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Contents
T
his issue focusses on dryers, tables and baths with great tips and advice from the experts and recommendations on which products to use and why. There’s also up-to-date advice on salon health and hygiene and moving away from cash payments in the salon. Please feel free to get in touch with questions and any matters that are of concern to you. We will do our best to address these. Keep safe and well.
16 Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk
Heidi Anderton provides guidance on the best options for drying dogs
Contents 04 News and new products 06 News and new products 08 News and new products 10 News and new products 12 Lakhi offers his top tips on tables 16 Heidi Anderton provides guidance on the best options for drying dogs
On the cover: Purple Paw 07767 292 199 purplepawsupplies. co.uk
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk OCTOBER 2020
EXCLUSIVE TO PURPLE PAW TEL: 07767 292199
20 Income protection in a Covid-19 world 22 Debby Knight shares her health & hygiene tips
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
Commercial Director Mike Smith – mike@tgmpublishing.co.uk T: 01795 509110
Account Manager Becky Smith – becky@tgmpublishing.co.uk
Credit Facilities Manager Natalie Murray – creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509103
36
Dryer maintenance – why it matters
28 Behaviourist and groomer Tracy Mcrindle provides advice on helping dogs to cope with the drying process 36 Dryer maintenance – why it matters 38 Card payments in the salon and how it can help reduce infection rates © 2020 TGM Publishing Limited, The Goods Shed, Jubilee Way, Whitstable Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to TGM Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.
Total Grooming Magazine | 3
SPONSORED BY
News and Product Round-up Introducing New Applaws Taste Toppers
A
sk any dog owner and they’ll tell you that a dog is more than just a pet – they’re part of the family. A best friend. A running buddy. A warm welcome home when you walk through the front door. And now more than ever, we could all ‘Add More Happy’ to our daily routines. That’s why today, Julian Bambridge, CEO of MPM, the owners of Applaws Natural Pet Food, is thrilled to announce the global product launch of Applaws Taste Toppers. Applaws offer an exciting new range of complementary pet food, designed to be served on top of any dry dog food to make mealtimes more interesting for dogs and their owners alike. Every recipe is 100% Natural*, No Additives, High quality ingredients. “Good nutrition starts with great ingredients, and there’s nothing but the very best in new Applaws Taste Toppers,” Bambridge said. “This new range will not only help dog owners make mealtimes more interesting for
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their four-legged friends, but Applaws is truly on a mission to ‘Add More Happy’ – giving dogs the variety they crave and the pet food trade the new product innovation its begging for.” To Liven up dry dog food Applaws Taste Toppers offers different tastes and textures including; Apple, Courgette, Pumpkin, White Bean, Lentils and Sweet Potato. Applaws Taste Toppers couldn’t be easier to serve – simply: • Top it: Add a New Applaws Taste Topper to a bowl of good quality dry food. • Stir it: Mix in the natural ingredients, real meat protein and superfoods – that’s what makes Applaws Taste Toppers taste so good. • Mix it: New Applaws Taste Toppers come in a variety of textures and a mix of moisture levels so your dog will always come racing to their bowl. “The humanisation of pets has been
shaping consumers’ decisions for years,” Bambridge added. “We know how valued pets are in our families todayeven considered ‘substitute children’ by many of the 24 million millennial pet owners across the country. Dry food can be boring and we would never eat the same meal, day-after-day. So, it’s time to “Add More Happy’, exciting variety and all-natural quality to our dogs’ mealtime with Applaws Taste Toppers.” The packaging was carefully designed and developed to ensure impactful, positive purchase intent among dog owners. Applaws Taste Toppers are available in a selection of tasty textures including: Bone Broths, Broths, Fillets, Jellies, Stews and Gravies with pricing starting from £1.29. Applaws Taste Toppers are available from Pets at Home stores from the 21st September. *excluding jellies and beef gravy which are made with natural ingredients.
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Pet Advent Calendar
New Puppy Tangle Teezer Launched
P
ET TEEZER – the dog brush range, from the creators of the life-changing detangling hairbrush brand TANGLE TEEZER, had added a NEW Puppy version to their growing pack of fourlegged grooming excellence. Designed to detangle or de-shed a puppy’s coat, as well as promote shine, the safe and easy-to-use Puppy Brush is the perfect introduction to grooming. As well as its performance to brush it also provides the pup with a lovely massage sensation, so spending time with their favourite human couldn’t be more enjoyable! The new pup brush retails for £10. For more information visit: petteezer.com
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ith pets of today used to indulging in just about every activity and tradition that us humans do, it’s only fair that they also get their own Advent Calendar this year. Especially as they definitely cannot indulge in one of your chocolate-y treats! At an RRP of £7.00 for a calendar containing a minimum of 48 mini delicious, guilt-free treats, hidden behind the 24 little windows, this is the perfect gift for that special four-legged friend in your life. The treats are all made in the UK and Ireland, packed full of responsibly sourced ingredients and have extra benefits like dental care. True to Scrumbles’ ethos all the recipes are also designed with the most sensitive of tummies in mind containing Slippery Elm, an ingredient which supports digestive health and could help with the prettiness of your pets’ poop. A gift which will definitely keep on giving!
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Scrumbles Cat Advent Calendar The Cat Advent Calendar contains a mix of two treats, a Scrumbles’ chicken biscuit and Gnashers Dental Bite. The Gnashers Dental Bites were launched by Scrumbles this year to tackle the highly prevalent issue of dental disease within cats, with around 8 in every 10 cats suffering in silence. These are crunchy to remove hard to reduce teeth and contain an active ingredient to reduce plaque build-up (and costly vet bills!).
Scrumbles Dog Advent Calendar The Dog Advent Calendar contains a mix of two treats, a mini version of Scrumbles’ Gnashers Dog Dental Bones and Nibbles: Calming Dog Treats. The crunchy mini Dental Bones contain an active ingredient proven to reduce plaque build-up, as well as being naturally vegan to reduce their carbon footprint. The turkey Nibbles are baked with chamomile and lemon balm to help keep your pooch nice and relaxed, even around Christmas time!
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
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ORIJEN Launches Small Breed Dog Food Delivering big taste in small bites!
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RIJEN today launches Small Breed, a dog food designed especially for smaller breeds that is loaded with 85% quality animal ingredients in a small, freezedried infused, tasty kibble. Formulated to entirely nourish small dogs, ORIJEN Small Breed: • Meets high-energy needs: proteinrich to support higher energy needs and nutritionally balanced to help maintain a healthy weight. • Provides total system support: specially formulated to support your dog’s immune system and joint mobility for active living and healthy ageing • Promotes healthy skin and coat: nutrient-rich with properly balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. ORIJEN Small Breed is loaded with 85% quality animal ingredients: freerun chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish and quail, in WholePrey ratios. The top 10 ingredients on the bag are fresh or raw, comprising 2/3 of the animal ingredients. Colin Rodger, Managing Director
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of Bern Pets Foods, the exclusive importers and distributors of ORIJEN into UK and Ireland, says: “ORIJEN Small Breed contains all the quality you would expect from ORIJEN, formulated to nourish small breeds completely. The freeze-dried infused kibble is smaller, making it easy to eat for little mouths, with a taste that dogs love” ORIJEN Small Breed is suitable for all life stages and available in two sizes: 1.8kg (SRP £20.99) and 4.5kg (SRP £44.99). For more information visit: www.BernPetFoods.co.uk
Groomer apprenticeships could soon be launched
Groomer Apprenticeships Update A trailblazer group is driving forward the programme for groomer apprenticeships. Joanne Angus of Summit Groomer Training Group, is. delighted to report that the initiative is moving forward: “We’ve finally got over the first hurdle so now sent in the proposal which we should have feedback on at the beginning of November. It’s looking very positive, so fingers crossed for an apprenticeship from next Spring!”
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Battersea Warns of Dangers of Buying Pets from Unscrupulous Breeders
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attersea is warning people looking for a new pet to be careful after a five-weekold kitten was left needing emergency surgery just two days after she was bought from a breeder. The much-loved animal rescue centre took in tiny kitten Alani, after her owners found a lump on her belly and a vet diagnosed her with an umbilical hernia. Unable to afford treatment, the family made the responsible decision to hand her into Battersea. On arrival, little Alani was rushed to the London centre’s operating theatre as Battersea’s expert veterinary team were concerned her intestines would twist beyond repair. Despite her tiny size, they were able to treat the hernia. Shaun Opperman, Battersea’s Veterinary Director, said: “Alani was able to get the treatment she so badly needed. Her previous owners made the right decision by handing her into Battersea as they were unable to afford the veterinary procedure. They’d only had her for two days and hadn’t realised how young she was – far too young to be parted from her mother. “Sadly, this isn’t the first time we have seen animals like Alani being brought into Battersea needing urgent medical care. Animal lovers across the country have been duped into handing over cash to unscrupulous sellers who sell pets without any thought for their welfare. “We strongly advise those who are thinking about going to private sellers for their pets to do thorough research beforehand, or consider a rescue. If you’ve bought a pet during lockdown and aren’t sure you can care for it, please do the right thing and bring it to a rescue centre rather than abandoning it.” Alani spent the rest of her recovery in a foster home with a member of staff where she grew in confidence and affection, showing off her mischievous side. After 30 days, Alani was microchipped and neutered before
10 | www.christiesdirect.com
Alani recovering at Battersea
finding a new home. Battersea has been here for every dog and cat for 160 years and is now able to take in dogs and cats needing homes again. Like many charities, Battersea has seen a significant drop in income
as a direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Now more than ever, Battersea needs your support so they can continue to help animals like Alani. Visit battersea.org.uk to find out how you can support Battersea.
Turning the Tables Lakhi has been grooming for nearly 30 years and has a salon and training school: Posh Pets Academy, Bournville, Birmingham. He is an international certified Master Groomer. He shows and competes and holds demos around the country. In this issue, Lakhi shares his views on tables – which work best for him and why: One of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll purchase for your salon and ultimately the one piece of equipment that could help your back health in the future . Going cheap to start off with is not necessarily the best choice . You can skimp on most equipment but your table is the most important item to keep you and your dog safe.
Table types When choosing the correct table for your salon there are various factors to consider: size, cost, manual or electric. Over the years I’ve had various models and I personally prefer the hydraulic types as having eight tables, powerpoints for electric tables can be difficult. I prefer the ease at which you can have this type of table in the middle of the room without wires in the way. Hydraulic tables can be a more economical way to start, being around half the price of an electric one . The downside to hydraulic is that they can be jerky when adjusting height whereas the electric tables glide. Downsides to electric tables is you have to have them maintained occasionally and be careful of using them around wet areas – make sure that you have wet room safe sockets etc. Another factor to consider is the way any table will go up or down, some tend to move over to one side and then the scissor type go directly up and down. So when planning on buying a non-scissor action table you must allow extra space 12 | Total Grooming Magazine
Hydraulic large table
for them to manoeuvre across. There’s another downfall to standard electric or hydraulic tables and that is that they can move around as the dog tends to stand towards the edge it can over balance the table which can cause it to tip. It’s always best if you can see the
table before purchasing, for example, at a grooming event etc , that way you can get a better idea of size, movement etc. Fold up static tables have their place for comps, emergencies etc however they’re not recommended for everyday use as your back will suffer greatly.
T: 07539312502 E: henryandcoorganics@gmail.com www.henryandcoorganics.co.uk
Total Grooming Magazine | 13
There are products like extender poles or elephant feet which can help with adjusting the height . Another on the market is the light up glass table which is great for low lit salons and darker dogs. I have used these on a couple of occasions and found them great. You just have to be careful using silicone products on or around them as they can become slippery. Shape can play a big part in choosing a table. I like some of the smaller round tables for demonstration purposes, they’re compact, easy to move around and save a dog from jumping around, however they tend to come on a round pedestal base which can be unstable with a larger fidgety dog . They’re ideal for working on smaller dogs away from a wall. Some tables have another great feature. The top can rotate 360 degrees, so you can access the dog from all angles, great for smaller spaces, they lock after adjusting so are quite secure for smaller breeds.
Safety first Safety is paramount when choosing a table, Size matters ! If you predominantly groom small dogs then a smaller table is fine, I mainly groom smaller breeds but I like a table to be a little longer for my equipment. Larger breeds need a sturdy table. Try and avoid tables with a pedestal type base as they can tip and be unstable. Also to consider is whether the table comes with an H bar or a basic grooming arm. I prefer just an arm whereas my colleagues prefer H frames. It’s entirely up to you. Another consideration is the surface material: Some can be quite rough on dogs’ feet and I know it can be difficult to see a dog on a black surface. A quick and simple tip is to cut a piece of yoga matting about three quarters the size of the table and clamp one end under the grooming table for 14 | Total Grooming Magazine
Hydraulic pedestal table with swivel top
stability. This is more comfortable for the dog, keeps them still and it’s cheap enough to replace as needed. I found it also helps keep your table looking like new without any white scratches.
Posture One of the most important things to consider is the height of your tables. A good rule of thumb is a dog’s topline (back) should be at you chin level. It’s difficult to find good tall tables but they are out there. It must allow you to stand comfortably whilst grooming, spending hours stooped over a dog is not great for your back or hips. Your feet should neatly fit under the table without you having to lean across.
There’s a couple of great products available to divide the table thus bringing the dog closer to you. Centre Stage back drop table dividers and the Move Over Rover are two great products to save your back. I suffer with my back so I had a wooden stage built to pop my table onto which increased the height another four inches, the difference was amazing. It has a non- slip surface so is very secure. Elephant feet also help in increasing height but can be flimsy. So to recap, always invest in the best table you can afford, the size suitable for the work you intend to do and to have it at the correct height you require, you’ll thank your decision down the road and still be able to do cartwheels at the grand age of 70. Happy Grooming all!
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Total Grooming Magazine | 15
Drying Dogs & Best Practice
Heidi Anderton principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming talks about drying dogs, the equipment used and the effect it can have. Heidi is a highly qualified and experienced industry expert as well as an award winning groomer and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association: Drying dogs All dogs will generally need to be dried after bathing in one way or another. The methods we use will depend on various factors – these will include, coat types and finishes required, skull shapes and any breathing issues, size, behaviour, health and any individual requirements.
Methods to dry dogs There are several methods to dry dogs available, each have their positive and negative points and each you will need to assess to the individual requirements of the dog you wish to dry including the desired finish. Ex, fluff or flat dried. It is very important that you consider the essential options above available to you as these will benefit you in the salon to be able to dry all dogs, no matter of coat type, temperament or health.
Signs of stress in dogs Whining, barking, whimpering, shaking, urinating, defecating, all some common signs of stress in dogs exhibited in the salon. All the above drying methods can be found in grooming salons. Sometimes we can use a combination of the drying methods to suit the dog in question. For example: Blast body, towel dry legs and head. We all have our preferred methods of drying but sometimes these may not suit the dog we are working with. 16 | Total Grooming Magazine
If you notice any signs of stress due to drying it is prudent to stop what you are doing and change to another less intrusive or stressful method. Some dogs can be very sensitive to noise and velocity of the dryers and blasters that the simplest and quickest methods of drying will be towel drying or air drying with maybe a heat source (dryer) from a distance to produce enough heat without any feeling of velocity or noise to the dog. You could try using a happy hoodie to block the noise from the ears – dogs have much more sensitive hearing than us and this method works most of the time.
Choosing the right equipment to dry dogs The drying equipment you choose will be down to personal preference and the space, the set up and budget which you have available to you. Shop around! Go to grooming shows or visit a local supplier and discuss all the options available to you. Feel the equipment, the quality, the weight, look at the advantages and the disadvantages. Will it fit your purpose? Look at the sizes of the hoses, ask if
they get hot!? – will they get too hot to handle for long? Or are the hoses too big to hold for a long period of time? It is important to choose equipment which will fit your purpose. If you groom mostly small dogs, you will not need a dryer with lots of velocity and at the same time – if you do mostly giant breeds with thick coats, you will require a dryer with a lot of velocity. Think before you buy to gain the most longevity out of your equipment.
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
Drying Method
Advantages
Air Drying Essential option
• • • •
Towel Drying Essential option
Cabinet Drying
No noise No velocity No interaction Great on a hot day
Disadvantages
Types
• Slow • Can leave wet patches (ex. under ears) • Unsuitable in a cold environment
• N/A
• No noise • No velocity • Massaging effect
• Quite slow • Can leave wet patches
• Absorbent cloths • Cotton towel
• V ariable heat/temp regulator • Dry more than one dog at a time • Dry dog while you complete other work • Less time with the dog • Circulating air from fan • Secure option for the right dog
• • • •
• Bottom fan • Side fan
• • • •
Blaster drying Essential option
• • • • • • • • •
inishing/fluff F drying Essential option
• • • •
Active drying Variable velocity Variable heat Use simultaneously with a brush to stretch coat • Portable • Use close or further away
• S tand dryers can get hair stuck in the wheels
• Wall dryer • Stand dryer
Cage drying
• V ariable heat/temp regulator • Dry dog while you complete other work • Less time with the dog • Secure option for the right dog
• Quite slow • Requires stops for brushing • Inactive drying system (dries hair together) • Unsuitable for wool coats or short nosed • Expensive to buy • Cannot regulate temperature of the crate • Stressful for some dogs
• Cage mounted
18 | Total Grooming Magazine
Variable velocity Variable heat Head options Massaging effect Minimal handling Dries quickly Portable Use close or further away Use to Dry completely
Quite slow Requires stops for brushing Too small for big /giant dogs Inactive drying system (dries hair together) Unsuitable for wool coats or short nosed Expensive to buy Requires daily cleaning-can be time consuming Stressful for some dogs
• • • •
oo Noisy for some dogs T Too Forceful for some dogs Hoses can get hot Hoses can be too wide to hold for long
• Velocity only • Velocity/heat combined • Wall mounted • Stand mounted
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It’s remains the 'grooming' nations favourite dryer because it’s so well designed - a SUPAJET is built to perform and built to last.
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Coronavirus Effect on Income Protection
Independent financial adviser, Ben Morris of Morris Financial Management, looks at the Coronavirus effect on income protection:
I
f you’re thinking of taking out insurance to protect yourself from financial troubles brought on by coronavirus, it’s vital you make sure that your policy will actually pay out if you make a claim. Traditionally, critical illness cover and income protection insurance, as well as certain types of unemployment cover, protect your finances if you are unable to work due to illness or redundancy. But insurance companies have made clear that coronavirus is not covered by the vast majority of these policies. This means if you’re taking out
20 | Total Grooming Magazine
insurance specifically to protect against the virus and you buy the wrong cover you will be paying for something you don’t need and may still be left financially vulnerable if you are unable to work. On top of this, insurers have started to pull their unemployment insurance products in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, so your options may be limited. Meanwhile others have started to add exclusions to income protection insurance, which would exclude payouts for those off sick with the virus. I’ve been taking a growing number
of calls asking about protection and let’s face it, a few months ago we would never have dreamt that this situation would have developed. If you took your policy out well before the onset of the virus and you have a good, and take that to mean a more expensive product, you may be covered if you are off work because you are sick with the virus, but any new policies are likely to now include coronavirus in its exclusions. For more information contact Ben Morris on 01745 798260 or email ben@ morrisfinancial.co.uk
A Clean Sweep Groomer and trainer, Debby Knight of Bristles Dog Grooming Training Centre gives her top salon hygiene tips in a Covid-19 world. your own dogs regularly. Change the towel every day in your toilet, clean the sink and NEVER leave a dirty mop and bucket in the salon, kitchen or toilet. By cleaning inside and outside your salon you will reduce the chance of catching or giving infections and create a great impression for your visitors.
I
visit many grooming salons and it is very rare for me to visit one that has a clean salon, kitchen and toilet. Yet health and hygiene is the most important part of your grooming business, especially given the current virus situation.
My top tips are: • Wash your hands between each dog groom and before leaving the grooming salon. • Sterilise your blades, scissors, brushes, combs etc between grooms. • Buy a UV sterilising wand. This kills bacteria, viruses and dust mites and can be used on your equipment (blades, combs scissors etc ) between dogs to prevent cross contamination. • Make sure you are aware of the common zoonotic diseases like scabies, worms etc. • Clean your bath, dog crates and table with an antibacterial product between dogs. • Don’t reuse towels, instead use one dog per towel and at the end of the working day wash all towels on a hot 22 | Total Grooming Magazine
wash. Never leave them overnight. Don’t forget to wipe out the wet towel basket etc . • Wipe over your large pieces of grooming equipment with an effective sanitiser at the end of EVERY day as it will be covered with dander and hair. • Wash the dryer filters too.
Mop the floors with a sanitising product and allow to dry. • Leave a dehumidifier running at night to take out all the damp stale air. All this will eliminate the smell created by bacteria. There is a UVC machine that can be purchased for about £400 that will take out all the bacteria in the room. Health covers both you and the dogs. Buy good quality equipment; adjustable tables will prevent any back problems or strains. Use brushes that are ergonomically designed. Have a tetanus injection to protect yourself from infectious bites. Vaccinate and worm
Hygiene product focus: The Sinkie
T
he innovative Sinkie hair trap is now available for dog groomers. Manufactured in compressed silicone rubber, Sinkie is a flexible, flat, perforated disk with a patented skirt and sucker feet that allow it to sit flush over any plughole and stay in place whilst water flows through it and any waste items remain on top. At the end of the wash, the Sinkie can be lifted out and the debris binned. A quick rinse under the tap and the Sinkie is ready for re-use or, at the end of the day, it can be put in the washing machine with the towels. For further information, please contact Dossil Ltd directly on 01954 204276, email info@dossil.com or visit www. dossil.com
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23/09/2020 12:47
Visiting the ‘great outdoors’ is increasingly popular
Be Safety Aware When Travelling With Your Pet
With this year’s lockdown and quarantine restrictions, many people are heading around the UK for a staycation and autumn is the ideal time to hit the beach and country locations with your dog but if excursions involve car travel it is important to make sure you are keeping your pooch safe.
P
et loving Brits could receive hefty fines or penalties when travelling with their animals if certain safety rules are broken.
Keep your pet safe in the car Pet owners are being urged to put safety first and plan ahead when travelling with their animals. The motoring experts at LeaseCar.uk have compiled their advice for travelling 24 | Total Grooming Magazine
with pets, with the top priority being to keep them and other passengers safe. The Highway Code states that a dog or other animals must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. Failure to do this could result in a fine and penalty points. The experts are urging owners to use suitable restraints including harnesses for dogs, pet guards for larger, active
dogs and cages or carriers for smaller animals. Other tips featured in the guide cover preparing your animal for the journey, advice for during the trip and what to do when you finally arrive. Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Travelling with your pet can be stressful, especially if they become anxious or suffer from motion sickness. “These tips have been put together to help make the journey as easy as
The beach is a great place to visit but make sure you travel safely
possible for both your animal and you. Preparing them ahead of the trip with a long walk and a light meal will get you off to a good start. “Once the journey is underway, it’s important to make sure your pet is safe, and you adhere to the guidance set out in the Highway Code. Also remember to have plenty of stops, keep water in the car with your pet and make sure they don’t overheat. “And when you finally reach your destination, let them run or take them on a good long walk.”
Before you start your journey 1. Go for a walk Take your pet for a long walk before you head off on your travels to burn off excess energy. They’re more likely to spend the journey relaxing if they’re worn out.
2. Feeding Feed your pet at least two hours before travel – they travel better on an empty stomach and it reduces the risk of travel sickness. Also make sure there’s 26 | Total Grooming Magazine
water in the car in a spill proof bowl.
On the journey 3. Keeping your pet safe Make sure you stick to the rules in the Highway Code and keep your pet safe by using restraints. Harnesses are great for dogs. For larger, more active dogs, try a pet guard which can turn the boot into a dedicated pet area. For smaller pets, consider investing in a carrier, crate or cage.
and make them as happy and relaxed as possible. This could be as simple as their favourite toy or a blanket from home.
7. Cooling down Don’t let your pet hang out of the window to cool down. Not only is this illegal, they could injure themselves. Instead turn on the air conditioning and open windows furthest from your animal.
4. Breaks
8. Breakdown
Remember to take plenty of breaks on the journey for toilet stops and exercise, especially if you’re travelling a long way. And remember to keep your pet on a lead when you take them out of the car.
If you breakdown while travelling with your pet, don’t let them out unless it safe to do so and make sure you keep them on a lead but make sure to keep them cool in the car – use a cool coat or mat and keep windows open or air conditioning on.
5. Window Shades Invest in some window shades to help keep the car cool and block out direct sunlight. This will make the journey more comfortable for your pet.
6. Keep your pet relaxed Journeys can be stressful to pet, so try
When you arrive 9. Let them free As soon as you arrive and it’s safe to do so, give your pet a chance to stretch their legs and run around.
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Total Grooming Magazine | 27
Introducing the dryer slowly and carefully will make a groomer’s job a lot easier further down the line
It’s Not Just Hot Air
In our best of Tracy Mcrindle series, the groomer and behaviourist, provides advice on how to overcome a dog’s fear of the dryer:
W
hen a dog hasn’t been introduced to the dryer early enough, with enough care, or has had a bad experience with a dryer (even someone playing with the hairdryer at home can be enough to make a dog fearful), it can be a huge obstacle when it comes to grooming. Although it is possible to clip before a bath and then towel dry, most of us would prefer to save our blades from dirty coats and to get a nicer finish before we send the dog home. There is also the option to bath on one day and have the dog return the next to be
28 | Total Grooming Magazine
clipped, but this can be time consuming for the client and they may not be able to keep the dog clean before he returns. Ideally, we would like the dog to be bathed and dried in the salon without him becoming fearful, and even getting to the stage where you can dry the body and allow the head to air dry while you style the body can be a good compromise for dog and groomer. So, how do we take a dog from his fearful state and help him reach the stage where he can bear to have his hair dried. Desensitisation and counterconditioning is the name of the process used to gradually change the way the
dog feels about an object or situation that frightens him. In short, we can use this process to make the dryer feel less scary and to help the dog feel more positive about it’s appearance. Stage one would be to have the dog tolerate being in the same room as the dryer with the power off. Many dogs can start to show signs of fear as a stand dryer is wheeled across the floor or the long hose of a blaster is unraveled; if you bear in mind that he doesn’t have the same understanding as we do of what these items are for, you can better appreciate that it must be quite something to have this
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big lump of machinery rumbling towards you, or to see a long, snakelike hose spring to life on the floor! To begin with, I use some high value treats and toys and just have the dog be present in the same room as the dryer without turning it on. We start by playing at a distance to the dryer and work slowly closer. If the dog knows how to hand target, or you have time to teach him, this can be a great tool for getting him to make a game out of walking across the hose or touching the pole on the stand dryer. As he gets more confident you can start to make the hose or dryer move gently and build up to him being able to cope when it moves fairly quickly. This may take several sessions. Introducing him to a dryer that is switched on is the next stage, and, again, should be done slowly and gradually. I would choose the lowest powered dryer you have and switch it on at the lowest speed to make it as quiet as possible. You could even have a radio playing reasonable loudly before you turn the drier on and that will make the noise create less of an impact. 30 | Total Grooming Magazine
Then, you can gradually reduce the volume on the radio over a period of time so that the sound of the dryer builds up slowly. Some dogs will become anxious if you leave their side to switch the dryer on or if you bring it too close at first in order to be able to reach the power button. If you don’t have an assistant, a handy tool is a remote control socket adaptor that enables you to switch on the dryer from the opposite side of the room and, equally usefully, turn it off again without leaving the dog’s side if he needs a break from it. I wouldn’t necessarily have the dog on the table during this process – his stress levels will be reduced if he is free to move around a little, or sit on your lap if he prefers. I usually sit on my grooming stool and play target or fetch games with the dog using high value treats or toys – anything that helps him associate the noise of the dryer being the backdrop to something fun. As he starts to settle (again, this may take several sessions), you can work towards getting him closer to the dryer, having it become louder and faster, and
playing with him underneath or around it so that he gets used to the feeling of the air on his body. Be careful to only introduce one new thing at a time and to let him get used to each level of noise before moving on – if he becomes frightened go back a step or two and end your session on a good note. Eventually, most dogs will be ready to move on to a gentle blow dry. I always start with a back leg and a very gentle speed/heat. Give him lots of reassurance as you move the dryer very slowly up and along his body. It may take a number of tries before he will allow you to fully dry him but it is always best not to push him too far in one day as this could really undo all your hard work so far. Covering his ears with the likes of a Happy Hoodie can help, as it stops the air blowing in his ears, and, if you have more than one type of dryer, it can be worth seeing if he tolerates one better than the other. If you take the time to observe his reactions, you will soon be able to work out how best to help him cope better with being dried at the salon.
Trigger Stacking Groomer, Jenny Farrell, explains what trigger stacking in dogs means and how it can affect grooming? As groomers we have a very busy, hectic day with lots going off and no time to breath until the last dog is done and sent home looking beautiful! What we might not realise is that this can also be a stressful environment and experience for dogs. Dogs show anxiety and fear in different ways such as shaking, drooling, barking, whining, cowering, going stiff, pooping, peeing or being very quiet this is due to the level of trigger stacking the dog is reacting to and it’s different for every dog.
So what is trigger stacking and how will it help dogs and grooming? Throughout the day (and their life) dogs (and humans) experience positive and negative triggers (experiences) that then have an expected result. For example, somebody shouts at you and you experience negative feelings / thoughts towards that person. The next time you meet that person you will expect to be shouted at or be disliked which then results in anxiety because of your past experiences. You have experienced a trigger stack towards that person and because they have not resolved the conflict, the stack is still high. If the person in question had resolved the situation then your stack would reduce and the next time you met them your anxiety would have been reduced. This is similar for dogs and grooming but intensified. Throughout the day dogs will experience negative and positive situations which stack up. In the grooming salon dogs experience several scary new (or old) experiences (sometimes bad experiences in the past which need de-stacking!). These triggers can be anything! A plastic bag, greeting you as a groomer, this may already have accumulated 32 | Total Grooming Magazine
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stacked anxiety. If the dog has had a scary experience before, then a bath, water on the face, blasters, dryers, scary clippers, it is a lot of scary things going on at once and each activity can cause a trigger stack, making grooming a possible huge stacked up mountain of anxiety, post-traumatic stress and fear that needs to be de-stacked and made positive. So, when you have a nervous dog (or puppy) you need to go back to basics. Go very slow and calm, take breaks if needed and reward with positive actions such as a fuss, play time and make the experience enjoyable. This de-stacks the mountain of fear and by working on one trigger at a time you can eventually work through all the scary parts and make grooming a lovely happy experience.
How do you de-stack? First of all greet the owner and make sure the owner leaves the dog without anxiety and stress. They leave and Charlie now thinks he is in a nice safe environment because mum hasn’t been a drama queen and made him nervous as to why mum is so crazy about him being left there. Now after that hurdle, at the first sign of stress / anxiety/ fear you can start reducing the trigger stacks. If it’s a crate you can let them out if safe to do so or safety knot a lead to a hook so they are not enclosed. If it’s bathing go slow, literally take steps back until they are ok with the experience and start building up. You might have to go back to baby steps or start very soft but it’s totally worth it in the end. A happy calm dog is an easy dog to groom, it makes your life easier so remain calm. Don’t ever shout or be sharp with a dog, they are scared and it is stacked energy that needs destacking, they cannot do this themselves and it’s your job to de-stack the energy and turn negative experiences into positive experiences. You will notice a difference within your salon, your grooms and your whole life will become less stressful (try it on yourself with a stressful situation by making sure you end all negative experiences with positives, resolving issues is an easy starter). 34 | Total Grooming Magazine
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Tips for Dryer Maintenance for Groomers
Take good care of your grooming equipment it will save you money
Y
our grooming equipment is your livelihood and taking care of it well means that it will last longer and will cost you less money on repairs and replacements. Dryers and blasters are one of your most robust pieces of salon equipment, but they are still susceptible to damage. The smallest crack can cause big problems if it isn’t repaired quickly. 1. Check the plug, cable and switches for damage regularly to help prevent electrical problems. 2. Confirm the casing is undamaged before daily use. Any crack to the case can let hair and dirt in, and this can start to clog the motor. The motor then has to work harder, which can cause damage and reduce the motor life. 3. Clean your filters daily. Build up on the filters can also make your motor work harder than it has to! First vacuum or blow out hair or dust from 36 | Total Grooming Magazine
the filter, then clean them with warm soapy water and allow to dry. 4. Make sure your hose is undamaged and the hose clip is not broken or misshapen. If you don’t use a manufacturer-approved part, the hose can easily come loose and fly off, becoming a health hazard. If your dryer has a heat function, don’t wrap anything around the nozzle. Dryers with heat usually have their heating element within the nozzle, much like a hairdryer, so wrapping it with tape or a sticky bandage can make it even hotter,leading to a melted mess and a damaged heating element. 5. Ensure there is no hair clogging the output nozzle. You will need to remove the hose for this and then take out any protruding or stuck hair. Hair this close to a heating element can begin to burn. 6. If you are confident, remove the rear cover of the dryer once a month.
Clean out any excess dust from behind the filters and remove any hair that may be caught in the back of the motor. This helps the motor to move freely, preventing wear and other issues. 7. Make sure your dryer stand is safe and secure, that the wheels aren’t clogged with hair and that your dryer is properly attached. If a dryer falls over, this can cause the nozzle to cave in or the casing to crack. 8. Get your dryer serviced once a year. Don’t forget you can get it serviced with Groomers Online call 01635 279821? Do all this and your dryer will be in top condition, ensuring your investment lasts! Safety Warning! Always make sure you complete all your checks and cleaning while the dryer is unplugged.
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T
he Payments Council, the body which represents the payments industry in the UK, predicts that 2020 is the year when the volume of card payments will become the norm following the demand for contactless payments in a pandemic world. Not only that, but convenience is everything. With this increase in card payments, you’re less likely to have wads and wads of cash on the premises, reducing the number of trips you have to make to the bank, not to mention the time spent cashing up. This is generally thought to be good news as cash is perceived to be potentially unclean. However, bear in mind the following: Card processing machines don’t come free, of course and there are usually charges to pay per transaction, which is why it you will want to ensure you are paying as little as possible. The good news is that the Pet Industry Federation has a business partnership with 123Send, one of the UK’s leading providers of card payment solutions. Members of the British Dog Groomers’ Association can benefit from market leading rates on their card processing. This service is offered by the 123Send team to help businesses experienced in card processing as well as card processing virgins. They will set you up with a Merchant Account, plus the appropriate terminal product, linked to the required merchant services provider (acquirer). The service ensures that funds are available on the card being used for any transaction, and manages the whole process through to settlement of payments into your bank account – all in just 3-4 working days. For those already processing cards
38 | Total Grooming Magazine
they will provide a free ‘health check’ to review existing costs and services. Fees start from 1.2% for credit cards or 13p for debit. 123Send can also support you if you wish to change merchant service provider. Their managed terminal service works with all of the major UK acquirers, giving you the flexibility to switch provider while maintaining your hardware and support infrastructure with 123. All terminal types are available, so both salon-based and mobile
groomers are catered for. 123Send also have e-commerce solutions if you take payments online, and UK based technical support is available 364 days a year. If you are a member of the BDGA, or you would like to join to be able to benefit from this service, please contact the Pet Industry Federation on 01234 273933 or email info@petfederation.co.uk – more information is also available on the website: www.petfederation.co.uk
Patented Puppy Grooming
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ince we launched our life changing detangling hairbrush in 2007, Tangle Teezer customers have never stopped asking, if not begging us to design a brush for their dog. Every day at TTHQ we’d be sent or tagged in photos or priceless videos of a dog enjoying being brushed with a Tangle Teezer. So of course, we had to sit up and listen to those who knew best – our customers! Since then we’ve had staggering success with our detangling and de-shedding brushes, so what was the next step? To accommodate the Puppy category of course! We researched the problems that puppies can experience and listened to advice from professionals. Lastly, we tested and retested shapes, sizes, the flexibility and the length of the teeth to ensure puppies know from a young age that the grooming experience can be fun! Just as you would spend precious time with your child, for your dog there’s no better feeling than sharing the love of grooming! Regular brushing not only can keep puppy coats knot free and hygienic, but it also builds discipline. A puppy’s coat constantly changes up to 9 months old, making grooming routines essential. It’s safe for your children to use as no special skills are required and there’s no ‘right’ way to do it. Pet Teezer works when brushing in any direction and just like our hairbrushes, The Power’s in the Teeth. So how does it work? Grip the fur through the teeth and glide the brush through the fur, as opposed to brushing over the top and not putting any fur through the teeth. The intelligence in the teeth are strong enough to grip on to the fur yet have flexibility to release to stop any tugging at the skin. The
40 | Total Grooming Magazine
Pet Teezer Puppy Brush delivers the gentlest of brush strokes with softflex teeth that glide effortlessly. The innovative two-tiered teeth detangle, brush away skin flakes and encourage oil glands to develop without brush burns or irritation to the skin. Perfect for sensitive areas such as behind the ears, beneath the tail and creases of legs. The benefits of Puppy grooming: • Maintains a healthy skin and coat • Improves circulation • Reduces stress and blood pressure – in both human and puppy • Helps you notice unusual lumps and bumps, parasites or scratches How often your puppy needs to be groomed depends on what kind of breed they are. Puppies with long hair
may need to be groomed more often than puppies with short hair. This is because this hair gets dirtier easier and matted more easily. Dogs with long ears, such as cocker spaniels, may need more attention to be paid to this area; if any dirt is left there, it could lead to an ear infection. It is important to brush your dog’s hair if it gets matted, especially if you own a long-haired dog. Here at Pet Teezer we always love to see how your dog is enjoying the Pet Teezer grooming experience so please tag us on social media and send us your pooch being pampered! And if you haven’t got a Pet Teezer brush in your possession, what are you waiting for? It’s the brush your dog would choose! Get your brand new Puppy brush online at PetTeezer.com, Amazon.co.uk or Pets At Home.
A perfect all-in-one grooming brush for puppies Patented two-tiered teeth technology Polymer teeth with soft-flex for a gentler grooming experience, perfect for sensitive areas and delicate skin Safe and easy to clean, with no sharp edges or risk of rusting
The New Seekers
How many of us realise that those highly motivated and rigorously trained search and rescue dogs are actually volunteers? What’s more, you and your dog could join them.
F
or those dog owners looking for a real challenge, joining these voluntary heroes could be the answer. For Laura Williams and her Border Collie x Australian Shepherd, Oddie, it has proved to be the most rewarding challenge. She and Oddie joined Lowland Search Dogs Buckinghamshire – one of the UK’s largest search dog teams in England for lowland rescue - five years ago and discovered a new dimension to their relationship as a result of the training and shared experiences. Laura said: “Oddie is a high energy dog with a lot of drive and needed a job. His role as a search and rescue dog gives him incredible focus and means that he can now actually enjoy some down time when he isn’t working.” Lowland Search Dogs Buckinghamshire was established 10 years ago and has around 30 operational team members and 10 qualified dogs with over 20 more in training. All members are volunteers, most with full time jobs and they work their own pet dogs. Search Dogs assists Thames Valley Police and neighbouring teams in the search and safe recovery of missing vulnerable adults and children. Handlers and dogs receive intensive, constant training throughout the year and are assessed by the Association of Lowland Search & Rescue – the governing body for all lowland teams throughout the UK.
Training and what is involved? A dog team typically consists of – the search dog, the dog’s owner/handler and a support person who performs navigation, communication and first aid functions. 42 | Total Grooming Magazine
Laura and Oddie
Having a strong bond with your dog will help
In order to be fully operational, volunteers have to undergo specific training in search techniques, river bank searching, navigation and radio communication, missing person behaviour and human and canine first aid. The majority of dogs are trained as ‘air scenting’ dogs as most of the work is in rural, unpopulated areas. Dogs are trained to detect any human scent and a successful search takes a number of stages, each of which have to be specifically trained for: Stage 1: Find – positive reward methods are used to encourage the dog to find someone hiding. Stage 2: Alert – the dog needs to be trained to return to their handler and alert them of the ‘find.’ This may be by jumping up or barking. Stage 3: Re-find – the dog needs to take his/her handler back to where they located the missing person. This completes the dog’s search. The training then evolves into further advanced searches covering increasingly large areas. Training involves weekly sessions over two years. If the dog and 44 | Total Grooming Magazine
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handler are successful in completing all their stages, their mock assessments and pass their national assessment, they graduate from a Level 1 training dog and qualify as a Level 2 operational dog. “You have to be committed because any search is always an emergency and you can get called out any time of the day or night at any time of year. “We are most commonly called out to search for those with mental health problems, particularly those at risk of self-harm or for the elderly and those living with conditions such as dementia or for missing children,” Laura explains.
What does it take to be a search dog team? To be a search dog, it is important to have a good nose and good drive, so working breeds are favoured but it is open to any dog with aptitude and a committed handler who will put in the hours of training. “I joined the team in 2013, and 46 | Total Grooming Magazine
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started training Oddie when he was rehomed to me in 2014. He was keen to work and passed his assessment to become operational in 2016. In my five years in the team so far I have donated nearly 2000 hours and attended 64 incidents, as well as too many training sessions to count!” Laura recounts.
How does Oddie alert? “When he finds a person he will run back to me and jump up at me to alert me that he has made a find, then he shuttles back and forth between the person and me until I reach them. “Oddie and I have a great bond and he is willing to trust me when I tell him he can do things. This is useful when we are negotiating obstacles on searches.
Working him has made him a very chilled out dog when he’s off duty.”
Why Laura joined Search and Rescue “I have always loved collies and knew that I would need to provide work for Oddie to be able to give him a fulfilling life. A long time ago somebody I knew went missing and I felt compelled to do something positive for other people in that situation,” Laura explains. Search and Rescue teams are staffed by volunteers and operate as charities, receiving no government funding. For more information visit: searchdogsbucks.org.uk and find out more about how you can get involved or make a donation.
A real life emergency! Laura shares her experience: The callout comes by text at 7pm. Oddie feels my adrenalin rise when I get a callout text and begins rushing around the house, yodelling in excitement and offering me his collar, my keys, a boot and anything else he feels I should hurry up and get. I fill a flask, check the postcode for the rendezvous (RV) and respond to our co-ordinator with a journey time. We pile into the van with Oddie bopping me in the back of the legs with his nose to hurry me up. On the way I count the hours – once called out, it is going to be at least six hours before I get home again. At the RV I am assigned my supports – people in our team who help manage navigation, first aid and communications and help observe the dog. Oddie is qualified as a ‘hasty’ search dog – we search up to 25m either side of a route and all the paths coming off it. It’s where most people are found. Oddie greets our support with more happy yodelling and we collect a briefing from a control van run by Lowland Rescue search planners and coordinators, who liaise with the police. The briefing includes a description of the missing person, any relevant
48 | Total Grooming Magazine
information like medical conditions, and we are given our designated route. Search Team Oddie head out in a small convoy of cars to find a closer parking spot. As we start to search I ask my support to radio our details to control, and release Oddie. I work in front with Oddie, directing him this way and that in arcs around me with support following a watchful ten paces behind. Our route loops around a sloping woodland and we start off on the high ground while the heat from the day is still carrying scent uphill. Under the trees it is getting gloomy and Oddie moves through them like poured smoke. He wears bells both so that I can keep track of him as and as a cue for him that this is work. At points we stop and all consult the maps on our screens, waving away the abundant insect life drawn to the light. Darkness falls completely. Oddie’s blue LED collar makes his white ruff glow eerily. I use my big hand torch to direct him with the beam. As we follow the path down the hill the cooling air comes tumbling down to meet us. Open deciduous woodland gives way to dense conifer plantation and it is hard to see far. Air is very still under pine plantations and little
grows. It smells stale. Oddie has a rest and a drink and then he’s off again, swooping around us, checking, checking, dismissing. Nothing here. We arrive back at my van after three hours searching. It is midnight. We go back to the RV, submit our report and drink coffee. While we’re there, the phone in the control van rings and very calmly, we are given a grid reference from another team to take a stretcher to. Leaving Oddie to rest, we set off. In the dark, pinpricks of light stream from all directions to where another team have found our person unconscious. The lights organise themselves into a line, throwing woodland debris out of the path of the stretcher bearers who follow the illuminated route. Hands come forward to replace aching arms. Once the person has been carried to a suitable track, they are transferred to the back of a 4x4 to make the rest of the journey to a waiting ambulance with all the lights of our torches behind. Some long time later, Oddie and I creep though our sleeping village and finally go to bed.
Natural Food
SmartBarf SmartBarf vegetable and herb mix for dogs on a raw fed or home prepared diet provides valuable extra vitamins and minerals for a more complete meal. E: info@SmartBarf.co.uk W: www.SmartBarf.co.uk S: www.facebook.com/SmartBarf
Grooming Supplies Mutneys Made by groomers, for groomers, Mutneys Professional Pet Care have been manufacturing and supplying professional dog grooming shampoo, fragrances and equipment for 20 years. Our range has been developed within working salons and is produced here in the UK at our Shropshire premises. If you would like to know more, why not speak to a knowledgeable member of the team? T: 08454 68 64 67 or 07968 861 593 E: sales@mutneys.com W: www.mutneys.com
Education Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses. Faulkners Farm, Ashes Lane, Hadlow, TN11 0AN T: 01732 852 605 E: doggrooming@hadlow.ac.uk Hadlow PIF Dog Grooming School & Salon (Greenwich) Hadlow College, an outstanding education provider and the Pet Industry Federation, the leading trade association for pet businesses, jointly offer professional dog grooming courses. Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP T: 020 8856 2960 E: greenwichdoggrooming@hadlow. ac.uk
Food Grooming and Hygiene
Business Services and Insurance Advice
Jelf Insurance Brokers Jelf is an award-winning independent insurance broker and financial consultancy. We provide expert advice to both businesses and individuals on matters relating to insurance, healthcare, employee benefits and financial planning. T: 0845 869 5342 W: jelfgroup.com
Natural Food
Natural Instinct “Award winning, Natural Instinct are passionate about pets, their raw food diet for dogs and cats follows the motto “you are what you eat” and their wholesome and delicious meals are the convenient, no stress, no mess way to feed raw! Proudly supporting British produce.” T: 01276 608500 E: retail@naturalinstinct.com W: www.naturalinstinct.com
Insurance
Pet Business Insurance Pet Business Insurance is the UK’s favourite insurance provider to small and medium sized animal businesses. For over 10 years it has provided specialist cover for all pet care businesses - including walkers, groomers, animal trainers, pet boarding kennels, sitters and many more trades. Cover can be completed online, or by phone with one of our highly experienced advisers. T: +44 (0)1284 736 874 E: info@petbusinessinsurance.co.uk W: www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk
Shampoo Animal Health Address: 38-40 Broton Drive, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HB. T: 01787 476400 F: 01787 476998 E: sales@animal-h:ealth.co.uk W: www.animal-health.co.uk W: facebook.com/animalhealth W: twitter.com/animalhealthco
Grooming Clothing
For All Dogkind Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available) T:. 020 7148 0316 E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk W:www.foralldogkind.co.uk
Pet Accessories
Scruffs® Founded in 2005, Scruffs® is now firmly established as one of Europe’s leading brands of luxury pet bedding and accessories. T: +44 (0) 161 702 5060. E: sales@petslovescruffs.com.
Trade Association For Pet Care Specialists The British Dog Groomers’ Association is a trade association offers dog groomers a range of practical and financial benefits, including insurance, a legal helpline and qualifications. It is part of the Pet Industry Federation family and provides access to invaluable support mechanisms to give dog groomers the skills and confidence to cope with the challenges of running a business. T: 01234 273933 E: info@petfederation.co.uk W: www.petfederation.co.uk DAVE WESTBROOK PROFESSIONAL SHARPENER 07739186419 We specialise in all dog & horse grooming equipment.
Burrsville, Frating Rd, Thorrington, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8HT
Dog First Aid Training Courses and Equipment Animal Aiders Animal Aiders provides high quality and affordable dog first aid courses all over England, ideal for dog professionals, including groomers. T: 01284 811192 or 07758 739332 E: info@animalaiders.co.uk W: www.animalaiders.co.uk
...Image is everything Jim Jump Designs JimJump exclusive range We all know offers that style isan important in portraying a image for any business. of professional lightweight, fashionable hair resistant clothing JimJump have designed that can be mixed and to create your own newmatched exclusive high quality style and personal for everyday wear. fashionable range Give your business a smart and of clothing. professional image as first Our Range impressions count. For more offers information please contact us on exclusive of 267900 T: designs 01787 lightweight E: hair sales@jimjump.co.uk W:resistant www.jimjump.co.uk clothing that can be mixed and matched to create your own personal image for everyday wear.
All garments can be washed and
SHEAR EASE LTD, FREEPOST RTGX-JEHG-XTTH, RHOSYBOL, AMLWCH, ANGLESEY, LL68 9TR
Phone: 01407 832 800
Web: www.sheareaseltd.com
ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING NO ‘HIDDEN’ FEES SAME DAY TURNAROUND INWARD AND OUTWARD POSTAGE INCLUDED IN PRICE FREE POSTAGE LABELS AND PADDED ENVELOPES AVAILABLE CLIPPER BLADE SHARPENING • SCISSOR SHARPENING • CLIPPER REPAIR • CLIPPER BLADE SALES
Total Grooming Magazine | 49
Going Mobile…
Winner
Grooming Van of the Year
The Portable Palace Created from our Revolutionary insulated panel, the Palace provides groomers with unrivalled benefits never seen before in the industry! This amazing new concept was born due to our lining's incredible lifespan - they often out live the vans they were placed in - so we created a demountable pod where your business can be moved on to the next chassis easily when needed - or if you no longer wish to be mobile, you can demount the pod and work from your garden!
• • • • • • • •
As the chassis ages, the Palace can be removed and placed onto a brand new chassis - resulting in a much cheaper cost than having to buy a whole new van and conversion with next to no downtime If the chassis is involved in an accident or breaks down you can simply remove the body, place it on the ground and work from your driveway whilst you wait for it to be repaired. The lining will not out live the vehicle like so often seen with used van conversions. You then have to sell the van & conversion and then buy a new van and conversion and wait whilst it is converted. Whereas with the Palace, you can keep the pod forever and change the chassis as you need to. Once you choose to retire from mobile grooming you can remove the Palace, sell the chassis and work from the Palace in your garden instead of having to buy a parlour or convert a room in your house. When you choose to move home, you can take the pod with you and this portability combined with the size means they will not normally require planning permission in your garden. You never need to buy a Brand new chassis that can depreciate - simply buy used a chassis and then swap them out as they get too old. Smaller than its LWB Van equivalent but provides a more workable space inside that is highly customisable as there are no van strutts or vehicle constraints Can be driven on a normal car driving license Say goodbye to having to buy a whole new van and conversion every few years - simply move your Palace from one chassis to another with zero down time and when the time comes and you no longer want to be mobile, simply
Wet Pet Conversions
01258 837779 www.wetpetsconversions.co.uk
Going Mobile…
Winner
Grooming Van of the Year
Discover your dream work place today
G;Rooms
Our fantastic portable grooming Pods allow you to groom from the comfort of your own garden in a fully waterproof, insulated & professional environment. They are completely self contained - for electric you simply plug the cable provided into your house, for water in you simply attach your garden hose and this is piped straight to your Hydrobath. Waste water is held inside the bath and piped out to a location of your choice. The Pods do not normally ever require planning permission and they can be delivered to even the hardest to reach locations. And if you move house? our Pods move with you! Each pod is fully portable and can be moved an unlimited amount of times. Choose from an unlimited amount of interior & exterior options with fully customisable packages to perfectly suit your budget and design with ever Pod and conversion available on finance from as little as £20+vat per wk!
Trailers
Made from our Revolutionary insulated panel, our VCA Approved Grooming trailers provide the perfect solution if you would like to work from home and be mobile without the running costs associated with a van - with no tax or MOT required with trailers! You can leave the trailer on your drive way or hitch up with your vehicle when ever you need to. And when you have finished being mobile you can permanently demount the trailer from the axels and use it as a Garden Pod!
Vans
Our industry leading dog grooming vans provide unrivalled levels of luxury combined with practicality. Choose from new or used vans or supply your own, we work with you to create the perfect package for your business. Complete with a 10 year lining warranty our conversions outlive and out perform all in their class with a build quality that is second to none. Unlimited optional extras and packages are available including sign writing and free delivery back to you.
New vans Available fully converted from just £68+vat per wk! Portable Palace
Your parlour for life. Our new revolutionary demountable Palace offers benefits never seen before in the industry. Once your chassis reaches the end of its life or is involved in an accident, you simply demount your Palace and work from home or swap it onto a new chassis. If you no longer want to be mobile you can demount the pod and use it as a parlour in your Garden. The palace’s can be driven on a standard UK driving License and are often smaller than their van based equivalent whilst giving you more usable space. Available in a wide range of sizes with unlimited conversion configurations. Available on finance
Wet Pet Conversions
01258 837779 www.wetpetsconversions.co.uk
NATURALLY BETTER
Treat little stinkers kindly!
If you prefer your 'natural' shampoo pure, without chemical scents or artificial colour, give this one a go! Enriched with essential oils to super hydrate and deeply nourish the coat and skin, what's not to like?
simpsons-online.co.uk/showpride 01354 691 830
Showpride PURE Shampoo simpsons-online.co.uk/breeds 1 Litre £ 12 Ref: 4071–144 5 Litres £ 30 Ref: 4071–143