Total Grooming Magazine December 2022

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Hello readers, Wow, what a year it’s been! No matter your outlook on the past 12 months we can surely agree that it’s been a wild ride, to say the least! As we’re leading up to Christmas, and many other festivities, this seems like the perfect time to delve into the best ways to start prepping your grooming salons for the undeniably busy time of year. We’ve got you covered in this issue with our festive planning focus, alongside our products of the year feature and social media article. These, alongside our regular features, will surely make this last 2022 magazine one to remember.

From myself, and the rest of the team here at TGM, have a fantastic holiday and we’ll see you in 2023!

Editor

‘OperationPaw-pose’kickstarts givingforUkrainepets

Abandoned pets in war-torn Ukraine hoping for a glimmer of joy this Christmas as leading Ukraine charity, U-Hearts, launches Operation Paw-pose.

The initiative is calling on the UK petloving population to purchase a festive hamper made up of essential items, including blankets, food, and medical supplies.

Iryna Shynkarenko, Chief Marketing

Officer at Epicentr LLC, added: “We’re very proud to be supporting U-Hearts Foundation on their important mission at a crucial time of year.

To support the animals of Ukraine and give back this Christmas, you can purchase a hamper at epicentrk.ua/ pet-boxes

To support the charity via monetary donations, visit u-hearts.foundation/ supportourwork

SkylosCollectiveDeliversFresh NewPerspective

With sustainability and style at the forefront of Skylos Collective’s newly launched dog accessory range, its PETA-approved vegan leads, collars and poop bag holders are making their mark with discerning dog owners, in search of luxury that combines holistic and sustainable values, into their lives.

With function and form leading the company’s design ethos, Skylos is only

too aware of the greenwashing tactics of many companies. Ella Peters, founder of Skylos Collective, says: “Sustainability is key to everything we do.”

Full details of where to buy Skylos products can be found at www. skyloscollective.co.uk, and as Ella says: “With the new year looming, why not make 2023 the year to make a difference and share your sustainability values with your favourite four-legged friend?”

Protectingbiodiversity andhabitats

idverde is celebrating five years of partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

The nature-based solutions provider first teamed up with the RSPB to support its team in managing green spaces with its contract with the London Borough of Bromley in 2017, , which included management of Local Wildlife Sites, Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Training and learning from RSPB colleagues has helped to enhance

idverde’s surveying and species recording, as well as the development of community-based projects designed to engage local people with their environment.

Katie-jo Luxton, RSPB Executive Director, Global Conservation, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with idverde and I have always been impressed by their willingness to go above and beyond the ordinary, and I’m very excited to see what the next five years will bring.”

Omnipublishes study

A UK dog food company that took part in the ProVeg Incubator startup scheme has published a study in a peer-reviewed journal that finds its product gives dogs glossier coats and less anxiety compared to dogs fed largely on a meat-based diet.

The study, carried out by Omni, was published in the Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research in October and adds to the growing body of evidence that favours feeding vegan dog food over conventional, meat-based food. A separate study published in April this year found that the healthiest and least hazardous food for dogs is provided by a nutritionally sound vegan diet.

The Omni study documented health benefits recorded by 100 dog owners after their dogs were switched to Omni’s nutritionally complete vegan dog food. More than 75% of owners were feeding their dogs a meat-based diet prior to switching to Omni.

“This is the very first time health benefits have been documented in dogs being fed a UK vegan dog food, and we are delighted with the results,” Shiv Sivakumar, co-founder and co-CEO of Omni, said.

“Many dogs in the study showed improvements such as glossier coats and greater activity levels so the study is a valuable addition to the scientific evidence that proves the benefits of vegan diets for dogs,” Sivakumar added.

Omni is one of many companies in the alternative protein sector to benefit from the Berlin-based alt-protein accelerator, ProVeg Incubator.

“It’s great to see Omni go from strength to strength, helping to push forward the transition to plant-based foods, in this case for dogs. The pet food market is huge and ripe for an impactful transformation. We applaud Omni for its study and hope it ultimately leads to more dog owners switching to vegan dog food for their pets,” Albrecht Wolfmeyer, head of ProVeg Incubator, said.

Feedback from the dog guardians found several positive, statistically significant observations and trends

towards improvements in health after feeding Omni for 3-12 months.

Specifically, there were noted improvements in:

• anxiety

• activity levels

• glossiness of coat

• scales in haircoat (dandruff)

• redness of the skin (erythema, inflammation)

• itchiness (scratching; pruritus)

• stool consistency

• frequency of stools

• flatus (passing gas!) frequency (reduced) and smell (improved)

The study is the first to quantitatively document guardian reports of apparent specific health benefits associated with feeding a UK vegan dog food. Further prospective, randomised, controlled clinical trials are needed to validate and determine the significance of these observations, the study authors state.

Newpuppyowners putthemselvesat risk

Research released on November 16th reveals that when it comes to purchasing a new puppy, new pet owners are falling for puppy dog eyes, with more than a third of new owners admitting they are swayed by a puppy’s cute looks. A further 69% fail to do any research to make sure it is the right puppy for them.

Many are putting themselves at risk of being “petfished”, as an incredible 85% admitted they did no research into the breeder or the parents, such as looking at health tests, before getting their puppy, and 43% get hit with expensive vets bills in the first two years of their puppy’s life, according to the new research from Burns Pet Nutrition.

The research of 2,000 pet owners also found that 1% of puppies don’t make it to two years old, sadly passing away due to health problems.

To make matters worse, almost a third1 (30%) of new owners fail to take out pet insurance to cover the cost of the treatment.

There is also the risk that the puppy could have a congenital or hereditary health condition that is common to that breed which isn’t always covered by insurance, particularly if there have been any signs or symptoms of that condition prior to taking out the insurance. This can end up costing owners thousands of pounds to treat, which almost one in ten (8%) have fallen victim to.

This research comes as Burns Pet Nutrition is championing healthy puppies and dogs, and has partnered with Admiral Pet Insurance and Anaïs Gallagher to help educate new dog owners into doing their research before they purchase a furry friend.

As such, they have created a checklist, encouraging puppy buyers to PAWS for Thought before they take a puppy home.

• 69% of new pet owners fail to do any research into the breed before getting a puppy

• 85% don’t do any research on the breeder or parents

· Burns Pet Nutrition, Admiral Pet Insurance and Anais Gallagher team up to launch PAWS For Thought campaign PAWS For Thought with these four steps:

• Make sure to see the puppy/kitten with its mum

• Research the possible health problems of that breed and which conditions they might suffer from. Ask to see the parents’ health tests, if there aren’t any ask why or walk away.

• Work out what sort of diet your pet will need and its likely cost, along with the levels of mental stimulation and exercise it will need, and try and select a pet that meets your lifestyle.

• Get an insurance quote for the breed to make sure you can afford it, and check what breed conditions are/aren’t covered by pet insurance.

John Burns, MBE, founder of Burns Pet Food said: “We all want happy, healthy dogs, and have them be part of our family for as long as possible. Many put themselves at risk of expensive vet bills quite early on in their pet’s life, often without pet insurance, or for a condition that isn’t covered by their insurance as it’s a common condition for that breed. It is hard not to fall in love with an adorable puppy, but it is important to PAWS and think is this a healthy puppy, can I afford to care for it if it comes unwell. Whilst every puppy needs a home, the more people continue to buy pets from breeders who focus on money over breeding healthy pets, this issue will only continue to grow to meet the demand.”

Pritpal Powar, Head of Admiral Pet, said “We want to help pet owners ensure they have happy and healthy animals that will be part of their family for a long time. It really is important to make sure you know the pros and cons of the breed you are getting and ensure you have the right insurance to cover any vet treatments they may need. You also need to declare any pre-existing medical conditions as these often won’t be covered.

“It is so sad to hear that some puppies don’t have a long life that could have been prevented if they were bred responsibly. We encourage everyone to think about the pet they are hoping to

get and where they are getting it from to help put a stop to these unethical breeders.”

Anais Gallagher celebrity who is supporting the PAWS For Thought campaign added: “I frequently see on social media, dogs and puppies with health deficiencies that lead to expensive vet treatments, often down to bad or irresponsible breeding.

“It’s important to keep a clear head

when finding the perfect addition to your family and to not be drawn in by adorable photos and videos you may see online, take the time to ask the right questions, go and see the puppy with its mum and the conditions it’s being kept in, and if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t… so don’t brush it to the side, because you, and the puppy will ultimately pay the price.”

We want to help pet owners ensure they have happy and healthy animals that will be part of their family for a long time.

PIFAwards CelebratetheBest

The much anticipated PIF Awards were a huge success, with over 20 categories of winners revealed at the black-tie gala ceremony held at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire.

Generously supported by headline sponsors Cliverton, Collar, Naturo Pet Foods and Tuft, plus Strategic Partner DHL Supply Chain, Drinks Sponsor Pedigree Wholesale and 20 category sponsors, the 2022 PIF Awards are the most coveted awards in the pet industry, celebrating the inspirational success stories of the past 12 months.

Winners received sustainable, wooden trophies and ranged from the nationwide Just For Pets retail chain to independent businesses such as Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding and the inspirationally innovative Scoff Paper.

Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation, commented: “The PIF Awards just get bigger and better each year; the standard and volume of entries was phenomenal this year and we sold out of tickets to the awards dinner over a month before the event so we can see how much winning a PIF Award means to businesses in the pet industry.

“It is truly inspirational to see the diversity and sheer hard work within our industry and at PIF we are honoured to be able to reward this with the PIF Awards. Look out for next year’s event for which we’re planning something extra special!”

The 2023 PIF Awards will celebrate PIF’s 75th anniversary and will take place on Thursday 16th November 2023, with entries opening after Easter. All updates will be posted on the PIF website www. petfederation.co.uk

Winners2022

Cattery of the Year 2022Alloa Cattery

Dog Daycare Business of the Year 2022Tom and Toto Pet Care

Dog Walking Business of the Year 2022Ambleside Dog Walker

Export Business of the Year 2022Little BigPaw

Grooming Business of the Year 2022Vanity Fur Dog Grooming, Barry Home Boarding Business of the Year 2022 - Barkmoral

Independent Retailer of the Year 2022 - Brown’s Natural Pet Store, Goring-bySea Kennel of the Year 2022Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding Lifetime Achievement Award 2022Phil Gibbs

Manufacturer of the Year 2022Burns Pet Nutrition

New Business of the Year 2022Scoff Paper Online Business of the Year 2022Dorwest Herbs Pet Retail Chain of the Year 2022 -

Just for Pets

Pet Services Business of the Year 2022Pup Talk

Product Innovation Award 2022 (Cat)Huskaloo Coconut Cat Litter Product Innovation Award 2022 (Dog)Furr Boost

Product Innovation Award 2022 (Small Mammal/Bird) - SIGNS – Secure Bunny

Special Achievement: Pet Professional Award 2022 - Kerry Chapman

Special Achievement: Student Award 2022 - Siobhan Smith

Supplier of the Year 2022Christies Direct Sustainability Award 2022Doglyness Wholesaler of the Year 2022Su-Bridge Pet Supplies

FestivePlanning

The holiday season is officially upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit of things than to delve into ways to maximise your business during this busy time of year.

Photo by @Jamie452 on Instagram.

Festivemarketing

up to Christmas.

Increases in the cost of living are continuing to have significant effects across society and these impacts are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. This has unfortunately also impacted pet owners, and the associated businesses and brands who rely on this group of people for business.

With many households now struggling to make ends meet, more people are struggling to care for their beloved pets. In fact, according to the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index that was released earlier this year, over two-thirds of pet owners (68%) have noticed an increase in the costs associated with looking after their pets, and 19% are worried about feeding their pets. The Dogs Trust has also recently announced that it’s received a record number of calls from people

having no other option than to give up their dogs to shelters - over 4,370 enquiries were received in July alone.

This will of course have significant implications for businesses and brands involved in the pet trade.

Whymarketing?

With purse strings continuing to tighten for many people and businesses, groomers shouldn’t forget about, or be scared of investing in marketing during times of uncertainty. It can be very easy to react quickly, for example by switching off marketing, however this can impact visibility, profit and the ability to reach new business leads at a time when it’s never been so important.

Just like any business, groomers should have a plan in place to ensure they are able to continue operating

Dom Mernock, a Director at digital agency Engage, shares his insight with the nation’s groomers about why marketing is so important, particularly during a cost of living crisis, and how they can reach new customers in the run

Photo by @jas.minze on Instagram

Photo by @karsten116 on Instagram

during a challenging economy and this should consider both the short term and long - essentially it should be well thought out and future proof.

Marketing keeps brands visible and plays a huge role in enabling a business to continue making money both through the retention of current customers and attracting new ones. By taking away this visibility, groomers are at risk of losing business and the trust of customers. The more that groomers are able to engage with their customer base and invest in marketing channels to target new people, the better. Remember that cutting spending on essential services is a short-term fix, but strong business decisions are made with long-term thinking in place.

By standing up and being visible, groomers will be catapulted to the top of the game and stand out over and above competitors.

It’sthetimeforgiing

Despite the cost of living crisis, Christmas is still expected to be a time where people give what they can to their loved ones. Grooming businesses can capitalise on this by having different assets and initiatives in place that are engaging to customers and can be gifted. This could include gift vouchers for a grooming session, or products such as shampoo and conditioner.

By making it easy and simple for customers to see that these are great gifts and go through to purchase, the more that groomers will be able to reap the rewards of the festive season.

Grooming businesses might also want to consider being generous and giving back - this could be to customers or charities. There’s no better time to give back to a community and build brand advocacy.

Emotionsrunninghigh

The festive season is well known as an emotional one - from seeing family, to shedding a tear at Christmas adverts, groomers can use these emotions to build content for their marketing channels.

From social campaigns sharing cute pictures of their doggy customers in Santa hats, to raising awareness of pets as a friend for life not just for Christmas, the festive season presents a content-rich period where groomers will have lots of

Photo by Danny Bezak on Unsplash

Photo by @andrewjte on Instagram

opportunities to engage with customers, both new and current.

Building a content plan that takes into account the different channels and content streams is a great way of staying prepared and ahead of the game.

Tellstories,don’tjustpush products

Although the ultimate goal of marketing is to raise brand awareness and promote a healthy business, stories are key to achieving this. People love pets and so groomers have lots of opportunities to tell the stories of their customers and business.

Any business involved in the pet trade automatically has a huge advantage when it comes to storytelling. We’re a nation of animal lovers and people are very connected to pets. By sharing content about the end users (e.g. George the German Shepherd and Betty the Beagle), groomers will win by association and build social belief with their customers and people in the local community.

The more stories that can be told, the more conversations that groomers can engage in and the more that customers will be willing to shout about the incredible things that the business does for them and their pets.

Data is crucial!

Whether a groomer has a huge segmented customer relationship management, or a little black book of clients, data is extremely valuable.

Consider using this data to reach out to people and share the amazing things that you do on a daily basis. It’s also a good opportunity to shout about those fantastic Christmas offers and gifting initiatives you have on!

Data is data and it’s key to making sure that groomers can retain and grow existing clients, and potentially even attract new ones. No matter what the size of the data and how it’s stored, all the stories, promotions and other marketing content and tactics that are available can be utilised cross-channel and sent to a database of contacts.

This might even remind long-standing customers that you’re there if you haven’t seen their pet in a while.

Usedowntimeeectively

It’s not all about proactively using every spare minute of working time to maximise marketing channels and opportunities. To make a business grow effectively, groomers can use their downtime to optimise their listings which is extremely important for local Search Engine Optimisation (which improves the quality and quantity of website traffic). For example, making sure the Google My Business listing is up-to-date and optimised. Groomers will see huge benefits from having better listings than competitors.

PlanforJanuary

While December is often a time for people to let loose and treat themselves,

their families, friends and pets, January is usually a month where the purse strings are tightened.

Rather than this scaring you, consider planning for January almost above Christmas. This is a harder trading month, particularly as grooming businesses may be considered ‘nonessential’ by many people. Don’t forget that you’re not over the ‘Christmas hill’ until December and January have been planned for effectively.

It’s likely that many grooming businesses will turn down marketing activity during what can be a difficult month, so those that keep marketing channels turned on will automatically be more visible and engaging.

Looktootherbrands

As with any sector, there are brands that set a fantastic example when it comes to marketing through hard times. Pets at Home maximised this in 2021 with its Puppy and Kitten Club which saw membership grow 107% year-onyear, generating more than £110m in annualised recurring revenue. If you can, consider creating a membership initiative where everyone, human and pet, can come together, share knowledge and support each other when it comes to grooming and keeping pets clean, trimmed and healthy.

For more information on how to capitalise and invest in marketing services to reach new customers, please visit www.engageinteractive.co.uk.

Dom Mernock, Director at Engage

Unwrapdeliciousness onChristmasDay

All year round, our pets make us snort with laughter from zooming around the house, and then cry with frustration when we realise, they’ve got a sock in their mouth! Whether they’ve been naughty or nice this year, treat your faithful friend to deliciousness on Christmas Day with Burns Pet Nutrition.

T’is the season to gather around the fireplace, open presents and enjoy a wonderful Christmas Turkey dinner with the whole family! Make sure to get your furry friend involved in all the festivities too. How do you celebrate Christmas with your pooch? Extra snuggles? A knitted doggy jumper? A Christmas Turkey dinner just for them?

Whilst a delicious Christmas dinner is undoubtably satisfying for humans and dogs alike, it’s important to think about your pet’s diet – even during the festive period. Burns Pet Nutrition is here to tell you:

“Ditch the table scraps this Christmas and give your pooch something they’ll be truly thankful for!”

It’s easy to go overboard on the high calorie mystery meaty treats this Christmas, but you can give them

something their tummies will be happy with while satisfying their Crimbo cravings. You can treat your faithful friend the healthier way with the Burns Christmas Gift Box, bursting with delicious Christmas Turkey goodies! Made with all natural ingredients and a single source of protein, the Christmas Gift Box is hypoallergenic and paw-fect for sensitive tummies.

The brand-new Christmas Turkey Gift Box by Burns Pet Nutrition includes classic favourites; Grain Free Turkey & Potato Dry Food and Turkey Bites as a delicious treat, with the addition of Burns’ all new limitededition Christmas Turkey Wet Food!

With carefully selected wholesome turkey goodies, the Gift Box includes everything your canine needs for a very merry Woofmas.

Burns Pet Nutrition are widely known for putting pet health & nutrition first while keeping daily feeding costs low. With such great value for money, it’s no surprise they were voted Britain’s Favourite dog food.*

Perfect for adult and senior dogs of any breed, even the most fussy and sensitive dogs will get their tails wagging for Burns this Christmas!

Ho ho ho on over to www.burnspet.co.uk for a holly jolly Woofmas!

*Which Consumer Poll 2022

‘Tistheseason!

As the festive holiday season draws near, here are five tips to keep an eye on to ensure that you’re making the most of your grooming business during this busy time.

1-Usesocialmedia

This one is a no-brainer! Something that should be at the forefront of everyone’s business minds is social media, especially in 2022!

Ensure that you’re utilising great imagery, consistency, hashtags and absolutely filling your posts with Christmas keywords to create optimum reach.

2-Deals

Deals! Deals! Deals! We can’t emphasise this enough, year-round. However, this time of year is even more of an excuse to be bringing attention to the savings that your clients could be making.

Around this time, you’ll notice a lot more deals popping up around the world. Black Friday just passed, for instance. This is because people know that there will be a rush around Christmas

time, and want to make the most of what they can offer their clientele.

3-Promote

Don’t just stop at social media, think outside of the box! Look into a promotional service that can pump out customised ads for you. Maybe send an SMS or e-mail blast to your list of clientele. The possibilities are truly endless when considering ways to share your craft with the world.

Make yourself stand out by embracing your creative side and watch that client queue start to form!

4-Makeyourproduct/ servicegiable

Something that many people consider around December is the need for gifts. A lot of your clients will match this and will be on the hunt for something special to

provide as a show of companionship. Naturally, people’s pets are a part of the family. Who wouldn’t want some extra products or accessories to gift to their furry friends, or maybe give as a gift to the respective dog owners?

Something to think about to really maximise your revenue stream this Christmas!

5-Budgeting

Keep in mind who your clientele consists of, what they can afford and whether it’s worth investing the effort into something that not everybody will want to spend some extra money on. You wouldn’t want to scare anyone off who can’t afford certain things.

If it’s something that everyone can enjoy then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t put it out there, especially around the Christmas period!

Photo by @jamiecoupaud on Instagram.

MiaÖvernäs

Mia is a certified canine aesthetician, an Opawz Creative Grooming Specialist and has been a groomer for 30 years. Starting from Sweden in 1992 before moving to Ireland, Mia tells us all about her career.

Canyoupleaseintroduce yourselftoourreaders?

I left school early and started to work with animals in many different forms. I entered my first competition in France in 1999, placing second in the champion class before I started to travel around Europe and did extensive competing for several years.

My special areas of interest are breedspecific styling. I am also passionate about all things business and science, and do a lot of training with groomers on that.

I always thrive to make sure that all I teach is scientifically correct. Knowing the science behind dog physiology, coat and skin is paramount if we want to do our job properly. I run a blog at www. theeducatedgroomer.com where I try to share some of the knowledge I have gathered.

Whatcanyoutellmeabout yourgroomingcareer?

I started out by going to the local dog training club. It was a great way of learning about dog behaviour, handling and getting prepared for running a business. My great aunt was a groomer, so she taught me how to do the basic care of my poodle.

I was also breeding, showing and judging guinea pigs, and it’s a lot of grooming involved there. You handstrip some of them and the long-haired ones are wrapped like Yorkies/Maltese.

After a little while, I started to give seminars inspired by the seminars I had attended abroad when going to grooming competitions.

My students had to do 12 weeks of intense in-school training combined with homework on the theory. Once that was done, they had to do another 20 weeks of work experience with either me or another groomer or combine it with grooming at home and send me pictures of their work.

It was 32 weeks of training in total

before they got to do their practical and written exams.

In 2011, I moved to Ireland to escape the Swedish winter and I went down to a small (25 sqm) shop on my own. I now have a shop across the road from the sea and only groom small fluffy dogs while I

watch the sea and listen to podcasts and audiobooks.

I still give seminars and workshops and judge the occasional grooming competition, but I don’t do any competitions anymore.

There are no puppy farms in Sweden, so you get your dog from a small-scale breeder.

People can do a short 16-day course run by someone that also have limited knowledge and then get thrown out into the world with very little knowledge. As there are no recognised qualifications in Sweden, anyone can start up a grooming course and hand out diplomas/certs.

This is something that I really feel that the UK has done great with. You have a set standard that the course must live up to.

Groomers in Sweden rarely work weekends and they all have at least 4 weeks off in a year, most have them in one row during the summer.

Demystify handstripping. They don’t have to come every month to achieve a nice look. You can achieve nice looking dogs if they come every 8-10 weeks. Don’t work more than five days a week and have at least five weeks off each year.

Sweden can also learn from the UK –they need to set up a governing body and introduce recognised qualifications before the authorities do it for them.

I really wished that more emphasis was spent on business training and dog handling during the training courses. I know the courses are short, but it would greatly benefit the students if a couple of extra days were added. This is a handson trade that includes so much more than just styling a dog.

It takes several years to build a successful business and if you don’t know how to calculate your prices, then you are doomed to work 24/7 to survive.

Handling dogs and clients is also an overlooked subject when it comes to groomer training.

Look at the actual science in books and scientific papers and accept that the people that have years of training and PhDs on a subject have more knowledge

than a random groomer on Facebookeven if that groomer happens to have lots of followers on social media.

Visit facebook.com/ Dreamdogzgrooming and follow @dreamdogzireland on Instagram.

Whatarethedierences betweengroomersin Swedenandgroomersin theUK?

Whataresomekey thingsthatyouthinkUK groomerscanlearnfrom groomersinSweden?

Arethereanygeneral thoughtsyou’dliketo sharewithourreaders?

Products oftheYear

We take a look at what some of your favourite products of the past year have been. Photo

by @henarlch on Instagram.

Aschosenbyyou!

We spoke with some of our 2022 contributors to find out what their favourite products from the past year are, and how they can be beneficial for your grooming business.

When you think of your grooming business, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Clients? Hygiene? Health and safety?

All of those are fantastic options, however one that can be often overlooked within this industry is simply the tools of the trade and the products that help them along the way, especially in this day and age where new ones are launching all the time!

From the latest scissors and sprays to some comfortable pet restraints to keep both yourself and your fluffy friends safe, let’s investigate some of the notable products from the past year as chosen by some of our readers.

With such a vast selection of products to choose from for our 2022 round-up, we thought that it would be best to talk with some real groomers. This is mainly to find out their personal thoughts and experiences with the products that they’ve used within their businesses this year.

We only thought it fair to speak with a vast array of contributors from the 2022 issues of TGM to highlight their experiences, to find out their thoughts and gain a little insight into what to keep an eye out for, across the globe!

DianaPaiva

I’m a professional dog groomer at Happy Pet Grooming, based in Malden, Massachusetts

My absolute favourite 2022 grooming product is the Hydra Intense Repair Perfect Liss Mask.

I really liked the result of the Hydra Intense Repair Silky Smooth Mask, which is specific for long, straight or damaged hair. Its formula contains active ingredients that promote intense hydration, reconstruction and replacement of keratin while nourishing the coat.

I really liked the result of this product on Yorkie and Shih Tzu coats with fine

Diana Paiva

Erica Thompson

hair. It left the skin and hair very hydrated, soft, shiny and without oil residues. I really like the durability and smell of Hydra products. My clients love it too!

Pro tip: Rinse the product well and do not leave residues.

Follow Diana on Instagram at @ dianapaivagroomer, on TikTok at @ dianapaivagroomer and visit Diana on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@ doggroomingbydianapaiva

EricaThompson

I’m a dog groomer and Owner of Beauty and Beasts Grooming in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

I use a lot of different products on my clients, but I would have to say my favourite and most used product is Mat-X by Artero.

It’s a versatile conditioning spray that, much like the name suggests, can help make mat removal easier. Just spray onto the mat, work it in and follow with your favourite de-matting tools.

The magic of Mat-X doesn’t stop there! I also enjoy using it on doublecoated dogs. While the dog is still wet, spray Mat-X on to the coat, work it in and watch the undercoat blast off as you dry it.

I now get excited when a fluffy doodle or packed husky comes in because I know that means I get to use my Mat-X!

Follow @beauty.and.beasts.grooming on Instagram.

MartinaDorfer

I own Country Dog Groomers and am based in Cheshire, England.

My overall favourite product is Ultramaxx The Maxx by Best Shot. It’s a powerful de-tangler and conditioner, providing the best de-shed, final rinse in one. It’s pure magic.

This multi-faceted concentrated conditioner repels dirt, grime, dust, pollen, and other coat damaging pollutants. It even repels dried urine from staining.

It helps to notably restore each and every hair fibre’s moisture, elasticity, and tensile strength.

You only need to add 1-2 drops into a premixed shampoo and it works like magic. The coats dry super fast, and the product really goes a long way as you only use a teeny amount.

It’s made up of a silicone component

and hydrolysed wheat protein, the protein fill porous cuticles of the hair, and the silicone seals the hair and protects it from my tools and heat damage from the dryer.

I honestly wouldn’t de-shed a dog without it as it helps loosen the dead undercoat. Cockapoo’s dry much quicker and their coats as soft.

Follow @countrydoggroomers on Instagram.

LeonaMcGeough

I’m the owner of Pampered Pups Dog Grooming, a complete 1-1 grooming salon located in Drumacon, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, Ireland. Today, I’m going to tell you all about my top grooming product from 2022!

My top favourite grooming product of 2022 has to be the Jelly Pet Grooming Noose! I purchased this noose at

Martina Dorfer

Leona McGeough

the Christies Direct stand when I was attending a groomer’s day out in Derry N. Ireland at the beginning of the year and, oh gosh, I would never use any noose again!

I love the range of colours available so you can choose what fits your salon aesthetic and the nooses come in different sizes too. I love that they are made from biothane – As a dog groomer I’m very specific about keeping everything as clean as I can in between clients and reducing cross contamination from grooming equipment touching one dog’s coat to another.

Knowing that my grooming noose is completely waterproof, and non-porous, and I can easily go from table to bath tub and back without worrying about nasty germs or bacteria build up is great and a quick wipe down is all it takes to clean it! The little adjustable slider slips down securely and easily over my smallest of Jack Russell clients or over one of the biggest of Golden Retrievers!

You can search for Pampered Pups Dog Grooming on Facebook, follow @pamperedpupsdoggrooming on Instagram, follow @pamperedpupsdg on TikTok and e-mail pamperedpupsdg@ gmail.com to get in touch.

AsamiTerada

I am based in Osaka, Japan. My best work buddy and my personal favourite product from 2022 is the Thinning Scissors “Scull-kun Megane Handle 6.8” - Hasami-no-wakana.

These scissors are made in Japan. From my own personal experience, I believe it is both excellent and efficient. I tend to use the Scull-kun all the time for things, for example, such as cutting, thinning, blending and finishing work.

The blades are sharp and easy to cut fast, handy for when I’ve got a busy day ahead of me!

I can thin so freely, even on the thickest or curliest of coats. Styling fur is so easy with these thinning scissors, and dogs look natural and elegant.

It has symmetrical finger rings with a megane handle, so both sides can be used.

If you have a chance, I do highly recommend them. Please take a look at this wonderful pair of Japanese scissors. I am sure you will love them!

Follow @kurumiasami_groomer on Instagram.

Asami Terada

Redcape

Since pioneering the use of Hydrobath in the UK over 15 years ago Redcape have garnered their extensive experience and knowledge of this market to produce the only Hydrobath which is both CE certified and complies with water regulations (CAT5). The Hydrobath Pro Ultra is proudly manufactured in the UK by Redcape. The twin tanks provides easy selection from a clean warm water rinse tank and a separate wash tank. Integrated self priming pump, a smart heating element, adjustable flow control and choice of colour. Manufactured with only high quality, commercial grade fittings suitable for industrial use provides a reliabie and robust hydrobath suitable for all applications. Redcape are market leaders within this sector. Call 01423 861249.

RRP: £2,700.00

ThePawfume Shop

Savage Diog is a male Pawfume with top notes of bergamot and pepper and is a fresh and woody fragrance. It is our latest fragrance, introduced at Crufts 2022 where it was so successful it was a double sell out and has consistently sold out at every show since, also being our top selling product on line. Its formula is made up of mainly plant and vegetable extracts. It is vegan friendly, eco-friendly, contains no animal derivatives, is paraben and detergent free, leaves no residue and is long lasting. Visit www.thepawfumeshop. com and use code “Pawfume10” for a 10% discount. RRP: £7.95

Mastercut

Colin Taylor

The Sassy Long Pin Slicker is everything a groomer would want in a slicker when stretch drying. With more fine pins than most slickers, the Sassy not only gives you the results but also gives you the comfort in your hands which is so important when using a tool throughout many hours of the day. The only negative is it comes in 99% of groomers’ favourite colour, purple. Sassy can be purchased at www.colintaylorproducts.com RRP: £45.00

This lightweight machine delivers powerful cutting action and the longest run-time of any cordless clipper in its class. The heavy-duty rotary motor and ‘planetary’ gear have been setup for maximum performance and cooler running temperature. You can continue to use carbon steel blades and avoid switching to more costly ceramics. This model is perfect for novice and experienced groomers alike.

The Mastercut cordless clipper is fully compatible with rival brand accessories.

In addition, Mastercut offers its own range of blades and attachments, including ‘superwide’ options, for faster clipping times.

RRP: £275.00

RuBarkinson

Ruff Barkinson has developed an innovative range of luxuriously kind dog grooming products to cater to all breeds. All our shampoos have a fantastic 32:1 dilution rate and contain 100% Pure Essential Oils, Botanical Extracts, Aloe Vera and Argan Oil. Plus, our cruelty-free shampoos contain no Sulphates, Silicones or Parabens! Our shampoos gently clean, deodorise, condition, and hydrate the coat. Try our range and see what you’ve been missing!

Free Delivery (UK Mainland) www.ruffbarkinson.co.uk

RRP: £49.99 for 5L

Advocate for

Challenging muzzle stigma

For decades owners of muzzled dog have experienced prejudice when out and about. However, amongst younger owners, the mood is shifting. The stereotypical status “aggressive dog” sporting a muzzle is a thing of the past. A new study Company of Animals on behalf of Baskerville (2022)* found that the number one reason to use a muzzle for dog owners is during the visit to groomers and vets (31% of the nation’s dog owners).

It is therefore hardly surprising that 61% of these muzzle purchasers cite “stressful situations” rather than “aggression or biting” as their reason for purchasing this training tool. With this insight, groomers can leverage their influencer status to normalise muzzle usage and pave the way for fighting the stigma around muzzles.

Fabric muzzles are cruel, outdated and extremely dangerous

Wearing a fabric muzzle (also called grooming muzzles) even briefly will interfere with one of the dog’s most sensitive and essential respiratory process: panting.

By design, fabric muzzles only allow the dog to breathe through the nose thus ruling out every kind of exercise, temperature fluctuations or stress levels for the dog lest their health and welfare be at risk. A normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3°C and 39.2°C but an increase in any of the aforementioned factors can cause major distress and sadly, rapid death even within minutes of wearing a restrictive muzzle. Let’s not succumb to the temptation of these cheap but dangerous muzzles, which are not even bite proof.

Basket muzzles are the most ethical option

The Baskerville™ study* found that 62% of muzzle users cited “comfort” as a requirement for their purchase decision while 54% acknowledged the ability to pant happily as being crucial to their choice. Replacing fabric muzzles in your salon with basket muzzles is the safest choice for the wellness of the dog and your own safety.

Designed by experts for over 35 years, Baskerville humane muzzles guarantee high standards of safety both for dog and owner, while allowing the best comfort possible for the dog to pant, drink and take treats.

Elected as the Best dog muzzle**, Baskerville is recommended and used by behaviourists and vets around the world

Why choose

Respect the dog’s welfare: they can pant, drink and take treats easily.

Advanced bite protection Strong but lightweight Easily adjustable & suitable for most dogs

Zoethe SiberianHusky

As the old adage goes you should never work with children or animals, but while the latter isn’t advice any of us are taking in a hurry, I think we can all agree that it is certainly eventful sometimes! This month, Rachel was called out to see Zoe the Siberian Husky, who was too terrified to come down a spiral staircase had to be talked down after a 15-hour stand-off.

Zoe sniffed out the first floor of a holiday apartment she visited with her owners but then refused to walk back down the stairs.

Worried owner Ashleigh Hargrave and her husband Paul tried to coax her down with treats but she refused to budge.

And, when she was still stranded the following morning, the couple called me to go and help, over fears that making Zoe move might make her more distressed.

When I arrived I used ‘confident handling’, which empowered Zoe to climb down the stairs herself after hours of fear and upset.

Before being adopted by Ashleigh and Paul, Zoe had been an outside dog, and had not been exposed to different situations as a young pup.

Poor Zoe had a complete mental block, and the key was to get her to move forward gently, and do the descent eventually by herself.

I have worked with dogs in situations like this before, and it’s always scary for both the dog and the owners, as all the usual things that they use to help their dog relax don’t work.

This month there was also a trip to see

Grooming

TV SuperVet Noel Fitzpatrick and his Fitzpatrick Referrals surgery, where I delivered canine first aid refresher courses to the practice’s rehab team.

Everyone knows that dog groomers can often be the first to spot a health problem, due to the up-close and personal nature of the profession.

Dog groomers are a vital line of defence in pet care, and I’m sure that many of you reading this article will have advised an owner to consult their vet, about some ailment or other.

This month I am going to focus on something that all groomers can check for - a wet nose! For we humans a wet or runny nose is a sign of illness, a cold, hayfever or flu.

But what about our dogs? They always have a wet nose, but it isn’t a sign of a bug.

It is a commonly held belief that a wet nose is a sign of good health for our canine companions, but why is this? And, why do dogs benefit from having a soggy schnoz?!

If your dog has a wet nose it is indeed a sign that their body is working properly, and it is never anything to worry about.

A thin layer of mucus on the surface of the nose actually enables your dog to smell things better, which considering that the dog’s ability to smell is their most important sense is really important.

Dogs actually communicate using their sense of smell, so a nice wet nose means your dog is a brilliant communicator!

Inside your dog’s nose there are mucus producing glands, which moisten the nose and amplify this super sense, and help to keep their nasal canals nice and moist too.

If your dog, or a dog you are caring for, suddenly develops a dry nose, it is a good idea to get them checked out by a vet, as it may be a sign of dehydration or fever.

Rachel Bean RVN, is a qualified veterinary nurse, iPET Network canine first aid expert and dog behaviourist.

To find out more about Rachel, go to www.rachelbean.co.uk

CentralBarkDog Grooming

Chloë Lofthouse is the owner of Central Bark Dog Grooming in Pewesy Village, Wiltshire. We had a chat to find out a little about her fantastic business.

Chloë’s first experience of a grooming environment was when her mother opened her own home salon when she was around 13 years old, and became involved in bathing and drying dogs in the salon.

Chloë would spend a lot of her free time learning and working in the salon, building her knowledge and experience. Shortly after, she began to compete in grooming shows, winning 3rd and 4th place in a hand-stripping competition.

Notably, she was also awarded the Best Handler 2015 achievement award after grooming restraint-free at the English Groomers Group Challenge.

“I have always had a love for animals with ambitions to be a veterinarian as a child, before pursuing my interests in animal conservation and going on to graduate with a 2:1 in Bsc Hons Animal Science and Management with my dissertation focused on Puffin conservation.

“My degree covered so many subjects and enabled me to develop my practical animal handling and husbandry skills but also gave me extensive knowledge on Animal Nutrition, behaviour, anatomy and physiology through veterinary practice and lectures,” Chloë said.

Chloë opened Central Bark in February 2020 and started her business venture as a table renter in Comfy Critters salon and Dandies Dog Grooming Salon, with the ambition to one day have her own high-street salon.

She was contacted by the owner of Comfy Critters in early 2021 and asked if she would be interested in buying and taking over the salon as the owner wanted to retire. “With lots of support and confidence from friends and family and, especially my partner Chris, I used

all my savings to buy the salon and threw myself into the business and opened the salon in March/April 2021.” Chloë continues.

“I just needed the confidence and support to believe in myself and do it!”

Chloë and the team are fortunate to have a lot of loyal customers on regular grooming cycles coming in every five to eight weeks for full grooms with a few on four weekly bath-tidy and full groom rotations, so they do get quite busy.

Lots of Chloë’s clients now block book their appointments throughout the year to secure their dogs’ appointments and keep them looking their best, yearround. They are currently fully booked until the end of January, with books closed to new clients with a long waiting list which they are hoping to open for February appointments.

“I honestly did not believe this would even be possible when I first opened the salon,” Chloë said.

In May 2021, Chloë took on her first work experience student, Abi, who showed a keen interest in grooming and got stuck in with every aspect of the grooming salon whilst she completed her work experience placement.

Chloë said: “Abi has become a huge asset to the Central Bark team. I am forever grateful for her, and all her hard work and I honestly do not think Central Bark will have been able to grow and become as successful as it has without her.”

Chloë and the team’s business mission statement is to provide a healthy and positive grooming experience for their client’s dog in a professional and stressfree environment. It is their goal to assure owners that their dogs will be treated with the same love and respect as Chloë would treat her own dogs.

The team offers a wide range of services, including de-sheds and spa treatments such as mud baths which have become quite popular in the last few months.

The team also specialize in handstripping, being the only groomer in the village to offer this service and have a fair few clients who travel to Central Bark for their hand strips including, Bournemouth, London and Dorset.

“Both myself, and Abi, have recently completed our Emmi-pet teeth cleaning course and are excited to be launching this new additional service to our clients

in the new year.

“I am excited to see what the future holds for Central Bark and my long-term goal is to open a bigger premises with a doggy daycare facility on site. There is a need for daycare in the area and I would love to one day be able to offer this to my clients.

“My advice to groomers is to take care of yourselves and get that work-life-

balance, because without that balance you will start to feel overworked and burnout.”

Chloe’s work is definitely something that we’ll be keeping an eye on in the near future. You can too if you follow on @central_bark_dog_grooming Instagram, Central Bark Dog Grooming on Facebook and @central_bark_ grooming on TikTok.

SocialMedia

Social media plays a huge part in running a business, especially with all of the fancy holiday offers coming up. You’re going to want to know how to share them with your loyal following correctly, so we spoke with some experts to find out more. Photo by @jakobowens on Instagram.

Asocialfuture

The benefits of social media for dog groomers and how to make it work. Written

by Charlotte Perrott, Social Media Manager For Pet

Business Owners

Social media is one of the most powerful tools a business can use to connect with customers and grow its brand. However, many businesses don’t fully understand how to maximize the benefits of social media.

Social media is a fast growing choice for a groomer to connect with its customers, but what many businesses don’t realise is that social media can be used for much more than just sales and your promotions.

Social media can be a powerful communications tool that can help you build relationships, understand your customers better, and even create new opportunities for your business.

Thebenefitsofsocial mediaforpetstylists

Social media platforms provide a way to share content with a large audience. This can help businesses reach more people with their message and grow their brand awareness outside of their local area and circle of influence.

Social media platforms can be used to generate leads and drive sales. By creating compelling content and using effective marketing techniques, groomers can use social media to achieve their business goals. It’s not tricky to master!

ShowOYourGrooming Skills

Social media can provide a platform for groomers to share pictures and videos of their work. This can help to attract new customers and show off their skills, as well as satisfied customer reviews. By tagging products used, or linking to a website or blog, groomers can reach a wide audience and attract new business.

ContentMarketing

Content such as blog posts, videos, infographics, and how-to guides are great ways to provide value to your customers while also helping to promote

your business by building recognition of your knowledge and experience.

Don’t forget to add relevant hashtags so people can easily find your posts!

CommunityConnection

When customers feel like they are a part of a community, they are more

likely to be loyal to you. From within the community, ambassadors for your business can be identified.

Customers who are engaged with you heavily on social media are more likely to promote the brand to their social community. This creates more potential customers and increases brand

awareness even further for a business.

Local Facebook groups provide an opportunity to connect with customers and potential customers in your area. You can create conversations that will help build relationships. Participating in local Facebook groups is a great way of establishing yourself as an authority in your industry and gaining valuable feedback from others.

When creating posts for the group, keep them short and to the point. Let people know about your services, ask for input on topics related to your industry, offer special deals or discounts, and show off your work with photos or videos.

Also, be sure to follow the rules of the group and reply to comments in a timely manner.

ProductsandPromotions

Groomers can also use social media to promote new products, special offers, and discounts in creative and exciting ways. It is an effective way to attract new customers while keeping existing customers engaged. Your business can create effective campaigns that will engage their target audience and drive conversions.

BusinessAnalyticsand CustomerDemographics

Groomers can use social media analytics tools to measure the impact of their campaigns and adjust accordingly. This helps businesses determine which strategies are working and which ones need improvement, as well as target specific customer demographics such as location, age, and income levels.

Groomers can also use social media listening tools to understand what their customers are saying about them, which will allow them to make better decisions on how to engage with them.

CustomerandCommunity

Feedback

Social media platforms provide a way to collect feedback from customers and learn what they want and need from the brand. This not only helps build relationships with customers but can also be used to inform product development and promotional initiatives. By understanding your customers’ feedback, you can develop a better strategy for marketing your business.

Understandingthe dierencesinSocialMedia Platforms

It is important to understand how each platform works and how to use it properly. A groomer should not just create a profile on every social media platform and start posting randomly. Each platform has its own quirks and best practices that should be followed. Twitter is a great platform for posting short snippets about the brand, but it is not as good for longer form content. LinkedIn is great for B2B businesses because it allows businesses to connect with other businesses.

Pinterest is great for retail businesses because it allows users to share images of products they like.

As great as those platforms are, in my opinion, groomers should be focussing on Instagram and Facebook due to their ability to find local customers and are the most user friendly.

The key is to figure out which platforms work best for your business and then use them to their full potential. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of content and see what resonates with customers.

Most importantly, always be responsive to customer feedback and engage with

Photo by @georgiadelotz on Instagram

Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash

customers on social media.

TrustSocialMediatobuild yourbusiness

Social Media can be used to build trust. Customers are more likely to trust a brand that has a strong social media presence. When customers can see that the brand is active on social media, they are more likely to feel connected to them. It’s not about your follower numbers, it’s about your posts being educating or entertaining, and about how you are engaging with your community.

Be consistent in your content. Posting regularly and providing quality content will show customers that you care about them and their needs.

Never forget to respond to comments, questions and inquiries. When customers see that you are engaging with them and responding to their enquiries in a timely manner, they will be more likely to trust your brand.

At the end of the day, it’s all about building relationships with your customers. Furthermore, clients and audience will love seeing photos of their dogs on your page, and are more likely to share them.

Collaboration

Additionally, social media can be used to connect with other pet professionals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on social media campaigns and projects. By networking with other pet professionals and utilising each others skills, you can create a greater impact on the pet community.

FinalThoughts

In conclusion, social media is a powerful tool for groomers and can be used to grow the brand, increase customer engagement, and build trust. To make the most out of it, businesses should understand how each platform works and use them properly. Experimenting with different types of content is also important to find out what resonates with customers. Additionally, always try to engage with customers on social media and respond to their feedback in a timely manner.

I hope this information has been useful for you as you navigate Social Media as part of your pet business strategy! If you would like further assistance

understanding how best to utilise Social Media for your business I have a free online membership platform where we share tips and ideas each month for pet business owners. You can join us at www.

petbusinessowners.co.uk

Additionally, I also offer social media management packages, please contact me to find out more: www.petbusinesssupport.co.uk

Photo by @stereo.phototyp on Instagram

Photo by @kpbiglife on Instagram

Contemplatingcats

Adding cat grooming to your salon’s existing offer is a great way to branch out, and discover a brand new skill which falls in line with your existing career. By Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty - the iPET Network

The iPET Network’s portfolio of cat grooming courses are the perfect way to safely add cats, and take your existing skills into account.

There are of course real differences between grooming dogs and grooming cats, not least the equipment that you will need.

Here iPET Network tutor and The Kat Lady business owner Katie Gwilt, explains what is in her essential kitty kit bag.

Katie explains....

In cat grooming my basic rule of thumb is that if something hurts my skin or pulls my hair then it’s definitely not suitable to be used on a cat’s fur.

I always test products on myself first, and here are a few key tools that are worth having in your kit bag if you are going to be grooming cats. These are some of my must haves :

1.AZoomGroombrushby Kong

This purple rubber brush is amazing on a few different levels.

Firstly it does a great job of removing the dead fine undercoat that hasn’t been shed properly.

Just a couple of strokes with it and you will soon see a veritable cloud of fur!

Secondly it is a really good soft brush to start a grooming session with, especially for new cats who aren’t used to being groomed.

It doesn’t tug or pull and is more like a massage for the cat.

Thirdly on the subject of massaging, the rubber spikes give the skin a really good rub and get the circulation going which is great for cats with dry skin and dandruff issues.

Finally you can also use the back of the brush to rub yourself down afterwards as well as any towels etc to remove a decent amount of cat fur before your

next client.

2.ACoarseComband MoultingComb

I find these two are the standard comb widths I use with all the cats I groom.

Most likely, you will have a brand that you prefer to use and I always recommend Rosewood to cat owners as they are cheap and easy to get hold of online.

There are some expensive ones out

there but I honestly haven’t found much difference between my £50 designer comb and my £5 standard comb.

It’s more about using the comb correctly than spending a lot of money.

I tend to only use a coarse comb on a cat’s tail as I don’t want to over brush with a moulting comb and some cats can be very sensitive if it pulls in this area.

If in doubt start with the coarse comb and then build up to using the moulting comb if there are no knots.

3.ClawClippers

There are lots of different types out there so find the set that is the most comfortable for you to use.

They pretty much all do the same job, just make sure you look after them and keep them clean, sharp and rust free.

Cats have white/clear claws so it is quite easy to see the pink quick.

Be careful if they have very fluffy feet though as that definitely makes the job trickier trying to find the claws amid the floof!

4.ADecentSetofClippers

I have two sets that I use with cats when grooming them. I like the Wahl Bravura 5 in 1 blade as it is real quick to change the length of the blade with just the click of a button.

Speed is of the essence with cats as they have a low tolerance to staying still so any time I can save by not having to keep changing clipper blades and attachments the better.

I also use the Kiss Grooming Trimmers a lot with cats. They are great for those smaller spaces like armpits and around the back legs as well as around the neck to remove tight knots.

Do consider getting a mini clipper like these to have on hand for cats, especially the smaller ones.

5.ATowel

I don’t like to use any type of restraints with cats, I’m very anti-scruffing and muzzling and I use towels for all kinds of reasons with cats.

Some like to hide under them to feel more comfortable, you can use them to wrap the cat if they are particularly wriggly and they also make a nice soft surface on my table for the cat.

I usually try to get the owner to provide a towel or blanket so that it smells familiar to the cat. Having something they recognise the smell of can really help lower their stress levels going into a new environment or when I go to their own homes.

6.EarandEyeWash/Wipes

It’s crazy how dirty cats’ ears can get! The flat faced brachycephalic cats in particular as well often have very runny crusty eyes and part of your routine should be to clean both.

I’m quite picky with what I use and like to use cat specific products rather

than for dogs and cats as they are totally different animals. I make my own ear and eye wash so that I know exactly what I am putting near the cat’s sensitive areas from all natural ingredients.

I use bamboo cotton buds and bamboo towels for the wipes.

7.CatFriendlyShampoos andConditioners

Again be sure that any products you are using with cats have been formulated for cats and ideally not cats and dogs.

Cats have different skin and sensitivities than dogs so do double check anything before using it.

This goes for dry shampoos as well as

for bathing and spray in conditioners too.

With cats the least amount of smell/ aroma in any products you are putting directly on to them is better.

They have a very sensitive sense of smell and don’t like having perfume type scents on their body.

Likely they will lick it off as soon as possible and ingest any chemicals used to add smell so best to avoid. Oatmeal is a good scent for cats and pretty easy for them to have on their fur and skin.

Do a good smell test before picking any products that go on their skin and if you think it is strong then it’s definitely too strong for a cat.

8.AnElizabethanor E-Collar

As I said I am not a fan of muzzles and restraints of any kind, but I do think it is worth investing in a good collar.

I have tried the Elizabethan style collars but generally find they take too long to put on so have switched to the E-Collar.

I use it very sparingly and only have it on for as short a time as possible.

It can be so useful though if the cat is really sensitive around their chest and you need to remove a knot from the area without being within range of both claws and teeth.

I try to work with my feline clients though to desensitise them to grooming and teach them over time that it isn’t going to hurt and doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. 99% cats don’t need a collar and even that 1% I do my best to wean them off slowly.

It’s always in my kit bag though just in case.

9.AFirstAidKit

I was always taught to have a small first aid kit on hand both for the cat and for me just in case.

All it takes is a sudden noise to startle a cat and a mistake can happen.

I’ve been very fortunate not to ever need to use more than the odd bit of disinfectant on me and some Trimmex.

Always better to have it and not need it so do make sure you have one available.

You can find out more about the iPET Network’s portfolio of cat grooming courses at www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

You can find out more about Katie at www.thekatlady.co.uk

AnimalTalent&CastingAgency

UrbanPawsUK

Urban Paws UK are the leading and award-winning animal talent and casting agency. We have a team of knowledgeable and experienced bookers with over 40 year’s experience in the pet industry who work with film producers, TV studios, PR agencies and in-house marketing companies to provide the perfect animal talent for any media brief. We are always looking for well-groomed pets for media briefs so get in touch today.

London: 020 8161 6556

Manchester: 0161 808 1667

E: info@urbanpawsuk.com

W: www.urbanpawsuk.com

GroomingandHygiene

GHSDirect

GHS Direct specialises in the manufacture and supply of a comprehensive range of concentrate liquid disinfectants and detergents to the animal care industry.

T: 01268 513200

E: sales@ghs-direct.com W: www.ghs-direct.com

GroomingSupplies

Artero

Artero has specialized in dog grooming and hairdressing products since 1909. With 113 years of experience, Artero has become a reference in both the Grooming and the Hairdressing worlds, Artero is now present in over 72 countries all over the world.

W: www.artero.co.uk/dog-grooming Facebook: artero.grooming.uk

Instagram: @artero.grooming.uk

Petcetera

Petcetera have been supplying the nation’s professional dog people with new and innovative products for over 50 years! We pride ourselves on being a one-stopshop for all your pet, showing, grooming & breeding requirements. Request your FREE catalogue today!

T: 01948 668100

E: info@petcetera.co.uk

W: www.petcetera.co.uk

Facebook: petceteraetc

Instagram: @petcetera_etc

IndustryServices

PetIndustryFederation

Open to all pet businesses in the UK, PIF is the membership association for the pet industry with a wide range of member benefits to support business growth and development.

T: 01234 273933

E: info@petfederation.co.uk

W: www.petfederation.co.uk

Facebook: petindustryfederation

Twitter: @PetFedUK

Instagram:@petindustryfederation

LinkedIn: Pet Industry Federation (PIF)

NaturalPetTreats

Monty’sPetTreats&Wholesale

Looking for extra income?

Give our Natural treats, foods & supplements a new brand! Wholesale with white label service & UK manufactured products. 5% off first order with code TGM5 T: 0203 797 6308 W: www.montystreats.co.uk

PetFood

BurnsPetNutrition

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. T: 0800 0181890

E: sales@burnspet.co.uk W: www.burnspet.co.uk Facebook: burnspet Instagram: @burnset Twitter: @burnspetfood

RawFeeding

NaturalInstinct

At Natural Instinct, we are all passionate about pets. We believe raw food is the best natural option, feeding as nature intended, free from artificial additives, colours, preservatives and fillers. T: 01276 608500 W: www.naturalinstinct.com Facebook: NIPetfoods Twitter: @NIrawpetfoods Instagram: @naturalinstinctfood

Shampoo

ForAllDogkind

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

SecretWeaponUK

Our unrivalled range of top quality dematting products, shampoos and conditioners are suitable for all coat and skin types. Organic and hypoallergenic our ethically sourced products make grooming easier, kinder and faster. Award winning and successfully selling worldwide for 8 years.

T: 07923 368137 W: www.secretweaponuk.com Facebook: Secret Weapon UK Instagram: @secretweaponuk

Sharpening

BarrasBlades

Innovation in sharpening. Mail order sharpening services for all your scissor and clipper blades with fast turnaround and tracked returns. Home of the groomers blade push to ease blade cleaning and for the groomers blade push you can go here to see it www.barras-blades.com/groomersblade-push

T: 07879408714

E: Paul@barras-blades.com W: www.barras-blades.com Facebook: Barras.Blades Instagram: @barras_blades

TeethCleaning

TheDogToothFairy

The Dog Tooth Fairy offers Emmi-pet equipment, online training courses and support for dog groomers. Helping businesses thrive and increase their salon revenue with Emmi-pet ultrasonic teeth cleaning, achieving great results with guaranteed client satisfaction.

T: 07583689366

E: thedogtoothfairy@gmail.com Facebook: @thedogtoothfairy Instagram: @thedogtoothfairy

TrainingandEducation

CapelManorCollege

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

T: 0303 003 1234

E: study@capel.ac.uk W: www.capel.ac.uk Facebook: capelmanorcollege Twitter: @capelmanor Instagram: @capelmanor

FourPawsGroomSchool

Dog and Cat Grooming Training Courses and regulated Qualifications. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tutors will support you every step of the way. Locations in Cheshire, Kent, Herefordshire and Greater Manchester.

T: 01606 333765

E: info@fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk W: www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk

Facebook: fourpawsgroomschool Instagram:@fourpawsgroomschool

HaddonTraining

Established in 1997, Haddon Training are an award-winning training provider specialising in dog grooming, animal care and equine. We offer qualifications which are all supported by our team of expert Trainer-Coaches.

T: 01672 519977

E: enquiries@haddontraining.co.uk W: www.haddontraining.co.uk

Facebook: HaddonTrainingLtd Instagram: @haddontraining

iPETNetwork

International Awarding Organisation, creating regulated qualifications for the Animal Care and Veterinary Science sector. We aim to improve animal welfare through education, successfully winning awards for our Dog and Cat Grooming qualifications.

T: 0800 433 4700

E: info@ipetnetwork.co.uk W: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk Facebook: @ipetnetwork Instagram: @ipetnetwork

KDGroomingStudio

KD Grooming Studio, a multi-awardwinning pet grooming Studio, delivers flexible C&G/National Pet College & vocational courses. Train with Britain’s Best Groomer, Kelly Davis (BBC) and her highly skilled team. Enrol year round.

T: 01963 34110

E: info@kdgroomingstudio.co.uk W: www.kdgroomingstudio.co.uk W: www.kellydavis.uk Facebook: KdGroomingStudio Instagram: @kdgroomingstudio

NationalPetCollege

Offering City & Guilds dog grooming qualifications via our approved training centres around the UK. Also, Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming, teacher training and short courses including canine first aid.

T: 01234 984450

E: info@nationalpetcollege.co.uk W www.nationalpetcollege.co.uk Facebook: nationalpetcollege Instagram: @nationalpetcollege

PetPassiontoProfit

Pet Passion to Profit is a business training company. We enable grooming businesses to grow their businesses giving greater income, confidence and satisfaction. T: 07969 990086

E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com Facebook: Petpassiontoprofit

Instagram:@pet_passion_to_profit1 YouTube: www.youtube.com/ channel/UC5qrF8sc0XQSlgmwzqFBn-g

RobFellowsReiki

Help calm the dogs in your salon and make your job easier too.

Easy to learn and simple to do Reiki training courses especially for groomers. Home Learning or Live Training and Qualification Day. E: rob@RobFellowsReiki.com W: RobFellowsReiki.com/reiki-fordog-groomers

Facebook: RobFellowsReiki

FBgroup: Reiki for Dog Groomers Instagram: @reikirobfellows

SummitGroomerTrainingGroup

Summit works with dog grooming training centres delivering quality tuition and City & Guilds qualifications. With centres across the UK there is one near you. See our website for details.

T: 01535 661776

E: enquiries@summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk W: www.summitgroomer traininggroup.co.uk

Going Mobile…

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

Going Mobile…

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

Supajets blow other dryer s away

They outperform and outlast the competition

If you're looking for a new dryer, the SUPA JE T is di icult to ignore as it's set the industry gold standard for more than 50 years.

It’s remains the 'grooming' nations favourite dryer because it’s so well designed - a SUPA JE T is built to perform and built to last.

simpsons-online.co.u

Unlike some other dryers, a SUPA JE T needs only occasional servicing and, simple maintenance to help keep it working in tip-top condition.

Most importantly, the SUPA JE T delivers optimum air speed and temperature to dry coats of all types and textures, fast and e ectively.

So, if your salon needs a dryer that's reliable, e icient and cost e ective to run, look no further. The SUPA JE T is simply 'best in blow'.

simpsons-online.co.uk