Groomer to Groomer May 2020

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 39 ED.5 • MAY 2020

Milena Kon, Andis Creative Styling Competition “People’s Choice,” Winner at Groom Expo West 2020

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

Photo by Animal Photography www.AnimalPhotography.com

by

bark2basics™

A mild puppy shampoo, crafted in a hypoallergenic base to minimize irritation for the tiniest of doggos. Finished with a baby powder fragrance.

888.364.6242

.com

g in m on co so

introducing

CONTENTS

MAY 2020 MAKE PET HEALTH A

PRIORITY

AND THEIR MULTITUDE OF OPTIONS

DURING THE

Dring Process

16 by Dr. Cliff Faver

by Jonathan David

The Dreaded Shedding Season

Hansen: How Many People Does It Take to Bathe a Cat?

6 Berry: Employee Protections: What You Need to Know in 2020 12 Tutorial: The "Guess What" Trim

56

Salon Spotlight: Mucky Pups: Customer Care is at the Heart of This Family Affair

22 New Products

66

Conner: Be Prepared with Fire Extinguisher Basics

28

Groomer Humor

34

46

68

Classifieds 68

Knowles: 7 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Dogs 38 Calendar of Events

70

52

by Kathy Hosler

“THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE!” VOL. 39 ED.5 • MAY 2020

EDITOR/PRESIDENT Todd Shelly todd@barkleigh.com

SR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenn Barraclough jennifer@barkleigh.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS James Severs james@barkleigh.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Gwen Shelly gwen@barkleigh.com

JR. GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jenny Thomas jthomas@barkleigh.com

MARKETING CONSULTANT Alex Hammersla hammer@barkleigh.com

MANAGING EDITOR Rebecca Shipman rebecca@barkleigh.com

WEB MASTER Luke Dumberth luke@barkleigh.com

MARKETING COORDINATOR Alyx Robertson alyx@barkleigh.com

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER VIDEO DIRECTOR Adam Lohr Jeremiah Strawbridge adam@barkleigh.com jeremiah@barkleigh.com ART DIRECTOR Laura Pennington laura@barkleigh.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION Becca Tarlo rtarlo@barkleigh.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Evan Gummo evan@barkleigh.com ACCOUNT MANAGER/ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Karin Grottola karin@barkleigh.com

WWW. GROOMERTOGROOMER .COM

Michell Evans Kathy Hosler Daryl Conner Khris Berry Michelle Knowles Jonathan David Brittney Valle Amanda Aaron Deborah Hansen

Copyright May 2020. 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. (717) 691–3388 FAX: (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com

GroomertoGroomer.com

Milena Kon, Andis Creative Styling Competition “People’s Choice,” Winner at Groom Expo West 2020

Photo by Animal Photography www.AnimalPhotography.com

ON THE COVER Milena Kon, Andis Creative Styling Competition “People’s Choice,” Winner at Groom Expo West 2020 Photo by Animal Photography www.AnimalPhotography.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

5

E by Robyn Michaels e

It’s that time of year. It’s getting warm, and dog owners are starting to complain about shedding. You’re likely seeing more de-sheds being scheduled and mountains of dog hair to be swept up between each groom.

WHY DOGS SHED There are a lot of factors for why dogs shed, including genetics, sunlight, diet, stress and hormones.

Double–coated dogs tend to lose more hair than single–coated dogs. And most dogs tend to shed more when the weather starts turning warm. However, dogs may shed a lot in the winter if the home is very dry because their skin, like ours, dries out.

Diet may also affect why a dog loses a lot of hair. Virtually all commercial dog foods are formulated so the “average” dog can maintain his health.

Some dogs may need more essential fatty acids in their diets, with all other

6

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

factors being equal. A pet owner may have to experiment a bit, but too much is not good and could cause the dog to gain weight or have diarrhea.

Stress is a very important reason dogs shed. Your clients may notice that there is more dog hair around when they enter their homes after they have been away or when they take the dog to the veterinarian, to be groomed, or whatever the dog experiences as stress.

This is called “flight shedding”.

Hormones definitely affect shedding. Intact dogs shed more than neutered dogs, and neutered dogs often revert to puppy–type hair and have more undercoat.

GroomertoGroomer.com

WHY CLIPPING IS NOT THE SOLUTION Undercoat is what most of the shedding hair is. Nobody knows why it happens, but clipper alopecia is thought to be a stress response.

What happens is that the hair, once clipped, does not grow back the same texture as it was originally.

Yes, sometimes it does, but usually the response is more undercoat, or a patchy regrowth. The dog may not shed if he is bald, or the undercoat may grow back thicker and shed more. There have not been adequate studies to determine why or how the coat will regrow.

h t l a e H r e m o o Gr We have a range of products available to make your life at work safer and more comfortable, keeping you grooming for many years to come!

Groom Professional Bronco Saddle Stool Groom Professional Anti-Fatigue Mat

Groom Professional Mi-Style Shears

Disposable Face Masks Pack of 50

10% OFF

*

Your first order

USE CODE: HIUSA10

For friendly customer service christiesdirect.com christies

626 515 7950

LINES OPEN 9AM-5PM (PST) MON-FRI

Christies Direct: 910 Canal Pl. City of Industry, CA 91746 Email: service@christiesdirect.com

FOLLOW CHRISTIES DIRECT

Some of my fellow groomers have clients sign a contract waiver if asked to shave a double–coated dog.

That’s a great idea.

8

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

I try to warn dog owners, but we’ve all had those who tell us that the veterinarian said it won’t make a difference. It does. Some of my fellow groomers have clients sign a contract waiver if asked to shave a double–coated dog. That’s a great idea.

Here’s the deal: for the amount of work shaving a double–coated dog is, and wear and tear on our blades, it takes us just as long to rake out undercoat, which would be the more appropriate response. We always charge more to shave double–coated dogs for this reason. We also tell clients that whether the dog is raked out or shaved, it’s only going to be effective at the most for about six weeks.

DESHEDDING TOOLS You should also introduce your

GroomertoGroomer.com

dog–owning clients to various brushes and encourage them to use them between appointments. Partly because of price, partly because of durability and partly because of effectiveness, we generally urge clients to buy a medium curved slicker. For most dogs, the gauge of the wire works very well, and the brush lasts a long time. For the more delicate dogs, or dogs with short hair but lots of undercoat, a slicker with a finer gauge wire works well.

For the really hairy dogs like Rough Collies, Pyrenees, Berners, etc, we suggest rakes. A dematting rake is great for dog manes and butt cheeks, but the coat king–style rakes may be better on the bodies of dogs. They also come in various gauges to suit small to medium dogs and cats.

We suggest that our pet owners

We invite them to come in for a blow out if the dog doesn’t really need a bath. If the dog is brushed out once a week with the proper tool, the owners should be able to keep shedding under control.

deshed dogs once a week, and advise them that the average dog takes about 15 minutes. If they groom the dog once a week, they will get the dog into a shed cycle, and that helps. We also invite them to come in for a blow out if the dog doesn’t really need a bath. If the dog is brushed out once a week with the proper tool, the owners should be able to keep shedding under control.

DO DESHEDDING SHAMPOOS WORK?

IF IT ISN’T METROVAC, WHY BUY IT?

Of course! But I always tell clients that it depends on why the dog is shedding. Deshedding shampoos/conditioners typically work because they have extra emollients in them which will make the skin more supple and get out the hair that is about to shed, as well as what is now shedding. It’s hard to tell how effective they are because so few of our clients brush their dogs with the proper brush. I advise clients to try it once, and let us know.

WHAT ELSE WILL HELP?

Philip Schafmayer NCMG

- Champion Groomer, Judge and Pet Salon Owner

That’s what top pros like Philip know because he’s had a MetroVac Pet Dryer for 18 years and it still works perfectly. If a pet dryer does not say it’s made in America with a body of steel and guaranteed for 5 years....well, it’s not. So why on earth would you buy it? Be smart. Go with the quality and durability of a MetroVac Pet Dryer.

• Made In The USA • All-Steel Construction • 5 Year Warranty*

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS

MetroVac.com 800.822.1602

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS

The configuration and coloring of the Air Force® Master Blaster®, Air Force® Blaster®, Air Force® Commander®, Air Force® Radiance®, Air Force® Quick Draw® are a US Registered trademarks of Metropolitan Vacuum Cleaner Company, Inc. Made in the USA with domestic and international components. *1 year on parts. Some exclusions apply.

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS 10

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

There are two other things dog owners can do to help alleviate shedding: 1) Get rid of carpets. You may have clients with drape–coated dogs who are showing those dogs. Wool fibers are serrated, and if the dog rolls or rubs on carpet, that will break hair as well as pull it out. Synthetic fibers are manufactured to mimic wool, so you have to decide whether you want carpets or long hair!

2) Exercising the dog adequately.

Many dogs need a job. If they have too much energy and can’t work it off, they are going to be under stress…which results in shedding. One reason so many adult dogs end up in shelters is that the owners were not adequately screened by sellers regarding how much care a dog would need.

I hope this information helps you talk with your pet parents about the dreaded shedding! &

by Deborah Hansen HOW MANY PEOPLE

DOES IT TAKE TO

As professional cat groomers, the number of people it takes to get the job done is no joking matter. Some successful cat groomers will tell you to do it alone, others will tell you to have an assistant, yet others will tell you to ask the owner for help. ith so much information and opinions about how many people it takes to groom a cat, what is the answer?

I am going to tell you, it depends on your business model, brand and personal cat grooming beliefs. Like with anything, there are pros and cons to all the options available to you.

THINGS TO CONSIDER When deciding how many people to schedule to groom your cat clients, there are three main things to consider: skill level, business ambiance or brand, and your relationship with

cats. All three things will factor into how many people to schedule for each cat groom.

Each of us needs to take time to reflect and honestly evaluate our skill level. It is important to be able to recognize felines that are more aggressive than your skill level allows you to safely groom. Accurately assessing the feline’s aggression level at check–in will go a long way to prevent starting a groom on a cat you cannot finish with the resources scheduled for that particular groom.

It is also important to know at what aggression level you turn

clients away. Just because your skill level is high and you “can� groom a cat, it doesn’t mean it is in the best interest of your business or employer to do so. When we decide to groom a cat at the high end of our skill level, we can end up with unnecessary bites, scratches and bruises. When grooming cats, personal safety is of the utmost importance. Preventing injuries before they happen is in everyone’s best interest.

The second thing to consider when establishing how many people to schedule to groom each cat is your business’ ambiance. How does your

Does wrestling a cat send the right message for your brand? With cameras everywhere, if someone snaps a picture, would grooming this particular cat build or chip away at your reputation? business operate? Are cats checked in, whisked off to the back and groomed behind the scenes? Or do you have windows or an open space where the owners and people walking by can observe the grooming process? Does wrestling a cat send the right message for your brand? With cameras everywhere, if someone snaps a picture, would grooming this particular cat build or chip away at your reputation? Grooming a cat at the top of your skill level could place your reputation in danger and, in turn, hurt your bottom line.

Finally, when establishing how

many people to schedule for each cat, you need to understand your personal relationship with the cats you groom. Do you see cats as individuals with different requirements that need to be catered to during the grooming process? Or, do you see the grooming process as a one–size– fits–all? Is your business model a check–in, bathe, out–the–door type of business? Or is your business a meet–the–owner, take–time–to–introduce–yourself–to–the–cat and work–at–the–cat’s–pace type of business? The type of relationship you believe in for the grooming pro-

cess will go a long way to dictate how many people you need to groom each cat client.

Solo cat grooming works great for every business option. The key to solo cat grooming is accurately assessing the cat’s temperament at check–in.

Solo cat groomers tend to get into trouble when they over estimate their skills or underestimate the aggression level of the cat. Grooming a cat by yourself allows you to have a deep emotional connection and groom with a holistic approach. On the other hand, solo grooming also allows you to have a no–nonsense, by–the–book

Can’t go to a trade show?

Unparalleled Performance Superior Comfort evolutionshears.com • (877)560-3057

WE ARE HONORING TRADE SHOW PRICES & FREE SHIPPING!

style to cat grooming. Solo cat grooming can easily fit into any brand or business model.

Grooming with an assistant works best for more structured businesses.

When grooming with an assistant, the groomer and assistant must have clear and concise communication. If the person holding the cat does not have a firm grip, or is not well trained and does not communicate that clearly, the chance of injury increases for the cat, groomer and assistant. Grooming with an assistant can decrease the time spent with each cat and can potentially get the cat out of your care in less time than solo grooming.

Grooming with the owner’s assistance is not something I encourage. As a consumer, if I pay someone for a job, I expect the job to be completed. I may want to watch or chat with them while they are working, but I expect them to do the work I hired them to do. When we ask the owner to help, we diminish our place as an authority in our field.

If your business model is on the holistic side of the spectrum, when you pull an owner in to hold the cat, you have no control over the emotions or nonverbal signals that the owner is sending to the cat. When the cat senses the owner is distracted, the feline will most likely move suddenly or misbehave when the owner is not fully focused on holding the feline which will increase both the difficulty level for the groomer and the chance of an accident occurring.

While everyone has an opinion on how many people it takes to groom a cat, in the end, it is your choice. How many people it takes to groom a cat does not need to be a black and white decision. You may decide solo grooming is the best option for the majority of your clients and an assistant is best for a few specific cats. Take a hard look at your brand, personal beliefs regarding your relationships with cats, business goals and skill level, then make the choice that best attracts and serves your ideal client. &

14

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

15

BUT WHY?

by Jonathan David

AND THEIR MULTITUDE OF OPTIONS

W

hen I was a child I remember my father giving our dogs a bath in the bathtub at home, or in the summer months, using the hose in the backyard. He would towel dry them as best he could after the bath, and then they would run around the house and rub on the carpeting and furniture to dry themselves—much to my mother’s dismay. They would eventually dry and their hair would look scruffy and wavy, but they were clean and that was good enough for my dad.

There weren’t many pet groomers in our area at that time, and professional pet grooming wasn’t a booming industry in those days. But a lot has changed since then. Nowadays, the pet grooming industry has evolved into a respected professional career path that many pet owners understand is a necessary part of dog ownership—and the equipment available to us has made our lives and our work easier and better.

16

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

One of those pieces of equipment that have changed the way we groom pets are blow dryers—and there are a variety of them on the market. But why are there so many different kinds of blow dryers and are they really any different?

Companies have developed equipment that helps us to turn a scruffy, shaggy pet into an eye-catching and adorable member of the family that they proudly include in many family activities. One of those pieces of equipment that have changed the way we groom pets are blow dryers—and there are a variety of them on the market. But why are there so many different kinds of blow dryers and are they really any different?

The answer to that question has

GroomertoGroomer.com

everything to do with the pets that we groom. With such a variety of coat textures, lengths, thicknesses and styles, we as professional pet groomers need blow dryers that will give us different results to achieve the best overall grooming on our furry clients.

There are dryers that use high velocity, forced air to dry the coats and dryers that use gentle, continuous air flow, and there are some that have speed and heat settings as well.

There are stand dryers, force dryers,

FORCE

DRYERS • Remove moisture held within the coat • Excellent for loosenin and removing packed undercoat • Asset for removing mats • Speed settings are ideal • Never point directly into sensitive areas

cage dryers and handheld dryers, and they each have their purpose and intended method of use.

FORCE DRYERS Let’s start with high velocity dryers, or force dryers, as they’re commonly called. This type of dryer uses a motor to generate a very powerful and concentrated stream of air that is forced through a hose that the groomer holds in their hand. The groomer can choose different nozzles to affix to the end of the hose to either concentrate the airflow through a narrow opening, or through a wider opening to give a more diffused stream of air. These dryers are typically built in a canister style or a box style that sits on the floor or a shelf, or can be attached to the wall.

SAVE TIME, WATER & MONEY!

Force dryers are often used as a first step in the blow drying process to remove much of the moisture being held within the coat by using the powerful stream of air to blow the water away from the skin and coat. They’re also an excellent tool for loosening and removing packed undercoat, and an asset for removing mats by using the finer, more pointed nozzle to help separate the hair and push the undercoat or tangles outward, making it easier to brush out the coat and save you from having to clip down a matted pet.

Force dryers are rather noisy and can frighten some pets, so choosing one that has speed settings is ideal so you can start on a lower speed and work your way up to a faster speed as the pet becomes comfortable with the noise and feeling. Caution needs to be exercised when using this type of dryer around sensitive areas like the rectum, the ears and the eyes, and should never be pointed directly into those areas.

Using a slower speed setting and a cotton ball in the ear, or using your hands to shield the direct pressure of the air in those areas, can also help calm a pet and make the experience a more pleasant one.

STAND DRYERS

BATHING MADE EASY!

• Cut shampoo costs by up to 50% • Rentals for as low as $20/month • Reduce strain & physical fatigue • No additional plumbing required • 35+ years serving satisfied groomers • Available for any size shop or mobile unit

cosmosbathingsystems.com • 866.974.3787 18

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

A stand dryer is a type of blow dryer that is used to fluff and stretch the coat to get the hair as straight as possible. These blow dryers are fixed upon a base and pole that stand next to the groomer, or suspended from an arm attached to the wall, and they use a motor to create a more gentle flow of air that a groomer points in the direction of the hair they are drying.

It gives the groomer a hands-free flow of air so they can dry the coat while simultaneously using a brush to fluff and straighten the coat.

This type of blow dryer is typi-

cally used as a second step after the force dryer, but can also be used as the only type of dryer after using a towel to draw the majority of the moisture out of the coat. The action of brushing while drying with a stand dryer is the best option when you’re trying to achieve the straightest and most voluminous coat, which in turn will allow you to achieve the best and smoothest finish on your cuts.

Stand dryers also typically offer multiple speed and temperature settings so you can change the setting when necessary, such as lowering the heat when you get near the more sensitive areas like the eyes. They’re also an excellent dryer choice when trying to brush out tangled or matted hair because the airflow separates the hair, allowing you to both see and get down to the tangles and

work them out gently with a brush.

CAGE DRYERS Another commonly used type of dryer is called a cage dryer. When used properly, a cage dryer can help cut down drying time and cut out some of the hands-on work of using the force or stand dryers. Cage dryers are either a single unit that is hung on the outside of the kennel door with the flow of air facing towards the pet inside the kennel, or a unit that sits away from the kennel and has a single or multiple hoses that you hang on the kennel door so the air flows through the hoses towards the pet inside the kennel.

These dryers use a gentle stream of air flow that helps to evaporate the moisture on the pet while they drip dry, and is often used before other dryers, or for short-haired pets to dry

K-9 II & K-9 III

BLOWER-DRYERS now both available in

VARIABLE SPEED!

www.electriccleaner.com Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

HANDHELD BLOW DRYERS The last type of dryer that groomers can use are handheld blow dryers, similar to the ones a beauty stylist uses on humans. There are several companies that make handheld blow dryers specifically for pets. These dryers offer lower heat settings so the temperature doesn’t irritate or burn the pet’s skin.

The advantage to handheld dryers is that they are easily portable and you can pinpoint the airflow exactly where you want it. These are often used by groomers at dog shows for quick touchups. Some models will fit inside specially designed grooming aprons to make them hands-free, similar to a stand dryer. Although less commonly used, these dryers offer more versatility with multiple speed and heat settings.

Whichever type of dryer you decide is best for you, be sure to make sure all the speed and heat settings are right for your grooming needs. I recommend investing in a high-quality dryer that will run for hours without much maintenance. You should also experiment with different types of dryers and see the results first-hand on various coat types. Do your research, make informed choices and take your grooming to the next level! &

Manufacturers of the World’s Finest Animal & Industrial Vacuums, Blowers & Dryers Osseo, WI 54758 • 1-800-456-9821

20

completely inside the kennel.

There has been much controversy over the use of cage dryers because when used improperly for extended periods of time with high heat settings, a dog can become overheated, resulting in heat exhaustion or, in severe cases, fatality. Therefore, extreme caution should be exercised when using cage dryers, and pets should never be left unattended while using these dryers.

The temperature should always be set to cool or warm for short periods and a groomer should never use these dryers on a higher temperature setting.

GroomertoGroomer.com

NE W!

SOFT MEAT ROLL TREATS COUNTER DISPLAY

 Drive impulse purchases  Over $100 of retail value  Easily determine product that needs restocking

Counter Display Size: 18" wide x 12" deep

You can make 50% margin!

7 oz meat roll = 140* treats per roll! (MSRP $3.99/roll) 12 oz meat roll = 240* treats per roll! (MSRP $6.49/roll) *Treats per roll based on cutting them in cubes of 1/4"

Where can you order?

Order from your favorite distributor, or you can now order direct from our new wholesale site: wholesale.happyhowies.com or www.wholesalepet.com New to Happy Howie’s?

Register your business to get access to wholesale product and discounted pricing!

SALON SPOTLIGHT

by Jen Phillips April

Mucky Pups:

Customer Care

Heart Family Affair is at the

of this

“We focus on relationships,” says Jackie Boulton, co-owner of Calgary’s Mucky Pups.

F

or 24 years, along with her sister Debbie Cameron, they have welcomed dogs and their human owners into their dog grooming salon.

“We have one of the longest– running and most high–end salons in Calgary,” says Jackie. “We’re known for our customer service. We feel you can be a great groomer and be competitive in pricing, but you have to set yourself apart somehow and we do that with our customer service. There’s not a lot of person– to–person contact in today’s world so we focus on that.”

22

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

Focusing on those relationships has paid off in a loyal clientele.

“I don’t feel like it’s rocket science, but we’re doing something right because we’re thriving,” says Jackie.

“We do a lot of things that are frowned upon in the industry. For example, every year in the month of December we do a weekly drawing for a large gift basket. We don’t skimp on it. It includes dog gifts, human gifts, and a gift certificate. In fact, we spend of minimum of $500 each in customer appreciation gifts.

Sometimes, other groomers think that’s a lot, but we don’t.

GroomertoGroomer.com

“We also offer senior discounts any day of the week and we offer a 10% discount if someone brings in two dogs from the same household at the same time.

“When we started, we were happy with six dogs a day. We put every penny we made back into the business. Now, we want to be able to pay it forward. We don’t have the philosophy of getting rich. We pay our groomers well, so they feel appreciated. We take time to talk to them and get to know them. Without them, you have no business,” expresses Jackie.

QUADRUPED PET CARE

FREE

16 OZ. SAMPLES of Our Combination Tearless Yucca General Purpose Flea & Tick Medicated Shampoo & Leave-In Deshedder Dematter Rapid Dryer Conditioner

This is your opportunity to see the difference that All Natural Quadrupeds Products can make to your grooming and conditioning

ORDER ONLINE AT:

http://quadrupedpetcare. com/sample_request_ adam.php VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR EXTENSIVE GROOMING LINE www.quadrupedpetcare.com or call 1-800-638-1135 All Ingredients and Products Made in the U.S.A.

FOR VERIFIABLE PET INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Their dedicated front desk receptionist, Veronica Melnik—who happens to be the mother of one of the groomers—keeps things humming.

BARKLEIGH PET PRO CRUISE

ALASKA SEPTEMBER 23-30, 2020 7 NIGHT CRUISE DEPARTS: Vancouver, B.C., Canada CONTACT:

Judith "LUCY" Wheeler- Barkleigh Cruise Agent Cell (321) 368-6622 Cruisinglady@ymail.com

24

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

The sisters have six groomers in their salon who groom around 40 dogs a day. Their dedicated front desk receptionist, Veronica Melnik—who happens to be the mother of one of the groomers—keeps things humming.

“She’s amazing and believes wholeheartedly in our philosophy of customer appreciation. She does the booking, answers the phone, checks in dogs, checks out dogs. She’s irreplaceable. She’s our trio to my sister and I,” says Jackie.

Like many groomers, Jackie and her sister started young in the grooming business. Jackie was a bather/ clipper as a teenager and later Debbie followed her at the same salon. After about a decade, they decided it was time to go out on their own.

“Debbie found a building to lease. We’re still in the same place all these years later.”

As they grew, they added staff and retail.

“We have a little retail. Through trial and error, we’ve narrowed it down to sweaters, coats, lots of treats, and almost any grooming product that a dog would need. We can show them the right type of brush for their dog and why. They can’t get that level of service at the big box stores.”

They’ve added to their pet health knowledge over the years and now enjoy multiple veterinarian referrals.

“We have great relationships with several veterinarians. I’ve learned so much about anal glands and ear plucking from my vet and I’ve been able to share that knowledge with my customers. We have 4–5 vets that recommend us. That says a lot and makes me feel confident,” Jackie says gratefully.

Besides running the day–to–day of the salon with Debbie, Jackie is

There was an award named for Brian at the 2019 Barkleigh Honors Awards which took place at Groom Expo in September.

well–known in the industry as a competitive groomer.

Jackie started competing in dog grooming shows not long after she became a groomer. “I showed horses originally. Then, in 1992, I went to Intergroom in NJ and won the Gold Medal with a Kerry Blue Terrier. It was my first grooming competition.”

Jackie’s late husband, Brian Stopa, always attended the grooming shows with her. “He was like the groomer who wasn’t a groomer.

He loved the industry and was supportive and helpful to everyone.”

There was an award named for Brian at the 2019 Barkleigh Honors Awards which took place at Groom Expo in September. Jackie presented The Brian Stopa Award for Spirit and Congeniality which was awarded to Sue Zecco.

With their dedication to their customers and award–winning groomers, Mucky Pups is sure to remain one of Calgary’s top salons! &

A Dog Groomer Mentors an Athlete in an Erotic Romance

ONLY $13.50 AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM

26

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

WWW.AQUAAIR-WETDRY.COM

by Daryl Conner

BE PREPARED WITH

Fire

Extinguisher

Basics

There you are, grooming a tail–wagging, face–kissing dog and shuffling through the day’s plan in your head when you smell smoke. You put the dog in a crate and investigate. And, sure enough, you see smoke and sparks—or worse—flames, coming from a clipper. What do you do next?

I

f you are prepared, hopefully you have a fire extinguisher on-hand, easily accessible and ready to use.

Fire extinguishers are designed to use on small, contained fires. In my example of a clipper starting an electrical fire, if caught quickly, using the appropriate fire extinguisher could save the day.

Here is where I must make a confession. I do not have a fire extinguisher in my grooming studio. But I am planning on buying one this weekend.

As I started thinking about this topic, I

28

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

realized that I don’t know much about fire extinguishers and had no idea what type would be best to buy.

A little research on the internet soon informed me that there are four common types of fire extinguishers, rated by class; A,B,C and D. Class A are designed to extinguish flames from wood and paper. Class B are for flammable liquids such as oil and grease. Class C are only for electrical fires, and Class D are designed for flammable metals.

Luckily you don’t have to have GroomertoGroomer.com

an extinguisher for each type of fire, because you can purchase one unit that is multipurpose. These units will be labeled AB, BC or ABC. This type of extinguisher contains dry chemicals and works by creating a barrier between the fuel and the surrounding oxygen. Extinguishers labeled ABC are recommended for general household use. It is important to use the right extinguisher for the fire; using the wrong type can do more harm than good.

I still had questions, so I called a company that sells and services fire

“I would recommend a good, multi–purpose extinguisher. One that is rated ABC would work on gas, paper and wood, as well as electrical fires.”

—Brian Grondon, AAA Fire Extinguishers extinguishers and had a nice chat with pounds. Ten–pound units are harder to a helpful man named Brian Grondon handle because they are heavier.”

(AAA Fire Extinguishers, Auburn, ME.) This confused me, so I did a little I asked him what type of extinguisher research. The five– or ten–pound desigwould be best in a grooming setting. nation refers to the capacity of the exI explained to him that it seemed tinguisher, not the weight of the entire reasonable to me that electrical fires tool. A five–pound unit will hold five would be a concern in our industry. pounds of the extinguishing chemical.

He agreed and said, “I would My next question was about storrecommend a good, multi–purpose ing and maintaining fire extinguishers. extinguisher. One that is rated ABC Grondon explained, “NFPA code would work on gas, paper and wood, as requires that fire extinguishers be inwell as electrical fires.” spected annually if you are a commerHe went on to recommend, “A five– cial business. OSHA requires monthly pound extinguisher is good for most inspections. Every six years extinguishsmall businesses.

They weigh about nine ers should be torn apart and rebuilt.”

GroomersBest-2020-April.pdf 1 3/9/2020 3:29:25 PM

Low Profile Electric GROOMING TABLE

When it comes to storing them, he said, “I would recommend keeping one near every exit.”

Many fire extinguishers come with a hanging bracket so they can be installed in an easily accessible space.

This is a good plan, because when you are dealing with a fire, there is no time to be digging through a closet to find your extinguisher!

Armed with a little more knowledge, I wondered how much I’ll be spending this weekend when I go to buy my new fire extinguisher. Some additional research on the internet showed me that prices vary but are

FREE SHIPPING in the Continental United States www.groomersbest.com • 605-582-3013

Elite Bathing Tub with STEPS and DOOR

C

COLOR STOCK Black, Dessert Tan, Grey, Pink and Purple

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

30

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

There's an app for that.

GROOMSOURCE

EDUCATIONAL SERIES

and so much more!

• VIDEO RENTAL LIBRARY

• PRODUCT STORE

• INFORMATIVE ARTICLES • GROOMUNITY • GROOMER INTERVIEWS

• LIVESTREAM

• REFERENCE PHOTOS

• PRODUCT VIDEOS

• TUTORIAL VIDEOS

• EVENT CALANDER

Download Free Today!

GROOMSOURCE.COM

Most fire extinguishers are built to be used with a

&

standardized technique known as “P.A.S.S.”

P.A.S.S. (P) Pull the pin

(A) Aim low towards the base of the fire (S) Squeeze the handle to allow the chemicals to spray out (S) Sweep from side to side, maintaining your aim at the base of the flames

– TIFFANEY TAVERNER, ICMG CCS | Barks N’ Bubbles Pet Spa, Winnipeg, MB Canada

32

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

very reasonable. Single use/disposable five–pound extinguishers are the least expensive to purchase. I found several for under $30. Rechargeable units tend to be more slightly more expensive.

Grondon explained that if extinguishers are purchased through a company such as his, they can perform the annual inspections and provide loaner units if they need to keep yours to service.

Once you have purchased and installed your fire extinguishers, it’s time for you and any staff you have to learn how to use them. Most fire extinguishers are built to be used with a standardized technique known as “P.A.S.S.” (P) Pull the pin, (A) Aim low towards the base of the fire, (S) Squeeze the handle to allow the chemicals to spray out and (S) Sweep from side to side, maintaining your aim at the base of the flames.

If the fire reignites, repeat the last three steps.

Most people have never had the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher. Your local fire department may offer training and will certainly be able to answer any specific questions you might have.

This would also be a good time to review your emergency plan in case of fire.

Where will people and pets be evacuated to if the fire cannot be quickly controlled? Having a plan of action in place that is understood by all staff members can mean the difference between life and death in the case of a fire emergency.

In an ideal world, nothing will distract you from grooming that tail–wagging, face–kissing dog, but won’t you feel better knowing you have a proper fire extinguisher at your fingertips in case disaster strikes? I know I will. &

Resources https://www.fireline.com/blog/the–9– types–of–fire–extinguishers–and–how–to– use–them/ https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/ home/articles/fire–extinguisher–safety

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Last-a-Lifetime Kennel Designs

with solid components and latches to reduce kennel noise and ensure quiet handling.

The Industry’s Most Versatile

Professional Grooming Tubs with a rotating ramp that stays out of your way and saves your back.

14 Gauge Construction

877.459.7827 | directanimal.com

MAKE PET HEALTH A

PRIORITY

Dring DURING THE

Photo by Jenny Thomas

Process E by Dr Cliff Faver e

Most of the time we think of drying as just a routine part of the grooming process, but should we be thinking about the dryer’s use more in depth?

Do we know how it truly affects the skin and hair?

T

he following offers some insight for anyone using a dryer on an animal.

There are many types of amazing dryers out there which include stand, handheld and force dryers. Force dryers have really allowed groomers to improve drying time, as well as use them in other ways such as volumizing, deshedding, dematting and flattening a wavy coat, to name a few.

Something to consider when using a force dryer is how we are affecting the skin and hair. Using a force dryer on a dirty dog can push debris into the follicle itself leading to potential problems. This is often seen in breeds

34

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

favoring a coarse, finished coat. Some groomers will also blow out a dirty coat in a deshedding process, especially in medium coats like Huskies.

There are products and techniques available that will help you achieve a beautiful finish and deshed these coarse coats in a much healthier way.

This is accomplished by using correct coat–specific mineral shampoos, mineral rich/humectant conditioners and mineral rinses for coarseness, as well as product and technique for a safer way of doing a deshed.

Be mindful when blowing high velocity dryers so close to the skin in all coat types, but especially in short and GroomertoGroomer.com

medium coats. Take note of the coat type that you are working with and adjust the technique accordingly. The variations of nozzles out there make it very simple to do the right thing for specific coats with a much healthier and safer outcome.

The drying process should not be taken for granted because you can cause unintentional issues on a compromised animal. After all, you are at times using forced air as well as warm air, and if you are dealing with skin, coat or ear issues, you could potentially cause a major problem. The drying process could be a positive experience or a potential negative one, if performed incorrectly.

Any negative consequence of the dryer is dependent on the condition of the hair and skin. If the hair and skin have not been prepped correctly with high–quality products, drying could lead to a new host of problems.

For instance, if the skin is left dry or irritated, a warm or hot dryer will increase the blood flow to the area which will stimulate a greater inflammatory reaction. And, if the dry skin has not been conditioned correctly, then the drying action will exacerbate the problem. This is also true if you have an open cuticle on the hair which allows for further dehydration, leading to dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage and matting.

Correct conditioning plays a huge role in protecting skin and hair from damage. If an emollient type of conditioner is used, the substance sits on the

surface of the hair and skin. Emollients are made of fats and oils, and when you bathe, the water does not mix with it. This is similar to trying to dry your hands after applying cheaper–quality hand lotion. The only way to dry it efficiently is to remove the emollient completely. Counterproductively, this increases the drying time, which dehydrates the skin and hair even more. The best conditioners work as a humectant, which hydrates the hair without leaving the greasy, oily residue. In turn, it dries very quickly without the extended drying time. Good conditioning is the key to a successful drying session and a beautiful groom.

After the hair and skin are hydrated correctly during the bath, the drying process can be a wonderful time to bond with your four–legged client, as well as a great time for a health check.

Any negative consequence of the dryer is dependent on the condition of the hair and skin. If the hair and skin have not been prepped correctly with high– quality products, drying could lead to a new host of problems.

Are your clients coats lacking in luster from being dried out?

Pink Grape Fruit Mask

Black Cherry Mask

Medium Coats - Minerals

Short Coats - Oils/Grease

STRENGTHENING FOR ALL COATS

Long Coates - Collegen

Orange PEK

Passion Fruit Mask

Let Fruit of the Groomer help!

Iv San Bernard USA – Health is Beauty 855-464-8726 • www.isbusa.com • info@ISBUSA.com

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

35

Often, when you are using a dryer, you will find sores, cuts, lumps, bumps, and changes in the skin and hair that clients and vets will most likely Photo by Jenny Thomas

never see.

H E AT F R E E

DRYING

Special fan action lifts out loosened undercoat

800.444.1579 SHOR-LINE.COM 36

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

Often, when you are using a dryer, you will find sores, cuts, lumps, bumps, and changes in the skin and hair that clients and vets will most likely never see. This is a huge advantage to using a dryer in a grooming setting.

Due to some of these health issues, a proper air filtration system is a must–have in your grooming facility or mobile van as drying will deposit bacteria, fungus, dead cells and hair into the air you breathe. Ear, eye and nose protection will also help you avoid long–term health issues. Discuss this with some of the veteran groomers and they will tell you that they wished that they were smarter about managing air quality in their early days of grooming. Don’t forget that the pet is also in the midst of this bacteria/dead cell/hair cocktail!

In closing, this article is meant to bring attention to the drying process.

It is a great reminder of how important proper drying techniques are to both the pets as well as the groomers in the profession. We need to always think about the consequences of our actions—both good and bad—and not take for granted the importance of every step of the grooming process. & Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.

LET THERE BE

LIGHT Tool Klean Anti-Microbial UVC Light Appliances kill germs quickly and efficiently with powerful Ultraviolet Light (UVC)

Anti-Microbial UV Light Oven Pro • For hand tools, clippers, blades, sponges, brushes, collars, toothbrushes, dryer nozzles, combs and scissors.

• Wall mountable

• Digital control w/timer

www.ToolKlean.com

September 10-13, 2020

Hershey Lodge & Convention Center Hershey, PA

www. GroomExpo.com

TOGETHER WE’LL RISE

“Our mission is to take care of people who take care of pets.”

RYAN’S PET SUPPLIES

EST. 1959

C H ECK OUT ME TROVAC A ND SIGN UP FOR EMAILS AT RYANSPET.COM | 8 00.525.7387

Packed with Power and Built to Last.

ALL THINGS PAW

by Michelle Knowles

7 TIPS FOR

Who serves the dog that no one wants to groom? The dog that has been turned away from all other shops, and the only alternative is sedation or euthanasia? The dog that has been through many misunderstandings in his lifetime?

R 38

arely do I come across a dog that is genetically reactive—these do better in a sedated veterinary environment. But most of these dogs have been mishandled, overstimulated, overtreated and never given space or respect in the handling of their own bodies. Through no fault of

their own, groomers of today have very little knowledge of training and handling—other than what they have picked up along the way or have been taught, perhaps by someone who also didn’t have the benefit of education in training dogs.

There are so many restraints, techniques, slings and bindings that

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

have been developed for the veterinary industry where medical procedures are necessary and sometimes mean the difference between life and death. These restraints and techniques have filtered into the grooming environment in order to groom more efficiently, and also to just get the job done. Historically, we may

Dogs are just expected to bear the grooming procedure without complaint, with many of them not even allowed to growl. These are the dogs that learn to bite without growling or showing any other sign of distress. have been taught that it is “for the good of the animal” or “let’s just get it done at all costs”, but these ways of grooming may be causing more harm than good in the long run. To a pet that has to be groomed for a lifetime, this may mean a lifetime of fear, anger and frustration.

I hear a lot of language that begins with how this or that dog is “naughty” or other choice words, which can create an atmosphere of dread, which in turn creates energy that is transmitted to the animal before he even walks in the door. Dogs are not “naughty” when they are letting you know that they are uncomfortable with something you are doing. Unwanted behavior appears when the animal needs more space, more time or more acclimatization to the procedure you are performing.

Sometimes, it is simply a matter of how high your own personal energy is when you interact with the dog.

Finding your own personal Zen can benefit you and the reactive animal you are working with.

Dogs are just expected to bear the grooming procedure without complaint, with many of them not even allowed to growl. These are the dogs that learn to bite without growling or showing any other sign of distress. Lack of communication and misunderstanding the needs of these pressure–sensitive animals inevitably leads to a badly behaved dog during the grooming process.

40

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

TM

CL ASSIC L AUBE POWER

®

® F

E

E

®

D

2 extra light batteries Dual bay FAST charger Light weight easy to handle (8.6oz) Length approx. 7” (17cm) short Cordless - cord-pack sold separately 2 Ultra bright lights 8,500 spms (fastest trimmer) 5 Blade size settings Guaranteed to out-perform any other trimmer

MADE IN THE *

Laube Speed Feed® Super Trimmer LA30500110

LAZOR CLIP

Xpress Litening® 2 Speed LA83110101

Xpress Mini Micro® 2 Speed LA73110101

MADE IN THE *

Xpress Mini Lazor™ 2 Speed LA53110101

CORDED, COOL & QUIET M O ST P OW E R F U L / S U P E R D U T Y 4 SET S OF STEEL BALL BEARINGS E A SY T O H A N D L E - O N LY 6 ” W E I G H T: 9 o z - 14 o z S P E E D 2 , 2 0 0 - 10 , 0 0 0 S P M S (industry best) 5 Y E A R M O T O R WA R R A N T Y MADE IN THE * PAT E N T E D T E C H N O L O GY 18 ’ C O R D

Laube Lazor Clip™ 2 Speed LA50310100

Light weight (16oz) easy to handle E-Z upgrade to cordless 5 super bright LEDs 18’ cord 4,000 to 10,000 spm (industry best) Stays cool in your hands Fits all snap on blades Patented lever will not jam up 5 year limited motor warranty Guaranteed to out-perform any Other clipper

®

®

Natural Alternative

Best Quality Kelco TM Dr. Hypo Shampoo KE300700 TM

®

®

Nature’s Choice!

Dirty Dog® Shampoo KE200900

Wild Animal ® TM Wild Thang Shampoo KE804500

Kelco, Nature’s Choice! and Wild Animal are all manufactured by Laube.

TM

®

MADE IN THE *

®

®

*Made in the USA of US and imported parts/ingredients © 2016

®

Animal Cruelty

Best Value More Money in Your Pocket...

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN HANDLING A DIFFICULT DOG: Greet the owner quietly and in soft tones.

Stand side by side with the owner and have them hand you the leash.

Require that the dog is calm before entering the grooming or bathing area.

Take him out in the same calm manner and invite him onto the table.

Try to end with a “win”.

WashUnit_GroomTable_half_12_17_F4P.pdf

42

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

1

12/19/17

9:35 AM

GroomertoGroomer.com

HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN HANDLING A DIFFICULT DOG: Making a calm space starts when the dog walks in the door. Greet the owner quietly and in soft tones. High– pitched baby talk is overstimulating and ramps up the dog’s energy.

Stand side by side with the owner and have them hand you the leash while you are discussing the groom.

This puts you on the same “team” as the dog and makes you less of a target of mistrust. Stay where you are until the owner leaves the building and the pet understands that you are in charge of his safety. Continue to offer calmness; no baby talk and little or no eye contact. Some pets are not capable of being petted right away; touching should stay minimal.

If possible, require that the dog

is calm before entering the grooming or bathing area and that you have control of the leash, preferably a slip lead that sits at the highest part of the neck. Walk calmly to the tub and proceed to bathe without talking to the dog and handling him gently but firmly. A slow, measured pace will be more beneficial than a fast scrubbing. After bathing and conditioning, allow the animal some time to drip dry in a kennel on a fluffy towel so he has a break.

When the dog is damp, take him out in the same calm manner and invite him onto the table. This is the perfect time to get the coat brushed out, which will help dry the coat further, and prepare the coat for drying. Remove the nozzle, and using

44

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

an adjustable dryer, start slowly until you find his comfort zone.

Make sure you work slowly and deliberately; fast movements may trigger a reaction. “Ask” before handling feet by moving your hand from the shoulder or hip to the foot and applying slight pressure until there is agreement. Make all of your actions predictable so the pet has the comfort of a routine. This is the same way large animals, like horses, are handled.

Try to end with a “win”. Give praise when the dog is calm or agrees to the handling that you are asking for.

Do not take it personally if the dog is still reactive, try another groomer at your shop or make recommendations to other shops if

GroomertoGroomer.com

necessary. Never let your ego get in the way of a possible love match with another groomer.

With a little time, effort and patience, reactive dogs will begin to trust the process again. This may take several sessions and you must gauge the limits of the dog on every procedure.

Grooming difficult or reactive dogs can be very rewarding for the right person—it is not for everyone.

In a world where dogs are expected to be obedient, restrained, quiet, friendly and learn a different set of behaviors for every environment, give them a refuge during their grooming session; give them the gift of respect and understanding. Allow them to communicate with you as a dog. &

Exam & Surgery Tables Mobile Transporter Tables Islands, Towers & Custom Setups Stainless Steel Cages & Accessories

www.PETLIFT.com 888.388.1159

Providing Quality Equipment for the Vet Industry

GROOMING BUSINESS BASICS

by Khris Berry

Employee

Protections: WHAT YOU NEED TO

KNOW IN 2020 U

nless you are in a state of media deprivation—social, digital, print or otherwise—you have likely seen articles or discussions suggesting that most groomers do not qualify as independent contractors, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Before you stop reading, this article does not discuss the pros and cons, but rather the protections afforded to employees that are not available to the self–employed. If you want to familiarize yourself with the parameters discussing independent contractors and your grooming business, please acquaint yourself with the IRS 20 Factor Test1.

When discussing groomer pay, many former and long–time groomers mention percentages, commission and earnings as a benefit of being an independent contractor. Many employers have struggled to manage margins and maintain profitability when paying groomers as employees because com-

46

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

Even though groomers are a hardy, resilient group, every one of us has been impacted in some manner by the new world we are navigating. missions and earnings of independent contractors were so high in comparison to the margins of the business.

Both of these scenarios have previously been a hurdle which neither party was willing or able to overcome, thus meaning that there are plenty of groomers nationwide working (knowingly or unknowingly) as independent contractors.

We are living in uncertain times—from recessions to slow downs from social distancing to business closures—no one expected a Novel virus to impact the globe. Even though groomers are a hardy, resil-

GroomertoGroomer.com

ient group, every one of us has been impacted in some manner by the new world we are navigating.

Here is a countdown of the top ten reasons why now is the appropriate time to consider updating any outdated, archaic or misguided management of groomer pay: 10. EMPLOYERS PAY INTO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNTS OF EMPLOYEES, and by not being classified as an employee, a groomer is actually losing valuable benefits which they may rely on later in life. As an employee, your employer is actually contribut-

Dyna Groom Interior

Dream Big

Let’s Put Your Dreams In Motion!

A new Wag'n Tails could change your business and life. Did you know you can make more money while grooming fewer pets? Learn about the freedom and flexibility a mobile grooming career offers, while still providing the best for your clients. Groomers and pets benefit from the clean, safe and stressfree environment created inside a Wag’n Tails.

Many successful mobile groomers say the personal, one-on-one attention, convenience and luxury grooming services they offer in their Wag’n Tails keeps clients happy and their schedule full!

If you have questions about our conversions or mobile grooming, please call 800-513-0304. We would love for you to join our Wag’n Tails Family!

800-513-0304

www.wagntails.com

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

47

According to articles published over past years, pet services is in the top 10 most dangerous industries in the US—wouldn’t you want insurance coverage with those statistics? ing a portion of your wages for your later benefit. Those contributions are 7.65% of every dollar you earn that is paid into your Social Security and Medicare federal accounts. If your particular state collects State income tax, your employer is probably contributing to your state’s unemployment and disability on your behalf.

9. BY PAYING GROOMERS AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, AN EMPLOYER UNDERMINES THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY by offering services at rates which do not encompass valuable benefits such as Social Security matching wages, workers compensation, paid time off and health benefits. The playing field cannot be leveled until employers are all playing on the same legal, sustainable field.

8. GROOMERS WHO WORK AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS ARE NOT AFFORDED WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS. Employers who do not hire groomers as employees may not pay workers compensation premiums but are vulnerable if they do not have appropriate coverages should an injury occur on their premises. According to articles published over past years, pet services is in the top 10 most dangerous industries in the US—wouldn’t you want insurance coverage with those statistics?

7. GROOMERS WHO WORK AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS OFTEN FIND THEMSELVES SADDLED WITH THE BURDEN OF TAXES. Income tax is assessed on all workers and self–employment tax is assessed to the independent contractor additionally. Depending on your personal taxation experience and status,

48

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

you may find yourself owing large sums or struggling to navigate the nuances of self–employment. Being an employee ensures that you have assistance in reporting and withholding some (if not all) of your income tax burden. Yes, we know you have lots of deductions, but have you actually tested those through the audit process? As of 2019, employees can no longer deduct 2% of their AGI (adjust gross income) as non–reimbursable employment expenses. This actually simplifies the tax filing process.

You no longer can itemize whatever expenses you had throughout the year. Instead, employees can take the standard deduction of $12,200 whereas self–employed can’t. That should more than cover your cost of tools, sharpening, bows and cologne. And what about those of you who haven’t filed taxes in several years because you didn’t pay your tax deposits in advance?

6. WHAT ARE BENEFITS WORTH TO A GROOMER (we don’t necessarily mean free dog food)? The road to having health insurance and other valuable benefits afforded to American workers is through employment. With a looming national and world health crisis, employees who enjoy vibrant health insurance protection can rest a bit easier knowing their own health costs will be supplemented and capped. Groomers and employers must work together to find margins and business practices which allow employers to offer health coverage for employees.

5. WHEN INDIVIDUAL STATES DECLARE A “STATE OF EMERGENCY” DURING PERIODS OF CRISIS, THIS RELEASES FUNDING which assists

www.WorldExpo.Dog CREATIVE

SHOPPING

INTERACTIVE

FAMOUS PERFORMERS

DOGS WELCOME

Treat the Whole Family May 22-23, 2021 • Meadowlands Expo Center Secaucus, NJ

Because of situations such as COVID–19, there are federal emergency funds available to assist small businesses with employees.

If you have groomers which you pay as independent contractors, you may lose out on valuable resources which may assist you in keeping your business afloat.

KENNEL SALES SLIPS Make more money without raising your prices!

With space for all the little extras you haven’t been charging for! a Salesperson or groomer Tally commiSSionS eaSily!

a number of days, weeks, or months of boarding a next grooming appointment

C1964

a And much more!

50

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. barkleigh.com barkleighstore.com (717) 691-3388

GroomertoGroomer.com

individuals as well as business owners to return to business as usual. If you are an employee or have employees, you will find more assistance available than if you are a single, self–employed entity.

At the very least, the assistance each of you needs will be easier to attain if you are employer and employee.

4. IF YOU CANNOT PASS THE IRS 20 FACTOR TEST, and you are working or allowing someone to work as a misclassified employee, you may be breaking state labor laws and IRS tax laws which can carry stiff consequences. I encourage you to Google your state’s labor website and read what your state says about misclassification and penalties. We have a duty to ourselves, our industry and our clients to operate legally and wholly above the law. The guidelines and parameters to measure this are clear cut; take the quiz for yourself and then consult a tax professional—but remember, unless you are using an (EA) Enrolled Agent, you may not be getting up–to–date advice from your tax professional. Tax professionals will give you tax advice; they are not labor law specialists. Which is why I would encourage you to inquire with your state’s Dept. of Labor office, sometimes called the Employment Task force.

3. WORKPLACE RIGHTS ARE HIGH ON OUR TOP TEN LIST. If you are an employee, you have the right to expect safe and fair workplace conditions. If you have employees, you have a responsibility to ensure that workers are treated equally, safely, fairly and within the parameters of our federal, state and local labor guidelines.

2. BECAUSE OF SITUATIONS SUCH AS COVID–19, there are federal emergency funds available to assist small businesses with employees. If you have groomers which you pay as independent contractors, you may lose out on valuable resources which may assist you in keeping your business afloat2.

It’s also true that the independent contractor may realize they are misclassified and still be able to file for unemployment which will trigger an audit for that business.

1. IF YOU ARE A GROOMER YOU DESERVE THE PRIVILEGES AND RIGHTS AFFORDED EMPLOYEES. And, if you are an employer, you deserve the rights and protections afforded employers in these uncertain days.

If you have been working as a groomer but without the protections afforded an employee, now is the time to demand your rights. If you

are a business owner who is managing an on–going relationship with a groomer but paying them as an independent contractor, now is the time to alter your course and redefine your business practices.

They say it takes a village to raise a child—I say it takes an industry to impact change for the positive. History may say it took a virus to learn to navigate sustainable business practices. But whatever the takeaway, these are uncertain times and to make it through them, the better your business practices, the better your business. &

If you have been working as a groomer but without the protections afforded an employee, now is the time to demand your rights.

References 1. IRS 20 Factor Test, https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small–businesses–self–employed/independent–contractor–self– employed–or–employee 2. SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus, https://www.sba.gov/disaster–assistance/coronavirus–covid–19

COLOR 25 Cards......$9.95 50 Cards....$16.95 100 Cards....$29.95 200 Cards....$49.95 ORDER TODAY! (727) 804 - 6555 ANIMALPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

51

GROOMING GAB

by Kathy Hosler

Although I don’t like them, ticks never really bothered me that much.

If I found one on a dog I was grooming, I would remove it, seal it in a plastic baggie and give it to the owner when they picked up their pet.

I

once removed over 80 ticks from a Standard Poodle. That was pretty gross and time consuming, but you just stay calm and deal with the challenges of each day.

That all changed the day I found a tick embedded in ME. I was not calm at all. Believe me, when it happens to you, a tick bite is a whole different story. The skin around that little blood sucker was already an angry red! I couldn’t get that tick off of me quickly enough. I cleaned the wound site, put the tick in a bag, sealed it and headed

52

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

off to urgent care.

I don’t know how long it had been on me before I saw it, but the bright, spreading redness around the bite really alarmed me. I immediately suspected that the tick had Lyme disease— and feared it had been attached to me long enough to infect me. I never felt the bite, and I had no clue how or where it got on me, but it was already becoming intensely itchy.

There are roughly 850 species of ticks in the world. More than 24 species are found in Pennsylvania where

GroomertoGroomer.com

I live. Our state has more reported cases of Lyme disease in people than any other. Pennsylvania had more than 10,000 confirmed cases in 2018.

At urgent care, I was examined.

The doctor congratulated me for removing the entire tick. He said that a lot of people panic, and in their attempt to remove a tick, they leave the head or mouthparts in the site of the bite.

I told him that I was very concerned about Lyme disease as I knew several people who had it and suffered

debilitating, long–lasting problems from it. The doctor told me that I could send the tick to be tested for multiple diseases by going to www.ticklab. org. You better believe, I was on that website within five minutes after I got home. Not only did it accept ticks for testing, it was loaded with information about identifying ticks, the diseases they cause, and how to protect yourself and your pets from them.

I clicked on the Pennsylvania Tick Research Laboratory online tick testing order form. I filled out the survey that asked me questions like: what city and county I resided in, did I live in an urban or wooded area, where the tick was attached to me, etc. I was instructed how to package the tick and where to send it. Then I chose which diseases I wanted the little vampire to be tested for, and mailed it to the lab the next morning.

I was prescribed 12 days of Doxycycline. The doctor said that even if the tick did test positive, the Doxycycline should prevent me from getting Lyme disease. I read the brochure that came with the antibiotic. Pancreatitis, liver problems, inability to pass urine, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, diarrhea, and trouble breathing and swallowing were just some of the possible side effects of the antibiotic.

Wow! Did I want to take my chances that the tick did not transmit Lyme disease to me, or take the antibiotic and risk those side effects? I decided to take the Doxycycline.

Let me tell you a little bit about Lyme disease. It is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks. This is nothing new; they have been around for eons. Researchers have found fossilized ticks entombed in amber that are estimated to have

I was instructed how to package the tick and where to send it. Then I chose which diseases I wanted the little vampire to be tested for, and mailed it to the lab the next morning.

KENN-L-KARDS The popular client index cards for daycare and boarding facilities!

5” x 8” card with all the information you need!

Speed your recordkeeping!

Eliminate tedious handwriting with an easy checklist!

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. barkleigh.com barkleighstore.com (717) 691-3388

GroomertoGroomer.com

Add Kenn-L-Kard Extenders to double your record space!

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

53

OUR DOGGY BANDANAS FETCH COMPLIMENTS! A

n ei

ve We ha o! s to fabric

M

US

ad

CUSTOM PRINTED BANDANAS YOUR LOGO HERE

lived 15 million years ago. Inside the ticks’ bodies they discovered Borrelia spirochete cells—the kind that cause Lyme disease today.

Lyme disease is a multi–system illness. Early symptoms include headache and muscle aches, fever, chills, sore throat, stiff neck, joint pain, nausea, light–headedness and more.

Untreated, the illness can progress to devastating rheumatic, cardiac and neurological conditions.

Our dogs can get vaccinated against Lyme disease. Unfortunately, at present, there is no vaccine for humans.

I continued to take my antibiotics while I waited for the laboratory results.

In a few days the results confirmed what I had feared since the moment I found the tick. It was positive for Lyme disease. I finished the course of antibiotics. A few weeks later, my doctor sent me for follow–up blood work. A wave of relief washed over me when the doctor’s office called and said that my test re-

sults were negative for Lyme.

Lyme disease is only one of the many dangerous diseases that people and pets can get from ticks. A few of the others are Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Cat Scratch disease and Tularemia.

Any tick bite can have serious consequences and lead to lifelong problems. If you find one on yourself and don’t know how long it has been on you, remove it and get medical attention immediately. Then have the tick tested to see if it is carrying any disease–causing pathogens. Not every tick is a carrier of disease, but having it tested is the best way to know for sure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly improve the probability of a full recovery.

Don’t let those little blood suckers get a grip on you. They may be small, but they can definitely impact your life in a big, bad way. &

Celebrating

20 Years of Making Play Time

BOWTIES

BOWS

NECKTIES

FREE SHIPPING orders over $100 excluding custom print

www.BandanasUnlimited.com Tel: 1-877-317-5267

54

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

Safe & Fun

New Connecting System•New Components•Package Pricing•New Features

PUPPYPLAYGROUND.COM

Playground Equipment made especially for DOGS!

888-828-3416

GroomertoGroomer.com

www.PetBoardingExpoWest.com

NEW DATES

JULY

27-30,2020 “Life-changing–seriously!”

– Keithlynn, LA “Adding the financial subjects is a brilliant & necessary idea.”

– Cory, Australia “Excellent, 5/5!”

– Matthew, FL

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport

Burbank, California

?

STYLED UP

by Brittney Valle

?

?

AFTER

BEFORE

56

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

?

FIG. 1

S

ometimes as groomers we have to play a guessing game with our clients. They will walk in and exclaim, “Guess what breed Fido is!” And we literally have no idea. They might bring us a not–so–ideal specimen of their breed and ask us to make it look like a show dog. Instead of rolling your eyes and finding your favorite meme to commemorate the occasion, I’d like to show you a few ways you can attempt to find the “Wow!” in the “You want me to do what?”

Chloe is a senior Yorkshire Terrier client. She suffers from some hair loss but her owner would like to maintain the “look” of a yorkie as long as she can. She doesn’t have ideal body conformation or coat texture, and she will not be able to achieve the cute breed–type head her owner presented at check–in, but I can utilize corrective grooming techniques to bring breed worthiness to her groom.

In the tutorial below, I’ll show you a few tricks to help this messy senior turn polished and sassy! Chloe is mostly just getting an outline trim; however, these steps can be followed after you have taken any length off with a snap–on comb, should a shorter

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

trim be desired. As always, I begin the grooming process after Chloe has been bathed, force and fluff dried, nails clipped, ears cleaned, and pads and sanitary trimmed.

Fig 1) Begin this groom by scissoring the feet. Make a box on the foot by scissoring first the front of the foot (in front of the toenails) and then each side. After this, round the corners off slightly to give a nice polished look.

Then pick the foot up and make sure the bottoms of each side are clean and trim the lightest amount across the back of the foot.

Fig 2) This is an example of how the front feet will look when finished.

Fig 3) When working on the back feet, reverse the order of the box steps by trimming the back of the pad first.

Fig 4) Don’t forget to round your corners off ever so slightly

#1 Classified Ads Since 1997 ADS FREE in

Help Wanted Used Tools & Equip

500,000 Ads Published

15,000+ DAILY Web Pageviews of Ads

12,000 Used Mobile & Biz4Sale Ads Marked Sold

PetGroomer.com

Buy & Sell Anything Grooming ▪ New GroomerTALK℠ Message Board

GroomertoGroomer.com

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

57

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

when setting the length on the front of the hind foot, as well as the sides, when finished.

Fig 5) Using thinning shears, trim any bulk hair hanging off the sides

of the foot. This helps allow a clean transition and a seamless blend from foot to leg.

Fig 6) In order to achieve a younger, more balanced appearance, take as

Holistic PET GROOMING

THE ART OF

Helping

Pets Feel AS GREAT AS THEY LOOK

58

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

AVAILABLE NOW AT WWW.BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM

Transform your grooming practice into one that reduces stress and promotes the feeling of comfort and security for pets, clients and yourself!

GroomertoGroomer.com

much hair off of the rear as possible.

Not only does this hair grow straight out and get messy, it also is lengthening the appearance from chest to rump. Achieve this by using thinning shears and trimming off everything from the pin bone back.

Fig 7) Once the bulk of hair from the rear has been removed, you can still help shorten the appearance of the body by laying your thinning shear on the pin bone and taking some bulk out.

Follow the angle of the pin bone and continue down the upper thigh. This maintains the appearance of a drop coat, but takes length off to keep the dog low–maintenance.

Fig 8) Use thinning shears to scissor parallel lines on the inside and outside of the rear legs. Even though it is a drop coat, it can still have the appearance of a columned leg. You can continue this method for all four legs.

Fig 9) Hold the tail out and trim the bottom. You can also clean up the end with shears.

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

FIG. 12

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

FIG. 15

Fig 10) To begin the front, clipper the throat and down to the breastbone with a #2 (blue) snap–on comb. Then, take the thinning shears and bulk–thin the sides of the neck and blend into the shoulder. This will help give the appearance of a longer neck, as well as take length off for easier maintenance at home.

Fig 11) Take the thinning shears and trim from the breastbone straight towards the return of upper arm (or where the front of the front leg attaches to the shoulder).

Fig 12) Trim the underline with a slight rise at the last rib and angled shears toward the elbow. A clean, straight line is one of the most important hallmarks of this trim. Chloe’s underline was also trimmed a little shorter than normal to give her the appearance of having a longer leg.

Fig 13) Take your thinning shears and blend off any part of the coat that is sticking out. Pay particular attention to problem areas like elbows and knees.

Fig 14) Begin trimming the head by scissoring the tips of the ear. On some yorkies, you can choose to shave the tip with a #10 blade; however, Chloe didn’t have enough hair to war-

DEAFENING DOGS

rant shaving. While you are scissoring the ear tip, keep your fingers on the edge of the ear leather so as to not accidentally cut the ear.

Fig 15) Then, fold the ear on top

CRUMBLING KENNELS

D OI AV THE PITFALLS CHAOTIC CLEAN UP

DAILY DISOR DER

SOGGY STRUCTURES DEFECTIVE DRAINAGE

BOARDING KENNELS: THE DESIGN PROCESS

Current facility or new facility, this must-have book will help you craft a business that runs smoothly from the inside out! Features tons of color photos, helpful diagrams, blueprints, glossary of construction and design terms and so much more!

Another drain choice is using kennels that raised off 2)are Wait. the floor.

SENT FOR PRICING

3) Scrub.

Image courtesy

ITEM of The Mason CONCRETE •

Footings

•

Stems

•

Slabs

• •

4) Scrub some more.

ESTIMATED COST

Company.

Drive Walks

MATERIALS •

THE RAISED KENNEL SYSTEMS Another drain choice is using kennels that are raised off the floor. These have an integral floor of their own with a drain that connects to a horizontal drain pipe that runs in the space above the building floor, but below the raised kennel floor.

Building Framing

• Roof Framing 6) existing Vacuum.floor This drain pipe is routed to an Interiorthese Partition Framing drain in the room.•Because kennels have a EQUIPMENT RENTAL drain pipe below them, there is a step of about eight inches or so• off Crane the building floor up and into the kennel. If• a floor drain is available in Construction Fencing the room, this may be a good option for kennels • Job John in an existing building and for kennels in levels above grade. This• is Dumpster especially helpful when Scaffold renting a space as• these kennels may easily be moved. They are not permanently mounted to GENERAL CONTRACTOR the building, but are sitting on the floor.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

7) Vacuum some more.

8) Dry and ready for guests.

Part 13: Cleaning Without Drains

103

PLUMBING CONTRACTOR MECHANICAL Part 10: CONTRACTOR Drain Types & Locations

75

INSULATION CONTRACTOR DRY WALL CONTRACTOR

ON SALE NOW AT

WWW.BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM

GroomertoGroomer.com

152

Boarding Kennels: The Design Process

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

59

FIG. 16

FIG. 17

FIG. 18

FIG. 19

FIG. 20

FIG. 21

of itself so the front edge of the ear matches up with the back edge of the ear. Scissor from the cheek and round up into the peak of the ear.

Fig 16) Clean out the corners of the eyes with thinning shears.

Fig 17) Scissor the visor. I like to angle my shears from the outside corner of the eye towards the center and repeat on the other side.

Fig 18) Once you have the visor scissored, execute an “X” cut by laying

Klip Kards

AVAILABLE IN PACKS OF 100, 500, or 1000!

Client Index & Extender Cards

ARE YOUR CLIENT FILES A DISASTER?

Regular Klip Kard 3” x 5” Medium Klip Kard 4” x 6”

Available Colors

Giant Klip Kard 5” x 8”

EXTENDERS STAPLED TO YOUR FILLED KLIP KARD ADD MORE RECORD SPACE!

60

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

These client index cards will stand up against the daily abuse of any active grooming salon and will provide you with basic information on your grooming client.

BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM (717) 691-3388

GroomertoGroomer.com

your thinning shears across the bridge of the nose, pointing toward the upper inner corner of the opposite eye. And repeat for the other side. This allows you to take off any extra visor in the center from the last step, as well as lift the hair up off of the inside corners of the eye.

Fig 19) Trim the chin to the desired length and be sure it is even across the bottom.

Fig 20) Cut the sides of the cheek at a 45 degree angle from the length of the bottom of the chin. I like to think of this head as a hexagon at first and then remove the corners. Your top and your chin will be straight, parallel lines and your cheeks will be comprised of two angled cuts.

Fig 21) Now comes the tricky part! Comb everything from the bottom right side of the dog’s head up and across to the left side of the top of the head. You will then take your thinning shears and cut off any extra coat in front of the right ear. Be sure

Pet Release Forms Helping you do your job with a modern, professional look!

GENER AL PET RELEASE FORM Date

Pet Name

MATTED PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! safety Because we care about your pet’s you that and well being, we want to assure your make to made be every effort will pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Occasionally, grooming can expose e a hidden medical problem or aggravat or after a current one. This can occur during grooming. we request In the best interest of your pet, te veterinary your permission to obtain immedia y. necessar become it should t treatmen

MOBILE SALON RELEASE FORM

to this grooming establish ment I hereby grant permissio n to treatmen t for my pet at my expense. obtain emergenc y veterinar y

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 pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Because your pet is severely tangled or matted, it is at greater risk of injury, stress and trauma. All precautions will be taken. However, problems occasionally arise, during or after grooming, such as nicks, clipper irritation and mental or physical stress.

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

RELEASE FORM

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to obtain emergency veterinary treatment for my pet at my expense.

Also, realizing that matted pets have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

SENIOR PET RELEASE FORM Pet Name

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

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 possible.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravat ea current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

PET SAFETY

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

I hereby grant permission to this

RELEASE FORM grooming establish

ment to obtain emergency veterinary treatmen t for my pet at my expense.

Also, realizing that aged pets have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsib le for accident or injury to my pet.

Owner Name

Owner Name

Owner Name Pet Name

Date

Pet Name Signature

Signature

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us! leigh.com safety ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark Because we care about your pet’s you that and well being, we want to assure your every effort will be made to make pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Please understand that due to the will very nature of being mobile we ent occasionally be late for an appointm control (traffic, accidents, weather, due to circumstances beyond our ble time delays. unavoida for liable held be cannot etc.) and a hidden medical problem Occasionally, grooming can expose . can occur during or after grooming or aggravate a current one. This we request your permission to In the best interest of your pet, y. necessar become it should t obtain immediate veterinary treatmen #PR-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productio

grooming establishment to obtain I hereby grant permission to this for my pet at my expense. emergency veterinary treatment

Owner Name Signature

leigh.com

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

#VR-2 © 2017 Barkleigh Productio

Date

Because we care about your pet’s safety and well

#MP-2 2016 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 being,©we want to assure you that every effort will be • www.barkleigh.com

made to make your pet’s visit as pleasant as possible.

Cats are creatures of habit and when exposed to a new environment they can experience elevated stress levels. In the event that your cat is too stressed to safely continue the groom, all procedures will stop and you will be notified immediately.

Occasionally, grooming can expose a hidden medical problem or aggravate a current one. This can occur during or after grooming.

In the best interest of your pet, we request your permission 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 expense. Also, realizing that cats have a greater chance of injury during grooming, I will not hold this grooming establishment responsible for accident or injury to my pet.

Pet Name Signature

Because we care about your pet’s safety, we want to assure you that every precautio

#SP-2 © 2016 Barkleigh Productio n will be taken to provide ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark a safe and stress–free grooming experience for your leigh.com

pet. Due to the intimate nature of the grooming process, or a pet’s tolerance level for stress, strangers, or handling, some pets can become anxious or reactive during the grooming service.

If we determine that continuing the grooming service would present a threat to your dog’s emotional or physical health, and/or the safety of groomer completing the service, we will discontinue today’s service and contact you immediat ely.

We will take every precaution necessary to complete the grooming service safely and humanely including the proper use of common industry safety equipment such as grooming loops, muzzles, and restraints.

I hereby grant permission to this grooming establishment to utilize proper restraints for the health and safety of my pet and my grooming service provider during today’s grooming service. I understand and agree that if the grooming establishm ent deems it unsafe or unhealthy to continue for the pet or the groomer, the grooming establishment will end today’s service and I will be responsible for any services rendered.

Owner Name

Owner Name

Signature

Signature

#FR-2 © 2017 Barkleigh Productions, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.barkleigh.com

Date

Your Pet is IMPORTANT to Us!

#SF-2 © 2018 Barkleigh Productio

ns, Inc. • 717.691.3388 • www.bark

Hard–backed pads with 50 tear–away forms per pad.

www.barkleighstore.com

leigh.com

FIG. 22

to cut in front of the ear and not accidentally grab the ear itself. This step allows you to set the length for the top of your rounded head shape.

Repeat on the other side, combing the opposite way.

Fig 22) Blend your two cheek cuts with the plume of the ears that you scissored in Figure 15.

62

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

FIG. 23

Fig 23) With your thinning shears, round out the sides of your cheek where the two cuts meet.

Fig 24) Repeat these steps on the other cheek.

It’s also important to note that I cleaned up the whiskers and random stray hairs on Chloe’s face to help achieve a polished look.

GroomertoGroomer.com

FIG. 24

Once the groom is complete, hopefully the dog will look a little more like its breed. While Chloe can never have the stacked, adorable pet yorkie head most clients prefer, these techniques allow her to have a much more polished trim than when she arrived! &

GROOM

GRAM M M O A ROOM GROGR aG RAM OM G GRAM s GROGROOM GRAM lizz rd B ir a MPeGROOM tH Treat YGRAM O O our Pet s to a GR avenFun at theCGrooming ool SuSalon M H m S A m e f GR er Sa W M O GRAM

Vol. 37

ing Ed. 1 Spr

r

The Pet

Vol.

arterly

Care Qu

37

inte 4W Ed.

The Pet

Care Qua rterly

do uen

r sleQuarterly The Pet Care Ho Oq

By Kathy Mary end By ng the

erly uart

The

Vol. 37 Ed. 3 Fall

y bri pring ma snow and g of blowin tside, but ou bliz zards that sheds,

By Kathy Hosler e a pet of By hav Kathy Hosler if you avalanche ngs an ing. us spring bri r shedd ffer love hai o e all loo pet es ts f al k kes , do seems seasonaly dog pet shanervous ur pe ndition spite o r for ward you the car, to hehim When in unco ance, in world off of fly and r is hai sum pt mer and much when I take our trembles all of the ere ur so acce a miniexciting ks like r and living in . But tho for o it loo himt to activities be groomed. ingIt in you that come tha what to them e can d l they happen wit is h d , it. makes me feel bad.

Why ure whene bliz zar e does ething w for al ovide r furnit ver possib And, you e er th Is els rn ? g does he pr do that?” le, m use hin tu to includ we affic. Covblanket or n ho so in re towel everyt e our pet t of like e ca aven.” tr e g. ing and h thing, and covered witfun s lo pets r us. W “safe h in es with thor openine and r a thorough rinsdryer sepa rates clo .

This is a question ge that ve a sidthe r? But , only tifhatha refu r home pet e do d insid ofAfte a high velocity more all do fo with a en hai to in you e of looks and no than One are often asked.

Most ove even y fallpets ing, for gthhairt be e on t pet dry plac retreat instylists . g coat e. sm cratmor dens s and helps rem cept din of freshl is a e shed them fy pe open createthe day-to-day t ex m routines to onendrom h oveells When the layer hair canordo. far eegoo ven place to whelm likeatheir d co bing ha wa a do estme sh ace comno sy to nt n, it loose undercoat. through the rtrema er nts ” a fe ze the gcrtrea s stin eegpet shingPland is aas the bi A sa rity. It’s come ov an cave be constant, and for everything d frto aveheddin mer goe din e at acuatioorofanthe le just bru ky, dir or ializ ed de-s groo shed l ty s r l rub lik be t, “m spec ch cu ev iona I ona s e.you life be the same.oug fess Any change their gerAaga , su the ss ful. bin h seas proins altway asreal , fighinpha onsly time-an e thee do isd dry, leav t. inch and uses e the or se life ha rt of a pets.

Alth entsse in todang l -byorst’tresitt ight re mevent ofly effe and ctiv r an So n eing r plet flnec syethe os essayryev en inch hav normal routine e com cl can be mes cause your pet m om th coat ca to whe ressful. but fo ra e a highply th and happ on ill don ar fr nnatu is very l tools ,styou the er, deit is the nish rem ,” m ante nor mal e. ir isbut in. th s hair salo enr or e, pet’ can ts Cal t to d n as pu hair ciatedova process. Rememb of fel ourok ome to experience or st he shed fear anxiety. to sig unw alonsum ing,lap you syovin ft con e pe e of Ev ere.

Bec cess asso cedure. sm g ec baby

eQ Car Pet

Vol. 38 Ed.

EDUCATE, INFORM, ENTERTAIN & PROMOTE

2 Summer

!

❏ It’s tim e to “freshly-groget that look for omed” Please cal your pet. l now for an appoi ntment!

Remarks Name

at

ap aninde ent Rem r

❏ Appointm

look for your pet. t get tha Please ecall now tim to omfor ” ❏ It’san appointment! gro ed “freshly- your pet. look for l now for cal nt!

Please pointme ❏ It’s ur timePro to fes getsio thatna l “freshly-groomed”

Yo

Remarks

❏ Appointm Remarks Name

ent Rem

Groome r Name

inder

❏ Appointment Reminder

at

at

Your Professional Groomer t oo mee r thaGr Nam getnal d” festosio e Your sPro arks time room .

Rem ❏ It’ reshly-g your pet r “f w fo for look call no ent! tm se Plea appoin an ❏ Ap

point

r You

men

t Re

mind

ssio Profe

er

nal

at

Gro

r ome

OM

Y O U R E X P E R T IS E

le rem , cycl pro l, din ywh a evererfrom e pro eff t thheddin be er al is ea hed Pet t Place? , If you eirg de firePets of inlg freqpepro t cedure for look at things fessiona need hair one-tim be spor ft de-sus s pro e th algways s. Ade-s doe s not ld a rs The ks , live with • Aftyougr pet’ from acge is not a keep tr.an atio din hair eny of ld ence yon.ur uent groo you r pet them situ Wou the Fi rewor your s. Pl shed pointkofwith ev view,init’s easy evermershbru oushin g toN ide look hair on at sheddingminthe usic pet’s groo e time, ovion andr hair and spea stemmusss,you n pesri not your Why ssed in ch as fi s of mto can sompr like ever y n thingyothei r apet’ ur r best e own with ve towe r dengwith at the sam Bec soause you understand to disc why theyermightdin al . nogt sess ive ex beg ins . For ven,l maye.beI al fe haers, Theiectipo e , mer ed do be sit Stre oises su ain ty pe . Anim angroomer disalstde-suhed alliryou in andtefall out t problem dryon is all loos hathe edsum to andginsp them n saabou sidl salon’ min loosten need untnoftne iona If yoAren’t n.thegroo hairexperience unsure newfess off situations. a constan • N r, cert you happy, ith n iteiis positive to bebonding easyr ow ve th inrd amo afte atinova the begriacan fun ners nsiti r safe torem r ow vo r d sh can ys .wThewhen pet’s ceeithe whe com eiYoucare for them t. keeppet’s ha A pro you Hav clea de r fadin you rgroo ashea day fun. teing less ly redu toorfort th eiof en is thof the ming need wahair r hom ,skin nervous rihair fore. and itasalon. newththings they theand thshed grooming arly thwhen thei rare goyou experience thun cuum more se icul ofhelp e mat icaldowith you. bath trol by un g ag e on n in dra pet.atcoat s - from favo can re lot and d,with inboth likealsofor parents Manytub r to va ca r init ial insp mak on whe a You pet ed con ol and rt th ur r an ei ls d a basic fa er lm ect es pet blow ey bath choo for you it pa be el are nd t a petchforis a ca thpet boin unfamiliar surroundings? isep an an ing is ve a As ashor bath pet parent,The you fimen th oint have se id to deasi hairerundgroo exce ss dry, to a com eloving r Yo s at . hair on an whi t asflea s ha ter hair placA ,sm for veante e. keafte app and m and spa r at get theican poo plete they t willwhat e. Itcom ovyou unw urToto rem sde tick ove the style n.get topet r fur ds aren’t born ac upknowing hear . Pets ha uencie enPets tPet Get sham Your pe s Used Pr ? take s g the yo opportunity set n you n kids to ked . your expe e cr no in din u a salo can is r wor en duri rience. eq us a e.call ei fort sum mer Our d cais doesfrom outs tinu ing avto ng and then spot the hot is hed thcom Give r that eate ial H re it at hom ours with fr and hightoatexpect and we can an Yo ion ud one mondule at de-s g sche Being n help s be aconide.

Handled spec and how to g, heYes, act when heddin accustomed diti may Cthey to new ths. to situations on antrim and min a t th . cr ter Safecon rssom groo schedule cess for have aby a conpe is Shor requ ened hair trol sbetothekn a less , lo de-s a regu lar d inside pre-book a owl w pro idea time e low h stimul s pets loos trim wed How ed ay er brus of appo lmen solu s is .AThi saefe ithire follo Continue may the Touch, arepeattsthe grooming und and ng massage ne tion idehim all Initially, . on salon. to some and u rub, em the grooming . coat w intments st w hair thei nceaatofDhom To procedures but othe justg hair sie ennie and hair extr o muc n, other d scents pet d yor fam ilies , inued ins pet that can din cohing for your s.out Pegtcan ss the sheddin in mak it ugh ea al r an shed re . e of ned pet e thro e, bath be To over it – can nt especially the be st le a little sensitive intimidating e pare areas trai fe like and customi im keat heaed will encounter • re theen salon. time an keep Thly plac that tloos ab creatthe els sa nts may elecCo need s. For leav ializ zed to fit easy breet an And f is high liday ines suchstaf -car spec a e use fort child ises,stressful example, your to furt hairm blanher n the t fegroomin his gtoes Our ongs ze. and feet,t to noise and his head g ho ro-utthe clippers and n isWe style tioof from ehold no lmin if you don to us! s mak timeand d cow us dees. ate, e, crate that pe the niqu to brush We you have ecrsens man cttoam in the hs l tech , fricova t an ’t have yallo thfor pets in iethat w to brushing and is a Your your pets Socialize ears.sche Introducekno as busy eePet him pets barking, remel ges , bi hous verwhe andryers, rt other qu tsbath ed love we can set l inst that the at home, dule s and Plac inat does it’s hard to w s landleproduc to wate • O le, ch time d. play u neThat’s ns even r and up weekly turaall op combing in fun, important.whe five-minute brushing, Expose fit ever can rs, astool t be really l yoswim e th catio and or bi-weekl maisessions. r pe , thesena bust ntenance re your pet’s ythi ng in - that t, al d pe. Aurquic hom k rub embe thei y ed must learn and oving, va ily ’s him some treats appointm star eet, anhim Praise to new people, be m new experiences. and give places, and stylisthim them in uses e stressPets ents to keep can help Our salo of yo sh d tip-t as m een fam tothaccept at ca le n canfor ar e floo other animals. The earlier you start being good. .When youif are everything l or toa corner that happens drying op shape. In addi take el n care you tw op lin tio have sm of all your be pe rena tion, in a special e of working with him, the better – but, your own hair, situa them let your pet the grooming hen during process, event plan youlook willatbe any ss. W ch as ad al ’s sens odor of ned, re it’s never too late to be effective. and hear your hair dryer when it sure to get the hold su toan the lvall im stillizethrough ingof it. to st onesand time slot vo An Preparing your pet for his ‘big day is on. Soon the noise and blowing cogn your pet to have a n in horm dies. Weeyallrewant bo uatio our great, th as a sit e Continued inside Continued is so rmon inside ho the

or “s

AVAILABLE AT

Groom-O-Grams do it all! Quarterly, 4 page promotional newsletters packed with articles for every season.

Written by industry experts covering at-home pet care tips, safety and upkeep targeted at your clients!

WWW.BARKLEIGHSTORE.COM

BARKLEIGH PRODUCTIONS, INC • BARKLEIGH.COM • (717) 691-3388

SAM KOHL’S

Rake Superior

®

Now There Are The Undercoat 'r

TM

#710

THREE ROWS OF PINS PULLS UNDERCOAT OUT LIKE MAGIC

The Star

TM

#711

DE-MATTER FOR LONG & MEDIUM COATS

The Staggerd Shedder DE-SHEDDER

TM

#712

Grows Again!

5 Great Rakes Introducing

O U R N E W E S T R A K E:

The Micro Shedder

TM

#713

SMOOTH COAT DE-SHEDDER

The Shortey

TM

#714

SHORT HAIR DE-MAT TER

BEST BY DESIGN

info@aaroncopet.com

NEW PRODUCTS yet can support upwards of 130 pounds. Furesh comes with the dog bathtub, safety harness and a drain hose. As an added accessory, Furesh offers a handheld shower attachment compatible with standard sink faucets. Furesh is available in gray and blue. www.lovefuresh.com

THE TOUGH STUFF™ URINE ODOR & STAIN ELIMINATOR

FURESH LAUNCHES ONE-OF-AKIND, FOLDABLE DOG BATHTUB Furesh is compact, easy to move and takes just seconds to set up and stow away. The product is ideal for bathing small and medium-sized dogs, cats, and other pets weighing up to 40 pounds. The frame is built out of stainless aluminum tubing that weighs less than 11 pounds

Nilodor, the leader in cleaning and deodorizing products, introduces The Tough Stuff™

Urine Odor & Stain Eliminator, an effective cleaning and deodorizing product that has proven itself (in other applications) inside institutional settings such as factories, hospitals and nursing homes. The advanced, biological formula follows the path of urine to breakdown and remove the source of odor, and all while attacking even the toughest of stains. All The Tough Stuff™ products are free from any harsh or dangerous chemicals. Available in 32oz. Ready-To-Use spray bottle or 1 gallon containers. For more information or to order any The Tough Stuff™ products, please visit www.nilodor.com or a retailer near you.

July 27-30, 2020 “Adding the financial subjects is a brilliant & necessary idea.” – Cory, Australia “Life-changing–seriously!” – Keithlynn, LA

www.PetBoardingExpoWest.com

66

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport

GroomertoGroomer.com

Your Pet Care Professional Taking

t!

When Your Pet Needs a Smoothie

care of your Puppy at home…

Lear ning to Br ush Your Pet

nal

Mission Accomplished – a Happy Puppy!

chnique to you, Brush Your brushing cannot

Because you and your professional groomer took the time to introduce your puppy to grooming in a step-by-step, gentle, loving way, you made your puppy’s all-imp ortant first visit to the grooming salon a wonder ful experience that will help him enjoy being groomed throughout his life.

Askhave Youra friend Groomwho If you er could this publication, froma Copy benefit for pleaseofpass it on.

Learning to Brush Your Pet Pamphlet

d who could ublication, it on.

• Mechanicsburg PA #PS-3 Barkleigh Productions h.com • www.barkleigh.com (717) 691-3388 • info@barkleig

have a friend who could

benefit from this publication, Sweet Succes s

Tiny fleas can crea please pass items. on. te huge p robl By working with your p et care professional and following their rec ommendations about products and their corr ect usage, and by diligently treating and protecting your pets a nd their surroundings, you and your pets can kiss

the ferocious flea good bye.

J872

#PS-4 Barkleigh Productions • Mechanic sburg PA (717) 691-3388 • info@barkleigh.co m • www.barkleigh.com

Pet Care Series #3 J590

J590

5 Mechanicsburg PA 1705 .com com • www.barkleigh

Puppy’s First Visit to the Grooming Salon

The Ferocious Flea

If you have a friend who could benefit from this publication , please pass it on.

uto

groomer r your se them et looks

Your Pet Care Professional

Are there any disadv antages to these products?

Fleas have to come in contact with the product to be killed. T hat means that fleas actually have to get on , and could possibly bite your pet, before th ey die. There is also a possibility of skin irrit ation at the site of application.

If you

Photo by: Sherri Regalb

r time nefits in ng, not to

Fle

Your Pet Care Professional

Between professional groomings, you may need to brush and bathe your puppy at home. Your groomer can recommend and supply the equipment and coat care products that you will need.

She will also be happy to demonstrate the correct brushing and combing techniq ues that you need to learn to properly care for your puppy.

ring spend ecial ur pet. s hair more rt em as ming. reinforce

e

Keeping your Pet

a Free

In many areas of the country, flea control is a year round necessit y.

In conjunction with con tinuing premise control, many pet ow ners have great succes s with oral or topical pr oducts that are administered once a m onth to their pet. The y come in a variety of bra nds like - Advantage®, Frontline®, Revolution®, and Program®.

There are specific form ulations for dogs and cats, and most are approved to use on puppies and kittens six to eight weeks and old er.

Read and follow the i nstructions, making sur e to use the product that is specified for your pet. These products ar e extremely popular because of their once a month convenience, ease of application, and effectiveness. Most are

waterproof, allowing y our pet to be bathed, or to swim, without dec reasing the product’s effectiveness.

Also, keeping your pet flea free with this continuous protection, is far less costly than trying to eliminate an i nfestation on your pet and in your home.

cause any irritation to himself. Remem ber that his freshly clipped nails may be sharp and can easily irritate his puppy skin. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your groomer immediately.

ll at ou

Pet Care Series #4

#PS-5 Barkleigh Produ ctions • Mechanicsburg (717) 691-3388 • info@ PA barkleigh.com • www .barkleigh.com

Pet Care Series #5

Pet Care Series # 2

Pet Care Series Brochures

Your Pet Care Professional

d

Ick!

a .

If you have a friend who could benefit from this publication, please pass it on.

A Tick!

Protecting Your Pets and Yourself

u

y

#PS-6 Barkleigh Productions • Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717) 691-3388 • info@barkleigh.com www.barkleigh.com

Pet Care Series #7

AVAILABLE IN PACKS OF

20, 50, 100, 500, or 1000!

Written by Professional Groomers for Your Clients!

These quality brochures not only answer the constant questions you get from pet owners, but they will also help you sell products that work and that you personally believe in – products that you retail. They will teach your client how to care for their pet between groomings, which will save you lots of time.

Great promotional tools as well!

MIX & MATCH PACKS OF 100 WHEN ORDERING 1000!

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. barkleigh.com • barkleighstore.com • (717) 691-3388

GROOMER HUMOR

CLASSIFIEDS Call (717) 691–3388 ext 220 to place a Classified.

Rates: 25 words or less – $50.00. Each additional word – $2.00 each. Classified ads must be prepaid. Call for issue deadlines. Agency Discounts Do Not Apply.

Mobile Pet Grooming service for sale, includes extensive client list and grooming van, $135,000. Serving the Greater Los Angeles Area. Call 323-730-0378

Dog Groomers during the Coronavirus lockdown …

KAGE KARD HOLDER Sturdy aluminum card holder that keeps pet information where you need it!

Two sizes hold 3x5 Run Kard or 5x8 Kenn-L-Kard Attaches easily to cages and crates Has holes for optional wall mounting

Wisdom & Grace Always be full of joy in the

Lord; I say it again, rejoice!

Let everyone see that you

are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming

soon. Don’t worry about

anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your

needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.

Philippians 4-6 • Living Bible

Practically indestructible!

68

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

Barkleigh Productions, Inc. barkleigh.com barkleighstore.com (717) 691-3388

GroomertoGroomer.com

September 10-13, 2020

Hershey Lodge & Convention Center Hershey, PA

www. GroomExpo.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TO LIST YOUR EVENT, SEND IT TO ADAM@BARKLEIGH.COM NEW JERSEY INTERGROOM 12/6/2020 – 5/31/2020 Secaucus, NJ (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.intergroom.com

CALIFORNIA

WORLD DOG EXPO 5/22/2021 – 5/23/2021 Secaucus, NJ info@worldexpo.dog www.worldexpo.dog

GROOM EXPO WEST 2/2021 Pasadena, CA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpowest.com

OHIO

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO WEST 7/27/2020 – 7/30/2020 Burbank, CA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpowest.com

PETQUEST 6/11/2020 – 6/14/2020 Wilmington, OH (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.pqgroom.com

FLORIDA

PENNSYLVANIA

BARKLEIGH PET PRO CRUISE 1/9/2021 – 9/16/2021 Florida (321) 368–6622 cruisinglady@ymail.com www.barkleigh.com

GROOM EXPO 9/10/2020 – 9/13/2020 Hershey, PA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.groomexpo.com

MASSACHUSETTS NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW 10/8/2020 – 10/11/2020 Sturbridge, MA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.newenglandgrooms.com

PET BOARDING & DAYCARE EXPO 11/9/2020 – 11/12/2020 Hershey, PA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.petboardingexpo.com

ILLINOIS

WASHINGTON

ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW 8/13/2020 – 8/16/2020 Schaumburg, IL (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.aagroom.com

70

Groomer to Groomer • Vol 39 Ed 5 • May 2020

GroomertoGroomer.com

NORTHWEST GROOMING SHOW 8/27/2020 – 8/30/2020 Tacoma, WA (717) 691–3388 info@barkleigh.com www.nwgroom.com

Professional Grade Shampoo

Natural Natural Botanical Botanical Color Color Intensifying Intensifying SHINES SHINES VOLUMIZES VOLUMIZES BRIGHTENS BRIGHTENSWHITES WHITES ENRICHES ENRICHESDARKS DARKS DILUTES DILUTESUP UPTO TO30:1 30:1

Call or email for wholesale pricing

®

SUPER CONCENTRATED FORMULA

info@eqyss.com

800.526.7469

100% SATISFACTION EQyss.com

GUARANTEED

TOGETHER WE’LL RISE

“Our mission is to take care of people who take care of pets.”

RYAN’S PET SUPPLIES

EST. 1959

C H ECK OUT ME TROVAC A ND SIGN UP FOR EMAILS AT RYANSPET.COM | 8 00.525.7387

Packed with Power and Built to Last.