Total Grooming Magazine May 2024

Professional Grooming Equipment and Supplies

Your favorite brands and many more all in one place!

At Technogroom we are proud to supply our customers with an extensive range of professional grooming products from around the world.

Not only are we the sole importer of many popular brands, but we also develop and manufacture our own unique products in house at Technogroom.

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Keeping your equipment in top working order is essential to your business.

We can service or repair any make and model of blasters, clippers, dryers, tables and sharpen all types of blades.

To find out more about our service centre, please call us or visit our website.

Hello readers!

Welcome back to another fun-filled issue of TGM! This month, we’re covering everything tables and baths in our primary focus.

We’re also taking a look into the world of natural remedies for your dog grooming business, as well as taking another look at how continuing professional development can have a positive impact for you and your staff. From myself, and everyone here at Total Grooming Magazine, have a fantastic month and we hope that you enjoy this issue.

James Taylor 01795 509110

30 years of excellence

OSCAR Pet Foods, a leader in the pet industry, is thrilled to be celebrating its 30th anniversary marking three decades of dedicated service to pets and their owners. Since 1994, OSCAR has been committed to providing high-quality, nutritious pet food that not only satisfies our cherished companions but also contributes to their overall health and well-being.

Over the past 30 years, OSCAR Pet Foods has grown from strength to strength with a strong established network of franchisees throughout the UK. The company’s journey has been fuelled by a passion for animals and a desire to create balanced and tasty meals that cater to the unique nutritional needs of every pet.

Key milestones in their 30year journey include:

Commitment to Quality. From the beginning, OSCAR Pet Foods has maintained a steadfast commitment to only using the finest ingredients in its recipes and prioritising the health and happiness of pets.

Innovation in Nutrition. Over the years, OSCAR has embraced advances in pet nutrition ensuring its products keep evolving to meet the changing needs

of pets. Its team of nutritional experts work continuously to develop innovative formulas that support pets at every stage of life.

Community Engagement. OSCAR Pet Foods takes pride in being an active member of the communities in which it serves. Through its strong network of local franchisees, it strives to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their owners.

Customer Satisfaction. The loyalty of customers lies at the heart of OSCAR’s success.

OSCAR Pet Foods extends its deepest gratitude to all the pet owners who have trusted its expertise in nourishing their beloved pets.

OSCAR Pet Foods is extremely proud to have been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2024: an independent seal of excellence, which

recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.

Managing Director Richard Martin expresses gratitude for the support received over the years, saying, “Reaching this 30-year milestone is a testament to the dedication of our franchise network, the team at OSCAR, and, of course, the loyalty of our customers and their pets. As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to continuing our mission of providing pets with the nutrition they deserve.”

If you would like to join in the celebrations and try a free meal for your pet, why not contact OSCAR to be introduced to the OSCAR products and services?

Visit www.oscar.co.uk or call 0800 195 8000 for more info.

Springtime hazards

Spring marks the beginning of bluer skies, warmer weather, and holidays. Whilst many individuals (and pets) eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the dangers spring can bring to their furry friends.

In April, pet lovers across the nation came together to celebrate National Pet Month, a time dedicated to honouring the bond between humans and their beloved animal companions. National Pet Month serves as a reminder of the joy, love, and companionship pets bring into their owner’s lives every day. However, it is as important that owners keep their pets content, happy and healthy.

Leading pet insurer petGuard wants to spread awareness about hazards for pets in spring.

“From toxic plants to seasonal allergies and outdoor hazards, springtime can bring about a range of challenges for pets,” says James Whitten, Marketing Manager at petGuard.

Poisonous plants

Many of the beautiful spring flowers are poisonous for pets. Flowers such as lilies, daffodils and azaleas may look gorgeous but are particularly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Daffodil bulbs are the most toxic part of the plant, pet owners should ensure that keen pups and kittens don’t dig them up and digest them. Daffodil heads are also harmful and could cause vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy in your pets.

Dog owners should be particularly aware of bluebells. All parts of this plant are harmful to dogs and, when ingested, could cause vomiting, abdominal discomfort or even heartbeat irregularity.

Seasonal allergies

Just like humans may suffer from hay fever during springtime, pets can fall victim to seasonal allergies. Allergies in pets can be caused by irritants that

live in plants or changes that take place in their environment as the weather changes. Dogs and cats can both suffer from seasonal allergies and common symptoms can include watering eyes, itching, constant sneezing, gnawing on their paws and red ears.

Pest pellets

For those wanting to protect their spring gardens from slugs and snails, pellets can seem like the obvious choice. However, pet owners should reconsider this decision if their pets roam around the garden. Pellets are designed to kill slugs and snails and, whilst ingestion by larger animals may not be immediately fatal, it could still be incredibly harmful.

Most pellets will contain chemicals and pesticides. Metaldehyde, for example, is the most toxic compound that can be found in pellets. If pets consume even a small amount of the chemical, they could be in danger of poisoning.

“Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a pet-friendly environment will help to ensure the well-being of our furry companions throughout the spring season and beyond” warns Whitten. Find out more about springtime hazards for pets at www.petguard.co.uk/ spring-hazards-pets

Image by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Border Terriers most pampered

Border Terriers are Britain’s most pampered pooches - lavished with more than £50,000 of toys, treats and clothes over their lifetime, a study by Burns Pet Nutrition can reveal.

Despite being likened to ‘grumpy old men’, these small and scruffy sidekicks have little to be down about given their owners’ annual £4,331 splurge on gifts and goodies.

The survey by the healthy dog and cat food firm quizzed pooch parents across the UK on how much they spend on a range of pet products and services.

Border Terrier owners admitted to spending £2,679 on food and treats, £1,241 on clothes and £411 on toys every year – and more than £50,000 over an average 12-year lifespan.

Beagles were second on the list of coddled canines, lapping up £3,776 a year, and Jack Russells were third with £3,615.

In contrast, West Highland Terriers have plenty to sniff at given their owners’ more frugal approach to dog parenting means they receive a fifth of what Border Terriers enjoy.

Westie owners spend an average of £80 on toys, £126 on clothes and accessories and just £698 on food and treats every year – just under £11,000 over 12 years.

The average dog owner spends around £2,600 every year or nearly £30,000 over their dog’s lifetime.

The poll of 2,000 dog owners also revealed how much they typically spend on services too, like vet bills, daycare and behaviour training.

Beagle owners outspend all others when it comes to keeping naughty Fido in check, spending around £923 on behaviour training every year.

With £1,173 a year on vet bills, £366 on dog walkers and daycare, and treats on top, Beagle owners spend more than any other on their pet, at just under £75,000 over the dog’s life.

Westies appear to be the cheapest dog to own, with the average owner spending around £22,000 over the pet’s life.

The average dog owner spends around £50,000 on their pet throughout its lifetime.

Burns Pet Nutrition Manager Laura Crotch Harvey said: “While £50,000 may seem like a lot of money, it is repaid every single day for dog owners who adore their four-legged friends.

“Most owners see their pet as one of the family, and just like a child, there are countless expenses that come with the job of being a responsible dog parent.

“I think most dog owners feel a sense of pride at knowing their pooch has a healthy diet, gets lots of tasty treats, and enjoys plenty of toys and clothes.

“Dogs bring so much joy to a home, there’s really no price you can put on that”.

Image by Emil Priver on Unsplash

Sports massage

Dog groomers can add to their business offer by studying alongside their work in the muchneeded animal sports massage and veterinary physiotherapy fields.

With more dogs living in the UK than ever before, and with many popular breeds susceptible to physical conditions, the Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy is inviting dog groomers to train in the skills to help ensure the health of as many pets as possible.

The academy has launched a new portfolio of iPET Network, Ofqual regulated qualifications which enable learners to continue to work while they gain the skills and experience they need to practice in animal sports massage, rehabilitation and veterinary physiotherapy.

The pathway to the degree equivalent Level 6 qualification is suitable for those who would like to work in this growth field, including existing dog groomers.

These comprehensive qualifications are made up of practical and theoretical learning across a variety of animal species, with the practical elements focusing on the two main species of canines and equines, allowing learners to get recognition for their knowledge and practical skills in a vocational and friendly way.

Candidates will learn advanced study skills, personal development, professional development, resilience and wellbeing from people who have extensive experience of what it takes to be successful in the industry.

The blended learning, flexible and accessible courses will be delivered by Wendy and her team at The Academy of Veterinary Physiotherapy.

Wendy, who is an IRVAP, RAMP and AHPR registered therapist, said: “For dog groomers adding animal sports massage and veterinary physiotherapy to their offer is a fantastic way to grow a business, and these skills are so needed in a marketplace which is crying out for more canine services.

“Once learners have completed the first stage of the qualification in animal sports massage, which would usually

take around nine months, they can start making money from their new skills. And over time they may wish to progress to our degree-level qualification, adding even more value to their business.

“It was important when we created the courses that they had a strong focus on animal health, behaviour and welfare, including exploring themes such as social licence to practice.

“There are also key specifics relating to the industry, legislation, regulation and working effectively as part of the multi-disciplinary team, as well as a real focus on anatomy and physiology and musculoskeletal anatomy, with particular focus on function, orthopaedics and neurology, biomechanics and locomotion and exercise physiology including how commonly used equipment effects our animals.

“The course then builds on this with a strong focus on exercise prescription and rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation for post-surgical, neurological, juvenile, geriatric, nonambulatory and respiratory patients and for palliative and end of life care.

“For anyone wishing to qualify it is important to learn soft tissue pathology, injury, illness, disease and musculoskeletal dysfunction, concepts of pain, pain management and advanced concepts of tissue healing which are all covered in these qualifications.

Upon completion of each level, candidates are eligible to register on the next higher qualification enabling study up to degree equivalent.

To find out more about the qualifications go to www.academyvetphys.com

Tables & Baths

Let’s take a look at what 2024 has to offer in the world of grooming tables and baths. Image by Karlin Richardson from Pixabay.

Tables and baths

Simply put, having the right equipment for your dog grooming business is a must, right? One of the biggest things that you’ll find falls within that is choosing the correct dog grooming tables and baths!

Naturally, being at the forefront of your client’s minds when they’re looking to tidy up their pooch, you’ll want to make sure that you come across as someone who has the right equipment for the job!

Having the right grooming table is a great way to show this, as it’s almost a centrepiece for your grooming space.

Being easily manoeuvrable, you can adjust it to any position that works for any dog groom. Whether it’s a brush, a clip, or even just a little belly rub, having an adjustable table is super important for any dog grooming salon business.

Accessibility is always something to stay on top of in a grooming salon, so find a table that fits any of your needs.

Groomers’ and dogs’ safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when choosing a table, and that’s why so many come with their own built-in leashes! Many brands add extra health

Image by JeongMin Yi from Pixabay

Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov from Pixabay

TABLES & BATHS

and safety features to their equipment, so make sure to do your research and see what the best fit for your business is!

Now, we’ve all been there… You’ve groomed and cleaned up a pup, but the next thing you notice is that your space is now covered in fur and other things from a successful job. Fret not, however, as a bunch of tables make cleanup a breeze.

Something to note, naturally, is that it’s important to consider the size of the dogs that you’ll most commonly groom. There’s no point in buying a huge table if your primary focus is chihuahuas now, is there?

We’ve also seen an increase in the amount of hydraulic tables that are on the market lately. If it’s within your budget then we highly encourage you to invest in something like this.

Hydraulic tables that can move up and down have so many benefits, from aiding in the size of the grooms to even your own health. Holding a tough position can be an annoying task, so instead of bending down, why not bring the table a little higher?

To summarise, ensure that you’ve got the space, research tables to ensure that you can accommodate the time and space, and lastly ensure that health and safety is one of the things that are right at the front of your thought process when it comes to a new grooming table!

Now, let’s dive into a little about the world of dog grooming baths in 2024.

From the delightful smell of some scented shampoo all the way through to drying off, the dog grooming bathing is an integral part of any grooming

business. Ultimately, they’re there to speed up the cleaning process, providing efficiency for any wash.

Firstly, you can encourage your clients to purchase a full wash as an add-on. Whenever I take my little boy to the groomer, I always mention that a nice bath is the perfect little addition. His first cuddle with me when we get home is always very soft, and there are no bad odours that put me off! Mention to your clientele the benefits that a bath can have for their pup, as well as how it can keep their home smelling better as well!

It’s also another way to add increased revenue to your business. Ensuring that a dog has healthy skin and coat is of the utmost importance in any of our furry friends’ lives, so ensure that you’re passing this info on and keeping your clientele interested!

You may find that a dog won’t always enjoy a bath, which is totally normal, but you can always provide a little extra incentive with a treat as a reward for any well-behaved pooch who isn’t afraid to get wet.

Lastly, don’t forget to invest in a decent dryer for your business!

The culmination of all of the right equipment for your business, and all of them working in harmony, is such a vital part of your dog grooming business. Do your research, reach out to brands and find out what the best fit for you and your furry friends is.

You’ll see an influx in both client retention, as well as waggy tails when you invest in the best tables, baths and more for your grooming business!

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Image by Aleksandr Tarlõkov from Pixabay

Essential know-how

It’s that time of year again! Let’s break down some key parts of any good table and bath within your dog grooming salon.

The cost

One of the biggest things that you’re going to want to consider when purchasing for your dog grooming salon is, naturally, how much it will cost.

Something to keep a firm eye on when choosing is whether it’s worth your while to invest in the latest tech right away or to invest in something a little easier temporarily while you find some footing. Consider your budget and plan accordingly for the rest of 2024!

Consider your space

Small breeds, big breeds, cats, dogsthey all require different sizes of both tables and baths, but what does this mean for you?

The answer is simple; considering the amount of space within your grooming salon is an essential part of the dog grooming business. Is it practical, and is it helping or hindering your business? Consider your most frequent types of clients and make a decision based on that.

Transporting and storage

Speaking of the size of your table, consider whether or not you have somewhere to keep all of your new equipment when it’s not being used. This is a key point for our mobile dog groomers, as fitting everything into your mobile grooming van can be quite a task at times!

Consider how much freedom you have to move around, and ensure that you can safely store everything you need before committing to the biggest table you can afford.

Reviews

Something that is often overlooked when making a large purchase for a grooming

salon is simply the reviews that a product may or may not have. Despite reviewbombers out there, it’s always best to take a look at other peoples’ experiences with your potential new product.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people and ask for more recommendations if you need to, as you might find that in the long run, it can save you a few pounds extra!

Be eco-conscious

Finally, one of the most important parts

of any business ethos is being ecofriendly. 2024 has seen many ecological changes so far, and we only want to make the world a better place. Ensure that any new products that you’re buying for your business don’t break the planet, as well as the bank. Your clients may appreciate the effort you put in, so never write this one off! The dog grooming industry is positively full of people who are eco-friendly, and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that!

Image by Manfred from Pixabay

Elizabeth Spa Dog Grooming

Elizabeth Hack is the CEO of Canine Care Hub Ltd, a coaching business for canine experts such as dog groomers! She’s also the head groomer of Elizabeth Spa Dog Grooming. As a qualified dog groomer, speaker and business coach who has served and launched dog businesses in the UK and Australia, she has a passion for dogs and improving the welfare of dogs worldwide.

What can you tell me about Elizabeth’s Spa Dog Grooming?

Elizabeth’s Spa Dog Grooming is a home-to-home luxury experience. I join the dog in its own home, in its safe space. The owners get to chat and pick my brain or continue working from home while I am there.

I use their bathing environment and my luxury products such as blueberry facials, non-invasive teeth cleaning gel and luxury coat conditioning shampoo leave the owner’s bathroom smelling beautiful and the dog gets to chill in a familiar setting.

Typically, I become that dog’s groomer whilst they are a puppy and they stick with me for life, I’ve been grooming one dog (Gracie) for over a decade now! This business has been my opportunity to stay dialled into grooming whilst I have added career capital in other areas of my life such as marketing, sales, speaking and business coaching.

What would you say is your unique selling point?

What gives me “Top Dog” status when it comes to my home-to-home luxury spa services is my ability to have most of my grooming clients be so relaxed that they fall asleep on the table.

I handle all the dogs with care, love and positive reinforcement, which all the readers of Total Grooming Magazine do!

I would say that the result of being so relaxed in their own environment and with the process of sleeping on the grooming table whilst receiving a great groom is something I pride myself on.

What can you tell me about how you trained to be a dog groomer?

I trained to become a dog groomer through the Pets at Home apprenticeship, with Julie Harris back in 2011 when they provided you with a City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma.

I was lucky enough to earn whilst I learnt and had access to multiple breeds, sizes and standards of grooming clients to practise all the skills that you need to be able to demonstrate and pass the course.

I became Salon Manager in 2012

at the ripe age of 21 and managed the 3rd Highest Profitable Salon in the Groom Room Franchise at the time. I am most proud of the team of girls that I introduced, trained and supported through that salon. They have all gone on to own their own dog grooming salons/become ambassadors of Christies Direct (shout out Kayla Harrison!) and fly around the world to appear on TV! I took my knowledge and skills with me to Australia where I helped a startup salon/doggy daycare centre get its systems in place and to train up their salon team.

Do you have any “hidden gems” you’d like to share with our readers?

Absolutely! First of all - Be certain in your communication. A confused seller doesn’t sell and a confused buyer doesn’t buy. You need to sell yourself first, think about how long you have studied to be able to do what you do and what investment you have made.

Secondly - Raise your prices! We are worth so much more than what we charge! If you feel uncomfortable then just follow the zero-to-five rule, each groom goes up to the nearest zero or five. I.e If you are currently charging £43 pounds then you raise your price to £45. £46 would go to £50.

Finally - Take care of your clippers/ blades. When maintained, your clippers and blades can bear with you for a healthy 12-year journey, if you forget or don’t give them TLC, they won’t and those bad boys are expensive! So for the five minuts each working day it takes to oil, clean and maintain them, that maintenance can save you a lot of money in the long run!

What advice would you give to other dog groomers who are just starting out in the industry?

Firstly welcome! Congratulations on following your dreams and thank you in advance for all the good you are going to do in dogs’ lives. As for the skill of grooming, get yourself onto a course where you get in-person support or get to work as a part of a team of experienced groomers.

Grooming skill is one thing but if you want to have a successful career, knowing the basics of business will get you far. Get yourself aligned with somebody who has either already done great things in their salon or find yourself a business coach with industry knowledge who can support you with the minor steps, as you get going.

There may be obstacles on your path to success. But with the right support and care, you’ll make it through. Plus, you are never alone. The groomers with the abundance mindset are here to support one another so that we can level up our care for dogs in our industry.

Don’t be a victim of comparison. Focus on what you can bring to the table… The grooming table that is!

JULIE HARRIS

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING

Natural Remedies

What can going natural do for your dog grooming business? Let’s investigate over the next few pages! Image by Jamie Street on Unsplash.

NATURAL REMEDIES

Au naturel

Something that’s been creeping up over the past few years might surprise you. No, it’s not the influx of pet pics on Instagram (although we do love those!), it’s dog grooming businesses worldwide taking a more natural approach to the grooming services they provide.

More and more companies, brands and groomers alike are taking the plunge and investing in a more natural way of life within the pet care services which they offer.

There are so many more sustainable, eco-friendly solutions than you might think, and today we’re going to talk a little about that. Who knows, maybe you’ll even find something within your very own business that you can re-work for a more natural approach to your grooming services!

So, let’s dive in. Simply put, the pros of using natural products are almost unmatched when it comes to benefits for your business, so it’s probably not the worst idea to consider some natural options!

Firstly, it shows that you care a little extra about the pooches you’re pampering. Using more natural products

Image by Anna Dankowska from Pixabay

Image by Rebecca Scholz from Pixabay

NATURAL REMEDIES

can promote some effective skin and coat care for dogs and cats alike. Some manufactured products can have a negative effect on the skin in such areas as stripping natural oils from a coat.

Something that experts recommend when looking into new products for your business is considering whether or not they are being created with and from natural substances. Coconut oil is a fantastic example of this, and is a tasty treat to boot! When natural remedies are incorporated into the grooms,

overall you’ll see that it’s such a happier alternative to the regular, chemical products that you might find. A better coat and skincare regime for a dog will lead to happy customers, overall resulting in return clientele and a better revenue stream for your business.

Something that isn’t as common, but may still occur if you’re not careful, is skin irritation when using products that don’t derive from natural sources. This can have so many negative impacts, the main one, of course, being the overall

happiness of the pups in your care.

On a daily basis, dogs are exposed to so many potential irritants anyway, let alone any added ones from other types of chemicals in day-to-day life. This can range from household cleaning products and even fall back to factors such as living in a busy city with a large amount of pollution. Some chemical-based products will only add to this irritation and cause problems for any furry friend in the long run.

By making a switch to a natural approach, and even encouraging your clientele to do so as well, you can help expose cats and dogs to fewer chemicals and encourage a happy life. Consider using, stocking and retailing natural dog shampoos for your clients and don’t forget that a little conditioner goes a long way, also! This can add a little extra and repair a little damage, if any, done by irritants to our furry pals.

Let’s focus on the bathing process for one moment. Whilst a dog is in the process of being bathed, you’ll find that their pores may be opening up and their skin might be absorbing ingredients of their environment. This applies to both good and bad things that might be swimming around in their baths. Ensure that you’re not exposing the dogs to any

Image by Meg ... from Pixabay

Image by brixiv from Pixabay

potential long-lasting health issues by considering natural.

That being said, we want to emphasise again the importance of using nontoxic shampoos and conditioners when bathing dogs. The relaxing nature of using natural products will not only calm dogs but yourself as well, making the whole process easier for all parties involved!

Not too dissimilar to ourselves, a dog’s skin is one of the most vital organs in their entire body. It keeps the bad stuff out and must be treated with proper care and respect, and not using any harmful

chemicals that might do some unwanted damage.

You can even boost a dog’s immune system when using the proper ingredients within your shampoos and such, so keep an eye on what you’re using!

Sadly, though, animal testing is still prominent in the world. There are so many products that are tested on our furry friendos, and this is one of the biggest red flags from a company out there. Be sure to research brands that commit to using cruelty-free ingredients and products to give you some peace of

mind when it comes to looking after ol’ Fido.

In 2024, we’re seeing a rise in more and more dog groomers, businesses and grooming salons taking a hard look at what it means to be eco-friendly - and we’re all for it! It’s so important, as a huge industry, that we do our part and emphasise the importance of taking care of our planet. There are so many small things that you can do each day, from dimming lights to not flushing toxic chemicals down the drain.

See what you can discover about being eco-friendly today, it’ll do nothing but help your business as well as the environment!

Our final words to you on this matter today are simple. When it comes to pet care as a whole, we have a huge responsibility to take care of our clients and encourage pet owners to do the same.

From using products ourselves to recommending the right tools and ingredients for the job can go a long way. We want nothing but the best for our canine companions and so should you!

Do your research, speak with industry pros, recommend the best for your clientele and you’ll rest easy knowing that you’ve done some fantastic work in this wonderful dog grooming world!

Image by Amber Stevens from Pixabay

Image by Niklas from Pixabay

Chilli, Animal Actor

This month has been all about Chilli, and involved quite a dramatic scene which just goes to show that first aid emergencies can happen at any time! By Rachel Bean.

As I’ve spoken about in this column before, four year-old Chilli is an animal actor, and has been one of the comedy stars of the Channel Four series Late Night Lycett, a running joke is that Joe is going to sack the pup, only for her to win a reprieve after appeals from the public.

But in the week that we were waiting to find out if Chilli would be back in her starring role on the show, she had a horrible accident which could have been fatal if she had been just a few millimetres more unlucky.

On our regular walk in Saddleworth, close to where we live, Chilli came running out of the heather and I saw the cut on her paw straight away, I am a qualified veterinary nurse so knew what to do, but she was so lucky that it didn’t hit her major artery, she could have died.

Chilli was raced to the Vets 4 Pets in Cheadle, where I work, and I applied general anaesthetic while a vet cleaned and stitched the wound.

It just goes to show that accidents can happen at any time. Luckily I had the training to act calmly and quickly, but it could have been really bad.

Chilli is strong and is up and about again, after giving us all a scare you would think nothing had ever happened to her.

Since Chilli was ten weeks old we have traveled the country giving first aid demonstrations to pet professionals and individuals, and Chilli’s demonstrations have already helped to save hundreds of canine lives.

Chilli absolutely loved playing Linda Biscuits on Late Night Lycett, and we think she is the star of the show.

It’s hilarious how much of a running joke her appearance became, and despite his protestations, we think that Joe is secretly loving sharing the limelight with a dog.

But her real job, helping me show pet professionals how to save dogs’ lives, is her true calling, she is amazing at our

sessions and is trained to act out worstcase scenarios so that I can demonstrate what to do in that particular crisis.

Without Chilli, the courses would not be as engaging or fun, and she is the perfect sidekick. She is loving her TV fame, but there is so much more to her than simply Linda Biscuits.

Stay tuned for more Linda Biscuits later in the Late Night Lycett run, but in the meantime, my precious pup has been busy starring in a full-scale billboard campaign, which has been centre stage

on the big screen at Media City in Manchester.

Along with other animal stars, Chilli took part in a special video advert for the Vet on Set business that I helped to found and co-run. Vet On Set works with the film industry to ensure that animal welfare is upheld while filming on some of the nation’s favourite TV shows takes place.

The billboard was the brainchild of sister company Animal Direction, which provides animal talent for films and

Chilli and Joe Lycett on set

Do you love grooming but find the anxious dogs drain your energy?

Reiki for Dog Groomers can help! This comprehensive Home Learning course teaches you how to use Reiki energy healing to calm dogs and create a peaceful grooming environment.

• Discover hands-on techniques to soothe dogs before and during grooming services, making your job easier!

• Reiki can help transform your salon into an oasis of tranquility!

• Re-energize yourself between appointments. No more feeling drained at the end of the day!

• A deeper connection with the dogs in your care.

Learn Reiki from expert teacher Rob Fellows and unlock your natural healing abilities… and make each day a little more...aahhh.

Enroll today at www.robfellowsreiki.com/reiki-for-dog-groomers Any questions? Contact rob@robfellowsreiki.com

RACHEL BEAN MONTHLY

production across the UK.

Everyone loves seeing animal stars on TV and at the cinema, but those animals are like any actors, they need to be kept happy, well cared for and comfortable or they will not reach their full amazing potential.

Vet on Set is something that I’m really proud of, and the animals that we meet are really amazing, from seagulls to llamas and spiders it’s wonderful the range of animals who take part in these productions, we love it, and so do the animals thanks to their welfare being our top priority.

So, for this time’s top tip, I’m going to be looking at some of the lesser-known signs that a dog is under the weather, which as dog groomers is very useful to have in your armoury.

1. Bad breath

Yes, as the old adage goes all dogs have ‘dog breath’ but if you notice breath that is particularly ripe, please tell the owner as it may be a sign of something more serious.

2. Odour coming from the ears or skin

As groomers, you know what a dog is supposed to smell like, and it’s not always pleasant, but if you notice bad odour emitting from the ears or skin it could be a sign that the dog is unwell and needs to see a vet.

3. Very affectionate

Is your doggy client acting super affectionate? Obviously, this is lovely, but if it is out of character for them, do mention it to the owner as they may be poorly and seeking comfort.

4. Drinking lots

Is your doggy client panting and trying to drink their bath water? Keep an eye on it as it may indicate a hidden illness. Likewise, if a dog who you normally give a drink to refuses the offer.

5. Runny eyes

As groomers cleaning tear stains from the eyes is all part of a day’s work, but if the discharge is excessive it might be a sign of allergies or illness which should be mentioned to the owner or your vet.

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

Helping cats get Summer-ready

Hello once again from your friendly holistic cat groomer. Now it is May, it is getting warmer and closer to the beginning of summer so what can we do to help the cats in our care be summerready? Last year we had heatwaves across the UK and many of our furry friends found the high temperatures tricky to navigate. Here are 6 things to consider offering your feline customers to help them survive the summer months. By Katie Gwilt (The Kat Lady).

A tummy trim

I find that in the warmer months, cats who spend time outdoors like to lounge in soil, damp grass and under bushes. This means their tummy is more prone to knotting than in the winter so giving it a trim can help prevent knots and mats from forming. You don’t have to take it too short, just enough to help prevent leaves and other garden bits from getting stuck and the fur wrapping around them. I find also that in hotter weather cats will find a cool spot to lie on. Often a tiled floor is a great place to stretch out either on their tummy or with their tummy open to the air making a lovely cooling mechanism if the fur is a bit shorter.

Shaping around the face

This is especially useful for those flat-faced brachycephalic breeds like Persians, British Longhairs and Exotics. They often have extra trouble breathing in hotter and humid weather when this is exacerbated so keeping the fur around their face and ruff (mane) shorter can help keep the pathways more open. It will help the airflow to reach the nose more easily and keep the cat happier and increase their welfare. I usually try and keep the ruff area short enough so that it does not reach their mouth or cover their face too much when their head is down. Always check with the guardian first before trimming here as it is often such a beautiful area and they may have strong opinions about shaping it. Have a chat about what is best for the cat and how they are able to manage around their face at home.

Hygiene/Sanitary trim

Cats often laze around more in warmer weather and sleep more. For those long-haired or older cats keeping their bottom and trousers trimmed can help them keep themselves clean. It’s also good for the brachycephalic cats who struggle with their breathing putting their face into a big fluff pile when cleaning! Having poo and dirt stuck around the bottom in hotter weather can increase the risk of infections so keeping this area clean is a must. Cats are generally very clean animals, but as they age or if they have health issues they are less motivated or able to groom themselves so give them an extra helping hand as needed.

Lion Cuts

These don’t actually keep cats cooler so have a think before committing to

them. Cats fur is self-regulating in terms of temperature unless during extreme weather conditions. The fur will keep the cool air close to the body in the summer and the warm air close in the winter. Some cats do prefer having a lion cut though, especially the very long-haired ones who really suffer in the heat. Judge each cat by their own merits and look at their lifestyle first. Personally, I don’t ever do lion cuts on short-haired cats in the UK unless they are matted and it is unavoidable. Something to also be aware of is that cats can get skin cancer just like humans. If shaving a cat who spends a lot of time outdoors who has very pale skin please recommend a cat-friendly sun cream to their guardian. If you work with cats with white ears and pink noses do the same as well. They are common spots for skin cancer in cats, unfortunately.

Calypso having her lion cut

Keep the area you work in cool

This is especially important in a salon environment if you are using driers. You want to keep an extra close eye on the cats in your care to make sure they are not over heating. Give breaks as needed and consider a dehumidifier to help the quality of the air. Some cats are scared of rotating fans so pay attention if you need to move equipment away from the individual you are working with, Avoid working in conservatories if you are a mobile groomer as these can get very hot in the summer. If you see a cat starting to pant, stop straight away and make sure they have water available. Only if the panting stops continue the groom, you can always split the session across two visits and reschedule on a cooler day.

Advise for customers

Let customers who have mostly outdoor cats know to make sure the cat has some shaded areas they can visit as well as water available outdoors. For indoor cats again some shaded places as well as potentially some fans (if they aren’t scared). If you see them panting try wetting a tea towel (you want it to be damp and not sopping wet) and laying it out for the cat to lie on or gently putting it over them. You don’t want to do an extreme temperature change as the body can go into shock so don’t go putting the hose on or putting them in cold water!

Cats are true sun worshippers and have a knack for finding the warmest spots in the house. They are great at sprawling out in a patch of sunlight and following it as it moves position in the sky. We can definitely learn from them how to properly relax.

Tidying up around the ruff and face

Monty before and after having the fur around his cheeks in particular trimmed so he can look after himself and breathe more easily

Lots of matting caused in the moulting season coming up to summer

Continuing Professional Development

Returning once again, it’s our 2024 CPD focus! Image by Artem Maltsev on Unsplash.

CPD explained

Along your dog grooming journey, you may have overheard someone talking about “CPD”. So, what is CPD? We’re here to break it all down for you before continuing on over our CPD focus within this issue!

What does CPD mean?

The first thing that you should know is that CPD stands for continuing professional development. When you break it down, it consists of retaining and developing any of the skills and knowledge that you might obtain over your career as a dog groomer when you work.

Whether training or in further education, CPD can offer you some amazing things within your dog grooming career! There is a lot of variation between types of CPD courses, as they can range from sitting in an education centre to attending an inperson workshop session.

What is being CPD certified?

If you decide to go down the CPD route and attend a training course, it ultimately

means that you’ve achieved a certain standard within the industry. It looks great to clients, and demonstrates to clients that you’re really utilising your knowledge regularly!

Is

CPD a qualification?

The learning style can vary from being a qualification specifically and is internationally recognised as something that is fantastic to have on your records. It adds value to your grooming salon and demonstrates to your clients that you’ve gone the extra mile in this fantastic world of dog grooming. It’s a no-brainer that it will only help you within the dog grooming industry!

Is CPD certification recognised in the UK?

The simplest answer to this question is that a CPD certification most certainly

is recognised in the UK. However, you’ll be able to share your skills all around the globe with an internationally recognised CPD certification to add to your repertoire! Be sure to do your research online to find out where CPD certifications are recognised globally.

Are CPD courses legitimate?

Accredited CPD courses are internationally recognised, and are something every groomer should consider adding to their list of ongoing things to brag about!

Overall, it shows that you possess knowledge, care about your work and want to constantly better yourself in a positive way for the dog grooming industry. We encourage you to check out what types of certifications are near you today!

Image by Iqbal Nuril Anwar from Pixabay

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Very professional!

We’re here to examine what CPD is, what it can do for your business and ultimately how it can potentially make your grooming business more appealing.

We briefly touched upon what CPD is in our Essential Five, now let’s take a more in-depth look and see what it can do to help benefit your dog grooming business.

CPD consists of expanding your knowledge of an industry whilst you’re still working. Whilst you’re getting paid, you can always grow and develop your skillset to make your business more appealing, so why wait?

You can show off your new-found wealth of knowledge to your clientele, to dazzle and wow them, into telling their friends more about your grooming business! Don’t forget to mention any training you may have had and how you’d like to implement this into your dog grooms!

If you’re CPD certified, it means that you can be seen to hold your business to a high standard, something that always looks good to potential new clientele! It will help you stand out and if you finish a CPD course, you’ll be able to help yourself more appealing from the rest of the crowd.

CPD-accredit content is normally recognised for its relevance and quality within the dog grooming industry. This has the tendency to assure people that

the benefits include being relevant and applicable to someone in the industry’s work.

The return clientele and revenue that you can generate from being a CPDcertified groomer can work wonders for your business, so there really isn’t a reason why you shouldn’t at the minimum at least see what’s out there for you!

The important thing to remember though is that CPD isn’t a qualification, it’s a learning style that’s different from what you’d normally find. However, it’s

highly sought after within the industry. Simply put, you won’t receive a qualification from being CPD certified but you and your business will be recognised in a different way, something that makes you stand out and is invaluable within the dog grooming world.

Showing that you’ve continued your professional development, so to speak, is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It shows everyone, from other groomers to clientele alike, that you’re going the extra mile. As an added bonus, you get to share your added knowledge to really “wow” your customers!

If you’re looking for work within the dog grooming world, it might help to know that some employers really do keep an eye out for those who are CPD-certified. Boosting your chances tenfold when searching for a new career opportunity doesn’t sound so bad, eh? Displaying that you’ve got this certified, legitimate achievement on your dog grooming CV literally has no downside, so be sure to see what’s available near you!

CPD can be a huge step in your career, from being an educator all the way through to being a groomer! There are certain standards that help point out who

Image by Lenka Novotná from Pixabay

Image by Petra from Pixabay

strives to deliver the very best, so be sure to display this badge of honour to really ensure that you’re getting the best of what’s available to you!

We encourage you to reach out to educators and other groomers who are certified, as they would be able to offer the very best hands-on advice for what to expect and where to start. Not only is this a great way to get some extra info, but it’s also a fantastic way to network within the industry! We’re lucky enough to be a part of one of the most heartwarminglyfriendly industries out there, so be sure to utilise any social aspects around! People such as Bill Betts from Pet Passion to Profit are a fab example of this, and we encourage groomers everywhere to get involved and put their names out there!

Ultimately, we want you to walk away from this issue of TGM with a little bit of extra incentive to do something spectacular to boost your grooming business. There’s no downside to striving to be better, so what’s stopping you?

Even if you’re not looking to get certified yourself, it’s always encouraged to do some extra research about this ever-growing industry that we all know and love. Knowledge is power, so be sure to investigate and find out what’s best for yourself and your grooming career!

Search for more info within your internet browser and find out what the best CPD options are for you today! It will only be beneficial for yourself, your clientele and, arguably most importantly, the furry clients!

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Image by LUM3N from Pixabay

Image by joakant from Pixabay

GROOMERS AROUND THE WORLD

France

We’ve been journeying around the world a lot over the course of Total Grooming, and this month we’re focusing in on the fantastic world of French dog groomers and what they offer the industry.

Every country has strengths that they can share with others, especially when it comes to fashionable pups and different dog breeds around the world.

France holds specific standards when it comes to dog grooming. Many of these are endorsed by notable kennel clubs, such as the well-known Fédération Cynologique Internationale, or the FCI for short.

We all know about how many different types of breeds, and styles for said breeds, there are within the dog grooming world, but there is a notable amount of attention and standards set by the French industry that emphasise breed standards.

Groomers worldwide are meticulous when paying attention to small details within their grooms, and the French dog grooming industry is no exception to

this! Achieving a polished and elegant appearance is key, utilising precise scissoring techniques to create some super smooth lines and defined shapes with the grooms.

Now, we in the UK are no strangers to hand stripping, and neither are our French counterparts! Terriers have a notable mark within the dog grooming world as their wiry coat can often call for hand stripping, helping to maintain the texture and even colour of the coat.

That being said, going for a natural look is often sought after within France. You’ll often find that styles aren’t overly exaggerated, bringing a wholesome yet sophisticated approach to the industry.

Let’s take a look at some of the most sought-after dogs in France, and ones what are world-renowned for their unique styles and interesting take on grooming.

Brittany Spaniel

These easily trainable and energetic pups come from the region of Brittany in France. Naturally, they’re super energetic and are excellent hooters due to their keen sense of smell and overall intelligence.

Despite (attempting to) give off the appearance of big, strong brave hunters they are fantastic family members to have around the house. They are loyal and work well with being trained. Ultimately, their needs are fairly moderate and don’t need too much more than a regular brush from their parents, aside from their usual grooming appointments of course!

Basset Hound

Basset hounds are a classic, loyal, laid back and calm friend to have by your side! It’s almost hard to forget them, with their droopy ears and tired eyes. These

Image by Johanna Charton from Pixabay

little guys have a remarkable sense of smell, making them amazing trackers. Overall, they are relatively laid-back dogs, and their grooming needs can revolve around ear cleanings mostly, as their long ears can trap so many nasties that may cause infection!

Lastly, we want to talk about the…

Poodle

These adorable little chaps are a lot more intelligent than they seem! Their main indicator is that they have some adorably curly coats!

A very intelligent and obedient dog, they are fantastic when trained in agility and their obedience makes them incredible family members to share a home with. Often requiring mental and physical exercise to keep them occupied, their curly coats also require regular grooming appointments with their favourite groomers to help prevent matted fur and to keep them at the top of their game!

Overall, it’s important to consider what we can learn from the dog grooming industry as a whole. We want to encourage you all to share creative ideas, pass on tips and tricks with one another and ultimately build up what we already know is a fantastic industry!

You can take a look at Fédération Cynologique Internationale by visiting www.fci.be/en/

GROOMERS AROUND THE WORLD

Image by carah_ from Pixabay

Image by Daniel Albany from Pixabay

Animal Talent & Casting Agency

Urban Paws UK

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

Grooming Supplies

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

Industry Services

Pet Industry Federation

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)

Pet Food

Monty’s Natural Treats & Wholesale

Looking for extra income? Give our Natural Treats, Foods & Supplements a New Brand. Wholesale Products at low prices & Free White Label Services. 5% OFF your first order with Code: TGM23

T: 0203 797 6308

E: trade@montysnaturaltreats.co.uk

W: www.montystreats.co.uk

Burns Pet Nutrition

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

T: 0800 0181890

E: sales@burnspet.co.uk

W: www.burnspet.co.uk

Facebook: burnspet

Instagram: @burnset

Twitter: @burnspetfood

Raw Feeding

Natural Instinct

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

For All Dogkind

Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available)

T:. 020 7148 0316

E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk

W: www.foralldogkind.co.uk

Secret Weapon UK

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

Natural Pet Treats

Skincare

Sharpening

Leucillin

Healthy skin makes for a happy pet!

Leucillin keeps skin clean and clear tackling irritation, sore, itchy or smelly skin, safe for ears and eyes.

T: 0345 548 9800

E: info@leucillin.co.uk

W: www.leucillin.co.uk

Facebook: leucillin

Instagram: @leucillin_skincare

iPET Network

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

KD Grooming Studio

Shear Ease

Shear Ease specialise in clipper blade sharpening, scissor/instrument sharpening and clipper service & repair blades and scissors sharpened and back in the post in one working day!

T: 01407 832 800

E: office@sheareaseltd.com

W: www.sheareaseltd.com

Training and Education

Capel Manor College

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

T: 0303 003 1234

E: study@capel.ac.uk

W: www.capel.ac.uk

Facebook: capelmanorcollege

Twitter: @capelmanor

Instagram: @capelmanor

Four Paws Groom School

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

Haddon Training

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

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

National Pet College

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

Pet Passion to Profit

Mentoring Pet Grooming Professionals to earn more money and have the business they dream of; changing lives of groomers and the grooming industry one business at a time!

E: info@petpassiontoprofit.com

W: www.petpassiontoprofit.com

Facebook: Petpassiontoprofit

Facebook: groups/doggrooming businesshelpandsupport

Instagram: @pet_passion_to_profit1

Rob Fellows Reiki

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

FB group: Reiki for Dog Groomers

Instagram: @reikirobfellows

Summit Groomer Training Group

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