Groomer to Groomer February 2019

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 38 ED.2 • FEBRUARY 2019

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HANDSTRIPPING

THE BORDER

TERRIER

REV IEWING YOUR PET

SAFETY

PLAN

“People’s Choice,” and Conair Pro Pet Creative Styling Competition winner, Leslie Waldrep • Groom Expo 2018 Photo by Animal Photography

2018 REC AP

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CONTENTS | JANUARY 2019

ITES

WHEN

A PET

ABCs, 123s: REVIEWING YOUR

PREVENTION, CARE & CAUSES E by Mary Oquendo e

26 by Khris Berry Intergroom 2019 Show Preview

36

Groomer To Groomer Asked Facebook: 46 Hosler: Pet Dental Health:How Something Show of hands: manyto 6 of you Salon haveSafety been bitten by the pets in Smile About your care? I bet most of you, myself have Evans:included, What’s All the Fuzzraised About? your 54 Groomer Stories: Choosing to Grow: 12 hands. But does it have to be that way?

Christina Duncan’s Story Handstripping the Border Terrier 60

L

but due to an18 underlying medical 2019out, a particular touch on the body,68 et’s startGrooming with why pets bite.Recap New England Show Northwest Show Preview

condition, he is in pain. turning a dryer on, and so forth.

There are predominately 3. The pet is anticipating pain. This five reasons: New Products 70 Connor: Single Point of Failure: Always 20 1. We’ve moved a pet into pain. pet may have recently recovered from HOW DO WE PREVENT BITES? Have Backup!

1. Start off with a thorough snout Askingathem to sit or stand in a way a non–grooming, but painful injury or Classifieds 72 to tail assessment at check in to see that makes them uncomfortable, eswas previously hurt while grooming. how the pet deals with being handled pecially for older, arthritic pets, and He in is anticipating Knowles: Treating Skin Infections 32 a problem. and to check for injuries. In addition, handling them in a way that causes 4. The pet is fearfulCalendar or aggressive.

Eiof Events 74 the Salon Environment it’s a good opportunity to check for them pain, although not intentional, ther situation may result in a groomer gum color. Pale gums are a good are some examples. being bit. indicator of an underlying systemic 2. The pet is in pain. Pets, espe5. Something triggered the pet to cially dogs, are very good at masking bite. This could be because he/she is in medical condition. Pay attention to the teeth. We’ve all had toothaches their pain. This pet may appear fine, a cage and we are trying to get them

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EDITOR/PRESIDENT SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Groomer ToddtoShelly Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019 Jenn Barraclough GroomertoGroomer.com todd@barkleigh.com jennifer@barkleigh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Gwen Shelly gwen@barkleigh.com

JR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Thomas jthomas@barkleigh.com

MANAGING EDITOR Rebecca Shipman rebecca@barkleigh.com

WEB MASTER Luke Dumberth luke@barkleigh.com

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER Adam Lohr adam@barkleigh.com

VIDEO DIRECTOR Jeremiah Strawbridge jeremiah@barkleigh.com

ART DIRECTOR Laura Pennington laura@barkleigh.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION Becca Tarlo rtarlo@barkleigh.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs james@barkleigh.com MARKETING COORDINATOR Alyx Robertson alyx@barkleigh.com

Stud Tail in

Felines

NOT JUST FOR STUDS

50

by Deborah Hansen

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 38 ED.2 • FEBRUARY 2019

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

HANDSTRIPPING

THE BORDER

TERRIER

REVIEWING YOUR PET

PUBLIC RELATIONS/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chelsey Hall chelsey@barkleigh.com AD COORDINATOR/ ADMIN ASSISTANT Karin Grottola karin@barkleigh.com

SAFETY

PLAN

“People’s Choice,” and Conair Pro Pet Creative Styling Competition winner, Leslie Waldrep • Groom Expo 2018 Photo by Aninal Photography

Michell Evans Kathy Hosler

Gary Wilkes Mary Oquendo

Daryl Conner Khris Berry

Michelle Knowles

Copyright February 2019. Groomer to Groomer is published monthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055.

Postmaster: Send change of address to Groomer to Groomer c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Annual U.S. subscription rate $25. Outside U.S. $79. year, surface rates. Groomer to Groomer is free to current Barkleigh Productions, Inc. customers. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055.

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38

2018 REC AP

ON THE COVER “People’s Choice,” and Conair Pro Pet Creative Styling Competition winner, Leslie Waldrep • Groom Expo 2018 Photo by Animal Photography.

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

5

D PET DENTAL

HEALTH: SOMETHING

TO

E by Kathy Hosler e

Adult dogs have forty two permanent teeth and cats have thirty. Those teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, just like people, pets can develop dental problems. What does pet dental health have to do with grooming? Actually, more than you may think.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

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ental disease is very common in the pets we groom.

The majority of dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old.

Pets with dental issues can be very difficult to groom. If they have painful mouths, they may be irritable and not allow you to work around their face or touch their mouth area when you want to work on their head.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque along the gum line. If it is not removed, tartar begins to form. In time, the tartar builds up and advances under the gum line resulting in periodontal disease. Untreated, periodontal disease can cause receding or bleeding gums, bad breath, and infection or tooth abscesses. It can progress to the point where teeth fall out, and in some cases, results in bone loss to the degree that the jawbone itself can break. Can you imagine if that happened to a pet while it was in your care?

And, periodontal disease doesn’t just affect the pet’s mouth, it can also affect the heart and other organs of the body, and possibly shorten the pet’s life expectancy. Owners want to take good care of their pets, but some have no clue that their pet should be getting regular dental exams and care. They may complain that their pet has bad breath, but they don’t realize there is anything that they can or should do about it. Many of them have never even looked in their pet’s mouth.

Of course you are not a veterinarian, but you can show your client if their pet has tartar buildup on their teeth or if their gums are inflamed. Then you can recommend

This is an opportunity for you to help them and their pets, and at the same time, to retail the products they will need: DENTAL TOYS & TREATS PET TOOTHBRUSHES WATER ADDITIVE BREATH SPRAYS TOOTHPASTE

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that they go to their veterinarian for a dental exam and cleaning.

We’ve all had pets come into our establishments with serious dental problems. If you feel uneasy about safely grooming a pet, refuse the groom and refer them to their veterinarian for treatment. Then, after the issues are resolved, reschedule the groom.

The groomer’s role in pet oral health is helping to educate owners and to provide them with the products and services that promote good dental health. Many groomers offer the add– on service of teeth brushing. If you do, that’s a great place to begin educating the owner about the importance of dental hygiene for their pet.

You probably see their pet multiple times per year on a regular basis. If you notice problems with their pet’s oral health, urge them to take it to their veterinarian for a complete dental evaluation. We all know that pet dental health is not a ‘one time cleaning and it’s good for life’ kind of thing. It’s really essential to educate and encourage all of your pet owners to establish a regimen of at–home oral care for their pets.

This is an opportunity for you to help them and their pets, and at the same time, to retail the products they will need: pet toothbrushes and toothpaste, water additive, breath sprays, dental toys and treats, etc. Ideally, you should introduce these products to your clients when their pets are young, before they have dental problems, or just after they have had a veterinary dental cleaning to keep their teeth sparkling and their gums healthy.

But, routine oral care can be beneficial to a cat or dog whenever it begins.

First, owners need to have the right tools for the job. That’s where you can help. Show them the different types of soft bristle pet toothbrushes, finger brushes or gauze pads. Help them select the one that will be best for their pet.

Additionally, sell them toothpaste that is formulated for pets which is often

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Patience and gentleness are the key to success in brushing.

Some pets will not accept tooth brushing, but there are other ways to help prevent and eliminate dental plaque and tartar. beef or chicken flavored. Tell them to never use their own toothpaste on their pets. Many human toothpastes have fluoride or xylitol in them which can be life threatening to pets if they consume it.

If you offer teeth brushing, you can show the owner the proper way to brush their pet’s teeth in–between visits to you. Teach them how to gently lift their pet’s lip and carefully clean the teeth. Patience and gentleness are the key to success in brushing. Some pets will not accept tooth brushing, but there are other ways to help prevent and eliminate dental

plaque and tartar.

There are gels that can be applied to their pet’s gums. The action of the pet licking the gel will distribute it throughout the mouth and help loosen the accumulated debris. There are additives that can be placed in the pet’s water bowl that will also aid in plaque removal. And there are sprays that help remove plaque and freshen the breath.

Have a large display of dental treats and toys in your retail area.

Rope toys promote a flossing action to clean the teeth. Other toys that encourage chewing help remove

PAWS TO CHECK US OUT

tartar and plaque from the teeth and gums. Pet parents love to give treats to their fur babies. If you sell them treats that their pets love and that also promote good dental health, they will happily purchase them every time they come to your facility.

You will certainly have something to smile about when your clients have pets with healthy, tartar–free, sweet– smelling mouths. As a bonus, you will increase your revenue by selling them products for at–home care, and you won’t have to deal with dogs and cats that have a mouth full of nasty teeth and horrible breath! ✂

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CHOOSING

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Duncan’s Sto a n i t s i r h ry C E by Melissa Viera e

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Customers will find a prestigious pet grooming

t is inevitable that, as a person, you will change over time— sometimes moving in the right direction and sometimes getting stuck. The world and the people around us change constantly. Change is a part of life.

When your passion remains strong, even when life changes and challenges you, can you choose to move forward and grow? Like many others, Christina Duncan, Certified Master Groomer, had to choose to overcome extreme challenges in order to become the groomer she is today.

There is a lot to be said about St. Louis, a major city famously known for the Gateway Arch, busy

with tourists, night–life and even pets. Not far from St. Louis, Purina Farms Event Center, located in Gray Summit, MO, brings together dog lovers and professionals for national specialties, competitive sports and shows, and events of all kinds.

St. Louis has more free attrac-

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

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experience completed with unconditional love at Delmar Doggie Design, located on Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis. But what they may not know is the story behind the business that Duncan built. tions than almost any other place in the nation1, and amongst the excitement of St. Louis lives the small business built by Certified Master Groomer, Christina Duncan.

Customers will find a prestigious pet grooming experience completed with unconditional love at Delmar Doggie

While she has many achievements today, including her business, Duncan did not reach her goals without first having to overcome serious challenges including addiction.

Design, located on Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis. But what they may not know is the story behind the business that Duncan built.

Duncan, a long–time groomer who graduated from The Missouri School of Dog Grooming in 1996 and now holds multiple achievements, certifications and memberships, opened Delmar Doggie Design in 2008. While she has many achievements today, including her business, Duncan did not reach her goals with-

out first having to overcome serious challenges including addiction.

Duncan’s love for animals started early on, working in stables and kennels as a teenager. For Duncan, grooming is not just a job, it is what she enjoys doing.

“I have always loved grooming,” says Duncan.

As a teenager, Duncan was working as a bather when she had the opportunity to attend her first grooming show in Eureka, Missouri.

That day at the grooming show, Duncan’s eyes were opened even wider to the world of grooming.

Attending the show gave her an inside look and a glimpse into what her future could be like if she became a groomer. She began to fantasize about the competitions, the certifications and everything she could ever dream to accomplish as a groomer. Feeling inspired, Duncan had some new goals.

“Those groomers were amazing,” says Duncan.

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“I remember my mom got so excited when I told her, ‘Mom, I really want to be a dog groomer.’ ”

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

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Going home after the show, Duncan was excited to share her feelings with her mother.

“I was a problem child,” Duncan explains. “I had a huge problem.”

Times were far from easy for Duncan and her family. Duncan had been expelled from school and was struggling.

“I remember my mom got so excited when I told her, ‘Mom, I really want to be a dog groomer.’ ” Duncan’s mother shared in her excitement.

“My mom actually paid for me to go to grooming school and I was so ecstatic,” exclaims Duncan.

Duncan graduated from The Missouri School of Dog Grooming early because she was able to learn so quickly and she went on to cover for a groomer who had injured her back at the salon she had been working at.

Transitioning from bather to groomer, Duncan now had double the responsibilities. While the other groomers had bathers, Duncan would bath and prep her own dogs, which the other groomers at the salon had her do in order to better herself and learn to manage time.

“It was the best thing they ever did for me.”

Duncan grew as a groomer but the problems she was facing in her personal life were not getting any better.

“I was an addict,” Duncan says.

She went through a very dark time where she lost everything including her job and a place to call home, and for a long time, Duncan was on the streets with her love for animals and grooming still not forgotten.

It was 2005 when positive changes began to happen.

“I got clean January 1st, 2005, making me 14 years clean on Janu-

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Her business, Delmar Doggie Design, has been providing pet and show grooming, hand–stripping and more with a personal touch to customers since 2008.

ary 1st, 2019,” says Duncan.

Duncan was working hard and taking care of herself and she began to make positive changes for herself as well as contribute to her neighborhood by opening her business.

“Now, I was bringing jobs and a family–oriented business to the neighborhood,” says Duncan.

Her business, Delmar Doggie Design, has been providing pet and show grooming, hand–stripping and more with a personal touch to customers since 2008.

“I love each and every client of mine like those pets are my own. And I love being part of our industry as it grows into a bit of sophistication; high-

er prices across the country, more easily accessible education, groomers gaining recognition for being kind–hearted, and being a part of a whole that truly does care about the pets we groom. If we didn’t have passion, we wouldn’t hold on to our career as long as we do despite the aches and pains, both physical and mental,” concludes Duncan.

Duncan chose to grow as a groomer and she keeps moving forward after overcoming dark times. And as for those goals she set for herself many years ago at her first grooming show, she has gone on to accomplish many of them and she continues to set new goals, learn, teach and grow as a groomer. ✂

References: 1. Washingon University in St. Louis, About St. Louis https://wustl.edu/campus-experience/st-louis/

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

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GROOMING MATTERS

by Daryl Conner

ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP! If the power switch on your computer breaks, the rest of your computer is fine, but you cannot use it. If one wheel falls off your vehicle, you are not going anywhere. If you have one pair of clippers and they break, you can’t groom many of the dogs on your schedule.

T

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hese are all examples of what is known in the business world as “single points of failure,” or SPOF. One small thing that breaks down can stop your business, and your ability to earn income, dead in its tracks. Failure of a crucial piece of equipment can be catastrophic if you don’t have a spare tool stashed for those “just in case” moments.

I suggest, that as we begin a new year, we all take time to look at how we work and identify any SPOFs that pertain to our individual businesses.

Grab a piece of paper and a pen and begin to jot down your vulnerabilities. Here is a good way to keep track: • Start a flow chart, or even a

basic list. From the time a customer contacts you to set up an appointment, think of what infrastructure is in place to support that contact.

This is where your income starts, so it makes sense to start your list here, too. This section might include your telephone, your scheduling system and your record keeping system.

• From there, document each step of what happens once a pet enters your place of business. Do they go into a crate, cage or kennel? If so, note that piece of equipment. Then move on to the next step. Does the dog go right to the bathtub? What if your tub drain got badly clogged, your water wouldn’t work or the tub itself developed a leak?

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• Continue listing each piece of equipment used on each pet; clippers, clipper blades, scissors, brushes and combs. List every tool, no matter how small.

• Next, list which products you use.

Most of us have some redundancy here. If you miscalculated how many gallons of your favorite shampoo you have stored, and you run out, chances are you have other options available. Still, list what you must have to get through a typical day; shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner, dematting spray, even cologne.

• Keep listing until the dog is out the door. Did the customer pay with a credit card? List the system you used

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to process that sale. Did you send them out with an appointment card? If so, list those too.

PROBABILITY OF FAILURE At this point, your list or chart may look a little daunting—but fear not! Next you need to look at each item’s probability of failure. The chance of your bathtub spontaneously developing a leak or a cage or kennel spontaneously collapsing is very slim. Each tool you use will have a life expectancy.

Decide how likely it is for each item to fail. The tools that have a high probability of failure should move to the top of your list, and those with a low probability can be moved way down.

If you’ve been grooming more than a week or two, you know the maddening chance of your clipper giving up the ghost on a moment’s notice.

Sometimes merely replacing the blade drive assembly will have us back up and running, but other times it needs a visit with a good clipper repair person. Since we use clippers on almost every pet, and since they are not a horrifically expensive item, I humbly suggest that we each have at least one backup set stashed somewhere handy.

In the military they have a saying, “Two is one, one is none.” This means that if you have one of an item and it breaks, you have nothing. But if you have a spare, you are back to having one. However, if you have one clipper that breaks, and one in reserve, and something happens to your backup tool, you are back to zero.

For tools you simply must have, it’s best to have more than one backup. I can hear you now, “But that’s expensive! I can’t afford to have three clippers.” If you have no clipper, and cannot work until your favorite grooming supply place can send you one, how much work have you lost? How expensive is it to be without income

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Here is a suggestion, ask your clipper repair guy if he has any rebuilt clippers he’d be willing to sell at a reduced cost. They make dandy spares.

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

for several days? Worse yet, how expensive is it if one or more customers switch to another groomer because you had to cancel their appointment?

Here is a suggestion, ask your clipper repair guy if he has any rebuilt clippers he’d be willing to sell at a reduced cost.

They make dandy spares.

On more expensive tools, it can be trickier to keep backups on hand.

I have an expensive high velocity dryer but I bought a less expensive one to keep on–hand in case of emergencies, and I am glad I did. It does not work as well as my favorite dryer, but it keeps me fluffing dogs if my go–to machine is in for repair.

I recently purchased a new bathing system because my old one was acting sluggish. I’m going to pack the old one up and send it to be refurbished, and then I will keep it as an

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emergency backup if my newer one breaks. And my beloved clipper vacuum? I have a smaller version stashed away for emergencies, because I do not choose to groom without one.

Consider having backup, replacement tools as a form of insurance.

At some point, the tools you rely on most will fail. If they are crucial to the way you do your job, that single point of failure can be expensive if you don’t have an alternate waiting.

Even if the extra tool is not your favorite brand or style, if it gets the job done, it keeps you from losing income while your preferred tool is being repaired or replaced.

Start the year off right by identifying what SPOFs you have in your grooming tools and plan a way to keep your business running smoothly when the inevitable happens. ✂

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WHEN

A PET

ITES

PREVENTION, CARE & CAUSES E by Mary Oquendo e

Show of hands: How many of you have been bitten by the pets in your care? I bet most of you, myself included, have raised your hands. But does it have to be that way?

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26

et’s start with why pets bite.

There are predominately five reasons: 1. We’ve moved a pet into pain.

Asking them to sit or stand in a way that makes them uncomfortable, especially for older, arthritic pets, and handling them in a way that causes them pain, although not intentional, are some examples.

2. The pet is in pain. Pets, especially dogs, are very good at masking their pain. This pet may appear fine,

but due to an underlying medical condition, he is in pain.

3. The pet is anticipating pain. This pet may have recently recovered from a non–grooming, but painful injury or was previously hurt while grooming.

He is anticipating a problem.

4. The pet is fearful or aggressive. Either situation may result in a groomer being bit.

5. Something triggered the pet to bite. This could be because he/she is in a cage and we are trying to get them

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out, a particular touch on the body, turning a dryer on, and so forth.

HOW DO WE PREVENT BITES? 1. Start off with a thorough snout to tail assessment at check in to see how the pet deals with being handled and to check for injuries. In addition, it’s a good opportunity to check for gum color. Pale gums are a good indicator of an underlying systemic medical condition. Pay attention to the teeth. We’ve all had toothaches

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CLEAN OUT THE WOUND

immediately.

This is especially important with cat bites. There are all sorts of bacteria on cats’ teeth, and once the wound closes, it seals in bacteria that have the potential to be life threatening. and know how it feels. Pets in later stages of periodontal disease may be in pain. The pet that is giving us a hard time when trying to clip the face may be reacting to pain.

2. Pay attention to a pet’s range of motion. We may inadvertently move a pet into pain due to arthritis. In addition, assuming a pet’s range of motion is the same as ours may result in pain. And remember that older or sedentary pets may have a

reduced range of normal motion.

3. Debrief groomers and other staff when a bite happens. Understanding how and why it happened can go a long way to preventing future bites.

DEALING WITH BITE WOUNDS 1. Secure the pet. You don’t need the added stress of this pet harming another or themselves.

2. Clean out the wound immediately. This is especially important

with cat bites. There are all sorts of bacteria on cats’ teeth, and once the wound closes, it seals in bacteria that have the potential to be life threatening. The sooner the wound is addressed, the faster the healing process can begin.

Note: Contact your medical professional to see if they would prescribe an antibacterial spray to keep in your first aid kit.

3. Assess whether this wound needs trained medical professionals.

4. Dress the wound. Use antibiotic cream on a non–stick gauze pad and then wrap with gauze roll. Keep it dry.

5. Document everything. Take pictures and video if possible.

6. Address emotional issues surrounding the bite. We all react differently to the same circumstance.

Some may be able to shake it off; others cannot do that without help.

The more horrific the bite, the more likely the injured party will need such assistance.

7. Contact your insurance agent.

WHO IS FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR A PET’S BITE? That will depend on the state

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“Something we have to remember, dogs bite for a reason. There are very few dogs that are aggressive just to be aggressive. Dogs bite out of fear, pain, or the fear of pain/discomfort. It’s up to us to work around those fears and any pain issues. It’s up to us to find ways to get the job done in a way that does not cause pain or discomfort. ” – Barb Hoover

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in which you live. Your insurance agent can answer that question for you. In most states, the owner is responsible. However, still file with your insurance company as they will pay out faster and go after the insurance company of the pet owner.

Know the terms of your insurance policy as it refers to animal bites.

Detail in your Terms Of Service what your protocol is so that owners are aware of your policy. But know that state laws will always supersede any Terms Of Service.

If groomers want to reduce the number of bites in our profession, then education and awareness is the route we need to take. However, we do need to be prepared in the event our preparations and precautions are not enough. ✂

ALL THINGS PAW

by Michelle Knowles

IN THE SALON ENVIRONMENT

M

any of us have seen “bad skin” come through our shop at one time or another and have been frustrated by the lack of improvement. I interviewed seven veterinarians and asked them about the most common skin issues they see.

The unanimous answer was secondary bacterial infections resulting from scratching. They also stated that 95% of all visits for allergies were merely extremely dry skin.

Many veterinarians are also frustrated with skin cases and commonly prescribe steroids and/or a shampoo product that maintains the issue rather than “fixing” it.

Our profession has come a long way in gaining credibility and knowledge about basic skin care, but there are those hard to fix cases that leave us stumped. Many clients have

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Once we understand how healthy skin functions we can then modify our products and techniques in order to balance damaged skin. lost hope and bring in a prescribed shampoo for their pet to be bathed in, knowing that the pet will not get better but no worse either.

In order to understand how we can better help the pet with compromised skin, we must first understand how that skin functions in the first place. Once we understand how healthy skin functions we can then modify our products and techniques in order to balance damaged skin.

Basic facts to remember are all pets can be divided into 3 groups: short, medium/natural and long coat. These groups are categorized by

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genetics and not how long the hair is trimmed at the time. Short coats need more oil, medium coats need more minerals and long coats need more keratin or collagen. All three types need all of those things, just in different proportions. Good skin care really is the key to a healthy coat as hair is simply an extension of the skin.

The hair (or coat) of cats and dogs protects and isolates their body, helping to keep the pet’s corporeal temperature. A healthy coat prevents the body from wasting warmth and protects the pet against mosquitoes.

The coat also acts as a protection

A good skin “regimen” starts with a detoxifying step, followed by a cleansing step and finally a hydrating step. The only thing that ever changes is the cleanser depending on what type of issue you are treating. against ultraviolet rays, heat, cold, humidity and all external agents. So essentially, a healthy coat, according to the breed, keeps the pet healthy.

Many essential metabolic activities take place at skin level and the coat protects skin. The Cutaneous Immune System (or skin) is one of the most important immune defenses against microorganisms, allergens and parasites. The skin glands produce a protective layer, which plays a fundamental role as a physical and chemical barrier for substances which are useful for the skin defenses. It is called the superficial hydrolipidic layer and it is made out of lipids (or oils) resulting from the decomposition of the horny layer, capable of a better antibacterial activity than lipids produced by skin glands.

A good skin “regimen” starts with a detoxifying step, followed by a cleansing step and finally a hydrating step. The only thing that ever changes is the cleanser depending on what type of issue you are treating.

The next thing to establish is, what is exactly wrong with the skin you are working on? Is there infection? Is it bacterial? Is it fungal?

Are there parasites? Many times the prescribed shampoo product will give you a clue if the client won’t share vet records. The idea here is to not only eradicate the offending infection, but to help the skin normalize

and start processing in a healthy way on its own. When you have no idea what the issue might be, use a cleanser for bacteria and fungus together. This prevents the overgrowth of one over the other.

I went to the dermatology classes at the North American Veterinary Conference a few years ago and the title of the class was, “New Tech-

niques in Treating Dermatological Disorders”. The new technique was the fact that we should not be using dish liquid on our pets to de–grease them. Another year at the same conference there was much talk about “Leaky Barrier Syndrome”.

This syndrome simply refers to dry skin and that we should always use conditioners after bathing pets, even

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(tools, kennels, tubs, floors and entrance) in your shop weekly to keep everything clean. If you have worked on a scabby pet or a pet with a rash, scrub everything that the pet touched or came in contact with the same day of the visit. when treating damaged skin. Little by little, veterinarians are realizing the value of our knowledge as groomers and are proving it with “new” research every day.

Another issue to remember while working on compromised skin is to PROTECT YOURSELF! Many of us don’t realize how easily bacterial and fungal infections can spread not only to other pets in our care, but also to our co–workers, spouses and

children. Make sure to keep a box of gloves on hand and maybe a box of gowns and face masks for the occasional scabby pet.

Researching a good germicidal cleanser for your tables, tubs and kennels would help keep transmission to a minimum. Bleach is no longer the cleaner of choice in this day and age of antibiotic overuse. A good rule of thumb is: Wash and scrub everything (tools, kennels, tubs, floors

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and entrance) in your shop weekly to keep everything clean. If you have worked on a scabby pet or a pet with a rash, scrub everything that the pet touched or came in contact with the same day of the visit.

If the pet has an infection of the skin or ear, it is always best to leave the pet dirty and unwashed so the veterinarian’s job of diagnosing the issue is easier. NEVER POUR ANYTHING INTO AN INFECTED EAR. The tympanic membrane could be ruptured and “flushing” the ear could result in leaving debris inside the middle ear and condemning the pet to hearing loss and possible ear closing surgery.

Prescription shampoos need to be diluted according to the directions and five to ten minutes of contact time is required in order for the chemistry of the product to be at maximum efficiency. After rinsing the shampoo, a quality conditioner should be applied to replace the natural oils of the skin. With a few changes in technique and protocol, anyone who is willing can ease the discomfort of a pet with skin issues and bring a much needed service to their salon. ✂

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I

ntergroom is an international grooming conference held each year at the Meadowlands Expo Center, April 11–14. It’s a glorious, chic, red carpet event unlike any other grooming expo.

We are excited to announce that Groomers Helper is the 2019 naming sponsor! We want to thank them for their continued support and involvement in the grooming Industry. Groomers Helper is a safety and positioning system that is now being used by the top professional groomers in salons around the world.

Additionally, Intergroom will have more than ten countries being represented this year including: Canada, Brazil, United States, Japan, China, Korea and Malatya. The expo consists of 50 widespread continuing education seminars, taught by industry leading professionals, with topics of current interest to salon owners and groomers.

Attendees also have an opportunity to view top–of–the–line, industry–re-

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WORLD! lated products and equipment from dozens of companies. The trade show is well on its way to setting the record for most booths ever!

For those of you who love Intergroom and plan on attending every year, there is now a Lifetime Do–It–All Pass. The pass is $500 and allows you to partake in all of the educational seminars and trade show, forever.

One of the most exciting highlights of Intergroom is the World Championship grooming competition that has a grandiose top prize package and thousands of dollars in tops prizes from show sponsors such as: WAHL, Andis, EZ–Groom, Wag’n Tails, Foxy Roxy’s Supply Co., A.K.C, 123 Pet Software, Petlift and Bardel Bows. There are sponsorships still available for pet care companies that may be interested.

For more information on Intergroom, the Intergroom International Competition or the Lifetime Do–It–All Pass, check out Intergroom.com. ✂

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37

GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS

ABCs, 123s: REVIEWING YOUR

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by Khris Berry

P

et Grooming Safety has become a much discussed topic in the past year. As I speak with groomers all over the globe, one common theme resonates—groomers care about the safety and welfare of the pets we service. Public awareness about our industry has brought a lack of oversight and organization into the spotlight.

However, there is a common misconception, that because we are an industry which has been lacking in legislative oversight, we must be unsafe. And that is the great divide which causes many pet groomers distress; just because we have not been organized as an industry, does not mean that we are operating with unsafe practices. I meet many groomers who are shining examples of pet safety basics and put the health and welfare of their clients’ pets at the top of their very long list of concerns.

Since there is an increased awareness of groomers and practitioners in our industry, each groomer should regularly review their safety basics, policies and practices regarding Groomer Safety. Think of giving yourself a regular checkup—more pleasant than a visit to the dentist, but just as necessary for the ongoing health and safety of your clients.

Social climates are changing, and the social value placed on pets is climbing. This may have created a need to update your safety guidelines and your clients will recognize your constant attention to this aspect of your business.

Below are general safety questions to ask yourself which will help you develop or review your Safety Plan:

Since there is an increased awareness of groomers and practitioners in our industry, each groomer should regularly review their safety basics, policies and practices regarding

Read Groomer to Groomer Online!

www.GroomertoGroomer.com

GENERAL FACILITY SAFETY: 1. Are your animal holding areas, cages, dryers and all equipment in good working order and designed for the pets you use them on?

JODI MURPHY Visit our website to see what other groomers have to say about the Prima Bathing System.

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39

ET GENER AL P RM RELEASE FO

MAT TED PET Date

Pet Name

Your Pet

RELEASE FORM

to Us! is IMPORTANT

safety about your pet’s Because we care you that we want to assure and well being, your be made to make every effort will le. possib as nt pet’s visit as pleasa expose canName ing Pet Date Occasionally, groom vate al problem or aggra a hidden medic or after can occur during a current one. This st grooming. reque we pet, your interest of we care about your pet’s safety In the best Because diate veterinary to obtain and well being, imme we want to assure you that your permission sary. everyd it become neces treatment shoul effort will be made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible. ing estab lishme nt to ssion to this groom se. permi Because your pet is ent severely pet at my expen I hereb y grant tangled for my nary treatm ency veteri or matted, it is at greater risk of injury, stress and obtain emerg trauma. All precautions will be taken. However, problems occasionally arise, during or after grooming, Nameas nicks, clipper irritation and mental or Owner such physical stress.

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

re interest of your pet, we request your permission InSignatu the best to obtain immediate veterinary treatment should it become necessary.

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my h.com expense. arkleig 1.3388 • www.b 717.69 Also, realizing Produ that matted pets•have ctions, Inc. a greater chance of injury during Barkleigh #PR-2 © 2016 grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

Owner Name

SENIOR PET RELEASE FORM

PET SAFET Y Pet Name

Your Pet is IMPO

Date

RTANT to Us!

RELEASE FORM

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well being, we want to assure you that every effort will be made to make your senior pet’s visit as pleasant as possib le.

Occasionally, groom ing can expose a hidden medical problem or aggra vate a current one. This Date can occur during Pet Name or after grooming.

In the best intere st of your pet, we request your permi ssion to obtain to as-diate pet’s safety, we want imme veteri about Because we care naryyour treatm ent should it becom sure you that every precaution will be taken to provide e necessary. experience for your a safe and stress–freeI grooming hereby grant permission to this nature of the grooming grooming estab obtain emerg pet. Due to the intimate ency veterinary lishment to treatment for my strangers, level for stress, tolerance Also, process, or a pet’s pet at my expen realizing that aged pets se. reactive orhave a greater chanc can become anxious petsing, groom or handling, some e

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

I will not hold this groom

of injury during

ing establishme accideservice. during the grooming nt or injury to my nt responsible for pet.

If we determine that continuing the grooming service would present a threat to your dog’s emotional or physgroomer completing the ical health, and/or the safety of Owner Name service, we will discontinue today’s service and contact you immediately. necessary to complete the grooming We will take every precaution Signature service safely and humanely including the proper use of common industry safety equipment such as grooming loops, muzzles, and restraints.

utilize I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to for the health and safety of my pet and my grooming proper restraints #SP-2 © 2016 Barkle service. I understand and grooming Productions service provider during today’sigh , Inc. • 717.691.3388 • agree that if the grooming establishment deems it unsafe or unhealthywww.barkleigh.com will to continue for the pet or the groomer, the grooming establishment end today’s service and I will be responsible for any services rendered.

Owner Name

Signature

Signature

#MP-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh.com

#SF-2 © 2018 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh.com

Do you have release forms available as well as client education in place for situations which increase the risk to either groomer or pet (senior, medical issues, behavioral, severe matting, etc.)?

2. Are you able to comfortably provide services for the pets you take in every day without crowding, rushing or improvising?

3. Do you have cleaning/sanitizing protocol in place to diminish the risk of contagious or infectious diseases from passing between dogs and humans?

4. Do you have plans in place for emergency events (fire, escape, medical emergency, etc.) and is your staff trained to follow them?

GENERAL SAFE HANDLING: 1. Do you have Animal Advocacy or Animal Welfare plans in place for the pets in your care?

2. Do you have Safe Animal Handling Guidelines and do you require your staff to practice them?

3. Do you dialog with your clients openly about any concerns with their pets’ health, temperament or condition?

4. Do you practice safe and humane restraints, and exercise calm self–control when handling all pets for grooming services?

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1. Do you have release forms available as well as client education in place for situations which increase the risk to either groomer or pet (senior, medical issues, behavioral, severe matting, etc.)?

2. Are you and your staff able to identify common health, skin, medical and behavioral issues, and do you regularly refer those to the appropriate pet professional?

3. Do you have plans in place to protect pets on tables, in tubs and cages, and during your care, and do you require your staff to practice them?

4. Do you regularly record service notes including concerns which would affect the safety of the pet during the groom?

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SAFETY TRAINING: 1. Have you or a member of your staff attended Pet Safety classes (CPR, Safety Certification, Disease Awareness, Safe Handling, etc.)? How often do you update your training?

2. Are your clients aware that you have safety training, procedures and/ or policies to protect their pet while in your care?

3. Do you have written Safe Handling guidelines to share with clients and employees?

4. Do you regularly review your safety procedures and risk–assess your facility, employees and handling of pets? (Congrats! You can check this box by reading this article and applying it to your own Safety Guidelines.)

ATTENTION AND AWARENESS There is no substitute for attention and awareness when working with pets. In a service which requires a

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broad scope of skill such as pet grooming, we sometimes become oblivious to the small details. An old saying, “The devil is in the details”, is never more true than when working with pets. Paying close attention to even the smallest details and applying your full attention to every pet in your care is the best practice to ensure that every pet is safe for every groom.

I find that many discussions with pet groomers about pet safety are short and sweet. Groomers are proud of the services we offer and truly care for the pets we handle every day. Since pet grooming is a largely hands–on, learned apprenticeship– style career, many pet groomers have simply “learned by doing”. Having completed a practice a certain way for a number of years does not negate the fact that it may not be safe, wise or accepted by today’s pet own-

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ing public. Careful evaluation of your own safety practices will ensure that you and your salon are truly meeting the needs of your clients’ pets.

While not every groomer will have the same specialty—one may possess mad scissor skills, while another may specialize in cats or handstripping— every grooming business can build on the foundation of safety. Every groomer who provides services to a pet can be a superstar safety specialist at the same level. Give yourself a safety check–up—for the pets you service and for the clients who love them. ✂

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44

There are two very primal fear issues that we as Groomers deal with every single day. The first is getting seriously bitten by the dogs we work on. The second is causing any kind of injury to them. We may become accustomed or desensitized to this constant level of fear the same way a steel worker may suppress working high on a building, but none of us are immune to it.

We all know that dogs are pack animals… but who are we in their pack? If they are the Alpha of their family pack (not an unusual situation), it should almost be expected for them to challenge our ranking.

When dogs are pushed, they push back. When dogs are pulled, they pull back. When we struggle with a dog, they struggle back because when they are in their home pack and do this with their owners, they win. As pack animals, dogs will make “test-struggles” with almost anyone on their way to establish ranking… anyone except themselves.

One of the real constants in our own salon, and in the hundreds I have visited as we travel the country and overseas with the Groomers Helper, is that you get bitten by the dog you least expect it from when you least expect it. Dogs, regardless of their level of training, are simply unpredictable. So we have to ask ourselves, just like that high-steel worker who would never walk out on a beam without their safety belt on, why in the world would we work without our own safety belt?

Man has been cross tying horses for centuries, simply because they were huge. If they did not cross-tie, it could cost them their lives. By doing so, the horse’s head is controlled and thus, so is the body. This is the essence of the theory behind the most effective safety belt we have to work with, the Groomers Helper.

Using the different cross-tie configurations the Groomers Helper offers, we reduce the dogs “bite-radius” by up to 90%. Stay out of the 10%, and we can not get bitten.

Also, once set up with the Groomers Helper, the dog will test the limits of its mobility and discover his “footprint” on the table and settle into it.

Once settled, they will not struggle with themselves, and since it is not the groomer that is restraining them, they will not struggle with us.

The Groomers Helper pulls the loop away from the trachea and puts the pressure on the back of the dog’s neck, exactly where the mother instilled dominance in the litter. When the dog backs up, it also puts the pressure on the sides of the neck, activating the pressure points.

This makes the dog move forward, encouraging a more comfortable position for both them and us.

The Groomers Helper allows the operator to groom with BOTH hands.

No more dangerous spinners, no more annoying sitters, and no more having to hold the beard for dear life to do head and face work. That means no more aching hands at the end of the day. Safer for the groomer

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Chuck Simons & Cuddy, Inventor of the Groomers Helper

and safer for the pet.

Over 100,000 groomers use the Groomers Helper every day to stay safe, and worldwide stylists will tell you they would not even consider grooming without it. My wife Beth says, “It almost makes grooming enjoyable again”, and only one Groomer can say that to another because we know how hard we work! If you want to prove it to yourself, we will help you with a 100% Money Back Guarantee and a Lifetime Warranty; all you have to lose is the day to day struggle and strain.

For yourself, your family, your business and the dogs you work with… never work without a safety belt again.

For further scientific evidence why the Groomers Helper is so effective, visit https://bit.ly/2W0bsOg or http://www.GroomersHelper.com

ASKED FACEBOOK

As a groomer, what measures have you taken to

STAY SAFE in your salon?

“I work from home and groom by appointment only so I lock my front door while I am working on each client so people cannot walk in. I screen potential clients and owners and turn away any that do not fit my requirements or seem questionable. I no longer take dogs over #50, biters or dogs that are uncooperative to groom...not worth the aches and pains later. I see a massage therapist routinely.

I handle dogs with respect and care and build their trust so that we both stay safe throughout the grooming appointment. I am fully insured. I require all new clients to sign a release form. I keep my work

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environment clean and require all dogs to be up-to-date on all vaccines and on flea preventative. I use a double restraint on the table so dogs cannot turn around or jump on the table or in the tub.”

— Bethandjo V.

“Just being thorough and paying attention to what I’m doing/ what’s going on around me. Lots of distractions cause accidents.

Also, knowing when to quit with a difficult dog will prevent injury to the dog or yourself.”

— Ashley W.

"

SCISSORS! I will cut someone in

SELF-DEFENSE." Candace A

“In regards to the safety of the pets in our care, I took the initiative to become a Certified Pet Tech Pet CPR & First Aid Instructor and teach everyone in our salon! But also, knowing the pets’ personalities in your care is a big plus in personal safety. Knowing what that pet will allow you to do and what they won’t. Also knowing medical histories and getting as much background info as you can on the pet!”

— Joshua W.

“If I’m thinking business protection, it’s cameras, liability forms, every detail written on the client card and noted, and conversing via text or message where it’s recorded. If I’m talking dogs, it’s rubber mats around the tub, investing in good/safe cleaners, cleaning constantly, and continued education. Never stop learning.”

— Amanda V. “I have taken multiple classes on safety, first aid and CPR for both human and animals. I have applied what I have learned to my shop. I have a fully stocked first aid kid, safety procedures in place and train my employees on what to do to in ‘X’ situation.”

— Sarah D.

“Hiring, training, maintaining and keeping high-quality staff who understand the rules and expectations, and who don't cut corners. Holding everyone accountable for everything and not letting little things slide.”

— Allison M. “I am so lucky I work at a veterinary hospital. I also never leave my dogs unattended no matter what. I always have help available if I need it. I make sure I take breaks so I don’t get overwhelmed and give dogs breaks (if necessary) when they need them.

There’s so much that can be avoided just in those few steps.”

— Sarah M.

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“I'm a house-call groomer. Lots can go wrong! I always make sure to talk to the client on the phone first (to ward off any weird vibes) and I have location sharing on with family members so everyone knows where I am at all times.”

— Laura H.

"

Follow the AKC

S.A.F.E. Program to the letter! " Tammy M.

“Education! Being properly trained to handle the tools and equipment we use. Understanding body language from the pets we take care of. Being willing to say ‘no’ when a situation isn’t safe for us or the pet. Staying alert, limit distractions. Knowing that every time a customer leaves their pet in our care, it could be life-changing for the pet or the groomer if proper care and safety isn’t the top priority.”

— Julie K.

“One-on-one appointments.

No distractions=safe salon. Also, I sanitize constantly!”

— Monique G. “Never put collars on dogs in cages.”

— Robin W.

“Always two people in the groom room at all times.”

— Jennifer R. “I am mobile and I always lock myself inside my van and I usually have my standard poodle with me.”

— Emma B. ✂

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49

Stud Tail Felines in

NOT JUST FOR STUDS E by Deborah Hansen e

Cats love their tails! Tails convey a cat’s personality and are used for communication and balance. Most cats are very particular when it comes to human intervention with their tails. As groomers, we want to get those tails fluffy and clean for the humans who love them.

H

ow often have you done a great bath with a good quality degreaser, turned on the dryer and started to notice separation in the tail coat? While it can be irritating, supracaudal gland hyperplasia, which is commonly known as Stud Tail, gets the best of us!

WHAT IS STUD TAIL? The supracaudal gland is located at the base of the tail, and this gland’s job is to secrete sebum, an

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oily substance that is intended to keep the coat shiny. When this oil becomes thick, it clogs the skin pores and hair follicles. Sebaceous cysts then develop. These cysts are basically blackheads on the tail of the feline.

Symptoms will appear as greasy, matted hair, bald patches at the base of the tail and a waxy substance on the skin of the tail. Stud tail in cats appears in altered and unaltered males and females. Simply put, any cat can get stud tail.

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WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ADDRESS STUD TAIL IN THE GROOMING ENVIRONMENT? You first want to start by using a high–quality degreasing shampoo and letting it sit on the tail for about ten minutes, then rinse. Bathe the feline a second time with the high– quality degreasing product. This process goes a long way in being able to finish the groom without the coat having a waxy feeling and separation on the coat.

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When you comb this type of tail, keep in mind that the tail is already irritated. Work gently and remember that the chance of brush burn greatly increases due to the preexisting inflammation of the tail.

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When you comb this type of tail, keep in mind that the tail is already irritated. Work gently and remember that the chance of brush burn greatly increases due to the preexisting inflammation of the tail. Recognize that most cats are not complacent about having their tails touched, much less groomed. While working on any cat’s tail, be sure to monitor the cat for signs of aggression.

Grooming the most passive cat can quickly escalate when an irritated tail is touched.

If the cat has received a lion cut, you will be fully aware of the problem before the bath, allowing you the ability to plan the extra time in the bath to address the issue. For the full coat grooms, sometimes the fact a cat has stud tail slips by until the drying process begins. After the tail is shampooed and dried, cornstarch can be applied to absorb any remaining oily substance.

If any signs of infection or odor accompany the other symptoms of stud tail, it is important for the client to take the cat to a veterinarian

since sometimes bacterial infections are present in cases of stud tail.

HOW DOES STUD TAIL IN FELINES HELP TO INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM LINE? It is important to get all the grease off the tail and get the pores back to functioning properly. In my business, that means “Kitty” will need another bath in 2–4 weeks and possibly another bath 2–4 weeks after that with a good quality, strong degreasing product.

After the oil overproduction is under control, clients can be placed on a 4–6 week schedule and maintain

a beautiful full coat. If the owner will allow you to shave the tail, the skin irritation will clear up faster.

If the tail is shaved, I ask the owner to apply a little cornstarch to the tail about twice a week. Cornstarch absorbs the oil which goes a long way in helping to resolve the problem.

Stud tail is usually a cosmetic issue that can be controlled with regular maintenance grooming. If the cat is not suffering from a bacterial component, once the groomer is able to get the grease under control, the problem should self–resolve. ✂ Deborah Hansen CFMG, CFCG is the

owner of a very successful feline exclusive, house call grooming business, Kitty’s Purrfect Spa. She is also the founder of “Deborah’s Programs”, a complete rebooking system to get all cats onto a regular grooming schedule, and owner and creator of Kitty’s Kopy Kats, a stationary store for anyone who grooms cats.

Deborah is the creative talent behind Feline Artistic Creations and an author in multiple grooming and local publications on the topics of feline grooming and business growth, as well as a teacher on the topics of Safety in the Grooming Environment, Creative Feline Grooming and the Business Side of House Call Grooming.

She can be found at deborahhansen.com.

References: https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_stud_tail_supracaudal_gland_hyperplasia http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog–health/dog–diseases–conditions–a–z/sebaceous–cysts–cats–or–dogs https://www.justanswer.com/cat–health/82dyv–will–corn–starch–hurt–cat–ingested.html

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WHAT’S ALL THE

I attended your seminar about handstripping in April at the NW Grooming Show. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you! I have been able to try more stripping since then. I also bought a carding knife at the show after you showed us one. I frequently come across dogs (Goldens, Long–haired dachshunds, Cavaliers, Poms, Setters...) that have very fine under–coatlooking fuzz extending out beyond the shiny outer coat. I've heard groomers referring to it as 'spay coat'— is that really what it is?

I

'm able to remove it from the dogs’ backs and upper sides with the fine deshedding rake and my new carding knife. But I am never able to get rid of it along the lower back legs and along the front legs. I think it would hurt to push the carding knife over the joints and bony areas. I've been removing the fuzz with thinning shears, chunkers,

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and straight and curved scissors, but never satisfactorily. Whenever I back brush, there seems to be wisps left over. Are my scissors not sharp enough? Is there a good technique to remove those hairs? Can you use extension combs on it? I don't want to cut into the outer coat. Help!”

Thank you, Monika

GroomertoGroomer.com

Hi Monika. Glad you came to the Northwest Grooming Show to learn some things and do some shopping.

Hope to see you again this year!

All the breeds that you mentioned have a similar coat type with the exception of the Pomeranian. Pomeranians have a coat more like a Rough Collie or Shetland Sheepdog, among other breeds. Pomeranians in particular suf–

As far as my research uncovered, there was little or no literature of scientific evidence of

IN THE due to alteration. In my observation, spaycoat does exist!

fer from genetic alopecia issues. The definition of alopecia is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows; baldness. They certainly can have a change in their coat due to alteration, but they may have additional factors involved with a change in coat. Pomeranians are not the only breeds with these genetic issues but the most commonly seen in grooming salons.

As for the Golden Retrievers, Long–haired Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and various types of Setters, they too have obvious changes in their coats due to alteration, among other breeds.

There is no doubt that hormones play a part in the appearance and texture of hair and skin in humans. Just think about the

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changes in our appearance as we age and our sex hormones lessen. Think about the changes that women go through after a complete hysterectomy, causing a complete and sudden loss of sex hormones. We don’t have very much experience with changes in men after castration as it is not a common practice in our current society. I am pretty sure we would see changes in their appearance as well.

I did a lot of research on this topic in order to explain the obvious changes in coat that pet groomers experience every day due to spaying and neutering. And yes, we all seem to use the slang term of “spay coat” or “neuter coat”. All I found was chats in forums and articles put out by breeders and breed clubs about their observations. I went to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) website and there were no articles on the topic that I could find. I also looked in the Merck Manual, which I personally use and refer my clients to quite often. Merck is a pharmaceutical company and they offer simple explanations of common health conditions in dogs and cats— kind of like WebMD for people.

As far as my research uncovered, there was little or no literature of scientific evidence of changes in the coat due to alteration. In my observation, spay coat does exist! I am sure there is a reluctance in the veterinarian community to offer any cons to the general public about spaying and neutering.

It is important to note that there are both minor and major medical issues that can cause changes to the coat, so be sure to send your client to the veterinarian if you see changes so that they can be tested for disorders like Addison’s disease, Cushing’s dis-

ease and thyroid issues, to name a few.

Let’s not forget that simple things like changes in nutrition can also play a role in the appearance and texture of coat.

There are many theories about when to alter a pet. Some say to wait until they are a bit older and some say to do it straight away. In my personal observation, I do believe altering a bit later helps them develop normal sized genitalia, promotes better bone and muscle development, and improves coat quality. Because there is no way to know what the coat would have looked like in an early altered pet, there is no way to compare that to a pet that was altered later in life.

Some breeders who know their lines very well can observe these changes and make predictions. For example, if they breed several puppies

There are three types of removing coat by plucking: with the same coat type and the only deviations are in the pets that were spayed or neutered, then it is probably the alteration that caused the variance.

In my experience, changes due to spaying and neutering come in at least two forms. First is a general thickening of the coat. This is due to the development of more undercoat. It either sheds less efficiently or produces more undercoat per follicle, or both. Also, they tend to produce less guard–hairs and/or softer guard–hairs. The combination of these two things is assessed

WashUnit_GroomTable_half_12_17_F4P.pdf

1

12/19/17

HANDSTRIPPING,

CARDING , OR DE-FUZZING

as being “softer”. The other form appears as if they grow longer undercoat.

The undercoat is actually longer than the guard-hairs. This is opposite of the proper function of undercoat.

There are three types of removing coat by plucking. First is handstripping. Handstripping mainly refers to plucking the hard outer coat of wire coated breeds. This technique can be applied to the hard outer coat of other breeds as well, but it typically is not as natural of a removal technique. Second is carding, which

9:35 AM

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57

mainly refers to plucking out the soft undercoat. This is usually done with tools that rake through the coat leaving the hard outer hairs and removing only the undercoat. And third is de–fuzzing. This method is all about removing the soft coat that is covering the hard outer coat. All three techniques can be with fingers,

rakes, knives and/or stones. In your question, I believe the latter is the scenario you are explaining.

Getting the fuzz out of the coat can be a time–consuming challenge.

I find grooming powder to be very helpful when de–fuzzing. Some call this chalk. Also ear powder will work in a pinch (No pun intended.) Ear pow-

der is typically more expensive than grooming powder. Grooming powder puts a coating on the hair and makes it easier to grip. It also can add color and volume when used as a styling aid.

Apply powder and remove the fuzz before the bath. Use rakes, carding knives, pumice stones and fingers to remove as much fuzz as you can. Don’t worry about the direction in which you are pulling the fuzz, just get it out. Cutting the coat is only going to mask the problem and promote more fuzz to grow. After you pull as much as you can, it is ok to tidy with thinning shears. In all reality, you can cut the remaining fuzz with any tool you choose as long as it does not cut the now exposed, hard outer coat.

For areas that you might be concerned with that are bony, using your fingers with grooming powder, a latex glove with grooming powder or a pumice stone with grooming powder would all be nice alternatives to rakes and knives. It is possible to irritate the skin by going over and over an area with a tool. Sometimes good old fingers are your best bet.

Also, be sure to hold the dog’s hide tightly, opposing each pull so as not to irritate the skin.

Be sure to charge extra for de-fuzzing. You are providing a service that others may lack the patience and skills to provide. Plucking the fuzzy coat instead of cutting it will last longer for the client. Lastly, the dog will look much younger and healthier without all that darn fuzz, so charge for your time!

I hope this helps. Thank you for such a great question.

Michell ✂ Have a question you want Michell to answer? Please send questions to michell@groomingtutor.com

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AFTER

BEFORE

Hand Stripping THE BORDER TERRIER E by Brittney Valle e

In a previous issue, we covered preparing the coat to begin the handstripping process on a Border Terrier puppy. For the second installment, we are spotlighting a handstrip on an adult Border Terrier in the grooming salon.

This will cover pet strips that you can offer your clients every day!

FIG. 1

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Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

W

hen you are beginning your handstripping journey, it is important that you find a mentor to teach and guide you in the right direction.

Many times people will say they don’t want to learn how to handstrip because they don’t have the market for it or their client base won’t support it—anyone who handstrips will tell you that clients will come out of GroomertoGroomer.com

the woodwork for someone who can properly offer the service. Proficient handstrippers have clients that will drive for hours to see them because they can’t find anyone that understands the techniques or can properly execute it closer to them.

Begin this handstripping session by carding the dog all over, as covered in December’s article.

Fig 1) Before you begin strip-

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ping, it is important to inspect the coat and determine how many layers you have on the dog. You can achieve this by pinching the back coat and rolling it up. Holding the coat this way allows you to see the shorter layers underneath the topcoat and will give you a great idea of what your outcome will be.

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FIG. 3

Fig 2) After determining how many layers you are starting with, begin stripping behind the occiput and pull in the direction of the coat growth. Be sure to pull straight back to ensure you pull the entire hair and are not breaking the coat. Be careful not to flick or bend your wrist as you pull. One solid movement from the

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FIG. 4

elbow and shoulder is best.

Fig 3) Every few pulls, check the hair you are pulling for breakage. Examine the whole shaft and make sure enough have root bulbs on the end of the hair. This is how you will know you are stripping properly.

Fig 4) Continue pulling the coat in the direction of the growth,

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

FIG. 10

exposing the shoulder and pulling back over the barrel of the dog. Use your off hand to pull the skin taught as you strip.

Fig 5) Here is a great depiction of what the dog will look like when half is pulled and half is not.

Fig 6) Continue by pulling the dog’s other side in the same manner.

Fig 7) Pull the leg hair by continuing to follow the direction of coat growth. On this particular dog I like to pull from the front of the leg and wrap it around to the back of leg.

This helps maintain a neat and tidy look on the pet strip.

Fig 8) To get a tidy look on the underline of the dog, pull the belly hairs straight down towards the ground. If this coat is soft from not being pulled, it can also be taken off with thinning shears on a pet dog.

Fig 9) Pull the hair of the tuck up

and the front of the back leg forward toward the center of the dog.

Fig 10) The tail should be stripped

into a carrot shape, wider at the base and tapering out at the end.

Fig 11) Strip the neck and throat

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FIG. 11

FIG. 12

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

FIG. 15

areas of the dog very tightly. The “flat work” of a stripped dog is usually taken very tightly and staged in before a show. Pet dogs don’t typically come in often enough to maintain a rolled coat, so this can be one of the trickier areas to pull on a pet as clients don’t often like for any area to be pulled all the way down to the skin. I pull this as tightly as I can without showing skin.

Fig 12) Strip the top of the head following the direction of the coat growth. This particular dog I stripped towards the tail and then from top skull down the sides of the cheeks toward the ground.

Fig 13) Finish pulling the cheeks by pulling from corner of the eye toward the opening of the ear.

Fig 14) Strip out the small hairs right in front of the eyes by gripping a tiny portion and pulling out and away from the face.

Fig 15) Strip the beard out from the root in the direction it grows (in

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a circular motion, all the way around the muzzle).

If you were to bathe the dog on the day of its groom, this would be the point where that could be done. It is important to use a shampoo designed for harsh terrier coats. A lot of groomers will also do a “terrier” bath on the handstrip dogs and wash furnishings, rear and beard—only doing a full bath when absolutely necessary. This helps preserve the natural oils in the coat and helps the coat lay closer to the skin.

Fig 16) On the pet strips, use thinning shears to scissor around the feet to get a natural appearance.

Fig 17) You can also clean up around the eyes, muzzle and head with thinning shears on a pet dog.

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Fig 18) Use a fine-toothed comb or a boar bristle paddle brush to check and make sure the stripped coat is lying flat all over the body.

The most important thing to remember when handstripping a pet in your salon is to find a great mentor who can help guide you in the right direction. Ask questions and take lessons—this is not a skill you can learn in a seminar room. You have to practice it and have firsthand knowledge and the feel of the way the coat pulls to learn. Once you are proficient in the skill, clients will flock to you! Having the knowledge to answer questions and steer your new clients in the right direction for their individual needs is invaluable. ✂

21–24, 2019

N

orthwest Grooming Show, which takes place from March 21st–24th, is a grand event that has grown exponentially, featuring a sold–out tradeshow, seminars by industry pros, and grooming competitions—not to mention the noteworthy location of this superb event, The Murano Hotel.

The Hotel Murano doubles as a beautiful glass art museum, with each floor featuring a different artist. The hotel is connected to the convention center, making it easy and convenient to shift between the expo and your hotel room, with surrounding amenities such as their signature restaurant BITE, the full–service bar that creates handcrafted cocktails and light fare with an art–infused setting, as well as access to the Chihuly Friendship Bridge and several museums that are located just down the street. To put

TACOMA, WA it simply, The Hotel Murano is the perfect place for a working vacation that will allow you the opportunity to grow your knowledge in the grooming industry, as well as connect with like– minded individuals to have an all–encompassing experience.

At this year’s expo, we are excited to announce a few of our exciting new seminars, such as: The Rosetta Bone: Decoding Canine Social Dynamics

by Khris Berry, Groomer’s Business Summit: Starting Right and Staying on Track by Teri DiMarino, Tips & Tricks for Next Level Social Media Marketing

by Chelsey Hall, Dog Father Knows Best by Joey Villani, It’s All About the Face by Jonathan David, and The Poodle Series which includes lessons and demonstrations from four different top groomers, and the new Get Inspired! series that focuses on tips and tricks for rejuvenation.

In addition to the many classes being offered at the Northwest Grooming Show this year, the expo will also include live demos of both cats and dogs, mobile grooming seminars, along with business management, pet health and behavior courses to partake in.

This year’s expo has many noteworthy sponsors such as: Foxy Roxy’s Supply Company, Andis, Wahl, Electric Cleaner Company, Paw Mat and 123 Pet Software, who will be sponsoring streaming of all the grooming competitions on GroomerTV so that people who are unable to attend the expo can still watch the competitions.

We are very excited for the 2019 Northwest Grooming Show and all that it has to offer. Thank you to our attendees, competitors and speakers for your continued support of the grooming industry. See you all in March! ✂

Featuring

BY ANDIS GUEST EDUCATOR

3Seminars

Jessica Moore

Strip & Clip? Why Not?!

I know, I know, you don’t handstrip. It’s not for everyone and that’s fine but have you ever considered a strip and clip? I will demonstrate the benefits of mixing both techniques in a timely manner and still maintain most of the texture and color.

Heads & Tails; Both Are Important Believe it or not a shaved down dog can be made to look worse by a badly balanced head and tail. I will demonstrate how just a slight change in a few details can make or break the groom.

What Poodle?

Poodles are such a versatile breed, but one of their best attributes is their coat! You can literally do whatever style you want. I will take a purebred Poodle and turn it into anything but a Poodle and explain why.

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#GroomerStory

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Wisdom & Grace If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. 6 In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

Proverbs 3: 4-6 Living Bible

TOP FOR 2018

128

99

91

Lindsey Dicken

Victor Rosado

Mackensie Murphy

Points

Points

Points

83

26

25

16

Michelle Breen

Phillip Schafmayer

Lis DeSouza

Anne Francis

Points

Points

Points

Points

16

15

11

Cat Opsen

Veronica Frosch

June Beckwith

Points

Points

Points

TRAVEL TEAM PRESENTED BY:

Victor Rosado, Mackensie Murphy, Lindsey Dicken, Michelle Breen ALTERNATE: Philip Schafmayer

thank you 2019 SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSPOR

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALIFORNIA GROOM EXPO WEST 2/14/2019 – 2/17/2019 Pasadena, CA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpowest.com PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO WEST 4/29/2019 – 5/2/2019 Burbank, CA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.petboardingexpowest.com

FLORIDA PET PRO EXOTIC WEST CARIBBEAN CRUISE 2020 1/5/2020 – 1/12/2020 Orlando, FL (321) 368–6622 cruisinglady@ymail.com www.barkleigh.com

MASSACHUSETTS

WORLD DOG EXPO 6/1/2019 – 6/2/2019 Secaucus, NJ info@worldexpo.dog www.worldexpo.dog INTERGROOM 4/11/2019 – 4/14/2019 Secaucus, NJ info@barkleigh.com www.intergroom.com

OHIO PETQUEST 6/20/2019 – 6/23/2019 Wilmington, OH (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.pqgroom.com

PENNSYLVANIA GROOM EXPO 9/12/2019 – 9/15/2019 Hershey, PA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpo.com PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/12/2019 – 11/14/2019 Hershey, PA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.petboardingexpo.com

ILLINOIS

TEXAS

NEVADA SUPERZOO 8/20/2019 – 8/22/2019 Las Vegas, NV info@superzoo.org www.superzoo.org

74

NEW JERSEY

NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 10/10/2019 – 10/13/2019 Sturbridge, MA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.newenglandgrooms.com

ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/8/2019 – 8/11/2019 Schaumburg, IL (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.aagroom.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 38 Ed 2 • February 2019

TO LIST YOUR EVENT, SEND IT TO ADAM@BARKLEIGH.COM

GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS 7/19/2019 – 7/21/2019 Houston, TX (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.txgroom.com WASHINGTON NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 3/21/2019 – 3/24/2019 Tacoma, WA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.nwgroom.com

GroomertoGroomer.com

EVENTS GROOM EXPO WEST 2/14/2019 – 2/17/2019 Pasadena CA NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 3/21/2019 – 3/24/2019 Tacoma WA INTERGROOM 4/11/2019 – 4/14/2019 Secaucus NJ PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO WEST 4/29/2019 – 5/2/2019 Burbank CA WORLD DOG EXPO 6/1/2019 – 6/2/2019 Secaucus NJ PETQUEST 6/20/2019 – 6/23/2019 Wilmington OH GROOM TEXAS AT THE HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS 7/19/2019 – 7/21/2019 Houston TX ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/8/2019 – 8/11/2019 Schaumburg IL GROOM EXPO 9/12/2019 – 9/15/2019 Hershey PA NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 10/10/2019 – 10/13/2019 Sturbridge MA PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/12/2019 – 11/14/2019 Hershey PA PET PRO CRUISE 2020 1/5/2020 – 1/12/2020 Orlando, FL

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