Total Grooming Magazine October 2021

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk OCTOBER 2021

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23/09/2019 16:02:28

CONTENTS

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n this month’s issue we look at cat grooming and how it can add value to your business but also how so many cats are suffering as a result of a lack of grooming.

There’s dryer and drying options advice plus a look at dental cleaning methods and how they can add a new dimension to your salon offer.

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.

Editor www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

22

Separation anxiety – a real life story of overcoming this and how a product innovation resulted

Contents 04 News 06 News 08 News 10 News

32

Cat grooming and why it is important for cats and groomers

12 News 18 Dental hygiene

www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk OCTOBER 2021

On the cover:

22 Separation anxiety – a real life story of overcoming this and how a product innovation resulted

32 Cat grooming and why it is important for cats and groomers 42 Fireworks and how to keep pets calm

Image courtesy of Simpsons

26 Drying dogs – methods and tips for individual dogs

46 Paws for Thought

Editor

Design and Production

Sue Corfield – editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk

Grant Waters – grant@cimltd.co.uk

Commercial Director

James Taylor – james@cimltd.co.uk T: 01795 509110

© 2021 TGM Publishing Limited, 1st Floor, Saphir House 5 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to TGM Publishing Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

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

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

Managing Director John Denning – info@tgmpublishing.co.uk

Total Grooming Magazine | 3

News and Product Round-up New Course for Dog Groomers to Develop Teaching Skills

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ational Pet College has today launched a new level 3 course in Education and Training

• City & Guilds qualification is delivered over twelve webinar sessions • Dog groomers can now upskill into teaching in preparation for sharing their expertise as a dog grooming training centre The National Pet College has today announced the launch of the City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Education and Training, aimed at experienced dog groomers who want to share their expertise with others and upskill into teaching.

Delivered with a clear focus on how to teach and assess in a grooming environment, the qualification is delivered through twelve online, evening sessions by a qualified trainer and coach. Each learner will finish the course with a thorough understanding of how to plan and deliver inclusive teaching in a dog grooming setting, using appropriate resources and teaching methods.

On completion of the City & Guilds 4 | Total Grooming Magazine

qualification, learners can begin their journey to becoming a dog grooming training centre, communicating their knowledge to new entrants into the pet industry.

Special discounts are available to Pet Industry Federation members.

Vicky Skinner, National Pet College’s Head of Education, commented: “Experienced dog groomers who want to diversify their talent into teaching others will really benefit from this nationally recognised qualification, allowing them to develop the knowledge and skills to teach others to become exceptional groomers in the pet

industry.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this course via an online channel, which means that learners from all across the UK can join us. After successful completion of the assignments they will be awarded with a nationally recognised qualification, and will be able to deliver effective dog grooming lessons and assessments.”

Further information about the course can be found at https://www.nationalpetcollege. co.uk/award-in-education-training/ or on the Instagram channel @ NationalPetCollege.

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Pet Crime Crackdown Pet abduction to be made new criminal offence in crackdown on pet theft

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new criminal offence for pet abduction is set to be introduced under government plans to crack down on pet theft following a reported rise in pets being stolen during the pandemic. The new law will recognise the welfare of animals and that pets are valued as more than property.

The new offence is one of several recommendations in a report published today by the Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce which was launched in May 2021. The Taskforce, made up of officials from Defra, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice along with operational partners including the police CPS, Border Force and Local Government, considered evidence from academics, animal welfare organisations, campaign groups, enforcement agencies and industry experts.

Since its establishment, the Taskforce has considered available evidence from academics, animal welfare organisations, campaign groups, enforcement agencies and industry experts to help inform its recommendations.

The report found that seven in 10 of the animal thefts recorded by the police involve dogs. Evidence suggests that around 2,000 dog theft crimes were reported to police in 2020, causing considerable distress for owners and their pets alike. The price of some breeds increased by as much as 89% over lockdown as people spent more time at home, potentially making dog theft more appealing to criminals looking to profit from the spike in public interest in owning a pet.

The Taskforce’s recommendations include: • The creation of a new ‘pet abduction’ offence – Pet theft is currently treated as a loss of property to the owner, but we know that does not reflect the true severity of this crime. The new offence will prioritise the welfare of our pets as sentient beings and recognise the

6 | Total Grooming Magazine

Make sure you keep your pet secure at all times. Dog thieves are on the lookout for opportunities; they have even been known to impersonate RSPCA inspectors and take dogs away on the pretext of checking their microchips. Be vigilant!

emotional distress to the animal in addition to its owner.

• Identifying and tracking cases – Reliable data on pet theft is limited and improved recording and data collection about these crimes will build a stronger evidence base about the problem.

• Improving the recording of ownership and transfer data – New requirements to register additional details and a single point of access to microchipping databases will support tracking lost and stolen dogs.

• Tackling the fear of crime – Police will work together with partner agencies to raise awareness about police initiatives and prevention measures These changes will make it easier for the police to track pet abduction incidents making it easier to clamp down on offenders. The Home Office will ensure that pet abduction is recorded in a consistent manner across police forces, while officials from each

department will be able to review the way data is collected across the criminal justice system.

Pet microchip databases will also be made more accessible under the proposals. There are currently 16 microchipping databases in England, however the Taskforce found that they can be difficult to navigate for pet owners and law enforcement, making it difficult to trace stolen dogs. Under the new proposals a single point of access to all databases will simplify and streamline the system and more robust rules will also be introduced across all of the pet microchipping databases for recording the transfer of dogs to new owners to ensure full traceability.

Taken together, these proposals will make it far harder for thieves to steal and sell pets, will make it easier for the police to catch them, and will ensure that the impact on the animal is reflected in the sentences or

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penalties given to offenders.

The new measures will also allow the Government to capture more data on pet theft crimes and raise awareness of police activity in combatting the issue and actions owners can take to keep their pets safe.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “Pets are much loved members of the family in households up and down the country, and reports of a rise in pet theft have been worrying. Pet owners shouldn’t have to live in fear, and I am pleased this report acknowledges the unique distress caused by this crime.

“Its recommendations will reassure pet owners, help the police to tackle pet theft, and deliver justice for victims.

We will consider its findings carefully and work with colleagues across Government to start implementing its recommendations.”

The Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland QC MP, said: “Many of us have sought the companionship of pets during the pandemic which makes this crime even more cruel.

“These proposals will make sure police can better identify and track 8 | Total Grooming Magazine

down criminals who peddle in this heartless trade, whilst ensuring they are appropriately punished for their actions.”

Taskforce partner, Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “The work of the taskforce means that police forces across the country will now be better placed to respond to pet theft through an improved recording process and a specific crime that recognises pets as valued members of the family with a significant emotional impact”.

“We would also encourage anyone buying a puppy or dog to make sure that they are buying from a responsible and genuine home. Advice on checks that can help buyers make the right choices is available through Blue Cross or RSPCA website.”

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We’re really pleased to hear the Government’s Pet Theft Taskforce recommendations. Pet theft can leave families in utter turmoil and have serious welfare implications for animals ripped away from everything they know.

“The new Pet Abduction Offence will

acknowledge the seriousness of this crime and we hope this will encourage courts to hand out much tougher sentences to pet thieves. We’re also thrilled that the Government wants to simplify the microchipping database system and we believe this will help to tackle pet theft as well as other animal welfare issues and irresponsible pet ownership generally.”

The police advise that dog owners should avoid leaving their pet unattended while out in public, vary their routines when walking their dogs and should take basic security steps at home such as checking locks on doors and garden gates. The Blue Cross has also published detailed guidance for pet owners on how they can protect their animals from theft.

The Taskforce’s recommendations are part of the Government’s commitment to further strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in animal welfare standards, as outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, and follow Defra’s recent announcement of new measures to crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies.

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New Microchipping Database Launched

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microchipping database which pulls out all the stops if your beloved pet goes missing is launching in the UK. Track Your Paws is the brainchild of dog and horse breeder Oliver Gibney, who believes that there are too many loopholes in traditional pet microchipping, putting barriers in the way of having your dog or cat safely returned if they are lost or stolen.

Oliver’s Track Your Paws service, includes a 24/7 manned phone line, assistance from pet detectives and ongoing efforts from the service to stamp out national loopholes which could put pets and owners at risk.

The Cheshire-based animal lover said: “I started Track Your Paws because, while it is law to have your dog microchipped, and will soon be law to have your cat microchipped, the system should be about so much more than that.

“The primary objective of all of

10 | Total Grooming Magazine

these databases should be to keep pets safe, and to return them to their owners if they are lost or stolen. This is not about money for me, it’s about creating a system which completely works for pets and their owners, and protects them against the heartbreak of being separated.”

Track Your Paws is also looking for pet professionals, including dog groomers to register as Track Your Paws implanters.

Unlike other firms Track Your Paws does not charge implanters for microchips, meaning a significant saving for anyone wishing to expand an existing pet service business.

Oliver said: “All the new implanters need to do is our training course, and then they are ready to work. We are giving the microchips away for free because we believe so strongly that Track Your Paws is the best option for the nation’s pets.”

To find out more about Track Your Paws, and to register your interest in becoming an implanter go to www. trackyourpaws.co.uk

Push on Dog Grooming Career Choice

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et-loving students who are wondering what to do after their GCSE and A-Level results are being encouraged to consider a career in dog grooming by industry experts.

Dog grooming is a growth industry, which has seen a surge in demand for the service since the puppy boom during the pandemic.

Grooming salons around the UK are struggling to keep up, and Ofqual regulated awarding organisation iPET Network, which offers dog grooming qualifications, is appealing for would-be groomers to sign up and become part of the growth industry.

Scott Learmouth, who runs the Bone Idol Training Academy in Hove, and the Bone Idol Salon in Brighton, says that dog grooming is the perfect career choice for an animal-loving student who would like to be entrepreneurial in the future.

He said: “Any GCSE or A-Level leaver who would like to be an entrepreneur, or start their own business in the future should be looking at dog grooming as an industry of interest right now.

“The salon has been packed out with bookings ever since it was allowed to reopen, and the iPET Network qualifications offered by the training academy have seen a record number of sign-ups.”

He added: “The pandemic has been so tough, but coming out the other side it is all the more clear that we have a growth industry on our hands.

“We have seen so many different types of people, from former cabin crew to armed forces veterans and office workers signing up to take the iPET Network courses. People have had the opportunity to reassess their lives, or have lost jobs, and dog grooming is a fun and creative new start for them.

“Likewise at the salon it is safe to say that it has been packed! It’s wonderful to be back, but it’s clear that the industry needs to expand to keep up

12 | Total Grooming Magazine

Pet grooming can provide a great career choice for animal lovers

with demand. It is a really exciting time for dog grooming.”

Nationally since the start of the pandemic 3.2million households brought home a pet of some kind.

From 2020 to 2021 there was a boost in dog numbers from 9million to 12million, and with 17 of the 20 most popular dog breeds needing regular grooming or treatments this has led to a big surge in demand.

And with many people considering a complete change of career and outlook following the COVID 19 pandemic, working with animals in a flexible way is an attractive option.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, who run the Cheshire-based canine sector-specific awarding organisation iPET Network, which supports training providers around the country in providing the high-quality

qualifications, said: “The demand for dog grooming has never been stronger, and these millions of new puppy parents need to be reassured that the groomer they choose holds a nationally recognised qualification.

“Sadly, because of the pandemic lockdowns some grooming businesses in the UK have not survived. That coupled with the giant demand the remaining ones are experiencing means only one thing; We need more qualified groomers.”

In the UK in 2019 830 people received certificates in a Level 3 dog grooming qualification, this has risen to 895 in 2020, but more are still needed.

To find out more about studying at the Bone Idol Academy go to www. boneidol.co.uk/academy To find out more about iPET Network courses go to: www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

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Burns Pet Nutrition Helps Senior Dogs Grow Old Playfully with an Exciting New Product

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ogs generally start to get older at around 10 years of age, depending on the size and breed. During this time, you may start to notice your dog showing several physical and mental signs of ageing, such as cloudy eyes or difficulty seeing, bad breath, slow movements, incontinence, weight change, and even a change in their behaviour. Despite their age, senior dogs still have a lot of life left to live, and an exciting new product from Burns Pet Nutrition could help them live senior life to the fullest.

The Senior+ range from Burns promotes healthy ageing for senior dogs and helps keep the spring in their step as they get older. Based on their award winning Chicken and Rice recipe, the Burns new Senior+ diet is available for both small and average sized breeds, and includes simple and wholesome ingredients such as Chicken, Brown Rice, Peas, Oats and Green Tea Extract.

Dogs can start to gain weight as they get older, but this healthy new senior dog food contains controlled levels of protein and fat to maintain their ideal body weight. With a little extra nutrition boost for seniors, thanks to the addition of quality ingredients such as salmon oil and glucosamine, this high quality food can help maintain healthy joints, mobility, as well as good cognitive function.

Burns Senior+ Original is a complete food that’s ideal for older dogs who need a little extra support. It contains an abundance of healthy ingredients, such as brown rice and organic chicken, and controlled levels of protein and fat to help older dogs maintain their ideal bodyweight even when they’re slowing down. With a little extra nutritious 14 | Total Grooming Magazine

boost from selected ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and salmon oil, and antioxidant-rich green tea and blueberry extract, it’s the perfect recipe to help old dogs grow old playfully.

For smaller breeds, Burns Toy and Small Breed Senior is a complete option for older, small breed dogs. This tasty and nutritious food contains all the key ingredients of the Original Senior+, but it’s small enough for little mouths, and even ideal for dogs who

have undergone dental treatment.

Containing all the amazing ingredients of the Senior+ Original food, this diet also helps little dogs maintain healthy joints, good mobility and good cognitive function well into old age.

While any of the Burns adult diets are suitable for senior dogs, Burns Senior+ is perfect for older dogs who may need a little extra nutritional boost as they get older.

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New to the Leucillin family

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eucillin Antiseptic Skincare are pleased to introduce new to the range our 60ml Leucillin spray, same great product, now in a handy travel, pocket, handbag ready size. This great product is perfect for the travel first aid kit or for taking with you wherever you go!

HSE Approval for Humans Too Leucillin had the great honour this year of also being passed for human use too by HSE under regulation (EU) No. 528-2012 permit No. GBCSP-2021-06, Leucillin is the perfect choice for caring for all skin health. Leucillin is the only strong, stable Hypochlorous (HOCl) product available which offers a guaranteed 300ppm+ HOCl content, is positioned at pH 5.5-6 to be at the peak of efficacy whilst also being safe to mammalian, bird, reptilian AND human tissue, only Leucillin provides proven 99.99999% pathogen reduction on contact, no germs means healthy happy skin.

The Power of Science with a Holistic Approach Leucillin harness’s the power of the bodies own immune system, it’s unique and clever formula mimics the natural pathogen killing power of the white blood cells within our own bodies whilst remaining skin pH neutral, nontoxic, non-irritating and complete safe to apply directly to skin.

When it comes to sanitising, Leucillin is unbeatable Leucillin is a revolutionary breakthrough in healthcare with many 100 times the effectiveness of standard antiseptics while proven to be 100% safe, other antiseptics struggle to achieve the 99.999% efficacy required 16 | Total Grooming Magazine

for a standard biocide efficacy testing, whereas the Leucillin formulation can achieve 99.99999% efficacy; a 100 fold improvement in efficacy, whilst still remaining non-toxic, non-irritant and skin pH neutral.

Leucillin is ALCOHOL FREE Leucillin is an HSE approved skin sanitiser and most importantly is alcohol-free, meaning far kinder to skin and safe for all the family. You can even use it on the most sensitive of skin the face; Leucillin is safe in ears, eyes, mouth and skinfolds. Leucillin also does not contain any antibiotics, steroids of chemicals detrimental to skin.

A Greener Option In a progressive and more

environmentally conscience world we must all make more responsible consumer decisions. Leucillin is approved by the Organic Soil Association, is environmentally friendly, breaking down to a safe saline solution, it does NOT contain any oils, surfactants, perfumes, steroids, alcohols or antibiotics. Leucillin’s packaging is all recyclable, its solution is not tested on animals and it is vegetarian and vegan friendly!

Leucillin offers direct accounts to all Grooming professionals and is also proud to wholesale with Christies Direct and Groomers, for more information, product training and trade pricing please contact us today. www.leucillin.co.uk 0345 548 9800 info@leucillin.co.uk

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Doggy Dental Hygiene Anastasia Waugh, founder of the Dog Tooth Fairy Emmi-pet Distribution and courses, shares her tips on how to combat doggy dental disease:

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id you know that 80% of dogs have some form of dental disease by the time they reach the age of 3? Signs can include bad breath, drooling, swollen red gums, plaque and tartar, abscesses, a dog may appear to have pain around the mouth when handled, this is where Emmi-pet comes in.

There’s never been a better time to add ultrasonic teeth cleaning to your grooming business. This service which has revolutionised canine dental health, has increased in popularity so much over the past few years with a surge in dog groomers offering ultrasonic teeth cleaning as a service particularly 18 | Total Grooming Magazine

in these past 18 months. Lockdown has been a time where many families in the UK have added pets to their homes 3.2 Million to be precise! Many dog groomers diary’s are bursting at the seams, so it’s a great time to branch out and add an extra service your clients will love.

Emmi-pet is a silent, non-vibrating, non-invasive, toothbrush, which uses ultrasonic waves that work 12mm beneath the gumline to eliminate bacteria and break down plaque and tartar. It’s a safe and stress-free option for pet owners, and can prevent the dog needing to go for bigger more costly veterinary dental work later down

the line which requires anaesthetic, and isn’t without its risks.

I first discovered Emmi-pet at Mastergroom in 2017, I was initially hesitant to purchase as it was so new at the time, I thought to myself “would it work”? “Would I get the same results as the photos on the distributors trade stand”? “Would it be worth the money”? I waited another 12 months to take the plunge and buy my first Emmi-pet toothbrush, in its first month my amazing brush had paid for itself more than 3 times over, I was really surprised it had taken off so well. With many of my clients signing up for the new service I was offering, news quickly spread around the town where my salon was based (I always find word of mouth is the greatest marketing tool of any business).

I regretted not investing sooner than I did (hind sights a wonderful thing).

After becoming rather addicted to cleaning dogs teeth and seeing the amazing results in my salon, I decided to become an Emmi-pet distributor, I signed up to Angela Rollinson’s team and The Dog Tooth Fairy was born.

I felt as a distributor it was important for me not just to sell the products but also to help other dog groomers succeed in the same way I had with the service. Any groomer who buys a starter kit off me gets unlimited aftercare, free marketing materials advice, guidance and support needed.

This enables them to achieve great results, impress their clients and massively boost their salons revenue, this gives me the biggest buzz. Its important to remember that by going through a UK distributor you are supporting a small business and will get aftercare and support whereas if you shop directly with Emmi-pet or Amazon you won’t get that.

“Emmi-pet made simple with the dog tooth fairy” is my Facebook group, a space where groomers can go to get advice and support about all things Emmi-pet and no question is too silly, we all learn by asking questions after all.

The common questions many groomers that come to me for advice 20 | Total Grooming Magazine

have about are questions such as “what equipment will I need to get me started? ” “How many sessions will a dog need to achieve results?” “How much should I charge for this service?”.

Allot of what I do is help groomers educate their clients that the dental health is really important, and just like grooming, dental care is an essential part of a dog’s welfare needs, and so Emmi-pet is a treatment a dog will need regularly to keep their gums and teeth nice and healthy.

The worst case I ever seen was a client’s dogs molar that fallen out while my employee was washing around the dogs muzzle area in the bathtub during a groom. This was a client we had been requesting she see a vet about her dog’s teeth for quite some time, this is just an example of how bad teeth can get if regular dental hygiene methods are not a part of a dogs routine.

This year I created a zoom training course which condenses all of my knowledge and experience of running Emmi-pet in my own salon into a 2-hour training to give groomers the confidence they need to get them started on their Emmi-pet journey.

In my previous Job I was an Animal Management Lecturer and taught at a land-based college for 12 years, so it’s been great to put my teaching hat back on again and help other groomers kick start their new service, it’s something I’m passionate about.

The Zoom trainings are really popular with dog groomers and get booked up pretty quickly and I’ve had some really amazing feedback from the courses.

Emmi-pet is a much quicker and easier way of making money than grooming. A groomer can easily make almost treble an hour cleaning teeth as they can do grooming!! It’s also a lot less wear and tear physically on the groomers body which is something which seems to appeal to many that have injuries and other physical health issues that have been exacerbated by choosing dog grooming as a career.

The starter kits are around the £200 mark, but that cost can easily be made back after 4-6 sessions depending on your salon pricing structure. The

Crufts deal package has been popular with dog groomers this year, it’s great value for money. I recently did a Facebook live with Bill Betts on his YouTube channel or podcast ‘Pet Passion to Profit’ where we talk about teeth cleaning as an add on service, it’s a great listen for groomers wanting to add this service to their business as it answers allot of questions that are commonly raised about the products.

You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @thedogtoothfairy, stop by and say hello, I’d love to hear from you.

Separation Anxiety

Clare Humphreys shares her inspirational experience of dealing with her dog Luna’s anxiety and how it led to her developing a new business venture: Luna With Me

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una came into my life in July 2019 and I am so glad that she did. Like most owners, the puppy days were really tough. I remember crying in the shower because Luna would bark and cry whenever I was not with her and for a small dog she has a loud piercing bark!

I did try to crate train her but she would bark the entire time, so spent many nights with earplugs in. Once I came down in the middle of the night to check on her and she had got herself into such a state. She was noticeably stressed and panting in-between continuous barking. The worst bit was that she had pooped in the crate and it somehow it ended up all over her - I will spare you the details!

Ultimately the crate made her more anxious and she developed bad associations with it. So I tried a dog pen. She would spend short periods of the day in the area. I would give her treats, feed her in the pen and make it her own mini apartment. However, I would watch on the camera the moment I stepped outside, she would not eat and she developed a high jumping skill over the pen that could get her into the olympics.

At the time, I was living alone and had just moved into my new home.

I couldn’t go to the gym or to yoga classes. I felt like any kind of social life was over, without sounding too dramatic.

I met with several dog sitters and eventually found an experienced dog sitter who had insurance for dog sitting.

She would look after Luna and care for other dogs during the days I was at work. During that time the dog sitter would tell me that she would cry and try to escape, presumably to try and find me.

22 | Total Grooming Magazine

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I had not heard of separation anxiety before, nor did I know that it could affect some dogs so severely but I could see she was anxious only when I was leaving.

She had become a super detective becoming noticeably anxious when I would put on my shoes or get my keys.

I wanted to help her so I hired a dog behaviourist. We discovered that she had hyper-attachment to me - brilliant, my social life was definitively over!

The first thing we needed to work on was to reset all negative memories of departure. Any cues of leaving would need to be reconditioned. For example, I would randomly put my shoes

on and not leave. I would pick up my keys and walk around the house.

The hardest one for her was the front door. So countless times I would walk out and back in again, my neighbours probably thought I was bonkers but better that than a barking anxious dog.

I read a book called Be Right Back,

by Julie Naismith, which I highly recommend. It helped me to understand why dogs develop separation anxiety.

Some breeds are more prone to separation anxiety so are born that way.

Some think that it could have been that she was the last one in the litter to be collected or that she spent a lot of alone time with me. It could be a variety of things, it is hard to say. You could have two dogs from the same litter, one has separation anxiety and one doesn’t.

Similar to us hoomans really!

I had committed to ceasing all departures and to not leave her alone at all. If we were going to try and build confidence then I needed to ensure there were no anxious negative associations around being left alone.

That is a big commitment for one person, so I needed support. I called upon my mother and gran to help with her on days I needed to go to work.

At first, she would frantically bark for the first 5/10 minutes of me leaving which was hard for them. But now she goes with them at ease. From working with the dog behaviourist, I knew that creating a safe space for her was vital.

I would take her dog bed with her to each of their houses and ask her to get into her bed before I left. This was her zone and safe space. Eventually, I would leave a bed at each of their houses. Just like shoes, you can never have too many dog beds!

I must have tested 20 different beds from anxiety donut beds to igloo beds.

I noticed that dog beds with plump bolster sides would make her feel secure. She also loves being on the couch, usually against the sides or lying on a soft throw so I started to become aware of moments of relaxation and chill.

During lockdown 2020, like most, I had lots of time on my hands so decided to create a dog bed brand called 24 | Total Grooming Magazine

Clare Humphreys used her lockdown to develop her new dog bed venture

Luna With Me. I designed luxury dog beds using high grade upholstery and extra plump squishy bolster sides, to ensure that they don’t flatten quickly overtime, unlike some dog beds.

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I now have a dog bed in every room, which she confidentially takes herself to and falls asleep. Whereas before she would want to sleep at my feet or on my lap. It is huge progress.

If I look back on how far Luna has come, it makes me really proud of her.

I’ll never give up on her and have learnt so much about myself because of her. lunawithme.co.uk. Follow us on instagram @luna.withme and for every reader we will offer £5.00 off Luna With Me personalised luxury dog beds with code TGMAG5OFF

Drying dogs and equipment used Heidi Anderton principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming talks about drying dogs, the equipment used and the effect it can achieve. 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.

A

ll 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.

Here are some: It is very important that you have the essential options above available to you as these options will benefit you in the salon to be able to dry all dogs no matter of coat, temperament or health.

Signs of stress in dogs Whining, barking, whimpering, shaking, urinating, defecating are 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 26 | Total Grooming Magazine

suit the dog we are working with.

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

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Drying Method Advantages

Disadvantages

Types

Air Drying Essential option

No noise No velocity No interaction Great on a hot day

Slow Can leave wet patches (ex. under ears) Unsuitable in a cold environment

N/A

Towel Drying Essential option

No noise No velocity Massaging effect

Quite slow Can leave wet patches

Absorbent cloths Cotton towel

Cabinet Drying

Variable 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

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

Bottom fan Side fan

Blaster drying Essential option

Variable velocity Variable heat Head options Massaging effect Minimal handling Dries quickly Portable Use close or further away Use to Dry completely

Noisy 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

Finishing/fluff drying Essential option

Active drying Variable velocity Variable heat Use simultaneously with a brush to stretch coat Portable Use close or further away

Stand dryers can get hair stuck in the wheels

Wall dryer Stand dryer

Cage drying

Variable heat/temp regulator Dry dog while you complete other work Less time with the 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

Cage mounted

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?

28 | Total Grooming Magazine

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 if you do mostly giant breeds with thick

coats, you will require a dryer with a lot more power.

Think before you buy to gain the most longevity out of your equipment.

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Top Tips for Dryer Maintenance for Pro Groomers Your 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.

D

ryers 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. To make sure your dryer is always in top condition, we have some advice below: 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 the filter, then clean them with warm 30 | Total Grooming Magazine

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!

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.

Add Cat Grooming to Your Salon Offer

By Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty - the iPET Network

T

here is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit in the grooming world, and you only have to flick through the pages of this magazine to see some of the wonderful ways that people are making their businesses really shine.

Nearly five years ago we founded iPET Network, with a mission to give regulated Ofqual qualification opportunities to groomers from many different backgrounds in this amazing industry. This involves working with groomers around the country, and take it from us this is an industry to be proud of ! iPET Network recently launched the UK’s first stand alone cat grooming qualification portfolio. Prior to that cat grooming had just been an add-on to dog grooming training courses, but we felt that professional cat groomers deserved recognition too.

Industry experts have helped develop the qualification to ensure the outcome is appropriate for the Cat Grooming Industry and the continued growth and development of the sector.

The practical training is delivered at several approved iPET Network Training Providers around the country, offering the iPET Network Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Cat Grooming, iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Cat Grooming and Introduction to Styling, iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Cat Grooming and Salon Management and the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Feline Emergency First Aid. Adding cat grooming into your existing dog grooming business, is a way that you can use your transferable

32 | Total Grooming Magazine

skills to diversify and expand your offer, in a way that doesn’t require a massive outlay.

One of the training providers offering the iPET Network cat grooming qualifications is Absolutely Animals Ltd in Lewisham, South East London which currently grooms thirty cats a week, as well as a host of dog clients.

Heidi Anderton is a real trailblazer in grooming, and has operated for 28 years from Absolutely Animals.

Around 15 years ago Heidi decided to expand her business to offer cat grooming.

Her two person tailored approach to each individual cat is now being passed on, as Heidi shares her expertise with iPET Network trainees, she really is an inspiration.

Speaking about why diversifying your business in this way is such a winner Heidi said: “We need to get more groomers cat grooming, we all have the most transferable skills, and you don’t have to pay out lots of money for new equipment.

“The training, and the grooming itself is really fun too, and the most important part is that you know you are making a difference to the cat’s life.”

And that’s really true, because more so than with the dogs, the majority of cats come to the groomers as a welfare

case. This tends to be because owners believe that the cats are effectively grooming themselves, which often is not true.

So why not consider cat grooming as your next business expansion project?

It’s easier than you think, and so, so rewarding!

To find out about the iPET Network’s Cat Grooming Qualification portfolio go to www.ipetnetwork.co.uk

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Contrary to popular belief, cats aren’t always able to clean and maintain their coats. Some thick coated short-haired breeds and long-haired breeds may need additional help. The same with older cats, cats with health issues, overweight cats and sometimes even just lazy cats.

I

ncreasingly often this presents an issue to some cat owners who, without assistance, struggle to keep their cat still whilst trying to cut out tough tangles or brush out matted areas of their pet’s coat. Cat owners can sometimes be uncertain about how to go about the grooming process with their felines.

This is an opportunity for pet groomers and now a new cat grooming qualification – the iPet Level 3 Qualification in Cat Grooming is available to help get groomers started.

Heidi Anderton is principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming and has been grooming cats for over 30 years, Heidi holds two separate cat grooming

34 | Total Grooming Magazine

qualifications and is based in London.

She said: “There is a huge demand for cat grooming. We groom about 30 cats per week over a three day period and all my team love grooming the cats. Demand is so high we are moving towards a cat dedicated salon but at the moment the cats are groomed in a separate room from the dogs.

Our students are always amused and bemused by the cat grooming, especially when they can hear a loud meowing from a cat next door and expect us to come walking out cut to shreds; it never happens mainly because we have exceptional and kind handling methods.

“It’s a myth that cat grooming is difficult and that cats go crazy during

grooming or bathing. It’s no different in terms of behaviour to dog grooming.

95% of dogs will enjoy or tolerate the grooming jobs they require. In the same way, 95% of the cats will do the same.”

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Total Grooming Magazine | 35

Why is there a demand for cat grooming?

In the past many owners would notice a deterioration in their cat’s coat and when the problem became too bad to ignore with extensive matting and tangles, the owners would take them to their vets where they would generally be anaesthetised while the coat was clipped.

The potential health risks are high with this course of action, and it can be avoided.

Heidi continued: “My vet sends all cats to me now for coat care. I have groomed 13 and 20 year-old cats who have been sedated all their lives for coat removal and with us they have complied and enjoyed the attention of the grooming; never actually needing the sedation in the first place.

“Cats have to be one of the most neglected pets in terms of coat care that I have ever seen. They often arrive in my salon in the most atrocious condition. I once had a cat that had the matting on its cheeks, attached to the matting on the neck and the shoulders. Suffice it to say that the poor cat couldn’t move its head from side to side. You rarely see matting on a dog as tight or as often as this, so we need lots more groomers to help with the feline’s upkeep. I want to promote grooming education to the owners and improve coat management for cats.”

Of course, not every owner of a long-haired pedigree or high maintenance coated cat sets out to take it on. Perhaps they are given their new feline friend or sometimes the cat finds the owner turning up on the doorstep looking for a home. Often new owners have no idea that cats need assistance in grooming the coat as its widely thought that cats groom themselves! Owners often find out to the contrary when it’s too late, when the coat is matted or the faeces are stuck to the rear, giving off an unpleasantly strong smell that not many can ignore. This is usually when they will seek the help of a cat groomer.

If you research cat groomers in your area you will see they are few and far between.

36 | Total Grooming Magazine

Heidi endorses this: “We have clients that travel a long way for our service, but we can’t groom them all. We need more cat groomers in the UK.”

What happens during the cat grooming process?

Groomers can expect to spend some time discussing the pet with their

owner. Preparation is key to avoiding aggravating cats (who may already be nervous).

It is important to establish the pet’s temperament as well as assessing their current health status.

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Total Grooming Magazine | 37

and trouser trims or maybe an outdoor cat who could do with the hair underneath shortened to avoid matting from walks in the undergrowth.

Consider their habitat - if the cat’s coat needs to be partially or completely removed their habitat should be considered.

Groomers should conduct a health examination starting from head to rear. They may uncover such things like ticks, grass seeds, fleas, wounds, skin issues and dandruff etc, the list is endless, but your groomer will guide you with a report and recommendations which could include a veterinary visit.

Geriatric cats may be taken to the salon as they are often unable to maintain their own coat condition.

These cats may have joint pain, sore mouths and other symptoms. Geriatric cats may have other undiagnosed underlying health concerns and the groomer is likely to pay specific attention to the state of hydration of the cat.

Once the grooming process begins, be prepared to be patient.

Heidi explains: “We recommend there are two staff available for grooming cats. This may be two designated groomers or one groomer and the owner of the cat. Of course, it really depends on the temperament of the cat as to what assistance is required, but often two will make the job easier and quicker, completely removing the need for scruffing cats too, which I hate! The time and resource required may make the process a little more expensive but it is worth it in the long run.”

What skills and equipment will be used?

When the coat is matted on a cat it generally needs to be cut off - this is the job of a skilled person who uses the tools required.

Heidi continues: “We use specialist Kiss trimmers on the cats to remove mats safely and as they are so quiet, this usually happens without much objection from the cat.

“We also use specialist gloves if required to protect the back of the hand and forearm. If a cat is going to 38 | Total Grooming Magazine

scratch us, it will be here. We have to be ready for all situations, watching the behaviour of the cat and concentrating on what we are doing at all times as

behaviour can change in an instant.

“All the products we use must be gentle and sensitive and produced especially for cats.”

Mr Murray Mr Murray is an eight year-old Maine coon from Rye in East Sussex who lives with Derek Chenery and his family.

Mr Murray is mainly a house cat who goes outside to visit the garden but stays within the confines of the property boundaries. He has a long coat synonymous with his breed and Derek initially struggled to find any grooming salons competent enough or willing to keep his cat’s coat maintained.

He started to take Mr Murray to Absolutely Animals in London three years ago and has never looked back.

Mr Murray visits the salon every 10

weeks or so and Derek maintains his coat between grooms. Derek said: “The team at Absolutely Animals love him to bits. He really enjoys his visits there and loves the grooming process. They do a fantastic job with him.”

Despite the long journey of one and a half hours drive and the same time at the salon, Derek feels it is well worth it. He pays an average of £70 per session depending on how much work is required.

“Mr Murray enjoys himself and I get the chance to do a few jobs while I am waiting for him and then we take a leisurely drive home.”

It’s time to plan beautiful Winter Walkies With help from the National Trust’s new Dogs Welcome project

T

he National Trust, in partnership with Forthglade natural pet food, have launched the Dogs Welcome project, a new initiative to improve access for our four-legged friends across the beautiful places that the Trust cares for in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

From introducing more dog-friendly trails, dog waste bins, wash down areas, and drinking stations, the National Trust will be taking several steps to ensure dog owners and their pups feel welcome.

As part of the Dogs Welcome project 517 National Trust places have been assessed for dog friendliness and been given a special new ‘Pawprint ‘rating which will appear on the National Trust website and in the member handbook in January 2022. 3 Pawprints (Best), 2 Pawprints (Good) and 1 Pawprint (Standard) – a great way to gauge what properties have to offer before planning

40 | Total Grooming Magazine

a beautiful dog walk. So why not head to the coast for dramatic grey skies and thundering waves, blow away the cobwebs with clifftop walks or follow inviting paths through frost-sprinkled parkland and historic gardens – make the most of precious time with your canine companion and enjoy connecting with nature.

As well as funding from Forthglade to help support the Dogs Welcome project, a minimum of £70,000 will be contributed from the sales of special cobranded National Trust gourmet meals and treats range for dogs, to directly support the Trust’s conservation work.

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Be Prepared as the Fireworks Season Gets Longer Tips for keeping pets safe in the salon and at home:

Create a ‘safe haven’

A

s the fireworks season seems to start earlier and may often continue until after the new year, now is the time to start thinking about how to help noise phobic and anxious dogs get through.

Fireworks may look very pretty, but many dogs find the flashing lights and loud noises very frightening. There are tips that you can use on the night itself to help keep your dog calm. If you are aware of your dog or a dog in your care having negative reactions towards fireworks, ensure you speak to your vet for further advice.

Young dogs that have yet to experience fireworks may really benefit from some preparation to help them to gradually become desensitised to loud noises and associate the noises with something positive rather than something scary.

Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Behaviour and Training at Battersea advises:

42 | Total Grooming Magazine

“Making changes to your dog’s routine in advance may help your dog be more prepared for when fireworks are being let off. Small changes could mean that your dog doesn’t associate loud noises or flashing lights with the fireworks directly, and to help them stay calmer on the night.”

“Of course, there are things that you can do on the evening of fireworks night to help a nervous dog. Timing your dog’s walks for when fireworks aren’t being let off, ensuring your curtains are drawn, leaving lights on in the evenings and playing music or tv will all help to buffer the noise and sight of fireworks.”

“If you have a young dog who hasn’t experienced fireworks previously get them used to the sounds gradually by playing audio recordings of fireworks at a very low volume whilst engaging in fun activities with your dog such as a bit of training, or toy play. You can gradually increase the volume over

time so that they become accustomed to it, if they show any signs of anxiety stop immediately and either go back a few steps of speak to your vet or a behaviourist.”

“If you already know that your dog is scared of fireworks it’s best to try and desensitise them to the noises and sounds as far in advance as possible as this can take months of regular training. It’s also best to ensure you are prepared by speaking to your vet or a behaviourist and ensuring that you have the right support in advance of the night.”

“Dogs may choose to hide if they are worried by the fireworks, so set up a cosy den area and start to encourage your dog to choose to settle in there use it by hiding some tasty treats.”

Ali’s top tips • Try and introduce changes as far in advance as possible to make the dog more prepared.

• No matter how good your dog is with fireworks, it’s never advisable to take them to a display.

How you can keep your dog or cat calm this Bonfire Night: • Make sure your pet is microchipped and their details are up to date Animals can flee when they get scared. If your pet does manage to run away from home while fireworks are going off, you can easily be reunited if they’re microchipped and their chip details are up to date. It’s also a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped.

• Avoid letting your pet outdoors when fireworks are likely to go off.

By keeping your pet indoors when fireworks are going off, it prevents them being caught out and from getting scared if they’re outside. Make sure you take your dog for a nice long walk before dark and provide litter trays for your cat.

• Create a ‘safe space’ inside your home or salon.

If your pet is scared, they may take comfort in hiding away. If your dog is used to being in a crate, cover it and leave it open with blankets inside, or alternatively a table draped with a blanket can make a great retreat.

44 | Total Grooming Magazine

• For cats, if they normally hide in a specific place, make sure they have access and encourage them to use it with treats and toys. A box lined with blankets and with the opening slightly covered is ideal.

• Don’t confine your pet to just one room.

If your dog or cat becomes stressed, they may hurt themselves trying to get out, so allow them easy access to all safe areas of the house.

• Some animals may also be most comfortable curled up in their usual spot with you; let them do whatever suits them the best.

• Keep the TV or radio on.

To reduce the sudden impact of the sound of fireworks, keep the TV or radio on. Playing certain types of music that don’t have a repetitive beat or any sudden loud noises, like classical music or reggae, can be very calming for pets.

• Keep your pet distracted with a treat.

A new toy or treat can be a great way to distract your dog or cat from the noise. For cats, try something with catnip to keep them occupied, and for dogs try a long-lasting chew toy or a Kong packed with tasty treats.

• Act normally.

Animals are very perceptive creatures, and if they notice you behaving

Think and plan ahead if your dog has noise phobia issues

strangely (like following them around and fussing over them) they’ll sense that something is wrong. If you behave normally, it will show them that the fireworks are nothing to worry about and it may help decrease their anxiety.

• Avoid picking up cats If your cat is distressed, avoid picking them up to comfort them, as this could make them more stressed and provoke aggression. Cats also take a long time to calm down, so leave them until morning to settle before interacting with them again.

• Keep your curtains closed.

It may not just be the sound of fireworks that stresses your pet -the flashes can worry them too. It’s important to make sure curtains are closed and windows are covered to block out any sudden bursts of light.

• If the pet is still stressed by fireworks following this advice, consider talking to your vet.

A vet may be able to provide some medication to help reduce your pet’s anxiety. Bear in mind that any medicinal treatment should always be accompanied by a behaviour management plan and should only be used as a last resort.

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Paws for thought... meets one of the latest rising stars in the grooming world….

H

elen Kirby loves the world of dog grooming, and despite being just 30 years-old is already making her mark.

Taking up the profession aged 23, Helen has travelled to Malaysia to learn the art of Asian Fusion, appeared on Pooch Perfect riding her skateboard to work, and now teaches her skills at the Bone Idol Academy in Hove.

But despite earning her teaching credentials and serving up iPET Network courses to new groomers, Helen believes that in many ways her own journey is only just beginning.

“It was actually my mum that got me into dog grooming. I was doing office work before and I really wasn’t enjoying it, I was thinking “Is this really my life”.

“And then my mum said, ‘why don’t you just try doing level one and see how you get on?’

“She had looked into the qualifications too. I didn’t see any route into it other than doing the qualifications because I personally felt that there was no way I would want to start doing it without knowing anything about it.”

Says Helen, with a story which will feel relatable to many people who are just starting out in dog grooming.

She added: “I was really surprised by how much work is actually involved with dog grooming. I always say, ‘practice makes more practice.’”

Helen never had her own dog growing up, but her auntie did, and the young girl loved doting on the pampered pooch. She has only recently got her first dog Sebastian the Standard Poodle, who gets a bath and brush every week.

She says that she considers getting Sebastian (alongside appearing on the Pooch Perfect TV show) to be among her greatest achievements, a statement

46 | Total Grooming Magazine

Helen Kirby - one of the grooming world’s rising stars

in-keeping with Helen’s spirit of constantly pushing forward and trying new things.

Speaking about how she feels the grooming industry is growing, she said: “I think there are so many more opportunities now than there have been previously, I don’t know whether that is to do with social media.

“There are a lot more people

grooming dogs now and there are lots more schools to train with.

“I think by the power of Instagram and things like that, people are making a name for themselves. “There are groomers in lots of different counties that I would love to go and train with, but without that connection on social media it would be harder to find out about what is going on in other

places.”

Just before the pandemic in 2020 Helen travelled to Malaysia, where she learned from the experts how to perfect the Asian Fusion grooming style, at the Pets Icon Grooming Academy in Kuala Lumpur. Something that she demonstrates to students at Bone Idol during their course and recreated on the Pooch Perfect TV Show.

Speaking about the adventurous experience she said: “At the start of my grooming career I remember seeing pictures on the internet of dogs that looked like teddy bears. So cute that you questioned if they were real dogs!

“So, I made it my goal to learn this style. As I have progressed through the years, I had worked out how to groom in that style at a basic level and knew that if I wanted to perfect the skill I would need to go to Asia and learn from the professionals.

“Before we were allowed to scissor anything, we had to draw the style of groom to absolute perfection. Their theory is if you can’t draw the shape with a pencil, how are you going to scissor it? “So, we spent a lot of time rubbing out and redrawing the perfect circular shapes.

“I learnt the correct shapes and techniques for Asian fusion on a dog model with synthetic hair before we got to groom a real dog.

I was honestly blown away with how mathematical, methodical and how each style is linked to the dog’s anatomy.”

Helen added: “I feel that this industry is about constant growth, we are looking to bring in Level Four Dog Grooming here at Bone Idol.

“Haircuts change throughout the years, from a 1960s beehive to a Mohawk in the punk era, owners are going that way with their dogs, so you have to be ahead on style and constantly learning new things.”

Helen’s journey to becoming a fullyfledged teacher at the academy began in 2018, when Bone Idol met the iPET

Helen would ride to the Pooch Perfect set on her skateboard

Network and started planning for the academy site.

Helen relished doing the teaching qualifications alongside her work in the Brighton salon, and when Bone Idol opened the state of-the-art academy in Hove in May 2020 she was raring to go.

For a teacher Helen is relatively young, but she believes that her enthusiasm and ambition to carry on learning are what drives the academy and helps the students to shine.

She said: “I love meeting lots of people who love dogs, everyone is really enthusiastic. I do miss doing so much grooming a bit, but it is so rewarding to see people grow.

“If I was to give advice to another younger person about going into teaching I would say definitely, do it, as

long as you feel you are ready to teach.

“You have to continue your growth too though, that is so important, you can’t just become a teacher and think ‘that’s it I’m not going to push myself anymore’ you have to keep wanting to learn yourself, to pass it on to other people.

“Brighton is dog friendly. Literally everyone has a dog! If you go somewhere and it isn’t dog friendly it feels odd. Even the higher end restaurants allow dogs, it’s really amazing and the perfect place to work and teach dog grooming.”

You can follow Helen on Instagram by going to @helen_jayne_kirby To find out more about the Bone Idol Academy go to www.boneidol.co.uk/ pages/academy-home

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