www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
SOFTWARE FOR DOG GROOMERS
JANUARY 2020
With ShakeYourTail, you can create an unforgettable client experience... > ACCEPT ONLINE APPOINTMENTS 24/7 Clients can book on a responsive interface.
> AUTOMATED REMINDERS Ensure your clients never miss appointments.
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CONTENTS
H
appy New Year to all our readers. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break. We have lots of wonderful features in this issue including the importance of good health and safety practices, why kindness matters, how to review your prices for the year ahead, a review of the BIGA winter grooming show and some great up-and-coming events in 2020. If you would like to feature in the magazine or have some content ideas that you would like us to explore, contact: editor@ totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
22
Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
Debby Knight on why kindness should be at the cornerstone of all grooming
Contents 04 News 14 Heidi Anderton explains the importance of good health and safety practice for groomers 18 The need for new pricing reviews 22 Debby Knight on why kindness should be at the cornerstone of all grooming
38
Advances in dental hygiene and health
26 New year’s salon resolutions
38 Advances in dental hygiene and health
30 Back to basics
42 New for 2020
34 BIGA show review
50 Charity profile on Dog AID
Editor
Design and Production
Sue Corfield – editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
Grant Waters – grant@cimltd.co.uk James Taylor – james@cimltd.co.uk Lisa Humphrey - lisa@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509108
© 2020 TGM Publishing Limited, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Whitstable Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to TGM Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.
On the cover: Image curtesy of Shake Your Tail To find out more visit www. shakeyourtail.com
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
SOFTWARE FOR DOG GROOMERS
JANUARY 2020
With ShakeYourTail, you can create an unforgettable client experience... > ACCEPT ONLINE APPOINTMENTS 24/7 Clients can book on a responsive interface.
> AUTOMATED REMINDERS Ensure your clients never miss appointments.
> RECORD DETAILED PET HISTORY Log cut preferences and reward loyalty.
> SEND SMS & EMAIL CAMPAIGNS Upsell your services with direct marketing.
Commercial Director Mike Smith – mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk T: 01795 509110
Account Manager Becky Smith – becky@tgmpublishing.co.uk
START FOR FREE AT:
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Credit Facilities Manager Natalie Murray – creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509103
Total Grooming Magazine | 3
SPONSORED BY
News and Product Round-up Pet Industry Federation Awards 2020 are open for entries
T
he 2020 Pet Industry Federation Awards are now open for entries through the Petindex website: www.petindexshow.com. The Awards have moved to a new time in the year to coincide with trade show Petindex, which takes place on 2627 April 2020 at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes. Organised by the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, the PIF Awards celebrate success across a wide range of products, services, companies and individuals and provide the perfect platform to recognise excellence and innovation in the industry. Pet businesses are invited to submit a nomination across the 16 categories available this year: 1) Product Innovation Awards – Dog, Cat, Reptile/Fish, Small Mammal/ Bird (NB: the product awards will be judged at Petindex) 2) Manufacturer of the Year 3) Wholesaler or Supplier of the Year 4) New Business of the Year 5) Grooming Business of the Year 6) Kennel of the Year 7) Cattery of the Year 8) Pet Service Business of the Year 9) Home Boarding Business of the Year 10) Dog Daycare Business of the Year 11) Online Business of the Year 12) Exporter Award 13) Green Award 14) Pet Retail Chain of the Year 15) Independent Retailer of the Year 16) Special Achievement Award Those interested in applying should check the list of criteria which are available at www.petindexshow.com and cover the areas that judges will be specifically looking for in the entries. Entries must be submitted to awards@petfederation.co.uk by Monday 3 February 2020, and shortlisted companies will be announced in the
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March 2020. The winners will be presented with their awards on Sunday 26 April at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Milton Keynes – on the same site as the Petindex trade show, providing a convenient way for companies to visit or exhibit at the show, and then enjoy a fabulous black-tie dinner with entertainment in the evening. Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for the Awards categories. Further details on these or any other aspect of the event are available at www.petindexshow.com, or from Daniel Everett on 01234 224507; Daniel.everett@petfederation.co.uk
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London Dog Week (LDW) 2020 Set to Sparkle with Glitz and Glamour
Dogmatic Takes the Biscuit!
L
D
ondon’s second Dog Week taking place 23rd – 29th March 2020 will be a glamorous affair as it prepares for one of its hotly anticipated events, its first ever Pet Gala, promising pooch prestige runway looks in a doggie Fashion Show and a glamorous Award Ceremony. LDW’s 2020 Pet Gala has all the hallmark’s of upstaging New York’s annual fundraiser known as the Met Gala or Met Ball where Hollywood’s elite showcase conceptual designs for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Exhibition. Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural London Dog Week, Londoner’s are in for a treat as line-up of tail-wagging activities and events designed to celebrate the therapeutic power of our furry friends will soon be unveiled to dog owners and lovers. And in true doggie fashion, this year LDW will launch its own online boutique of poochwear fashion giving puppy lovers
the chance to parade their furry friends to the world and proudly support Hearing Dogs, LDW’s official 2020 charity, an organisation that trains dogs to help deaf people leave loneliness behind. London won’t be the only community to enjoy the fun as the U.S.A prepares for its own first ever Dog Week in Los Angeles. Taking inspiration from its London dog community, L.A. Dog Week will launch with its very own Pet Gala in September 2020. Our stateside pooch lovers and owners will be bringing out the diamante dog collars for its very own Pet Gala as the glitterati of California proudly strut their pooches in Hollywood’s most iconic location to be announced - a little dog nod to its London sister, LDW.
New Mini Dental Care Bones
S
wedencare UK Ltd have launched an innovative new product to complement their existing ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Care Bones range – a Mini version for smaller and toy breeds. Unlike other dental chews on the market, the dental care bones contain the 100% natural and clinically proven ProDen PlaqueOff formula, as well as being available in two flavours – Vegetable Fusion and Vegetable Fusion & Blueberry. John Leonard, the Managing Director of Swedencare UK Ltd commented “The introduction of the Mini Dental Bones are a great way for smaller breeds to enjoy all the goodness of the original PlaqueOff Dental Care Bones, just in a smaller size. Our
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customers were asking for a smaller alternative and we listened. Both flavours are made from high quality ingredients, vegan and have added probiotics”. The bones have been designed to work in two ways. Firstly, ingesting PlaqueOff helps to soften plaque and tartar systemically. Secondly, the bone is abrasive, which helps to remove the plaque and tartar currently on the teeth. The Dental Bones have this multifaceted approach, helping as a prevention and a solution for poor oral hygiene. Suitable for smaller breeds, a standard pack contains twenty bones, for best results, use in conjunction with your existing oral hygiene routine.
ogmatic are Winners of the ‘Product I can’t live without’ category of the Your Dog Magazine Product Awards
2020. Dogmatic is the first company to win this accolade for the seventh time in a category that spans the pet product market. This award was received shortly after Dogmatic were voted ‘Most Innovative Dog Collar Manufacturers 2019’ by the LUX Pet Product and Services Awards 2019. Zoey Lewsley from Dogmatic said: “We are always delighted to hear how much the Dogmatic headcollar has helped owners and their dogs and it is their ‘must have’ product. It is wonderful to have such a loyal, growing customer base who continue to spread the word about Dogmatic.” For further details on our award winning range telephone: 01952 245330 or visit www.dogmatic.org.uk
SIZE MATTERS
You’ll notice the difference Go bigger – you’ll work faster and produce a smoother finish If you need a set of clip-on blades, look no further than Mastercut. They have ultra-sharp teeth, the’re built to last and, most importantly, they offer excellent value for money. If you have a little more to invest, why not consider switching up to our super wide blades? They’ll save you loads of time by: Clipping a wider path so you cut much more coat in one pass Producing fewer tramlines - so you’ll get a smoother style without needing to go over work you’ve already done
Wide blades clip 35% more in one pass! simpsons-online.co.uk/mastercut 01354 691 830
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SPONSORED BY
New Investment for HOWND
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OWND the multi award winning ethical pet care brand has successfully closed its first round of investment following an equity crowdfunding campaign. The company which rebranded to HOWND in 2015 raised just shy of £200k from 329 investors on the investment platform Crowdcube. “After years of putting the building blocks in place, we are well positioned to focus on growth and innovation covering health, wellness and hygiene,” explains Mark Hirschel, Director of Business Development. “We are launching a disruptive range of products in the summer of 2020 and will be looking to expand the sales and digital marketing teams.” The company has recently appointed two anchor investors, each with decades of experience in FMCG, as Finance Director and E-Commerce Director. They will be announced in February.
Bag Me A Home With…Radley
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o celebrate the launch of the Radley X Dogs Trust charity collection, British accessories brand, Radley em-BARKed on a special quest to help turn a handful of deserving (and rather adorable) rescue pups into VIPs (Very Important Pooches) for the day. Having undergone a touch of glam, eight of the Dogs Trust’s latest recruits were transformed into su-pup-models. Going from kennel to catwalk, each chic canine was given their chance to shine in front of the camera as they modelled the new charitable accessories collection that includes backpacks, bum bags, cross-body styles, totes and purses. With 10% of each item from the collection going to help the 15,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes cared for by the charity every year, the shoot offered a chance to hero some of the incredible canines that Dogs Trust support.
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Elizabeth Galton, Head of Marketing at Radley explained; “By showing these gorgeous pups in a stylish light, we saw their confidence soar. We knew they were all beautiful on the inside, but this shoot gave them a chance to let that shine..” Nick Daniel, Marketing Director at Dogs Trust, added: “We believe that every dog that comes through our doors is truly special, and they are all just waiting for the perfect person to come along and provide them with a loving new home. Money raised through our partnership with Radley will help us continue to support the thousands of dogs in our care while they await their special someone. If you have it in your heart to give a dog their forever home, pop along to one of our rehoming centres and we’ll try and find the perfect pooch for you!”
The Radley X Dogs Trust collection costs from £12 - £99 and launches instore and on www.radley.co.uk In the meantime, to discover more about Dogs Trust and bag yourself your very own supermodel, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk
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Petcetera Presents… A Pure Paws Grooming Seminar
on 26th January 2020 featuring Caroline Lee-Slater (Graycaz), well known championship judge, exhibitor of immaculately presented Papilllons and will be judging Crufts in 2023. Also Sue Wragg, our own UK Pure Paws Educator. Cost is £50 to include refreshments, lunch and 10% off all purchases on the day. £10 deposit reserves your place, balance payable on the day. 10am – 3pm. Call or see our Facebook page for more details.
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SPONSORED BY
The Best Things Come In Small Packages! Animology Update Professional Shampoo Offering
M
ulti-award winning pet care brand Animology have re-invented their range of concentrated shampoos for professional groomers, proving that the best things really do come in small packages! Animology is already hugely popular with groomers, many of whom have used the brand’s 5 litre, 20:1 concentrate shampoos with great success for some time. These are now being replaced by Animology’s new generation of 2.5 litre, 40:1 concentrate shampoos, in a move that halves the physical size of the products, but doubles the concentration level, providing just as much washing capacity as the more bulky 5 litre bottle, but with only half the weight and packaging. There are ten such concentrated shampoos in Animology’s new 2.5 litre line up, along with a ready to use conditioner. In addition to being more
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economical, these new products are also cheaper, priced at just £20 per bottle, as compared to £25 for the previous 5 litre versions. Group55’s Sales Director for Pet Care, Martin Breen, commented; “We are delighted to announce this re-launch of our professional shampoo range, which we feel delivers a number of great benefits to the groomer. Our 5 litre, 20:1 shampoos have been a popular choice with groomers for a number of years, but there are some obvious problems with that product format – they are big, heavy and cumbersome, both to ship and to store, as they obviously take up quite a bit of space. We wanted to upgrade our offering, and provide a product that does exactly the same job, but with greater economy. Our new 2.5 litre bottles do exactly that, and by halving the size of the product but doubling the concentration rate, the new bottle can provide just as many washes, but in a more convenient and easy to handle format. Not only that, but we’ve also been able to bring down the cost, which puts £5.00 back in the groomer’s pocket! All of our shampoos
Animology Dogs Body 2.5 Litre – Animology White Wash 2.5 Litre
are produced right here in our very own factory in Lancashire, to the very highest standards, and are fully compliant with the latest CLP legislation, which is a very important consideration for a professional groomer.” Animology’s new 2.5 litre range is available now via www.animology.co.uk, and from pet specialist wholesalers.
A Shampoo & Conditioner For Every Situation! Coat Enhancing Pro Gold
Bubble Neem
Contains essential fatty acids, turmeric and Aloe Vera to nourish coats. Leaves hair soft and fluffy making it perfect for woollen coats.
Get a great shine and control static while removing odours, dirt and grease. Leaves a fresh mint scent.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Shampoo
DR. FL33
Zap
A must have for the summer season. Discourages fleas and is safe to use with other flea and tick products.
Removes grease, oil and dirt without drying the skin or coat, and is safe to use with other flea and tick products.
Shampoo
Coloured Coats Black Star
Plum White
Enhances both black and white coats, darkening dark-hair and eliminating yellow and grey oxidation to enhance white coats.
Using plum skins to naturally whiten and brighten, Plum White is the absolute best whitening shampoo available.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Also see; Liquid De-Shedder and Ultra Silk.
Flea & Tick
Kelco manufactures high performance hair care products for the animal grooming industry with dilution rates of up to 100:1 also offering fantastic value for money. With an extensive line of shampoos, conditioners, colognes and speciality products, Kelco have a product to do almost every job.
Also see; Ultra Red and Liquid Silver.
Shampoo
Itchy Skin
Twitch’n Stop Itchin
Oats Fur Coats
Contains a blend of balm mint, sage and aloe vera, to soothe dry, itchy, flaky, skin and hot spots.
A prescription alternative shampoo which contains oatmeal and aloe vera to control itching due to allergies, dandruff, fungus, bacteria, mange and hot spots.
Shampoo
Also see; Koala Leaf and Pennyroyal.
Quick Touch Ups Liquid De-Shedder
Demat Spray
An alcohol free non-rinsing ready to use hair cleaner. Gently cleans and removes stains, urine, dander and odors while leaving the coat residue free.
Ready to use conditioning spray, developed to be a water soluble mat eliminator, conditioner and sun screen all in one. Leaves coats smooth, shiny and tangle free.
Rinseless Shampoo
Also see; Apple Oats, Coco Tar and Ultra M.D.
Sensitive Skin Dr. Hypo
Dr. Aloe
A hypo-allergenic shampoo which is strong enough to remove odours, dirt and grease, without aggravating sensitive skin.
Triple action shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser, containing aloe vera to control itching and sooth skin irritations.
Shampoo
Shampoo
Also see; Ultra M.D. and Oats Fur Coats
Filthy Animal
Down ‘n Dirty
Clean the dirtiest coats and strongest odours, including skunk, without drying the skin or coat.
Cleans all dirt, filth and odours such as skunk, tar, sap and food stains, out of the coat and skin without causing dryness.
Shampoo
Shampoo
Coat Conditioner/Sealer
Also see; Spot Cleaner and Coat Polish
Tough Grooms
Shampoo
Shampoo
Also see; Kick Ass Cleam, Wild Thang and Stampede
Young Ones Puppy Tears
Pennyroyal
Excellent for cleaning newborns and tender areas without aggravating sensitive skin.
Gently cleans without drying the skin or coat, even on newborn animals.
Shampoo
Shampoo
Also see; Ultra Moisturizer
www.technogroom.co.uk Tel: 01555 771 555 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
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30/01/2017 11:44:50
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
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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
Health and Safety for Groomers
Heidi Anderton, principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming, experienced industry expert as well as a previous member of Groom Team England and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA), explains why health and safety recommendations and legislations are vital for groomers:
Use aids that can help keep you and the pet in your care safe
G
roomers need to adhere to a lot of health and safety guidelines and legislations whilst offering a pet grooming service. Let’s face it, however boring this subject may seem, implementing them is crucial to your career and wellbeing as well to everyone around you. Mistakes can be very costly, in terms of emotion, finances and health and I don’t want it to happen to
14 | Total Grooming Magazine
you, so following set guidelines and legislation is going to make your work environment a much safer and happier place for all concerned. Preventative Care is a set of measures taken in advance to prevent illness or injury. This type of care is best exemplified by routine health and safety assessments and physical examinations. The emphasis is on recognising and preventing illnesses
and accidents before they occur. You will need to use Health and Safety measures on an ongoing basis; therefore, it is essential that you continue to follow and update working practices regularly. Here are some general salon guidelines. • When working with dogs review your Tetanus every 5-10 years – dog bites are not normally stitched but will need attention and anti-biotics
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Total Grooming Magazine | 15
• Keep first aid kits for humans and pets in your salon - always keep these replenished on a regular basis • Keep areas clean and hazard free. Know the location of fire exits, extinguishers and drills • Keep a current risk assessment displayed for all to see • Lifting - Ask for assistance or use equipment to lift heavy dogs or items. Acute injuries could be irreparable • Uniform - Use hair/water resistant overalls and non-slip shoes where appropriate • Keep long hair tied back, this can get caught in equipment or mouths of pets. • Remove any loose jewellery • Handling – Be sensible and use handling aids on any unpredictable animals • Always keep pets separated and controlled. Do not leave pets loose or mix pets from other households • Use correct cleaning tools, e.g. wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, use a comb or brush to clean the table. Hair splinters can embed in the skin and cause serious infections • Clean scissor blades with cloths and not your fingers to avoid injury. A risk assessment is a working document which means it is regularly reviewed and updated. You will need to make sure your risk assessment includes different techniques to minimise hazards and covers various areas such as: The working environment, working with animals, fire and electricity and products and chemicals. It is actually quite surprising how many hazards are actually around us when you stop to look. This heightened awareness will certainly change the way in which you do things from the moment the client comes in the door. Health Checking is important from the moment when you receive a pet from a client, make sure you complete a visual health and temperament assessment. This is the ideal time to identify any signs of ill health, abnormalities or behavioural issues, which may require further assistance, 16 | Total Grooming Magazine
change of plan or referral to a specialist. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to discuss anything with the client. If you accidentally injure yourself or a dog, you should stop what you are doing and assess the injury. Make sure the dog is secure and you are safe at all times. You may be able to ask for assistance from colleagues if possible or apply first aid yourself. You must record the incident on the record card or in the accident book. If you have accidentally injured a dog you must inform the owner and seek any veterinary advice and/or inform your insurance company, if required. Take photographs if necessary. If you identify any abnormal health issues such as sore skin, wounds, loss of hair etc. take photographs, record what you identified and inform the owner. I recommend to always try to have good communication with the owner. You are after all carrying out the job on their behalf. Ensure they are clear about what you can and cannot do. If there is a problem call them. Guidelines and legislations are set out by the government for us to follow. The information is easily accessible online. These legislations could affect a dog groomer and you should find out how they could affect you. • Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 • Environmental Protection Act 1990 • Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 • Regulation on the protection of animals during transport (EC) 1/2005 • The Control of Dogs Order 1992 • The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 • Control Waste Regulation 1992 • The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 • Veterinary Medications Regulations 2013 • Clean Neighbourhood and
Heidi Anderton
Keep a well stocked first aid kit for staff and pets
Environmental Act 2015 • General Data Protection Regulation 2018 Employment law 2019-2020 This law regulates the relationship between employers and employees. It governs what employers can expect from employees, what employers can ask employees to do, and employees’ rights at work. Make sure you know your rights. Soon there will be a government guideline for groomers – If you want to know more, please sign up at the British Isles Grooming Association at www. mybiga.org Please take health and Safety seriously whether you are employed or working for yourself. Have a restful Christmas break and a productive New Year. Heidi Anderton LCGI ICMG www.absolutelyanimals.biz
Handmade for tail-waggers
C R U E LT Y - F R E E , V E G A N - F R I E N D LY A N D N O H A R S H C H E M I C A L S
G R A B Y O U R G R O O M I N G P R O D U C T S F R O M W W W . M I L LY S . C O . U K
Are you charging enough?
There’s no point in being a ‘busy fool’ you are in business to make a living, so it is important that you charge enough for your services. However, what is a fair price for various levels of grooming? We have some advice from the experts.
C
olin Taylor warns against price-calling other salons. He suggests checking out competitors’ websites for general interest but working out your own pricing. He said: “I find it helpful to start with an ‘hourly’ guide price. For example only: £30 per hour. I make bookings with the assumption that a medium sized dog will generally take 1.5 hours, so my ‘guide price’ for an average dog would be £45. “This assumes that the groomer can comfortably manage six dogs in an eight hour day allowing time for lunch and coffee breaks. So, if that’s my ‘median’ price for a medium dog, I adjust the scale for small dogs, large dogs and extra large dogs. “I then work out a rate for just a bath and dry. A higher rate for scissoring/ styling. Another rate for shave-off and a separate rate for hand-stripping. “I always make sure I have a minimum price. Doesn’t matter what breed or how small. If the customer has made a booking, there will be a minimum charge. My minimum will be £35 so that’s what I will charge, even if it only took an hour to groom the dog.” * Debby Knight of The Bristles Dog Grooming and Training Salon - an Assessment Centre under Summit Groomer Training Group says: “Be brave, review your grooming prices. This is the time of year your tax return has to be in, so if you need an excuse to raise the prices this is it. Your
18 | Total Grooming Magazine
overheads have gone up so your prices need to do the same. “If you had increased your prices in line with inflation over the last 15 years you should be charging double what you were probably charging in 2000. For example, 15 years ago I charged £21 for a Westie so I should be charging £42 today . I recommend you increase any prices under £30 by £2 and anything else an additional £1.50 per £10. If you have a customer that
is paying well below market rate and you have plenty of business, put their price up to the going rate of the other customers.” However, you will know the dynamics of what the market can stand in your area and it is equally important to consider what you feel your customers are willing and able to pay and what your competitors are charging. *Source: What Would Colin Do?
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Put Kindness First Debby Knight of The Bristles Dog Grooming and Training Salon - an Assessment Centre under Summit Groomer Training Group, comments on why caring for the pet you groom should always be of paramount importance: Beware of Fast Drying I have been compelled to write this in response to a number of posts on social media about how groomers can speed up the drying process on dogs; Cocker Spaniels being the most common breed mentioned. There are a variety of replies which include quick dry products that are sprayed on the coat, mega blasters, stand dryers and all used together. This is over kill! If you ask a groomer what is the most important thing to remember when grooming? The reply should always be the animal’s welfare. We should all be working whilst remembering the ‘Five animal needs,’ which include freedom from pain and suffering.
Imagine this scenario: An elderly Cocker Spaniel with lots of coat but sore joints, poor eye sight, no extra fat on its skin is with you for grooming. You bath him and are getting ready to dry him. Fast dry sprayed on and them mega blaster on full power, along with a stand dryer on his head. He is standing on a hard table with a belly strap and neck restraint. This scenario happens in loads of salons every day and it’s cruel. Many groomers just think of the time and money and forget there is a living breathing animal that is being subjected to discomfort from a hard table, it’s eardrums being blasted and a hot dryer on its head drying out its eyes along with that thin old skin being pummelled with high velocity air . This in my opinion is how the dog should be dried: Dry the dog with an absorbent cloth and towel thoroughly 22 | Total Grooming Magazine
Pondy in a towel ( makeshift drying coat )
(Place him on an anti fatigue mat on your grooming table - for all older dogs or those overweight, I use a cheap yoga mat ). Remove as much moisture as possible. Next, put either a towel around the dog or a microfibre coat on the dog . Next, put him on a vet bed in a cage for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can bath your next dog while this dog is sitting in its coat in the cage. Note, I have not used any quick dry product or blasted the dog. You will need a warm salon along with a dehumidifier, this will speed up the drying process and keep the dog warm. A dog can get cold
when he has been bathed, even though you don’t feel cold because you are moving about. When you remove the coat from the dog, you will find if you thoroughly towel the dog beforehand, it will only need about 15 minutes of drying with a blaster or dryer. On a Cocker I still use a blaster, but on single speed for comfort and for a dog like a Shihtzu or Cavalier no blaster will be needed , just a stand dryer. The dog will be happy and you will have saved time and effort along with electric !!
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Slickers I think it is possible to overuse slicker brushes. Slickers have evolved a lot over the years and the bendy heeled ones have become popular. These brushes are far more ergonomic and are better for both dog and groomer as they ‘give.’ The slickers that have no movement on the heads are not only hard on the groomers, which I think adds to the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome, but I think it must also be very uncomfortable for the dog being brushed over and over again. They are a great tool for removing dead coat and small knots and matts but try a human type hairbrush. This can be a mixture of plastic and bristles pins and is gentle on the dogs’ skin and gentle on the coat. Slickers can badly damage dog hair by splitting it. Even the metal pin brushes are gentler, so I recommend trying these brushes out.
Misdiagnosis of issues by groomers Another common topic on social media is groomers attempting to diagnose different skin issues. It is great for us all to discuss health issues in dogs, but most of us have very limited knowledge of skin. I have found very few groomers know what follicular occlusion is or hyperpigmentation, yet both are relatively common conditions and I regularly see photos of dogs with it. I have put a photo of my dog on Facebook that suffers from both and was given a myriad of different
A choice of brushes
24 | Total Grooming Magazine
Pondy in a microfibre drying coat
suggestion of how to treat it and none were correct. Some suggested changing the diet to raw (she is raw fed and always has been), filter the water she drinks. Nagayu tablets were suggested. These tablets are incredibly drying to the skin and coat and when I asked my vet if they would help my dog she told me they can permanently damage her skin and coat. She also added all dogs should have conditioner used after a bath to replace the oils stripped out of the coat and skin. My point is don’t recommend a product if you do not know what a dog is suffering from, leave it to those more
qualified and knowledgeable. Groomers are often in a position to spot problems but they should refer their clients to vets for a firm diagnosis of issues. Tutors need to teach their students more about skin and fur/hair. How to bath, condition and dry the coat. As groomers we need to think more holistically about the dogs we groom. We need to be open to new ideas and sometimes be willing to change our way of working. We all need to make a living, but need to remember there is a living breathing creature on our table that needs to be treated with kindness and respect.
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New Year’s Resolutions
We asked 10 grooming salon owners for their New Year’s Resolutions. Here are their top resolutions which they felt every salon owner should introduce to get their new year off to a fast start:
Push your boundaries and try competing
I will sell what customers want. Survey your customers in January and ask them where your business can help the most. Focus on selling the grooming essentials - what customers actually want, not what you think they need. In addition, look at retailing a few aspirational items – accessories, food, treats etc.
I will fire the employees that do not increase profit. 26 | Total Grooming Magazine
Stop holding onto any people that are bad performers, poor fits, or just don’t add to the bottom line. If that employee went on a month long vacation, would the company suffer? Everyone one else knows that the answer is no. Get over the fear and fire them in January.
I will only market to prospects that can actually pay for my product. Businesses spend a lot of time trying to sell their products to people that do
not have the money to buy. We waste a lot of time on these “Mr. Maybes” (prospects that show inconsistent interest). Separate out the “tire kickers” from the buyers by determining the customer’s budget, decision makers, and timeframe for their purchase. In effect, if you have clients that are always trying to beat you down on the price of their dog groom or are nitpickers which can be time consuming and therefore unprofitable then politely decline their business.
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Total Grooming Magazine | 27
Attending industry events and workshops will keep you informed
I will not lower my price. Have the confidence in your salon’s offer and do not to lower your price in an effort to win business. Focus on clients that value your service. Leave the price wars to your competitors.
I will meet with customers face to face. Stop relying on email and the phone as an exclusive way to talk with customers. Even in a social media world, deep and long lasting business relationships are still built IRL (In Real Life). Look at having a salon open day or a groomathon or event that encourages local people to meet you and see firsthand the valuable work you produce.
I will attend at least one major industry event. A big part of success in business is to never stop learning from others, visit industry events or seminars and network with your peers. Don’t cheat at this while actually attending the event by spending the entire day working on issues that are happening back at the salon.
where your skills are lacking or an area that you avoid because you are concerned about your lack of interest or proficiency in it. Training should be a continuous process.
I will take time off.
and loss, balance sheet and cash flow statements mean to your business and use them as a guide for future action. Do not delegate that understanding to your bookkeeper, CFO or accounting professional.
Professional and personal lives are merging. Take one vacation of seven days or longer this year without the work computer. Go at least one day this year without using the work cell phone. Yes, you can!
I will be proud to be a small business owner.
I will invest in me and learn at least one new skill.
I will understand my businesses financial statements each month.
I will compete at a grooming show.
“Old dogs can learn new tricks.” We invest in training for many of our employees. This is the year to look at becoming proficient in an area
Many business owners are too busy to check or don’t understand their financial statements. Make a commitment to learn what the profit
28 | Total Grooming Magazine
Celebrate the big achievement of creating a company, helping your customers and employees through it. You are the future of this country.
If you haven’t already done so, then take the bull by the horns and compete at just one show this year. You will learn so much! Who knows you might even do well.
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Bathing Basics In our ‘back to basics’ series, Katie Rourke Dowding of Centre Stage, gives a simple guide to groomers just starting out on how to bath a dog:
S
o, at the risk of teaching grandma to suck eggs, here goes!
Water Temperature This is not just vital for the comfort of the dog. If you get the temperature wrong, the dog won’t enjoy it - and you’ll get soaked when the dog shakes all over you. The correct temperature is the one that makes your dog smile when its bathed! If it’s too hot or too cold the dog will squirm, wriggle and shake. This temperature will be different for nearly every dog, you have to work it out for yourself.
Shampoo If the dog is bathed frequently, it needs to be a very VERY good shampoo. A dog’s skin has the same PH as ours, but only 7 layers of skin whereas we have 26 and are therefore slightly more resilient to chemical abuse. That’s why we changed to Wildwash.
Whatever you choose to use, remember: Shampoo the dog starting from tail and ending at its neck. I know, everyone starts at the head. Bear with me on this one. Apply the shampoo to the dog on a Shower Puff because this spreads the shampoo evenly so you don’t get a thick smear of it down the dog’s spine and no suds on the dog’s feet at all. You’ll use/waste a lot less shampoo with this method. Massage thoroughly all over. Remember to go in between the toes where the webbing traps mud in the fur and feel in between the pads for packed mud or fur. Then do the ears; massage the ear 30 | Total Grooming Magazine
Katie Rourke Dowding
flaps being careful not to get water into the ear canal and apply shampoo to the top of the head.
Finally do the muzzle and around the eyes. NOW RINSE!! If you got shampoo into the eyes by accident (and this can happen if the dog isn’t properly secured and it wriggles) you’re rinsing it out pretty smartly - if you’d started at the head then the poor dog has shampoo in
its eyes for a whole unnecessary 5-10 minutes before you start rinsing. You need to rinse until the dog is squeaky clean. Part the fur and look for soap. Nothing is as good as retained soap bubbles to make your dog nice and itchy. Rinsing water also has to be warm, cold water does not flush out the grease. At Centre Stage we repeat this process UNTIL THE DOG IS CLEAN. Sometimes that’s two
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shampoos only, but if the dog lives outside, or is particularly foul it can take four or five shampoos to get it clean. This is because the shampoo molecule is like a tadpole. The head grabs the dirt, the tail grabs the water - so the dirt gets flushed out of the coat when you rinse the dog. The head can only grab a bit of dirt - so you need to repeat over and over until every bit of dirt has been grabbed. Its time consuming if you’ve got a huge hairy beastie. A dirty dog takes a lot longer to dry. You’re either tied to the bath or tied to the hairdryer - your choice... When the dog is clean you can blot it dry using an Acquamat Dog Towel. DO NOT RUB a fleece or wool coat. This creates knots, tangles and matts in a jiffy. When 99% dry, all dogs benefit from a liberal squirt of detangler. It does exactly what it says on the tin detangling, creating lustre and shine and its pleasantly fragranced. It coats each hair and prevents it picking up so much mud next time. Comb it through the coat. Then finish off with a hair dryer. There are lots of relatively inexpensive dog blasters on 32 | Total Grooming Magazine
the market now: Make sure you buy one with the FLAT nozzle because the round ended ones whip long hair up into an instant spectacular knot, where as the flat nozzle can actually be used to blast knots out of fleece and wool coats. Remind owners that fleece coated dogs cannot EVER be left muddy and wet to “dry off ” so you can brush the mud out. This method is 100% guaranteed to result in a shavedown sooner rather than later. This method ONLY works with short hair coated breeds such as Labradors, Beagles and Boxers. Don’t leave them in a draught and make sure the room they’re in is heated. If this is all a bit of a faff, you might want to invest in a dog jumper or trouser suit - this is the route I’m
probably going to go down with my toy poodle and my shih tzu. These dog jumpers come very highly recommended, and the trouser suit from Groomers-Online is also a good bet (I use Groomers-Online quite a lot and they’re very good). “A good groom is never cheap and a cheap groom is never good” ~ Jackie Grimmett
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BIGA Fun - and Controversy
The fourth annual BIGA Christmas-themed event took place Sunday Dec 1st at The Kennel Club Building, Stoneleigh Park
T
he event was well attended as always and provided an opportunity for groomers to share best practices and their skills. This year also provided a focus for some concerns to be raised.
Controversy As groomers and business owners gathered for the BIGA Question Time at this year’s BIGA Show, “there was a lot of interest in the room and, rightly, a lot of concern,” says Kristian Maris, chairman of The British Isles Grooming Association. Indeed, most questions targeted the controversial proposed Guidelines for Professional Groomers that are currently being recommended to the Canine and Feline Sector Group (CFSG). The CFSG is the group that created the Animal Activity Licence for kennels and dog day care services that was rolled out by the government in 2018. Though still at a stage of ‘working document’, the guidelines are set to impact the everyday ways that pet grooming businesses operate. “Before groomers have their premises visited by an employee of the Local Authority to assess their grooming practices, groomers must be consulted,” argues Kristian. The CFSG is looking to the industry to provide its recommendations. As an associate member of the CFSG and part of the working group creating the guidelines, BIGA’s panel of expert groomers submitted its draft proposal in July. The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) shared their version a few weeks 34 | Total Grooming Magazine
ago, in early November. “There are significant differences between BIGA’s draft and the version put forward by PIF,” adds Kristian. “The upshot of the BIGA Question Time is that, in a spirit of transparency, we have shared both versions on our member website and in our Facebook Group. Groomers and business owners must have a say in their future, their livelihoods. They should do so without
delay by joining BIGA’s Facebook Group and engaging in this important consultation.”
FUN Competitions “This was the perfect competition for a first-time competitor like me,” says BIGA Best In Show Winner Paula Bishop. “The emphasis on pet grooming makes this the perfect platform
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Total Grooming Magazine | 35
for everyday groomers to shine,” adds Paula, who competed with her Bedlington, Tiffin. “BIGA certainly made me feel very welcome. I am thrilled to have taken part and nobody more surprised than me to win.” The Christmas-themed event featured fun and friendly dog grooming competitions, trade stands, seminars and live demonstrations. All judges, speakers, demonstrators and the team of volunteers organising the show gave of their time freely. “This is such a great example of the way that the leaders in our industry are supporting our community,” said Heidi Anderton, one of BIGA’s directors. “BIGA is so privileged by such generosity. And that also goes for all our sponsors who have really backed this early Christmas celebration among like-minded friends and family.” Gold sponsors Simpsons and Mutneys each contributed £500. Silver sponsors, at a £250 contribution each, included training centres Sue Oliver Dog Grooming Studio, Four Paws Groom School and Absolutely Animals London School of Pet Grooming as well as natural shampoo supplier For All Dogkind. Now in its fourth year, the show has become a well-attended industry favourite. With its Christmas Market theme, the event was relaxed because the emphasis is on having fun, learning and shopping. The show featured a Santa’s sleigh photo booth and plenty of Prizes, including an Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning system - contributed by Absolutely Animals London School of Pet Grooming - for the winner of the BIGA Treasure Hunt. An iPad was also awarded to each of the winners of the Willy Wonka chocolate bar Golden Ticket and the BIGA Passport Challenge. The FUN grooming competitions included the Snowflake Challenge (groom your dog at home and bring to the show for judging) as well as a Purebreed class and a Workshop Class. To see all results and winners of the Fun competitions, please visit the BIGA website at www.mybiga.org.
36 | Total Grooming Magazine
BIS is Paula Bishop and reserve BIS is Robyn Maloney
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38 | Total Grooming Magazine
tooth sockets to the dog’s owner, the response usually is one of surprise and shock. Partly because the mouth is warm, moist and has significant nutrients present for organisms to grow on, the oral cavity of dogs is a perfect
incubator for all kinds of bacteria. Most are normal and natural, but once plaque and calculus (tartar) form on the teeth the normal microbial flora gets out of balance — and if pathogenic organisms proliferate, trouble ensues. Far too often veterinarians
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discover during the physical exam that their canine subject has a foul breath as a result of generalised periodontitis. But foul breath is a mere shadow of a much more insidious disease process. To help understand the topic of oral hygiene take a look at a few basic definitions below: Gingivitis - inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis - a general term for a disease of the oral cavity that attacks the gum and bone and delicate tissues around the teeth. Pyorrhea - inflammation of the gums
and tooth sockets, often leading to loosening of the teeth and accompanied by pus. Caries - an area of decalcification of the tooth enamel leading to cavities in the tooth. Caries are very rare in dogs. Plaque - the first buildup of material adhering to tooth enamel. Composed of a mix of intercellular matrix of bacteria, salivary polymers, remnants of epithelial cells and white blood cells, it can cause caries, calculi buildup and periodontal disease. Calculus (Tartar) - calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate combined with
organic material, deposited on the surface of the tooth.
Grooming salons may well see dogs a lot more frequently than a veterinary surgeon, so point out any areas of concern to your clients. Adverse Effects of Poor Oral Hygiene Jan Bellows DVM, said: “The toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into the dog’s blood stream. As the kidneys, liver, and brain filter the blood, small infections occur causing permanent and at times fatal organ damage. After periodontal disease is treated, and the owners give proper home care, most dogs respond wonderfully due to the decreased pain and infection.” The adverse effects of periodontal disease are due in part to the toxins the bacteria secrete and the damage these toxins cause to delicate kidney, cardiac, and brain tissue. In addition, many veterinarians believe that actual bacterial colonies can spread via the circulation and set up housekeeping within the animal’s tissues, commonly in the heart valve areas, kidneys and liver. Far better than extracting teeth, performing gingival flaps, filling erosions or doing root canal procedures, would be to prevent the health damaging periodontal disease in the first place. Since most dogs presented with advanced periodontitis are older canines, owner concern regarding
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the safety of dental procedures always seems to be an impediment to performing dental procedures, especially since anaesthesia is an important aspect of a thorough dental cleaning. But it is important to consider the benefits of the treatment offset against what is generally a low risk of using anaesthetic on an older dog.
Prevention One of the best ways to insure optimum oral health is to provide the dog with a well-balanced, meat-based dog food. Meat assists in keeping the mouth environment healthy. Actively encouraging the dog to utilize chew treats that require some “exercising” of the teeth, such as is provided by compressed rawhide chewies, hard rubber or nylon chew toys, can assist in keeping the mouth structures vital. Brushing the dog’s teeth can be a big help, too, but needs to be done almost daily. One study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, December, 1996, reported “Tooth-brushing every other day did not maintain clinically healthy gingiva in dogs. The daily addition of a dental hygiene chew to a regimen of tooth brushing every other day
reduced the gingivitis scores and reduced the accumulation of dental deposits (plaque, calculus and stain). Daily tooth-brushing should be the recommendation to the dog owner irrespective of dietary regimen.” Newer dental care products that include antiseptic impregnated chewies, canine appropriate tooth brushes, and even flavoured tooth pastes to “reward” the dog for allowing the brushing, are available online and in pet supply stores or veterinary surgeries. Also important are routine oral hygiene visits where under light anesthesia the patient can undergo ultrasonic teeth cleaning, close inspection of teeth and gingiva, and assessment of overall oral health. Addressing problems when they are minor and preventing the health damaging effects of bacterial contamination and systemic toxin release are immeasurably beneficial to the dog’s long-term health status. Dr. Bellows neatly sums up the need for optimum oral health throughout a dog’s life, “When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15-17 years if you brush their teeth daily … 11-13 years if you don’t.”
Introducing Wahl UK Limited Pro Dog Ambassador Team
(Wahl Pro Dog Ambassador’s Kelly Davis, Mathew Spry and Georgia Ashton Fuller)
A
n exciting and inspiring lineup of professional dog groomers have joined the Wahl (UK) Limited family. A specialist in professional animal grooming tools, Wahl has expanded its team to meet the growing demand for grooming education. Committed to supporting animal stylists in a variety of areas, the Wahl ambassadors will provide animal grooming education resources nationwide. This esteemed group of animal stylists has their clippers and trimmers
on the pulse of the professional grooming industry. They will be an important part of delivering Wahl’s mission to educate and inspire animal stylists across the UK. The team’s main responsibilities will include representation at events and seminars, as well as producing inspiring and helpful tips as part of Wahl’s new education offering. With over 30 years of combined professional dog grooming experience, this highly skilled team includes a member of Guild of Master Groomers,
Denise Westbrook; founder of Welsh Groomers Group, Georgia Ashton Fuller; PIF director and international award-winning groomer, Mathew Spry; Director of PIF, Kelly Davis and international judge and speaker Colin Taylor. For more information on Wahl products visit www.wahl.co.uk Follow Wahl Animal UK on Facebook: @WahlUKAnimal and Instagram: @ wahlanimaluk
Total Grooming Magazine | 41
Looking Forward... There are a few unmissable events already arranged for the year ahead: The third Vita Canis Style to Rescue is arranged for 26th April at the Kennel Club Buildings, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Founder and organiser, Jitka Krizova, shares the history and this year’s highlights: The idea of organising a charity dog grooming competition was in my head for years. Its core purpose is threefold: 1) To give rescue dogs a much deserved makeover. 2) To increase rescue dogs’ chances of being seen and rehomed. 3) To raise money for the rescue centres Preparing the first one was very stressful, it was both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Taking no for an answer was the hardest… no from the rescue centres, no from potential sponsors, no from the media… but we pulled it together and the first Style to Rescue in 2018 was born and was better than I ever dreamt. The dogs were relaxed, the rescue centres were thrilled and the groomers were calm, supportive, and simply amazing!! In our first year we raised almost £4500! This was split this between the participating rescue centres. It was an amazing feeling!! In our second year we learnt from our mistakes, and everything felt a little bit easier. We had more rescue centres working with us, plus we also now had an amazing sponsor, and we raised even more money, £3000 more to be exact bringing our total raised to almost £7500 - absolutely pawesome!!! We are also delighted that Vita Canis Style to Rescue was nominated by the Industry achievements awards and was a finalist in the Event of the Year category! What a year!! So … what are we planning for next year’s event? 42 | Total Grooming Magazine
Well, I can tell you it will be even bigger and better again!!! We have even more groomers taking part. The fellow groomers went a little crazy and over the 3 days, the show was more than fully booked. And if that’s not enough I have a long waiting list as well… We have two amazing ladies to judge next year; Joanne Angus & Lisa Hart. I am sure I don’t have to introduce them to you. I am so honoured they accepted their invites to judge Vita Canis Style to Rescue 2020.
We have fantastic retailers coming to showcase their wares, to name few: Redcape, Scissor Boutique, Fuller Frills, Monty’s Natural Treats… and many more… plus Vita Canis of course! Vita Canis Style to Rescue is not just a competition, there will also be a full day of highly informative talks and demos with exciting topics from some very well-known dog industry experts. We have something for everyone to attract not just dog groomers. We have the amazing Dr Isla Fishburn coming talk all about dog wellness, Caroline
New grooming opportunity within a progressive pet food and accessories retailer in Southern Hampshire. Our client is inviting contact from experienced groomers or those who have recently qualified, and who are interested in being part of an exciting addition to an already successful retail business. The successful partner will have full opportunity to create and shape the business’s success from planning through to launch in early 2020, and then make their mark on the day to day running, with the full back up of an established, complementary business.
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Griffith and her Canine Flow, Cleany Teeth with Sophie James & Lauren Murrey, Canine First Aid with vet Sophie Bell, Dog’s Mind Matter with Adam Dunn, and Reiki for dogs, dog groomers and everybody else with Rob Fellows. You can find the full agenda with the talks and demos, plus you can still register for the day here https://www. style2rescue.co.uk/
Room One 09.15 - 10.15 - Scissoring Master Class with Louisa Tandy 10.30 - 12.00 - Grooming Demonstration with Mike Wildman 12.00 - 13.00 - LUNCH BREAK 13.00 - 14.30 - Asian Model Dog Workshop with Lisa Hart and Sharon Mills 14:45 - 15.30 - ‘Making money without compromising the animal’s wellbeing - Have you still got compassion?’ with Colin Taylor 15:45 - 16.30 - Increase your Profit with Ryan Lee and Sophie James
Room Two 09.00 - 10.00 - Cleany Teeth with Sophie James and 44 | Total Grooming Magazine
Lauren Murrey 10.15 - 11.15 - Canine First Aid with Sophie Bell 11.30 - 12.30 - Dogs’ Minds Matter with Adam Dunn 12.30 - 13.00 LUNCH BREAK 13.00 - 14.00 - Canine Flow with Caroline Griffith 14.00 - 14.25 - Using Canine Flow in the Salon with Vanessa Byrne (continuation from Caroline’s seminar) 14.35 - 15.35 - Reiki for Dogs, Owners and Groomers with Rob Fellows 15.50 - 16.50 - Kachina Canine Wellness with Dr Isla Fishburn Plus, the same as last year, our kiddies corner returns, with a cake competition, raffles and more to keep the little ones busy. So save the date in your diary, 26th APRIL 2020, to come and support a very worthy cause and help us help those who can’t help themselves. If you would like to contribute by sponsoring, donating, or volunteering on the day, Jitka would love to hear from you! You can contact her on vitacanis@hotmail.co.uk.
Groomfest 2020 Mike Smith will be arranging the third Groomfest at the Kennel Club Buildings on Sunday 6th September. This promises to be a fantastic day full of exciting trade standards for the best ever pet shopping experience and lots of workshops with advice from experts from the grooming world. Contact Mike@ tgmpublishing.co.uk for more information.
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homas – a 12 year-old black British shorthaired cat from Hyde in Manchester - is recovering from life-saving brain surgery following the removal of a tumour on the brain. His owner, James Clarke, recently became concerned about Thomas when he noticed him becoming increasingly disorientated and circling around in random movements. He took him to his local veterinary practice who discovered he had high blood pressure and prescribed
46 | Total Grooming Magazine
medication to lower this. Thomas then suffered from a fit and the practice referred him to ChesterGates. Scans identified the brain tumour and a craniotomy was recommended to remove the mass and relieve the pressure on the brain. His outlook was gloomy and without surgery he would not survive. James agreed to this and Thomas was admitted to the hospital. Veterinary surgeon, Anna Tauro, commented: “The tumour was quite large and we were concerned that its removal
may cause severe bleeding leading to death. Fortunately, the tumour was successfully removed without major complications. The pathologist confirmed that the tumour was meningioma which is associated with long remission of clinical signs.” Thomas’s owner, James, said: “ChesterGates did a brilliant job and kept us updated every step of the way. Thomas is mending really well and is back to his old self. He is playing again and is a lot more active than he has been for some time.”
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Total Grooming Magazine | 47
Aqueos Plans 2020 Ambitious plans announced for company that provides revolutionary sanitising and grooming products for pets
A
queos, a Wilshire-based company that develops, makes and markets a growing range of ground-breaking alcohol and bleach free disinfectants with low levels of active ingredients, first-aid, grooming and tack cleaning products for dogs, has set out ambitious plans for growth in the next few years. Aqueos is the brainchild of mother of two, Tracy Richards who started the business from her home in Pewsey, Wiltshire as a small, medium enterprise following a successful career in marketing and as a managing director of a wholesale clothing company where a part-time, financial director introduced her to a disinfectant solution developed for the human dental market. Having used the product largely in the stables back at home, its use then inspired Tracy to create her own range of disinfectants and with some product development and branding, Aqueos was born. “Aqueos was incorporated in 2010 but it took a year to develop the range. It has been growing organically ever since but we are ready for a big push now the children have left home” explains Tracy. “The range started with equine and then moved into canine. My first large customer was Wadswick in Corsham who then put me in touch with a wholesaler Battle, Hayward & Bower. They have been fantastic and we are still working with them today. As we have progressed, we have taken on more pet wholesalers and have a growing export market working closely with the UKTI.” The range of sanitising products use a technological breakthrough to produce a water-based disinfectant that kills 99.999 per cent of known bacteria, fungi and viruses. Aqueos
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disinfectants have less than 1% active ingredients in them and animals can return to treated areas immediately. The disinfectants can be used on any surface and carry on working after application. The range of Aqueos shampoos for dogs are both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and are an effective deodoriser. They help to combat itchiness, soothe minor skin irritations and are gentle on the skin, leaving the coat soft. They can be used on minor skin wounds and are alcohol and phenol free. Aqueos typical customers include dog owners, dog groomers, dog boarders and walkers, vets, wholesalers, country stores and pet shops. They are hoping to expand more in the dog grooming, boarder and dog walking markets which have seen several successful franchise businesses launched over recent years. They are also now taking on a distributor in the UAE as well to cater for the sanitising needs of warmer countries where bacteria are more prevalent. All Aqueos products are fully tested and come with an excellent pedigree and meet high performance standards: “We are so glad that 99% of our products are manufactured in the UK. The active agent in Aqueos is registered on the European Biocidal register and effective against test standards EN1276 (Bacterial), EN1660 (Fungicidal) and EN14476 (Virucidal). It also typically exhibits the highest biocidal efficacy of all quaternary compounds. The performance advantage is especially evident in the presence of hard water and organic
soiling, compared with simple Benzalkonium chloride quaternaries. “Our stable disinfectant is DEFRA approved and we have carried out more detailed approvals for Strangles, Ringworm and Parvo Virus” says Tracy. Aqueos works closely with their manufacturers and their brand ambassadors to develop new products. Aqueos has won a number of industry awards for their products including PATS New product – AntiBacterial Dog Shampoo runner up 2013 and winner in 2015 for their Spray Plaster which can be sprayed directly onto animals and protects minor cuts and grazes from water, dirt and bacteria - it gives a bandage-like protection and stays elastic but is still breathable and waterproof. In terms of the future, Tracy wants to roll out an education programme to emphasise the importance of sanitation and to explain why regular cleaning is so much better than then having to deal with a situation that could damage a canine business. She concludes: “Most of our new business comes from recommendations, it is fantastic when a customer has a problem with their dog, and you are able to help. We are also currently going through a full environmental review and are looking to do what we can to lesson our impact as a business”. For further information please visit: www.aqueos.co.uk If you are interested in becoming a stockist then visit: www.aqueos.co.uk/ stockists
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Training Pet Dogs to Assist Ability
Dogs are trained to open and close washing machine doors, as well as help take the washing out.
W
e have all seen assistance dogs in action and can appreciate the amazing help they provide both physically and mentally. Dog Assistance in Disability (Dog A.I.D.) works slightly differently to other
50 | Total Grooming Magazine
charities, as it allows a person aged 15 or over with physical disabilities to train their own pet dog to become their assistance dog. Obviously, the owner and dog have to be accepted onto the training programme, but this method negates the need for specialist breeding
and huge organisational overheads. Dog A.I.D. is based on the ethos of the successful American organisation called Top Dog. The original idea of the scheme was to help people with physical disabilities train their own pet dogs. Internationally acclaimed
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behaviourist, John Rogerson, together with co-founder, Dolores Palmer, are responsible for adapting this idea for the needs of people with physical disabilities in the UK. A pilot scheme took place in the Midlands in 1992, which was when Dog A.I.D. was born. “A client gets matched to a local voluntary trainer and the fun begins,” says, Mike McDonald CEO of Dog A.I.D. who has its headquarters in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. “The trainer works with the client, coaching them to train their own dog using modern, safe, reward-based methods of dog training.
52 | Total Grooming Magazine
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Talya and Coby It’s another day for Talya Hambling, as she heads off to university where she is studying veterinary nursing. Only no day can be described as normal for Talya, because she has a range of medical conditions including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) that effects connective tissues and Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) which cause an abnormal increase in heart rate. She feels sick and dizzy most of the time and many of her joints have a tendency to dislocate easily. She is frequently in chronic pain and suffers from blackouts and funny turns that involve hot flashes, shakes, loss of vision and heart palpitations. Talya’s health issues have affected her life hugely from a very young age, when she had to give up various sports that she loved, and she has developed coping mechanisms to get her through daily life. However, a year ago things took a turn for the better when Talya got Coby a nine-week old Goldendoodle . . . as Talya explains. “I got Coby with the idea that he might be able to become my assistance dog. However I have to confess I had no idea of how to go about this! After a disastrous trial at a puppy class, where they were sadly using punishment and negative reinforcement, I looked to train Coby on my own. After a few months I decided I needed more help, so sought
It takes up to two years and three assessments in order to reach fully qualified Assistance Dog status.” The training usually takes place at the client’s home and in their local environment; occasionally it may be appropriate for the client to attend classes held by their trainer. Using the bond that already exists between client and their dog, the trainer is able to leave them to practice what they’ve learned until the next appointment. This strengthens the bond and gives the client confidence and a real sense of achievement.
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out a force free trainer and went to all her classes. We continued to work together and after a few months I came across Dog A.I.D. when I was doing further research about Assistance Dogs. What is different about Dog A.I.D. is that they work with a person and their pet, helping them train together. I applied to join the Dog A.I.D. programme and fortunately my trainer agreed to sign up too as there were no other trainers in the local area at the time. We qualified in just under 6 months and Coby is now my fullyfledged Assistance Dog! He brings me my medication multiple times a day, as well as in emergency situations. He can find my phone, fetch a bottle of water for me and pick up almost any item I drop so my dizziness isn’t exacerbated by leaning down. Coby pulls off my socks, performs deep pressure therapy for both pain relief and joint relocation, as well as being about to find my mum both at home and outside. If I start to shake, he will paw my leg continuously to alert me as this generally indicates I am going to blackout or have a funny turn. I am currently teaching him how to help me stand up from the ground by bracing so I can lean against him. This is the beauty of being in a position to continue training Coby, especially as my health needs change.
Coby can pass Talya vital medication
The difference I have felt since having Coby in my life is incredible. I am so much more confident going out alone now and no longer feel the need to rely on others just to leave the house. I am far happier, less anxious and truly feel I have regained my independence because Coby is there to not only calm me down but to help me physically as well. It’s been a while since I have done something in my life that I can say I’m truly proud of, but training Coby has done just that. “Only one week after qualifying, I took my first leap of independence and two days in a row travelled one hour each way by train to meet friends. Previously doing this would have made me very anxious and more often than not I would have cancelled. Yet with Coby by my side I didn’t panic and walked calmly through unfamiliar streets, which makes me excited about all the new adventures that await me that I previously wouldn’t have had the confidence to experience. “I am immensely grateful to Dog A.I.D. and the work they do to enable people like myself to regain their independence - I owe my new lease of life to this Charity. I’m so lucky to be part of a wonderful community of clients and trainers who all support each other through the highs and lows of the training process, the rewards of which are invaluable.”
Talya is safe with Coby at her side
Dog A.I.D. training is designed to give a measure of independence and provide owners with the knowledge to train other tasks. This allows them to adapt the training to their own needs with an instructor, who is able to give advice as required. There are three levels of training: - At level 1 the training begins with basic socialisation and obedience, such as lead walking, recalls and stays, travelling in either a car or on public transport. The dog also has to be calm when left either at home or in the car. When the trainer feels that the client is ready an Assessment Form needs to be completed and then the client can move on to the next level. - Level 2 also includes the basic exercises with more distractions but also includes food refusal, entering 56 | Total Grooming Magazine
places under supervision from their trainer, where pet dogs are allowed such as markets, outdoor food and retail outlets, a down at a distance, - Level 3 covers all of the above but in an unfamiliar area. Three or more assistance tasks are also required. Supported by a team of just five staff, 100+ volunteer trainers and a team
of Trustees, Dog A.I.D. is a lean machine devoted to helping people with disabilities improve their quality of life. There are currently 105 fully qualified dogs throughout the country and 100+ in training. The Charity is entirely reliant on fundraising and sponsorship, receiving no Government funding to cover administration costs.
There are many ways people can help Dog A.I.D., but here are a few ideas – - Organise a fundraising activity, such as a coffee morning, cake sale or group dog grooming session. - Take on a walking, running, climbing, cycling challenge for us. - Become a Corporate Hero, so your business can give to Dog A.I.D. - Dog trainers can volunteer with us. The support of the general public is vital for Dog A.I.D. to be able to continue offering help and support to people with disabilities; if you are able to contribute please call 01743 588469 or email admin@dogaid.org.uk
Natural Food
SmartBarf SmartBarf vegetable and herb mix for dogs on a raw fed or home prepared diet provides valuable extra vitamins and minerals for a more complete meal. E: info@SmartBarf.co.uk W: www.SmartBarf.co.uk S: www.facebook.com/SmartBarf
Grooming Supplies Mutneys Made by groomers, for groomers, Mutneys Professional Pet Care have been manufacturing and supplying professional dog grooming shampoo, fragrances and equipment for 20 years. Our range has been developed within working salons and is produced here in the UK at our Shropshire premises. If you would like to know more, why not speak to a knowledgeable member of the team? T: 08454 68 64 67 or 07968 861 593 E: sales@mutneys.com W: www.mutneys.com
Education Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses. Faulkners Farm, Ashes Lane, Hadlow, TN11 0AN T: 01732 852 605 E: doggrooming@hadlow.ac.uk Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon (Greenwich) Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses. Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP T: 020 8856 2960 E: greenwichdoggrooming@hadlow. ac.uk
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Jelf Insurance Brokers Jelf is an award-winning independent insurance broker and financial consultancy. We provide expert advice to both businesses and individuals on matters relating to insurance, healthcare, employee benefits and financial planning. T: 0845 869 5342 W: jelfgroup.com
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Natural Instinct “Award winning, Natural Instinct are passionate about pets, their raw food diet for dogs and cats follows the motto “you are what you eat” and their wholesome and delicious meals are the convenient, no stress, no mess way to feed raw! Proudly supporting British produce.” T: 01276 608500 E: retail@naturalinstinct.com W: www.naturalinstinct.com
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Pet Business Insurance Pet Business Insurance is the UK’s favourite insurance provider to small and medium sized animal businesses. For over 10 years it has provided specialist cover for all pet care businesses - including walkers, groomers, animal trainers, pet boarding kennels, sitters and many more trades. Cover can be completed online, or by phone with one of our highly experienced advisers. T: +44 (0)1284 736 874 E: info@petbusinessinsurance.co.uk W: www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk
Shampoo Animal Health Address: 38-40 Broton Drive, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HB. T: 01787 476400 F: 01787 476998 E: sales@animal-h:ealth.co.uk W: www.animal-health.co.uk W: facebook.com/animalhealth W: twitter.com/animalhealthco
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Pet Accessories
Scruffs® Founded in 2005, Scruffs® is now firmly established as one of Europe’s leading brands of luxury pet bedding and accessories. T: +44 (0) 161 702 5060. E: sales@petslovescruffs.com.
Trade Association For Pet Care Specialists The British Dog Groomers’ Association is a trade association offers dog groomers a range of practical and financial benefits, including insurance, a legal helpline and qualifications. It is part of the Pet Industry Federation family and provides access to invaluable support mechanisms to give dog groomers the skills and confidence to cope with the challenges of running a business. T: 01234 273933 E: info@petfederation.co.uk W: www.petfederation.co.uk DAVE WESTBROOK PROFESSIONAL SHARPENER 07739186419 We specialise in all dog & horse grooming equipment.
Burrsville, Frating Rd, Thorrington, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8HT
Dog First Aid Training Courses and Equipment Animal Aiders Animal Aiders provides high quality and affordable dog first aid courses all over England, ideal for dog professionals, including groomers. T: 01284 811192 or 07758 739332 E: info@animalaiders.co.uk W: www.animalaiders.co.uk
...Image is everything Jim Jump Designs JimJump exclusive range We all know offers that style isan important in portraying a image for any business. of professional lightweight, fashionable hair resistant clothing JimJump have designed that can be mixed and to create your own newmatched exclusive high quality style and personal for everyday wear. fashionable range Give your business a smart and of clothing. professional image as first Our Range impressions count. For more offers information please contact us on exclusive of 267900 T: designs 01787 lightweight E: hair sales@jimjump.co.uk W:resistant www.jimjump.co.uk clothing that can be mixed and matched to create your own personal image for everyday wear.
All garments can be washed and
SHEAR EASE LTD, FREEPOST RTGX-JEHG-XTTH, RHOSYBOL, AMLWCH, ANGLESEY, LL68 9TR
Phone: 01407 832 800
Web: www.sheareaseltd.com
ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING NO ‘HIDDEN’ FEES SAME DAY TURNAROUND INWARD AND OUTWARD POSTAGE INCLUDED IN PRICE FREE POSTAGE LABELS AND PADDED ENVELOPES AVAILABLE CLIPPER BLADE SHARPENING • SCISSOR SHARPENING • CLIPPER REPAIR • CLIPPER BLADE SALES
Total Grooming Magazine | 57
BURTONS BLADES
£19 SIZE 5F| £24 SIZE 7F| £22
SIZE 10|
TABLES BATHS CLIPPERS TRIMMERS BLADES SHAMPOOS SCISSORS STRIPPING KNIVES AND MORE
WAHL ARCO CORDLESS CLIPPER
S E E O U R F U LL R ANGE WWW.BURTONSGROOMING.COM BurtonsGrooming BurtonsGroomingDirect burtonsgrooming VARIOUS COLOURS |
£114
GE T 15% OFF ALL ITEMS ON OUR WEBSITE USE CODE
BURTONS EASY GROOM PLASTIC TUB - ELECTRIC LT-1610-1
£750
TGMJAN15
AT THE CHECKOUT CODE VALID FROM 03/01/ 20 TO 17/01/ 20
BURTONS EASY GROOM ELECTRIC TABLE
LT-1405H|
£400
ANDIS PULSE ZR II CORDLESS CLIPPER
VARIOUS COLOURS |
£288
W W W.BURTONSGROOMING.COM All prices include VAT, terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of printing and subject to change. Burtons Grooming Direct is a trading name of Burtons Direct Limited.
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