray Earth Heart essential oil remedies for dogs come in different options to fit your lifestyle and pet’s needs. Canine Calm with lavender creates a serene experience for you and your dog.

Available in spray mists, wipes, oil diffuser blend and roll-on, this special formula of essential oils helps dogs stay calm during thunderstorms, fireworks, boarding, grooming, training and competition, adoptions, holidays, bath

time, crating, separation, hospice and clinic visits.

Surgi Snuggly - Anxiety Buster Sometimes when our pets get anxious or scared, they want to be in our laps and held by us. The Surgi Snuggly Anxiety Buster is a full body suit that applies constant gentle pressure to your pet to help calm them. This works by manually stimulating their parasympathetic nervous system, which can help slow their heart rate & bring them to a calmer and more relaxed state.

Calm Paws - Calmz There are many different types of stimulation that can help to calm our furry family members when they are stressed or anxious. Many products utilise just one of these, but combining several can be even more effective.

Calmz has found a way to incorporate audio stimulation, gentle pressure, and acupressure points into their product.

The Calmz Anxiety Relief system has an adjustable vest that fits your dog and cradles a device over certain acupressure spots on your dog. It then plays therapeutic music accompanied by relaxing vibrations to calm & comfort your pet.

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www.secretweaponuk.com Total Grooming Magazine | 31

How about a homemade, healthy snack for your dog (and for you)?

Jitka Krizova shares some of her favourite recipes for dogs which would also make ideal handmade Christmas gifts for friends with dogs:

Jitka Krizova

A

t this time of year, I often feel like making some treats for my dogs. These are some of my favourites: Apple and Peanut Butter Bites One of my favourite treats to make is Apple and Peanut Butter Bites. They’re easy to make, healthy and my dogs LOVE them.

These Apple and Peanut Butter bites have only four ingredients!

Apples Apple is a delicious fruit for us as well as our pets. You can give this fruit to your pets in various forms but there are, however, certain things to keep in mind. A commonly asked question is, ‘can dogs can eat apples?’ Dogs can, for sure. Only a large amount of seeds can be toxic to your dog. But to be sure, remove the pips!

Apple is a nutritious fruit packed with dietary fibre, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and 32 | Total Grooming Magazine

antioxidants. It’s a wonderful idea to give your dog apples as a treat and dogs who have apples in their diet rarely suffer from stomach issues.

Peanut Butter Peanut Butter – I use Poochbutter from Nuts for Pets. This peanut butter is made in the UK without palm oil and it contains no added salt, sugar, xylitol or additives but contains very beneficial extra virgin coconut oil and Yorkshire honey instead. This makes it deliciously, extra sticky.

In general, peanut butter is safe for dogs (unless they have a peanut allergy) and it has lots of health benefits too: • Peanuts are a great source of healthy fats or monounsaturated fats.

• They promote heart function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• They contain vitamin E which helps in maintaining your dog’s coat and

keeps the skin healthy and shiny.

• They contain Niacin which is effective in keeping proper blood flow, brain circulation and improves brain health.

• Peanuts are also rich in protein, manganese, and folate which will keep your dog healthy and able to fight off diseases.

• They contain fibre which sustains better digestion.

• Peanuts also contain calcium, which is very beneficial for ageing dogs as it can lower their risk of bone-related problems.

• Peanuts contain resveratrol, a compound known for its anti-aging properties and which helps fight memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.

• They also contain coenzyme Q10, which maintains oxygen flow in the dog’s heart.

Despite all these beneficial qualities, peanut butter and peanuts should

be given, just like everything else, in moderation.

How about Flax Seeds ?

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are also known to be beneficial for dogs.

They help to…

• Reduce inflammation and itchiness • Lower blood pressure • Boost the immune system • Strengthen cardiovascular health And Pumpkin Seeds?

They’re rich in protein and contain…

Vitamin K • Phosphorous • Manganese • Magnesium • Iron • Zinc • Copper Pumpkin seeds are also very high in fibre and can help to improve digestion in dogs. With a very high content of magnesium they can help maintain dogs’ healthy bones, regulate their blood sugar and pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Pumpkin seeds have also been shown to help with certain diseases, infections and reduce worms in dogs.

Pooch butter, chopped apples, milled pumpkin & flaxseeds Apple & Peanut Butter Bites 2 apples – cored, peeled and chopped 1 jar of Nuts for Pets Poochbutter ½ cup milled flaxseeds ½ cup milled pumpkin seeds ¼ cup pumpkin seeds for coating • Peel, core and remove the seeds from the apples, and chop them into small chunks in a food processor.

• Finally mix the apples, peanut butter, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds and stir until a dough forms which is slightly sticky.

• Take small pieces and roll them into balls and coat the outside with the remaining pumpkin seeds

Storage Store in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 7 days.

34 | Total Grooming Magazine

Another yummy snack that you can enjoy with your dog (even if you’re vegan). The bonus is that it’s a healthy treat for both of you!

Introducing… Breakfast bars!

Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter 4 cups quinoa flakes 6-7 medium mashed bananas Preheat the oven to 175oC and line an 8×8 inch tray with baking paper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.

Transfer the batter to the lined tray and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden on top. A knife or skewer should come out of the centre, clean.

Allow the bars to cool down for at least 10 minutes or until firmed up enough to move and transfer to a wire rack.

Allow to cool down completely, before you and your dog enjoy these lovely breakfast bars.

These bars will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or when refrigerated, up to a week. Frozen they’ll keep up to two months.

What about quinoa..

Even though it’s consumed like a cereal grain, it’s not technically a grain and is often referred to as a pseudo cereal.

Quinoa is high in protein and essential amino acids as well as being a good source of fibre. It’s also a

great source of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential Omega-3 fatty acid with potentially anti-inflammatory benefits.

Quinoa contains vitamins and minerals and is rich in Vitamin B Complex (niacin, folate, thiamin) as well as vitamin E. The minerals include iron, potassium, phosphorus, manganese and zinc, just to name a few.

There are no known risks of using quinoa in the food of normally healthy dogs, in case any of you were wondering, and did you know that half a cup of cooked quinoa has about four grams of protein?

And then the trusted banana…

I LOVE BANANAS AND SO DO MY DOGS! Bananas are safe for dogs as long as they eat them in moderation and only as an occasional treat. They’re a wholesome source of nutrients and provide health benefits that can improve a dog’s general wellbeing.

The following vitamins and minerals found in bananas are of most use to dogs: Vitamin B6 Vitamin C Magnesium Potassium Biotin (Vitamin B7) Don’t forget that bananas are high in natural sugars, in the form of fructose, but most importantly, they are NOT a substitute for your dog’s diet and only an occasional treat.

ENJOY!!

‘Tis the Season to be Careful Decorating the salon with boughs of holly and putting on a display of Christmas lights gets everyone in the festive spirit, but when the emphasis is on fun and having a good time it’s easy to forget that most of the trappings of Christmas are potentially very dangerous to pets and whether this is in the salon or at home there are many dangers lurking.

C

hristmas lights are a source of fascination to pets - as is the cable providing the power. A pet biting through the wires could sustain very serious burns and even cause one of the 300 accidents that occur every year* as a result of aged, faulty and ‘pet

accessible’ Christmas lights. For some pets the novelty factor is just too much to resist!

Warn any clients with ‘well-fed’ pets that although over indulgence is one of the prerequisites of the Christmas period, it has its own dangers. A slice of turkey breast and a helping of carrots and sprouts is fine as long as it is not preceded or followed by the pet’s normal meals of the day. A large dog, filled with a large meal taken on an energetic walk is a potential victim of gastric torsion (twisted gut). Unless treated immediately the condition can prove fatal.

To avoid disaster for pets at Christmas prepare the ground with six salon safety firsts: • Fairy lights are responsible for more than 300 accidents a year and pets can rarely resist them. Cover any trailing power cables to discourage dogs from biting or playing with the wires.

• Decorations are best hung well out of paws’ reach. Treading on a glass bauble or swallowing a bite-size decoration can cause a dog a great deal of pain and require immediate veterinary attention.

• Plants such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettia make a traditional appearance at Christmas but they are poisonous to pets. Make sure that they

36 | Total Grooming Magazine

are displayed well out of harm’s way and that all berries are cleared away before a dog clears them first.

• Treats are often shared and enjoyed by dog and owner but sweet treats are bad for the dog’s teeth and waistline.

Chocolate also contains the chemical theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs.

• Toys are a must at Christmas and you may wish to give clients’ pets a gift, but check the quality of each item before you present it to them. That Santa squeaker or Christmas cracker novelty toy may not be all that it’s

cracked up to be.

• Safety, especially in crowded rooms is paramount. Keep canines safe from harm and away from the temptation of tit-bits left in bins and on high work surfaces. The urge to leap up may prove disastrous. Always keep your vet’s telephone number and a pen by the phone in case of an emergency.

Accidents will happen – if you let them. *Source RoSPA

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Overcome Seasonal Salon Fatigue Jitka Krizova of Vita Canis, shares her top tips:

T

he time of the year is coming... when the diaries are already full, the phone keeps ringing, messages coming in at any time of day and night.

Because surprise surprise Christmas is coming. Again!

And when you finally finish your last dog, you are too exhausted to actually enjoy the festivities.

We have all been there. Or at least most of us.

When I started my grooming business ( and years to follow), I was a notorious people pleaser. I thought if I didn’t fit everyone in, they would leave; they wouldn’t come back, I’d have no work. And what would I do?

So I always put other people, meaning my customers and their dogs, first and sacrificed my health and well-being.

Sounds familiar?

Dog grooming is a physically demanding job, and we have to listen to our bodies before it’s too late. Before you get sciatica, tendonitis, slipped discs, arthritis... just to name few.

It all usually starts with tiredness.

Tiredness due to physical and mental stress, not enough sleep, poor diet, lack of exercise.

The first thing to prevent this would be not to overbook yourself. I know, easier said than done. But if you are already fully booked now, here are a few things that may help you to tackle tiredness:

1/ Drink a lot of water You may say, if I drink more, I’ll pee more, and I can’t stop working! Yes, you will pee more until your body adjusts.

Our bodies are made up of 80% water.

38 | Total Grooming Magazine

Put your health and well-being first

Water flushes the toxins out of our bodies and keeps us hydrated. Start with a glass of water after you wake up; it will help you wake up and flush out toxins from your body after a long night’s sleep. It also increases blood flow to the skin.

Add some lemon to get extra vitamin C and a pinch of salt for some extra minerals. During the day, you should drink about 6-8 glasses of water. It may sound a lot, but it’s not that hard if you keep sipping all day long.

2/ Reduce stress to boost energy Stress can use up a lot of our energy.

Even if you work long hours, try to introduce relaxing activities into your day. This could be: Yoga Meditation Running Walking Reading Thai Chi Whatever activity relaxes you will improve your energy level.

During a busy day in the salon, it could

also be a few minutes of deep mindful breathing. Here are some of the benefits of deep breathing: Relieves stress and anxiety Relieves pain Improves mood Improves focus and attention Increases energy Reduces psychological tension Improves heart function Improves lung function Feeling on edge? Put a dog in a crate or pen, go and sit down for a few minutes (even if the only quiet place is a bathroom). Close your eyes, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale...

3/ Uplifting essential oils The following blend is not only uplifting a vitalising, but it’s also great for its immune support. Add this to your oil burner or diffuser & enjoy • 4 drops Lemon essential oil • 2 drops Peppermint essential oil • 2 drops Lavender essential oil • 1 drops Bergamot essential oil These tips will help you to be your best possible self.

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How to Take Picture-Perfect Snaps of Your pet: Top 10 Tips Pet portrait brand gives its top tips on how to take the perfect picture of your pet this Christmas.

H

ere at Purr & Mutt, we obviously love taking pictures of our pets. It’s at the core of everything we do, and how we create our unique, custom pet portraits!

So, we wanted to share our top tips on taking the perfect picture of your pet, so they look the top dog (or top cat!).

Here’s our Top 10 Tips for our tried and tested method: 1.Turn off the flash! We don’t want to momentarily blind our pets, so turning the flash off will make sure it doesn’t shine too bright in their cute puppy dog eyes. It always avoids that startled look too.

2. Take the picture in good lighting.

Natural daylight outside is always the best environment for capturing the perfect picture. Either that or a well-lit room. It also reduces the need of you having to use the flash in the first place.

3. Choices, Choices. Make sure you take lots of pictures of your pet! The more options you have, the better. Plus, they will get used to being in front of the camera in no time. We’re always snapping our four-legged friends and capturing memories to last a lifetime!

4. Consider the background. If it’s too busy in the background, it may detract the focus from your beloved pet. And nobody wants that! Especially when snapping a picture for our custom portraits; a plain and simple background is always better.

5. Puppy eyes! It may sound obvious but tempting your pet to look directly at the camera will achieve the best photos.

And what’s the best way to do this?

Treats, of course! Call their name and give some positive reinforcement to look your way.

40 | Total Grooming Magazine

6. Get down on your pet’s level. Being eye level will ensure you can find the best angle and engage with them better, it instills trust.

If you’re on their level, they’re more likely to angle themselves to face you, and get you the money shot that you’re after.

7. Lights, cameras, action!

If you want a creative, fun shot rather than a portrait style shot – have a run around with them first.

Get them giddy with their favourite ball or toy, and you’ll create the perfect action shot.

8. Time it right! Timing is everything. For example, make sure they haven’t just gobbled a mouth full of food while trying to photograph your best friend.

9. Capture their personality.

Are they stubborn?

Mischievous? You know your pet best and know when they have ‘that’ look on their face…

10. And finally, be patient.

Our furry friends are doing their best!

Capture their personality

Have you jotted that down?

Good! Once you’ve taken your idyllic snap, post it on social media and tag us in it @purrandmutt – we’d absolutely love to see!

Or upload it to our website, choose your theme and format for a bespoke, sentimental

present to yourself that you can hang pride of place in your home. Happy snapping!

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Fulfil your centre’s potential by becoming a National Pet College training provider

by Vicky Skinner, Head of Education, National Pet College

A

s an experienced groomer, you may be wondering what the next step for your business is – have you considered passing your knowledge and skills onto the future generations of dog groomers?

The National Pet College (NPC) is a City & Guilds centre and works with commercial dog groomers to provide high quality training and qualifications around the UK. Previously known as PIF accredited training schools, the eleven NPC approved training centres offer the C&G level 2 and 3 qualifications and are provided with support and quality assurance systems to ensure learners complete their training with a nationally recognised qualification and are able to produce high quality grooms whilst maximising the welfare of the animals in their care.

NPC approved centres present learners with an opportunity to study with the market-leading education provider, in the knowledge that NPC training centres undergo rigorous quality assurance checks and annual audits to ensure that they provide the highest standard of grooming training.

NPC is keen to expand its portfolio of centres, and is now seeking experienced and qualified dog groomers running their grooming salon to an exemplary standard. Please note that a new NPC approved centre needs to be at least 50 miles from an existing centre, so we are especially interested in talking to anyone based north of Nottingham.

What can you expect as a NPC approved training centre? The dedicated support that we give to all

42 | Total Grooming Magazine

of our training centres is unrivalled. Including full support from your initial enquiry, through the setting up of your training centre to the claiming of your first learners, we provide ongoing support for student and delivery questions, training on how to assess and provide feedback through the quality assurance process, separate training for the independent invigilators required for theory exams and an annual standardisation and networking day.

And NPC also now offers the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training so that instructors can be fully competent and qualified to deliver the best of the best in dog grooming education.

But don’t just take our word for it – Jane Wright and Pam Campbell both run NPC approved centres and have this to say about joining: Pam Campbell of Ayrshire Grooming Salon said: “I chose to join NPC due to the City & Guilds qualifications being widely recognised and the ongoing support I knew I would receive. Now that I am a training school, my business has grown substantially, not only due to the students I have trained but the increase in dog and cat owners looking for qualified groomers. I would have no hesitation in recommending NPC

to fellow groomers or to individuals looking to get into the industry.”

And Jane Wright of Posh Paw commented: “I knew I wanted to deliver City & Guilds qualifications as they are the most thorough, ensuring that learners are fully trained and achieve a recognised qualification. I had heard how supportive and helpful the staff at NPC were and I haven’t been disappointed. Whenever I have a query or a concern I can call or email and know I will get a response straight away.”

If you are interested in becoming at National Pet College approved training centre, please contact the Education Team on info@nationalpetcollege.co.uk

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Yorkshire Sharpening Service Launches New Website

G

roomers looking to streamline restocking their salon will find that easier than ever thanks to Simply Sharp. The Yorkshirebased sharpening service is thrilled to announce the launch of their new website, designed to become your onestop shop for grooming supplies and blade sharpening.

Just some of the website’s new features include the option to order or download labels for their Freepost sharpening service, updated prices and information on their sharpening services, and a newly launched Brand Ambassador programme.

The website relaunch came about as part of Simply Sharp’s wider rebranding this year. With a refreshed, modernised logo and bolder designs for their packaging and leaflets, a new website was the next logical step.

“The website redesign was also inspired after redesigning our sister company’s website, Simply2 Pet Products, in the summer,” said Simply Sharp Director Bethany Corbett. “We saw how much our customers there

44 | Total Grooming Magazine

appreciated the cleaner, modern layout and new features available. This got us thinking about what we could do to make the online shopping experience better for Simply Sharp’s customers too.”

The new and improved experience includes easy-to-navigate categories, express checkout options for PayPal and Google Pay, and the ability to quickly add recommended products to your cart for speedy shopping.

The part of the launch that Simply Sharp are most excited about is the introduction of their new Brand Ambassador programme. “We’ve partnered with the Greek grooming brand NanoSanitas to bring their products to UK groomers for the first time this year,” says Bethany, “We’ve been working together to create our Brand Ambassador scheme that will really benefit groomers who’d like to offer their clients something new and unique.”

Becoming a Brand Ambassador with Simply Sharp and NanoSanitas gives groomers generous discounts on the

line of silver pet shampoos and other treatments, including 2-for-1 deals, up to 20% off trade prices, and even the chance to go on a complementary training trip to Greece.

Making sure groomers are thrilled with their experience at Simply Sharp is key for the company, and it’s why you’ll also find plenty of testimonials from happy customers – both Yorkshire-based and nationwide – on the new Simply Sharp homepage. ”Our customers know us for our speed and reliability,” says Head Sharpener Kyle Hyde, “But it’s our great customer service that brings people back time and time again. We’re always striving to do our best to give groomers a fantastic experience with us and make it easier for them to give their clients exceptional service too.”

Simply Sharp is offering 10% off orders throughout December to all Total Grooming readers with the discount code TGM10. Just visit their website www. simplysharp.co.uk to shop or find out more about their sharpening services.

7 steps to reduce your pet’s carbon pawprints While we are all looking at ways to contribute to reducing climate change, what can we do to help offset our pet’s carbon pawprints? Janet Hughes, Head of Sustainability at the UK’s first carbon-neutral pet insurer, Agria Pet Insurance, shares some statistics and tips to help our four-legged friends become better for the planet:

D

id you know that a large Great Dane can create up to 4 tons of CO2e every year?

This is the equivalent of four return flights from Paris and New York. Even an average medium-sized cat is responsible for around 310kg per year of CO2e, which is about the same amount produced by driving more than 900 miles.

And for owners of an average dog (we know, none of them are average, 46 | Total Grooming Magazine

they are all the best), emissions connected with their food, treats, accessories, and vet care, can create a carbon footprint of around one ton every year – one Paris to New York return flight.^

What can we do to reduce this?

1. Most of the CO2e produced by our pets is linked to their carnivorous diet. Chicken or fish-based food will

help decrease this*, but where fish is concerned, always check that it has been Marine Stewardship Council certified.

This guarantees the fish have been sustainably fished. Sustainable insectbased pet food is also now available.

2. If you feed your pet wet food, consider using tins instead of pouches, which are more widely recyclable. If you do use pouches, look for a recycling scheme you can take them to, rather than seeing thousands of them

over your pet’s lifetime ending up in landfill.

3. If your pet eats dry food and you can store it safely, buy large bags where possible and recycle the packaging – many pet food manufacturers now use recyclable packaging.

4. Always weigh out food accurately to reduce waste, which has the added benefit of keeping your pet at a healthy weight.

5. When it comes to toys for your pet, avoid plastic, flimsy toys and look for durable, long-lasting items that will last and last. Many brands are now creating pet toys made from recyclable materials, too – perfect for Christmas presents.

6. Always check that you’re using compostable or biodegradable poo bags as these will fully disintegrate into natural materials. Using these could save over 700 plastic bags from going to landfill per dog, every year. If every dog owner in the UK switched from plastic bags to biodegradable – this would account for 8.75 billion plastic bags every year.

7. Cat litter is now available made entirely from wood or even grains and is biodegradable and compostable.

48 | Total Grooming Magazine

If your cat struggles to get used to a new type of litter, try introducing it gradually.

Managing Director of Agria Pet Insurance, Vicki Wentworth, comments, “We are obviously thrilled to be the UK’s first carbon-neutral pet insurer, and our support for this incredibly important issue doesn’t stop there. Just making these small but significant changes to how we live our lives with our pets can have such an impact on the world we share with

them.”

During COP26, Agria Pet Insurance planted a tree for every new policy taken out. Visit agripet.co.uk for a quote for lifetime cover.

Help your pet to make a positive climate contribution by funding tree planting across the world. You can find out more here ecooffset.org/offset/offset-your-pet *Always speak to your vet before changing your pet’s diet ^ Statistics from Eco Offset ltd

CONNECTIONS Dog First Aid Training Courses and Equipment

Pet Food Burns Pet Nutrition Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns in 1993, pioneering pet food brand Burns specialises in using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients to create award-winning recipes that pets love.

Ferry Road, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 5EJ T: 0800 0181890 E: sales@burnspet.co.uk W: www.burnspet.co.uk Facebook: @burnspet Instagram: @burnset Twitter: @burnspetfood

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

Grooming and Hygiene Animal Health Address: 38-40 Broton Drive, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HB T: 01787 476400 E: sales@animal-health.co.uk W: www.animal-health.co.uk Facebook: /animalhealth Twitter: @animalhealthco

Shampoo 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

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.

T: 01948 841 470 T: 08454 68 64 67 E: sales@mutneys.com W: www.mutneys.com

Training and Education Capel Manor College Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds.

Bullsmoor Lane, Waltham Cross, Enfield EN1 4RQ T: 0303 003 1234 E: study@capel.ac.uk W: www.capel.ac.uk Facebook: /capelmanorcollege Twitter: @capelmanor Instagram: @capelmanor

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 Facebook: /SmartBarf

Natural Pet Treats Monty’s Wholesale Looking for extra income?

Give our Natural treats, foods & supplements a new brand!

Wholesale with white label service & UK manufactured products.

T: 0203 797 6308 W: www.montystreats.co.uk

Wound Care Animus Surgical Ltd For the repair of small cuts, our popular skin glue is recommended by and available from Amazon or direct from our website.

PO Box 1260, Yateley, GU47 7GH T: 01252 845988 E: info@animussurgical.com W: www.animussurgical.com

Total Grooming Magazine | 49

Going Mobile…

Winner

Grooming Van of the Year

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

Wet Pet Conversions

01258 837779 www.wetpetsconversions.co.uk

Going Mobile…

Winner

Grooming Van of the Year

Discover your dream work place today

G;Rooms

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.

New vans Available fully converted from just £68+vat per wk!

Portable Palace

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

Wet Pet Conversions

01258 837779 www.wetpetsconversions.co.uk

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