PetGroomer.com Magazine - Spring 2022

April / June 2022 Vol. 12, Ed. 2 eGroomer Journal January / March 2014

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M A G A Z I N E

INFLATION and the Grooming Industry

IMMIGRATION Source of New Groomers Management Misunderstandings eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free

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INSIDE THE SPRING 2022 ISSUE Calendar of Events

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The Skin’s Amazing Microbiome

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Increase Your Sales with “Retailment”

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Recognizing a Pet That Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge

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Mobile Power Supply Operation Safety

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Insurance Guide for Every Pet Groomer

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When Employees are Employers: NOT!

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Calf Strain and Foot Pain

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Inflation and the Grooming Industry

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Immigration: Source of New Groomers

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Management Misunderstandings

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Grooming the Bedlington Terrier

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When Shears Don’t Cut Right

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About PetGroomer.com and Surveys PetGroomer.com founder Madeline B. Ogle, entered the grooming industry in 1961 as a grooming salon owner along with her husband, an experienced pet groomer. When she retired she wrote From Problems to Profits: The Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Business in 1989. PetGroomer.com was founded in 1997 and GroomingBusinessinaBox.com thereafter. The opinions expressed in the surveys are those of groomers anonymously surveyed and do not necessarily represent the opinions of PetGroomer.com management and staff, nor advertisers. PetGroomer.com welcomes thousands of groomers and career seekers daily.

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INDUSTRY CALENDAR

APRIL 2022 INTERGROOM March 31 - April 3, 2022 Secaucus, New Jersey See www.intergroom.com

April / June 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

AUGUST 2022 ALL AMERICAN GROOMING SHOW August 4 - 7, 2022 Schaumburg, Illinois See www.aagroom.com

MAY 2022 PET BOARDING AND DAYCARE EXPO WEST May 2 - 5, 2022 Burbank, California www.petboardingexpowest.com

SEPTEMBER 2022 GROOM EXPO September 15 - 18, 2022 Hershey, Pennsylvania See www.groomexpo.com

JUNE 2022 PETQUEST June 23 - 26, 2022 Wilmington, Ohio See www.pqgroom.com

OCTOBER 2022 NEW ENGLAND GROOMING SHOW October 6 - 9, 2022 Sturbridge, Massachusetts See www.newenglandgrooms.com

WORLD DOG EXPO June 4 - 5, 2022 New York City See worldexpo.dog

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The Skin’s Amazing Microbiome: Understanding Microbiota and Microflorae

By Christein Sertzel On the surface of every square inch of an animal’s skin are millions of microflora, secondary bacteria, funguses and environmental pathogens. Also, there are natural and beneficial residents such as mites and an ever-changing landscape of cellular material. The very surface of the skin is a tiny ecosystem teaming with life. And its climate is ever -changing and constantly inundated 16

with stressors.

The sebum, or oil of skin, comprises the skin‘s cutaneous immune system. It does this by providing a foundational groundwork for the skin’s cellular composition to reside, as well as all of the supportive inhabitants of the individual’s specific microbiome and microflora.

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No two microbiomes are the same.

While similar inhabitants live on the skin, the levels of all of these and secondary bacteria are unique to each individual. At any given moment there are ebbs and flows of not just moisture and pH level but the bacterial and fungal counts of any place on the skin. These fluctuations all work in natural symbiosis and towards homeostasis to provide the most protection for the entire individual.

The members of the skin microbiota produce substances such as antimicrobials, adaptive protein processing enzymes and acids. These elements turn the uppermost layers of the stratum corneum of the skin into an uninhabitable environment for foreign microorganisms.

Thanks to this poisonous living armor, the skin endures constant stressors from pathogens, toxins and microorganisms.

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crobiota are constantly in contact with a hostile, ever changing environment.

The gut flora is also nicely protected from UV light. It is important to understand that there are vast differences between the microflora that reside in the gut to help support an animal’s internal and external immune system, versus the flora specific to the microbiome and the cutaneous immune system it provides.

What supports and works for something internal does not necessarily work for something on the skin.

The partial proof to this is found when something might be toxic if ingested to be broken down by the digestive and circulatory system, but not toxic if applied dermally.

The skin microbiota, our most outer skin layer, is in constant contact with surrounding environment. It must be far more adaptive and readily proliferate.

The skin’s environment is constantly changing and often endures harsh conditions such as dryness, UV radiation,

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waterborne pathogens, contact pollutants or environmental disinfectants.

Microflora must endure a dry environment and periods of total water saturation and yet still thrive even with constantly changing temperatures.

The microorganisms on the skin are constantly exposed to UV light. The bacterial food supply is scarce.

The skin microbiota only receives dead skin cells, sebum, sweat and oxidized skin lipids for dinner.

But all considered they still continue to flourish by the millions per square inch.

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ation such as yeast takes hold and can be quite difficult to get rid of without understanding how the skin works and what yeast uses in order to thrive there.

When we bathe a dog, the shampoo cleansers actively remove bacteria and microflora with extreme prejudice. This means they take everything at once and do not discern between the good and the bad. Therefore, it’s very important to be non-intrusive with our cleansers as much as possible. It is imperative to address a final conditioning process for the skin to help it replenish moisture removed so that the body can bounce back and replace the beneficial microflora and sebum removed during the bathing regimen.

Each type of microflora plays a vital role with others. When one is struggling for balance, another may surge forward This is one reason why groomers should and multiply. These shifts happen when consider using medicated shampoos in things like 1) dead skin surface cells repeated cycles on dogs that are albegin to accumulate, or 2) water or dirt ready showing symptoms of skin probcontaining its own population of bactelems. If we eradicate what the skin ria and fungus comes into contact with needs to attain homeostasis when its the skin, or 3) when an underlying already struggling to normalize, we are health issue causes changes to the skin only adding to the problem instead of fibers or alters its moisture/oil levels.

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the solution.

Currently there are products in the works trying to provide “microbiome health,” but it is difficult to do so by actually feeding microbiome levels due to the active nature of a cleansing and conditioning formula.

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for what it really is when making those purchases.

Choosing products and topicals is an ongoing process of elimination for an ever-evolving menu of choices. I am constantly buying every new liquid topical tool our industry creates. Trying new products keeps us engaged and focuses our attention on what each product elicits. As with so many things in life- be wary of the marketing and rely on the science. When it comes to choosing products, find something you like, research it, and if it works for you trust your experience, and not just the marketing. ◄

It is also difficult because of the chemical production process and the preservatives that must also cohabitate within a formula to make it safe for lengthy use and shelf life. It is much better to understand that certain products currently being manufactured support the microbiome by being less invasive, genSources & Reading tler, having enhanced active ingredients https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/commonhelping to recondition skin and coat. mites-and-skin-disease-an-overview The pet cosmetic industry follows the https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ human cosmetic industry, and current S037811351931493 https://www.cosmeticsbusiness.com/news/ fad or trends will promote products bearticle_page/ ing designed to follow suit for the conPrebioics_Are_they_weapons_for_preservatives/162210 sumer. Sometimes there are genuinely https://everyone.plos.org/2015/03/30/let-microbes-paw -print-doggy-skin-bacteria/https:// new developments in formulation sosecureservphistication, but sometimes it is simply ercdn.net/198.71.233.153/1c7.aad.myftpupload.com/ wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Optimizing-Skin-and-Coatredesigned existing products or ingrediCondition-in-the-Dog-1.pdf?time=1649285987 ents with a fresh set of verbiage. It is alhttps://www.msprebiotic.ca/blogs/news/what-happensways important to try new things as when-you-lower-the-ph-of-your microbiome they become available to use, but also eGroomer Journal Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved 19 to understand the science Copyright behind© 2011 them PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Increase Your Sales with “Retailment” Get ready to razzle dazzle your clients with “retailment!” We’ve all seen the massive gain of online shoppers since the Pandemic. Smaller retailers were already challenged by big box store competition. Year after year increases of online shopping moved clients from IRL (“in real life” for novices without teens at home) to online shopping.

With all the doom and gloom there are still HUGE opportunities in which online shopping and big box stores cannot compete. We’ll call it “retailment” or “in store experiences.”

owning friends in the pet industry used to create “retailment” in order to get those clients coming back for more.

Not only will some of these ideas create more revenue and client loyalty, but they are affordable, and will bring more joy to your store every day!

The “3rd Space” in retail is the additional space that people like to gather other than home and work.

This “3rd Space” can be a mall, coffee shop or bar. On a much smaller scale than a mall, you can create a mini “3rd Space” in your own grooming salon or pet store by creating “retailment.”

In my own 15+ year store ownership experience there are a few tricks and 22 Copyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved treats that me and many of my store PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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In order for clients to LOVE your business, they need to connect with your business because “people buy from people, not just businesses.” If you provide interactive experiences in your business, you are more likely to build a devout clientele that will sing your praises and keep you in business for years to come!

Since we are so lucky to be in the pet industry, it makes creating “retailment” so much easier for us! There are some tried and true examples of “retailment” below.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An Entrepreneur in the Pet Industry since 2006; Leél Michelle previously owned an award winning brick & mortar pet boutique (1st Place "America's Coolest Store; Pets+ Magazine,) grooming salon, and pet bakery. Leel sold her grooming salon & boutique to former employee and "Pooch Perfect" semi-finalist; Gabriel Feitosa to scale her commercial dog bakery business.

Dog Cake Bakery was created to provide the pet industry & pet parents a collection of premium, Instagrammable dog treats, and dog birthday Selfie Wall cakes. Award winning Retro Stylist Wear was also founded by Leél We’ve all experienced serotonin inducMichelle for Groomers, Barbers, & ing social media feeds full of the cutest Hairstylists. Following a career in corpets on the planet! Why not make an exporate retail management and corpoperience in your business that creates rate amusement park management, Leél was inspired by her own pets to an opportunity for you and your clients? create brands that utilized her skills, Have signage made, include your busicreativity, and passion to build memoness hashtag, and or have a mural rable businesses catering to pets, pet painted in a corner for your clients to parents, & retailers nationwide. Leél enjoys giving back to the pet industry show off! You can have an artist friend with trade show speaking engagepaint a mural or even buy affordable dements such as SuperZoo, Barkleigh cals or banners for seasonal moments Productions, and Global Pet Expo. Leél online. also consults with pet stores and grooming salons to improve their pet Make sure this space is on brand & retail merchandising & grooming sasneaking in a logo and a hashtag never lon operations. Leél Michelle loves hurt anyone! Make sure to carry this sharing her passion for animals in the same idea in your grooming salon. A pet industry and looks forward to sharing her passion with you!

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cute backdrop behind your grooming table will give a branded punch to those “beast to beauty” photos taken of your furry clients. Seeing their beloved “Bella” in your social media feed is still giving the client a positive “experience” with your business.

April / June 2022

bought and sold so you can often search locally for a deal! Make sure to measure your space 1st and always merchandise them well for maximum exposure!

Dog Bakery Display Case Have you ever considered selling dog bakery treats? After years of selling them in my old store, I finally bought a bakery display case and wished I’d done it 10 years prior!

How is this “retailment” you say? Think about it, when have you been in front of a bakery display case in a bad mood?

There is something so tactile and inviting about choosing items from a large, shiny, beautiful bakery display case.

Even though you and I know that Fido doesn’t really care about what comes out of that bakery display case, the experience that your client gets bonding with her furry family member over what “treat” he’s going to eat in 3.5 seconds is priceless!

Bakery display cases come cold and “dry” which means with & without refrigeration. They are constantly being 24

Self Serve Fridges & Freezers The 1st photo with the pink/green fridges are of my beloved “Lucy & Ethyl” original 1940-1950 fridges. I purchased 3 of these beauties and had them refurbished for my 50’s store theme. They were the #1 reason someone would walk in from off the street. I sold dog treats, dog cakes, dog cupcakes, dog beer, and even dog toys out of these beauties!

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Dog Treat Bars

(Continued from page 24)

You don’t need to sell raw dog food to have fridges or freezers in your business. Other items that sell really well and have a seasonal “retailment” experience to coincide are Swell Gelato, Puppy Ice Cream, and even Bowser Beer!

When a client's dog was turning 3, I would mention a dog beer for his “21st” birthday might be fun! Summer Ice Cream Socials are very popular when selling dog ice cream and Swell Gelato.

Although not pictured above, I often had a price menu on the outside of my fridges which made retailing those items so much easier and kept down payroll because all the questions were answered on the menus provided.

Dog Treat Bars are a wonderful way to introduce your client to something new without spending $6-$10 on a new bag of dog treats their picky pooch won’t like. Sell biscuits, chews, and meat treats. Include signage, sell in multiples, (2/$3) provide tongs, bags, and make it a destination. Once your furry client is hooked on an amazing treat… offer the retail packaged bag so they can take more home or gift to friends! Whether you use baskets, penny jars, or metal bulk bins, there are endless possibilities of how you can do this! Pro Tips: Make your dog treat bar waist height & above or you’ll be cleaning “yellow liquid tips” and wet noses off your containers constantly!

Amazing Customer Service We’re all experiencing small and large businesses struggling with customer service due to their lack of training and or lack of employees. This makes providing excellent customer service even easier in our smaller businesses.

Taking the time to genuinely connect with your clients and offer VIP socials or community events are a few ways you can create amazing customer service in your grooming salon and pet store.

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The knowledge that passionate Groomers and pet store retailers have about pet health, dog grooming products, and pet food are much higher than the average consumer so why not share the knowledge with your clients?

As small businesses we can make changes to our businesses in an instant without having to wait for board approval. This enables a business to quickly create new opportunities to increase cash flow and give clients what they want as consumer demands change. In addition; the “woke” generations don’t

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blindly follow every company and want to support someone they know, they bond with, and they believe in. Razzle dazzle with “retailment” and keep a client for life!

Leel Michelle Also visit FB Group “Pet Boutiques.”

www.dogcakebakery.com www.retrostylistwear.com

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Recognizing a Pet That Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge:

5 Reasons Why it is the Right Thing to Do The #1 quality of a good groomer is compassion, with an outstanding ability to communicate with the customers, the pets, and with staff coming in a close second. In addition to unending patience, understanding, and a genuine caring for animals, you must handle yourself with professionalism even when facing a challenging situation.

You’re an important member of the pet client’s healthcare team. In fact, you often spot issues before the family realizes a veterinary visit is needed.

sons your clients trust you with their furbabies, many since they were puppies and kittens. You primp and pamper them over their lifetime. No matter the challenge, how fussy the pet might be during their groom, each pet, over time, makes their way into your heart.

Pets are never here on earth with us for as long as we would wish. When it does come time for each pet to cross the Rainbow Bridge, the simple truth is that you feel their loss too!

32 Copyright © Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved These qualities are just some of2013 the reaPetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Imagine the void your customer experiences when their beloved fur-family passes.

How you honor that relationship speaks volumes to the pet’s family, and ultimately to their circle within your community. When someone loses a family member it is an act of kindness to express your sympathy to the family for their loss. Pets are family members too.

Your pet/client relationship is more than a business transaction, for all the reasons we pointed out above and more. So, honor that special bond by finding a way to recognize a beloved pet.

5 Reasons for Recognizing a Customer’s Pet Loss 1. Pets are family too! When someone’s family member passes away you would traditionally recognize that loss. For so many pet owners their dog or cat is both considered and treated like family. For your elderly clients, the pet may be their companion when family lives far away. The loss of the pet leaves a huge daily void in their lives.

2.

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pets.” You have been entrusted with the care of someone’s pet, often for years.

The services that you provide to a pet and their owner creates a strong and lasting bond. Loyalty to our hairdressers is strong. Show them that loyalty goes both ways.

3. Disenfranchised Grief. Studies show that grief from pet loss is often more difficult than that of losing a relative. Additionally, outsiders misunderstand these feelings which can leave the pet parent to feel alone and embarrassed about their grief. Having someone reach out, offer understanding, and acknowledge their loss means so very much.

4. Children take it hardest. If your customer has children, you can assume that this may be their first experience with death, so including them in your pet loss condolence is especially important.

5. Customer Satisfaction. An old marketing adage says that a satisfied customer is a repeat customer. Honoring a beloved fur-baby speaks volumes. On top of that, the average American owns 3 to 4 pets over a lifetime increasing the likelihood that when their next dog or

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cat needs to be groomed, they will call on you! They’ll also let their friends and family know of your kindness.

4 Simple Ways to Honor and Recognize a Pet that has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge Assuming you know about the loss, here are some simple ways that you can let a valuable customer know that you care.

Even if you don’t find out about it right away, anything that you do, even later, will be received with an open and grateful heart.

1. Send a sympathy gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive, there are many options available from trinkets to living memorial ideas such as flowers and plants. If you can customize the gift or message, it is even better.

2. Send a handwritten card or note.

Taking the time out of your busy day to pen a personalized message would no doubt be received with deep appreciation by the pet owner.

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mal’s special place in your heart. The added bonus is that it gives you another reason to post to your followers.

4. Make a personal phone call. Who uses the phone anymore to make a call? With texting and SMS messaging the phone doesn’t ring often other than with pesky salespeople. Therefore, imagine how your soothing voice could help a grieving heart.

It was through our own pet loss that Pet Perennials was “born.” The grief we experienced over the loss of our fur-babies drives us in our mission to help hearts heal and to honor each pet’s special bond with its family.

We understand your busy schedule, and therefore we offer a Gift Package Service so that you can honor pet loss, sending personalized messages and gifts to your clients.

Want to learn more about our Direct-toConsumer gift packages? Accessing our Gift Catalog with business pricing is easy. Submit your info online, then you’ll receive a notification/email to sign into your newly created account. Membership is free so sign-up and browse today. ◄

3. Post a tribute to the pet on your social media pages. If you have a social media presence, posting a tribute is the 34 Copyright © an 2013aniFind A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved modern way to commemorate PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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April / June 2022

Mobile Power Supply Operation Safety

By Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions Primary Types of Generators to Power Your Mobile Grooming Vehicle

PORTABLE GENERATORS Because of recent incidents in the mobile pet grooming industry due to the use of portable generators in homebuilt vehicles, we have received many calls from Wag’n Tails customers with concerns regarding carbon monoxide.

The purpose of this article is to share valuable information and address safety concerns about the use of portable generators and the difference between a professionally installed commercial mobile generator.

groomers have resorted to the use of portable generators to power their conversions because of the ease of availability and lower cost. Portable generators are certainly an alternative to a professionally installed commercial mobile generator, but some safety measures must be taken to avoid disaster.

Unfortunately, we have seen a few recent incidents in our industry that have been caused by portable generators being used improperly. Here are recommendations for those using portable generators:

The pandemic has created a great deal of supply shortages in our country. Generators and parts are no ex36 Copyright © 2013 Findpet A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved ception.

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1. Always mount the portable generator outside your vehicle. Never operate a portable generator inside your vehicle or with your rear vehicle doors open. This is a recipe for disaster because of the carbon monoxide fumes can be deadly. Portable generators are made to be operated outside away from open windows and open doors.

Below is an example of a trailer hitch portable generator mount.

2. Do not store a gas can inside your vehicle. If the gas can develops a leak or is not sealed properly, the vapors from gasoline are extremely flammable. Especially, in an enclosed area. eGroomer Journal

April / June 2022

3. Purchase a high-quality MARINE carbon monoxide detector. Not all carbon monoxide detectors are created equal! Less expensive carbon monoxide detectors sold at the big box stores are affected by excessive humidity, like the humidity that is created by a high velocity dryer and a wet dog. This creates a false positive for CO detectors when the humidity in your mobile unit reaches high levels. This is why most manufacturers of regular homeuse CO detectors recommend mounting the alarm away from bathrooms, showers or any other area in your home with moist or humid conditions.

Unfortunately, humidity is unavoidable in a mobile pet grooming vehicle.

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The good news is that there is an effective CO detector that is made for the humid environment of a mobile grooming vehicle. We recommend a specific type of Marine CO detector called the FIREBOY-XINTEX–Battery Operated Marine Carbon Monoxide Detector Model CMD6-MD-R. To gain UL approval for marine use, this detector must perform well during rigorous testing that is designed to mimic the harsh marine environment, which includes dramatic changes in temperature and humidity, like a mobile grooming vehicle. We have thoroughly tested this CO detector and have not received a false positive due to humidity. This marine grade CO detector is now a standard on all of our Wag’n Tails conversions. This Marine CO detector is also available for sale on the Wag’n Tails parts store and very easy to install.

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Wag’n Tails Commercial Mobile Generators

Commercial mobile generators have been installed safely in ambulances, emergency vehicles and millions of recreational vehicles in operation for decades. Meeting certifications and standards such as RVIA standards are critical for safety from carbon monoxide. Here are a few requirements that are important to ensure your safety from carbon monoxide: 1. Have your commercial mobile generator installed by an expert generator technician that adheres to RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) certification standards. All Wag’n Tails generators are installed by Cummins Onan Certified technicians. Our installations are approved by Cummins Onan Corporate Application Engineers for proper ventilation and operation.

2. The commercial mobile generator must be exhausted outside the vehicle, like the38exterior exhaust pipeCopyright on your primary vehicle.

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April / June 2022

3. The commercial mobile generator must be mounted in a sealed compartment, in addition to the generator housing. The sealed compartment must be vented to the exterior of the van. (See image below)

In summary, safety is and will always be Wag’n Tails #1 priority when designing, engineering, and manufacturing our Wag’n Tails vehicles. We can proudly stand behind our track record for the past 25 years. We have approximately 4,300 vehicles on the road, and we have never had a significant safety issue. For more ineGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find Astandards, Groomer Inc. All rights reserved 39 formation about our Wag’n Tails safety click here.

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April / June 2022

Insurance Guide for Every Pet Groomer

By Zach Davis, PetBusinessInsurance.com

All grooming businesses. even ones just getting started, should consider business insurance essential to their survival. Some types of insurance are required by law. Other coverage may be required by your business partners and lenders. Business insurance is really about protecting your investment in your business. employees and clients.

When you start a grooming business it's extremely important that you purchase business insurance. The coverage should cover the costs of injuries to pets, damage to vehicles and property, loss of income, liability claims and more.

Without business insurance you will have to pay out-of-pocket for damages to pets, property and legal claims against your company. Depending on the incident. this could be a financially devastating for you. On top of this, in some states. businesses are required to have additional specific types eGroomer Journal

of business insurance.

It doesn't matter if you groom out of your house, at your clients’ homes, brick and mortar locations or operate a mobile grooming business. You need business insurance. It's relatively inexpensive. Search the Mobile Grooming Zone Facebook group and you'll see plenty of reasons to buy insurance.

The reasons to buy insurance are endless. The smallest cut to a pet can result in thousands of dollars lost. One dog bite or car accident and quickly cost you your business and in some cases your personal assets.

What follows on the follow pages is a basic insurance overview of the types of insurance policies that you should know about. Every business is different.

Some coverage may not be applicable to the type of company you own.

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April / June 2022

When Employees Are Employers, Not! Don’t Alarm the “Authorities?”

Imagine you are a grooming business owner with employees. While sorting the day’s mail you notice an officiallooking letter from a state agency related to your being an employer. You read it and before you know it, you are in trouble! Apparently you are not compliant with employer regulations. You are instructed to attend a meeting with this state agency to discuss why you consider an employee act as an employer, and just how wrong that is.

You are confused. In fact this is “crazy.”

They have the wrong person, the wrong business, you pay all of your employees with paychecks with deductions. What the heck are they talking about?

Did you know this happens every year and has for many years in the pet grooming industry? We have seen the letters. Sometimes these employers call the offices of PetGroomer.com asking for help. Sometimes they call simply to thank us for giving them solutions and eGroomer Journal

strategies for their upcoming meetings to resolve issues with the authorities.

Have you guessed what the problem is?

For many decades thousands of employers paying commission use a single commission system. They commonly pay 40% to 60% commissions to their employed groomers. When employers do not provide bather support along with the commission they deduct a bather reimbursement fee reducing the gross commission in dollars. For example, a groomer earns 50% commission on a $60 groomer, total $30 gross wage. The groomer doesn’t bathe and dry the pet. The bath is done by a company bather. The owner deducts a set amount from the $30 commission (perhaps $8 per for the use of a company bather). The groomer earns $22 for this groom.

Warning. The employer should never include in the reimbursement fee for em-

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ployer-related costs such as employer payroll taxes, workers compensation or benefits. This system has been around for decades. So why are the authorities involved? Why the alarming letters?

In most cases, there are disgruntled employees reporting their employers. When they talk with an attorneys, counselors or a state and local employment authorities they relate, “I pay the bather.” Even if this is not the matter of the disputes at hand, the groomers are told, ‘Your employer cannot ask you to pay a bather or anyone else. You cannot be an employer!” True.

Alarm bells go off. The third party has no idea that the employer is not asking the groomer to be an employer. Few outside of grooming know how groomer commissions work. They are right to be alarmed when hearing employees say they are paying bathers. This is a matter of deceptive semantics.

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April / June 2022

WRONG! Even the employer is compounding the problem!

This silly confusion has lead employers to sit in the hot seats with authorities, and later to resolve it by explaining their deceptive words were simply describing the format of wage calculations.

It may take several visits and a look at the financial records showing that the employer paid employees appropriately and employer contributions. What has happened is a lot of wasted time and a bunch of fear at facing the authorities.

There is no good reason for this loss of production and business income.

There is nothing wrong with employers expecting to pay less when groomers paid commission for full grooms do not do the entire grooms and get the assistance of bathers. Why not avoid asking groomers for bather reimbursements?

The solution is incredibly simple and entirely removes groomers from saying they “pay for bathers.” Use TWO commission rates, one for a full groom (perhaps 50%) and another lower percentage for a groom without doing the bath? It’s entirely fair! Yes! Alarm bells go silent.◄

The employer is saying to their groomer employee, 50% commission requires you to do a complete groom start-tofinish. If you don’t do the bath and dry you get paid a 50% commission with a deduction for using bather assistance.

Some employers make the same mis46 and say, “You pay for Copyright 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved take the ©bather.”

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April / June 2022

Calf Strain and Foot Pain Groomfit with Vera Needham “Sitting is the new smoking,” a phrase

Achilles to shorten.

coined by Dr. James Levine to raise awareness of the toll prolonged sitting

If your calves are tight and inflexible it

plays on our body. There are many prob-

restricts our ability to walk correctly.

lems associated with sitting, but today I

Have you ever stood up at the end of the

want to focus on tight calf muscles and

day and felt like the Tin man who’s lost

how they can wreak havoc on our feet.

his oil can?

Many groomers spend much of the day seated at the grooming table. It’s not

There are two major muscles that make

natural for our body to be in that posi-

up our calves. They are the Gastrocnem-

tion for such a prolonged period of time.

ius and the Soleus muscles, which both

We often sit with our knees bent and

run from the back of your knee and at-

50 extended causing calf Copyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved feet muscle and PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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April / June 2022

(Continued from page 50)

tach at the heel via your Achilles ten-

If you spend much of the day standing

don.

at the grooming table, the extra strain to the forefoot can lead to problems like

The calf muscle plantar flexes the ankle

bursitis, nerve entrapment or capsulitis,

joint. Plantar flexion is the action of

which is often referred to as metatarsal-

pointing your toes, standing on tippy

gia. This is a condition where the ball of

toes or lifting the heels and pressing in-

the foot becomes painful and inflamed.

to the ball of the foot as we walk.

Pain in the big toe joint, and hammer toe deformities, can all be the result of

The Achilles tendon is attached to your

the tight calf muscle.

calf muscle, so it’s no wonder that when calves are tight, that it can lead to ten-

Standing to work may be a better choice

donitis, which is inflammation and tiny

for groomers than sitting, but still may

tears in the tendon. The Achilles tendon

result in foot pain especially as we age

also attaches to the plantar fascia

because collagen production slows

which is a band of tissue that stretches

down and we have less cushioning on

across the soles of your feet. If this tis-

the balls of our feet and heels.

sue becomes inflamed, it can lead to the searing heel commonly associated

Standing is a passive activity which

with Plantar Fasciitis.

means it does not stimulate circulation.

Having less blood flow to your feet on a

Tight calf muscles limit the range of mo-

regular basis over a prolonged period of

tion in your ankles, which causes some

time can cause sore feet, swelling of the

people to place more pressure on the

legs, varicose veins, and general muscu-

balls of their feet when they walk or stand.eGroomer Journal

(Continued on page 52)

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April / June 2022

(Continued from page 51)

relax. You get the best results if you re-

lar fatigue which are common com-

peat each stretch at least three times

plaints amongst groomers.

during the day. Be certain to breathe when stretching to keep blood pressure

Basically, the body does not like to have

from spiking. With each exhale, go a lit-

the same posture or load placed on it

tle bit deeper into the stretch. When you

continuously, so change is always good.

breathe properly, your heart pumps oxy-

You want routine breaks where you gets

genated blood to your muscles.

the blood moving “said Kermit Davis, graduate program director for environ-

A great natural way to lengthen calf

mental and occupational hygiene at the

muscles is to add some small hills to

University of Cincinnati. Switching up

your daily dog walk. When we walk up a

your routine during the day is the best

hill it naturally lengthens the muscles of

option for groomers. Alternate your rou-

the lower leg and ankle.

tine between sitting and standing, and take micro breaks to walk or stretch

Kids rarely have foot problems, probably

whenever you can.

because they hate sitting still. Children love to move, climb trees, hills, monkey

On the next page there are a few simple

bars etc. Moving keeps us pliable and

stretches to help those achy feet.

healthy. In the words of George Bernard

Stretching should be to the point of

Shaw, “We don't stop playing because

stimulation. Stretching may feel uncom-

we grow old; we grow old because we

fortable, but it should never be painful.

stop playing.” Our job has such more potential for fun five minute breaks than

Hold each stretch for at least 30 sec-

any job I know.

onds to give the muscle fibers time to 52

(Continued on page 53)

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April / June 2022

Gastrocnemius Stretch The Gastrocnemius muscle assists in

Check that your knees and toes are

bending the knee and helps keep you

pointing forward as you place your

balanced and upright. The Gas-

weight on the back leg making certain

trocnemius stretch targets the calf

the heel is anchored.

muscle that starts above the knee so

back leg should be straight during this

Gradually transfer your weight to your

stretch.

front leg bending a little further into the front knee for a deeper stretch.

Start with your hands leaning on a table or wall and take a big step back.

You may want to try variations of this

The longer the step, the more you will

stretch with the toe of the back leg

feel the stretch.

pointed in towards the other foot or out-

eGroomer Journal

wards away from the foot.

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April / June 2022

Soleus Stretch

Heel Drop

The Soleus muscle starts just below the knee so we target this part of the calf by bending the knee while stretching. This stretch is performed in the same position as the first stretch only this time we place the weight in the back leg, anchor the back heel, then bend the knee until you feel a stretch through the calf and Achilles.

Start by placing the ball of the foot on the lower step with the heel resting off the back of the step. Drop the heel down by slightly bending the top knee until you feel a stretch in your calf. ◄

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vera Needham is a Medical Exercise Specialist, pilates trainer and has been a dog groomer for over 35 years. Vera invented the Tubee-Fit training tool for groomers. The Tubee has proven to be a wonderful addition to her older adult classes and in long term care facilities. If you have any Goomfit question or 54 Copyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.com want more information about the Tubee contact Vera at groomfit@yahoo.com PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free © 2019 Find A Groomer Inc All rights reserved

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Clip Shoppe School of Dog Grooming

New Jersey - www.clipshoppeschoolofdoggrooming.com

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Classic Reprint from 2020

Inflation and the Grooming Industry Who has not heard of inflation this year and even last year? For most of us we clearly feel it every time we spend money. We are spending more for the same

measure of product or services we purchased not long ago. Today it is more noticeable because almost everything

inflation a general increase in prices, and fall in the purchasing value of money

we buy has recently increased, and not

Grooming business owners are like-

just something like energy, food or re-

wise increasing their grooming fees to

tail products.

account for increases in wholesale

Mobile vehicle prices have increased, 60

(Continued on page 61)

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including both vans and trailers.

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grooming products, and to increase personal net income to keep up with their household expenses which are rising.

We surveyed groomers asking them about their personal and business experiences with recent inflation (2021 and early 2022). Here are the results: GROOMING BUSINESS OWNERS

April / June 2022

Tools and Equipment (11%) Other (5%) 3. If you answered “yes,” have the increases put the operation of your business in financial jeopardy?

Yes, seriously (3%) Yes, moderately (9%) Yes, slightly (11%) No (77%)

1. Has inflation increased the costs of operating your business?

Yes, definitely (43%) Yes, a little (32%) No (11%) Unsure (14%) 2. If you answered “yes,” what expenses have increased from inflation (to the best of your knowledge)? More than 1 answer OK.

4. What are your short term or long term plans to cope if operating expenses continue to increase? More than 1 answer OK. Raise grooming prices (82%) Lower some expenses (43%) Do more volume (24%) Add revenue stream (2%) Nothing (17%) Other (8%) 5. If you raise prices how much

Rent (3%) Utilities (12%) Insurance (2%) Fuel (mobile) (100%) Grooming Supplies (23%)

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would your average increase be?

$1 (2%) $2 (10%) $3 (28%) Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All$4 rights(26%) reserved

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$5 (30%) Over $5 (4%) PET GROOMERS

1. Has inflation increased the costs of your household budget?

Yes, definitely (55%) Yes, moderately (26%) Yes, a little (10%) No (7%) Unsure (2%) 2. If you answered “yes,” what expenses have increased from inflation (to the best of your knowledge)? More than 1 answer OK.

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April / June 2022

Transportation (not fuel) (4%) Other (12%) 3. Do you expect inflation to continue including price increases?

Yes, definitely (23%) Yes, moderately (35%) Yes, a little (22%) No (4%) Unsure (16%) 4. If you answered “yes,” how will you keep up with the rising costs?

More than 1 answer OK. Ask for raise from employer (84%) Seek additional employment(23%) Lower my expenses (41%) Use personal savings (18%) Other (7%)

Rent (3%) 5. Have you been affected by supUtilities (2%) ply chain issues?

Food (93%) Yes, definitely (21%) Insurance (3%) Yes, moderately (20%) Fuel (personal auto) (96%) Yes, a little (27%) Clothing (1%) No (32%) Entertainment (18%) 6. Do you think supply chain isMedical (30%) sues are related to inflation?

Pets (44%) Yes, definitely (34%) Education (2%) Yes, moderately (26%) reserved Subscribe www.egroomer.com Childcare (15%)Copyright © 2013 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights

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April / June 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

So You Want to Open a School and Teach My name is Gregg Docktor and I own Merryfield School of Pet Grooming located in South Florida. We are a State of Florida Licensed, Federally Accredited School and a member of the ACCSC (national accreditor).

The first objective is to contact your state board of education. Most states require you to be licensed in order to teach any type of career education. The process varies entirely by state. For us it took about a year from application to approval. The second step was to run the school for 2 years with annual reviews by the state.

Then you can submit an application an accrediting agency.

The purpose of an accrediting agency is twofold. One is to allow your institution to participate in the Federal Student Loan program (Title V) and 2) to ensure that the education that you are providing is reviewed by intensely devoted educators that look after the best interest of your students. This process took about 5 years to accomplish. Once that was done, an application with all of your aforementioned materials is made to the US Department of Education. If and when approved, which took us an additional 9 months, you can then participate as a Federally Accredited school with all the continuous oversight and responsibilities that are required to maintain your status.

So now you are governed by 3 agencies. Your state, your accreditor and the US Department of Education (DOE)! If your entire being is not in the educational world, you will have a rude awakening. You will likely need Admission staff, Registrar, Financial aid administrator, Operations Administrator. I presume you will assume the title of Director. You also need teaching staff and facility personnel and your campus. Merryfield occupies 16,000+ square feet and room is getting tight. We have 3 programs of study and a staff of 15: • Professional Pet Grooming (600 hours) • Professional Pet Grooming with Non-Anesthetic Teeth Scaling (900 hours) • Veterinary Assistant Program (900 hours) We are always looking for qualified individuals to compliment the educational excellence we are striving to achieve. Sound like something you would like to do? I am always available to talk. Gregg Docktor 954-771-4030 eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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April / June 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

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Immigration: Source of New Groomers Here we are not promoting anything, we

States. Of course, we are talking em-

are simply sharing some information.

ployees and not business owners. It is

As consultants we hear many things

an interesting prospect and stirred up

and asked for our opinions.

many questions on our part.

We all know that finding an adequate

Will these new groomers have to com-

supply of groomer employees remains a

mit to working contracts and for how

challenge in most of the United States.

long? What U.S. states would allow the

For 26 years we have published over

arrangement? Where will most of them

500,000 help wanted ads at PetGroom-

come from? How will they be trained?

er.com and we still do every day at no

Must they have previous grooming expe-

charge to groomers worldwide.

rience? The list goes on.

With this background we get lots of in-

We don’t have all the answers. This con-

quiries about what else can employers

cept is an active work in progress on

do to find groomers. In 2022 we have

their part, not ours. Are there enough

had inquiries from employers wondering

Americans that could fill the open posi-

about the usefulness of offering immi-

tions with looking beyond their borders.

gration assistance to foreigners in re-

Perhaps our industry is not really com-

turn for working as groomers. These are

municating the shortage of skilled

experienced professionals in immigra-

groomers, and just whose responsibility

tion matched with businesspersons in

is that? We don’t have a national associ-

the pet care industry.

ation for such purpose. In this light,

Our initial response was, interesting.

Many franchises sell to foreigners as part of their immigration to the United

some people are looking beyond our

borders to fill their personnel needs. We shall see. ◄

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WE PROMISE TO EXCEED OUR CUSTOMER’S EXPECTATIONS IN QUALITY www.showseasongrooming.com

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April / June 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

Management Misunderstandings As consultants to thousands of career seekers, groomers and grooming business owners for 33 years, we have reason to say, “We’ve probably heard every grooming management problem there is, and many times over.” When you problem solve business problems with clients it’s not a matter of relying solely on superficial evidence such as personal points of view, stories, or a few sheets of bookkeeping problems.

That’s where you start and you listen well.

To succeed in determining what our clients know about the business of grooming, we also have to discover what they don’t know. Then we can introduce thought provoking evidence, and move them out of emotional turmoil onto paths of self-awareness in business. We awaken not only the groomer in them, but the manager that is salivating for opportunities to problem solve with us. Remarkable things happen.

During thousands of consultations we uncovered dozens of common myths and misunderstandings about grooming management that fomented into serious business or career problems. They take all the joy out of working with pets.

In 2022 some decades old management issues continue. We carefully and kindly expose them, “How did you come to this conclusion?” Most often it is another groomer telling another groomer what they learned from their mentors, or fellow groomers. While there may be truth it is usually coated with obscurity.

Sometimes it’s even recycled nonsense.

We never come down clients. Instead we ask for evidence, “Do you have any data of records or financial information that backs your conclusions?” Rarely. We understand. The groomer in us really wants to groom, enjoy the pets and their beauty. The groomer seeks convenience, avoids problem solving and simply accepts what “elders” say. That’s why myths and misunderstandings hang around like living dinosaurs.

We’ve “freed” hundreds of clients from decades old misunderstandings about management. Their endorsements of our publications and services often mention how we helped them to “fall back in love again with my business (or career).” Others didn’t apply what they learned. Some come back after five or ten years and say, “I am ready now. Let’s do it.”

We have no personal stake in what our clients believe. We never ask them to

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believe us or to echo our beliefs. We want to awaken the groomer and manager in them, and to marry the two. Once they think like small business managers we have accomplished our biggest goal.

Every grooming business owner is a problem solver, but they cannot be very successful if they cannot reexamine what they were told is true at face value. It’s better they are a pleasant contrarian than recycling past misunderstandings.

The new process of thinking by a businessperson that grooms is different from the beauty of the mind associated with artistic grooming. Selfemployed groomers are two different personas, manager and artist. The artist wants to grooming, the manager wants to “surgically” take apart business problems and once for all put an end to their ill effects.

Managers come to no quick conclusions, and where appropriate, “show their work” as math teachers often instructed us in school.

Sometimes you cannot avoid math in grooming. All too often when we ask new consultation clients for the math to back their financial opinions on grooming operations we get blank stares. Fine. We will show them basic formulas and then examine their opinions whether true or false. If we accept as fact that for which we cannot do the math, what happens? We get

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April / June 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

more misunderstandings.

This article will glance upon a few examples still prevalent today. We uncovered more than 100 during our 50 plus years in the grooming industry.

Grooming Business in a Box® patterns ways to unlock them and create new insights. Please take nothing personally, we are simply sharing our experiences.

Commission Groomers Don’t Earn an Equivalent Hourly Rate Since when do we associate hourly rates with commission only groomers? We do.

It is helpful knowledge for groomers too.

Employees can better manage their careers knowing alternate ways to view their compensation and work performance. It may be a real eyeopener for you.

The illustration on the next page labeled “3-6” is from Pet Groomer Wage Systems, a new Grooming Business in a Box (March 2012, 2022). Using the simple formula provided in the illustration any commission groomer can calculate their “Effective Earnings Hourly Wage Rate,” or simply, equivalent hourly rate.

The commission paid groomer featured in the illustration was paid $2,420.75 in gross wages (before taxes) for three weeks of work requiring 113.4 work hours. Had the groomer been paid by an

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April / June 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

Every commission paid groomer has an equivalent…

“Effective Earnings Hourly Wage Rate.”

Illustration Excerpted from...

Pet Groomer Wage Systems Book

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hourly wage of $21.34 instead of commission the groomer would have earned precisely the same gross wages.

Now hold on. The manager in you, not the groomer, has gotten some eyeopening information. The groomer earning this income probably has no idea what he or she even earns hourly.

Sure it varies by groomer and by business. If the grooming prices are 20% higher one salon from another, the hourly rate will increase when grooming the same number of pets.

In the example as shown the manager knows that paying $22.00 an hour to this groomer perhaps by salary would mean a slight raise. Who says paying

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April / June 2022 PetGroomer.com Publications

by hourly or salary automatically means the groomer earns less. Not so. That is a myth. It can be true from some grooming employers, but here we have established that hourly or commission the groomer can earn almost exactly the same.

We’ve studied the payroll records of thousands of groomers paid by commission. Using this formula and extensive payroll histories we were able to calculate an equivalent hourly wage rate for every groomer studied. Indeed some workdays they earned a higher hourly rate, and other days lower.

However, the longer the period of data studied the more accurate the hourly wage rate while at the same employer.

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When an employer raises grooming fees, the commission groomer earns more. Employers should expect the equivalent hourly wage rate for commission groomers to likewise increase.

Commission groomers can be intrigued to learn their Effective Earnings Hourly Wage Rate. It’s actually easier for them to budget earnings, and plan their household budgets.

For example, if they are offered eight hours more work weekly, they can quickly multiply eight times their equivalent hourly wage and instantly have a rough idea of the extra earnings potential in dollars.

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Pet Groomers Are Overpaid Pet groomer employees are not overpaid in the common understanding of that statement. If there is one exception it would be employers paying 70% to 75% commission to employees. Once you add W-2 based employer taxes and overhead, indeed the owners paying more than 55% to 60% are actually losing money on every groom.

With commission there are too many variables for an instant projection, such as the types of grooming assignments and unknown grooming fees. When creating a fair and equal salary offer for a commission groomer the Effective Earnings Hourly Wage Rate is critical.

Ironically we’ve seen this scenario several times and it was time for owners to learn how to crunch payroll numbers.

Now let’s move on to the more ugly use of the statement, “Pet groomers are overpaid!” It often originates from frustrated employers “trying to make a living” as a grooming business owner. It seems none of their employees understand their plight. Our phone has rung on many occasions with anguished employers that simply couldn’t find a way to make a profit in grooming while their employed groomers were making $35,000 to $90,000 a year.

We’ve done hundreds of successful conversions from commission to salaries. We explain the process to employees until they know how the offer is fair and based on actual performance. It’s an essential formula introducing fair salary rates. Any employer changing groomers from commission to hourly/salary should use this fair system.

It is true that many employees simply don’t understand the financial challenges of being a grooming employer. Unless they have been a grooming employer why would they?

Should they have to? No. The financial challenges are real, and not always a sign of ineffective or poor management.

Most service industries keep payroll costs under 40% but in grooming 50% to

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Many groomers don’t understand why employers can be hesitant about even a moderate commission raise.

Illustration Excerpted from...

Pet Groomer Wage Systems Book

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60% is common. It’s frustrating for the management of staffed grooming businesses.

The illustration on the previous page labeled “3-3” is from Pet Groomer Wage Systems, a new Grooming Business in a Box CD (March 2012, 2022). It’s just one of many examples of why employers or hired managers develop a distorted viewpoint of pet groomer wages. In this illustrated case, the brash employer feels like screaming at employees, “Your 50% commission is not the same as my 50% commission share. You take home $253.26 from your share, and my take home share is only $53.04!”

Owners call us and vent this frustration. They wonder why employees don’t understand their plight. It’s all quite dramatic.

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making it illegal to pay groomers by 1099 classification.

Quality vs Quantity One of the biggest misunderstandings in the pet grooming industry is the term, “Quality Versus Quantity.” Because it is used in so many ways it is becoming meaningless, and argumentative.

When used correctly it can describe a business or employer whose standards of operation put artistic styling, and even the safety of people and pets at risk.

However these instances are not common, and usually short lived. We may open a can of worms but let’s look a the more questionable uses.

If the owner is willing to put aside their anguish and attitudes toward the entire situation, especially their employees, we might accept them as consultation clients. Otherwise we refer them to our publications for help.

There are proven ways for employers to earn a profit without lowering wage levels a single penny. In the meantime, until they get the knowledge and apply it, there are employers continuing to spread the myth that pet groomers are overpaid.

Job candidates sometimes use the term to imply they are seeking a business where they can work at their own pace.

Why not just say that? They may feel they are slow by comparison to other groomers. That’s OK. They cannot go wrong by simply stating their honest productivity levels and the desire to work at a casual pace they propose. There are employers facing the chronic shortage of pet groomers and willing to work with them at their pace. There is no need to criticize others that favor reasonable productivity in return for best wages.

Now perhaps you can see why paying groomers by 1099 flourished at one time and some states intervened

There is no conclusive evidence that the amount of time spent on a grooming ensures quality. In fact, at some point

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taking too much time can stress pets, and delay what all pets really want, to be reunited with their owners.

Some people use quality versus quantity in snide manner. In fact, this use is becoming more common. It’s not only rude but sometimes 100% inaccurate, as most snide remarks and generalizations are. When used this way the source is usually barking about medium-sized or large salons. For some reason, they believe a business that serves 20, 40 or more pets a day can only be done by putting quantity before quality. It can be so harsh they make it sound as if the business is abusing quality, people and pets, yet somehow these businesses built up this tremendous pet owner demand. It

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doesn’t make sense. We don’t imply a large business cannot take a turn for the worse and decline. It happens. However, where is the evidence supporting this stereotypical generalization and to explain why many groomers criticize large businesses for not being purveyors of quality?

Maybe the critics don’t understand the term “quality grooming.” What is quality? Pet groomers charge for their time first and foremost. Every quality groom does have a minimum requirement in terms of time, but doesn’t that vary by the skill of the groomer? Quality is the level of skill and expertise of the groomer. It’s also their accommodation to return pets to their owners in a reasonable time to minimize

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separation anxiety. Quality is also about safety, supervision, products used, tools and equipment, customer service and management.

It’s quite a large package, but somehow the biggest naysayers focus on time, and the more time spent the better the groom.

In the chart below we present the 2010 results of a study of 20 West Coast grooming businesses. We compared hands-on grooming time of one-person businesses with staffed businesses having at least 3 groomers and 4 bathers and/or assistants.

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If “hands-on grooming time” is a good measure of quality, then the large businesses in this study are the ultimate in quality. Most of the one-person businesses did little or no hands-on drying, whereas the larger businesses used no cage dryers and every pet was attended during its drying time.

Our conclusions is that adages about quality versus quantity are often meaningless, and even prejudicial.

We need as a body of professionals to stop dividing ourselves with diatribe and work toward agreed upon standards as a profession. Less controversial myths and misunderstandings are next. ◄

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Styling the Bedlington Terrier Classic Reprint

Sue Zecco NCMG SuperStylingSessions.com

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The Bedlington Terrier is one of the most difficult breeds to learn to groom. They are very different from all other breed grooms. With the rise over their loin, rat-tail, tassel ears, hare foot and long narrow tubeshaped head, not to mention a very fine soft coat, Bedlington’s definitely take practice to get it right. Let’s start with the clipper work. I use a WAHL Bravura clipper on the #40 blade setting.

Clip “against” the grain on the outside of the ear. Hold the ear leather flat against your fingers. Start about 1 inch above the tip of the ear and clip an inverted “V.” Follow the same lines doing the same to the inside of the ear.

Clip to the top of the ear where it meets the head. Next clip the sides of the cheeks from the top corner of the ear to the corner of the eye, and from the corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth. The entire underjaw of a Bedlington is clipped clean.

Start about 1 inch below the adams apple making a “V” from the center of the neck up to the lower corner of each ear, much like you would do on a Poodle’s throat. I used the 40 blade setting on a WAHL Bravura clipper.

For pet trims you can optionally use a 15 blade setting against the grain in these areas.

This option also works well with sensitive skin 80

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Clip the tail with the 40 blade against the grain. Start at the tip of the tail. Clip up towards the body to one-third of the tail length. Leave a “V” on the top side only of the tail. Clip sides and underside clean.

The Bedlington style is a series of “V” and “S” shapes, smooth curves, from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. The underline on the body should mirror the top line of the body. Leave the roach at the highest point of the top line and the highest point of the under line is in the tuck up area. The lowest point of the top line should be just slightly behind the withers. The deepest point of the under line mirrors that.

Bedlington’s should have “Hare feet” sloping slightly at the pasterns and angling into tightly trimmed feet, not cat feet. Viewed from the rear you should see parallel lines, inside and outside of the rear legs. The tail is scissor-styled at approximately 30 degree angle into the croup. Head towards the high point of the roach above the loin. Then slope gently toward the withers and up into the neck. Remember, soft transitions and no©sharp eGroomer Journal Copyright 2011 Findlines.

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The Bedlington head is an important breed trademark. A long lean head is most desirable. Now look head-on straight at the head. You should see the shape of a paper towel roll. It should appear tight on the sides with a slight arch from the nose to the tip of the occiput, your high point.

Sides of the neck should be tight and about a skip tooth 7 in length. Style parallel lines from the ears, straight down the sides of the front legs.

Make sure the front legs balance with rear legs in size.

Front legs should have a slight forechest, no bib and be fairly straight from the throat to the toes. Scissor edges of the ears making them look clean and smooth.

The overall profile of the Bedlington is very “lamb-like.” However, make no mistake they are “Terriers” and posses their power.

Bedlingtons have soft coats with course guard hairs throughout. They come in blue (like the dog pictured here) and liver. They are built like Whippets for speed. Your style should indicate slab sides which are flatter through the rib cage, and not a rounded spring of rib.

The little girl in these photos is my Bonnie Bell, First Class Echoing Willow Wind, when she was just about a year old. ◄ 82

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When Shears Don’t Cut Right

by Jeff Andrews, Northern Tails Sharpening After many sharpenings shears may get thinner toward the tips of blades.

In the picture below you can see a comparison. The top shears are much thinner. Yet both shears are the same type.

When using a shear with narrow tips problems arise. The shears may fold hair rather than slice hair. Without adequate metal at the tips the ability to slice lessens, and the hair folds in the tips. The more dense the coat the more likely hair will fold.

There is “a fix.” See next page.

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Pointed shears can often be fixed. A good sharpener will inspect and find this problem by anticipating shears likely to fold and not slice hair.

The fix is very simple for a skilled sharpener.

If the tips are fixed the shears should work properly making for happy grooming. By looking at this shear most sharpeners would know they have been used for years.

Don’t blame the sharpener for the original problem. It was done over a long time previously and through many sharpenings. Next time you have them sharpened ask for the fix.

Realize it is time to start looking for a new pair. This shear fix can only be done so many times. Let’s move on the next article helping you with quick shear care ideas.

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Quick Guide to Shear Care When you purchase new shears, or you get your shears back from the sharpener, they are adjusted to cut. At Northern Tails Sharpening we only service pet grooming shears so they are adjusted for that use. Your shears are adjusted the way we would like to see them cut for pet grooming. We focus on the tips and the front end of shears.

Adjustments for tension (some say “balance” is done by a screw or thumb wheel on the pivot of the shears. Beveled edges are adjusted to where the blades grab about 3/4 of an inch from the tip. This enables blades to slice from the pivot all the way down to the tips. If tension is not set in this way on beveled 10 inch shears, blades may push apart from one another when used on thicker coats and as a result hair is folded at the tips. There has to be adequate space between the blades of beveled shears allowing the shears to engage in slicing action, and making it easier to glide through tougher coats. This type of edge is the workhorse of the grooming industry and can be used on any type of coat. The edge should last for months unless you drop your shears or hit something in the coat that nicks them.

Convex shears have an altogether different edge. Their edges are like razors. They must be sharpened differently. Convex shears are honed on both sides, first on the diamond wheel to create the desired edge, and then honed on the interior of the blades making that edge like a razor.

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are so sharp they “chop” the hair rather than slicing. This produces a beautiful cut appropriate for finish work. Tension is adjusted wherein the blades start to grab 1/3 to 1/2 the way down from the tips keeping the blades close together. If the tension is too loose on a convex shear two things can happen, 1) they may grab 3/4 of an inch from the pivot creating a gouge, or 2) they may fold hair at the tips.

Remember, tension adjustment addresses the way shears cut. It is not for the convenience or ease of the way they open and close. There are shears available with ball bearings in the pivot if you prefer a more loose feel.

Clean shear blades daily. Wipe all of the hair from inside the blades which if not removed attract moisture. If there is a presence of grime or signs of built up hairspray use a Handi Wipe and rub them clean. Never leave

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Lubricate shears with shear lube only. It contains silicon and a light solvent. Not lubricating may cause the screw to rust and loosen. Lube also removes moisture from the shear pivot and helps remove pet dander and tiny pieces of hair from the pivot.

When not lubed the pivot may tighten tension and slow the shear down.

Once lubed open and close the shears to spread the lube properly around the pivot.

Remember convex shears require more frequent lubing compared to beveled shears. NEVER use blade oil on shears. It stiffens over time creating new problems affecting shear performance. ◄

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Northern Tails Sharpening, Inc. You Now Have a Better Choice!

Specializing in Animal Care Tools

Mail-in Prices Steel Blades

$7.00

Ceramic Blades

$6.00

Agri Blades

$8.00

3 in Wide Blades

$8.00

Beveled Shears

$9.00

Bevel Thinning Shears

$9.00

Convex Shears

$16.00

Refurbish 5-N-1 Blades

$11.00

Str. Chunkers

$16.00

Convex Thinning Shears $16.00

Clipper Repair ● Veterinarian Equipment ● Beauty Shears We are an Andis & Furzone Regional Distributor and Repair Center Jeff is a Master Sharpener and Certified Pet Groomer with over 35 years experience. He knows how your tools should perform. He won’t sharpen worn out tools which could harm animals. His office will call you if any of your tools look bad. Long-time member of NDGAA, IPG and the BBB. Please call or visit our website for mailing information. http://www.northerntails.com/

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Are You a Victim of “Gritty Blades?”

Northern Tails Sharpening Flex Seal produces a rubber type coating on your clipper that prevents it from slipping in your wet hands. Now every clipper can have a rubberized body.

► Prepare your clipper by laying it flat on a protected surface with the bottom side up. You will only be spraying the bottom of the clipper.

► Cut small pieces of tape for protection from the spray. Cover the screw holes and the hinge to include the whole front end as shown below. Make sure you cover all areas that you do not want rubberized. These areas include the entire hinge, the front of the clipper and anything on the side of the clipper like a switch or touchpad.

(Continued on page 90)

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► You are ready to spray. If this is your first time to use FlexSeal, I suggest you practice on another object and not your clipper. Hold the can of FlexSeal about 12 inches from the object and spray in short bursts, back and forth. FlexSeal comes out of the can quickly.

Be very careful to prevent runs from excess solution. Refer to the picture above; see the runs? When it dried it looked OK and was the same color as the clipper. It takes about one day to dry. Peel the pieces of tape off and you are ready to groom.

FlexSeal sticks on clippers well.

FlexSeal has many other uses for repelling water. Now it has a function for the grooming industry. If your clipper doesn’t have a rubberized body and it slides in your hand, rubberize it! The cost is about $15.00 for FlexSeal Clear. ▀

Northern Tails Sharpening www.northerntails.com Call 479-498-2367

Russellville, Arkansas

Serving Groomers Everywhere Through Mail-in Services Jeff Andrews is "One of America's Favorite Sharpeners." Along with his years of grooming experience in two of his own shops, he is a "World Class Sharpener" that can sharpen all grooming equipment to better than new condition. Jeff is an author and pioneer of many maintenance and grooming video's and articles. They are for groomers who want to make their equipment last longer and save money on their sharpening costs. These videos and articles are on his website free to download and keep for reference. www.northerntails.com eGroomer Journal www.egroomer.com Subscribe Free PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com Subscribe Free

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Journalthat January / March 96 is not commonly known relates toPetGroomer.com It’s eGroomer commonly known all brands of A-52014 blades fit any brand of A-5 clippers. What blade sizes. MostPublications brands of A-5 blades have similar sizes, but how they perform varies. Manufacturers must use design differences in order to avoid patent and copyright infringement. The most common difference between brands is the blade thickness. Similar manufacturer sizes may cut at different heights. You could be in for a surprise if you change brands of the same size blade only to discover the cut is different! For your convenience Jeff at Northern Tails Sharpening prepared the multiple manufacturer reference charts below for blades and snap-ons. Be sure to check Jeff’s web site at www.northerntails.com for more helpful articles, videos and descriptions of his mail-in services. ♦

Clipper Blade Cutting Heights by Manufacturer BLADE SIZE

BLADE CUT

MASTER GRM.TOOLS

LAUBE

WAHL

KLEAN CUT

OSTER

ANDIS

#

Inches

MM

MM

MM

MM

MM

MM

50

1/125

0.2

0.2

0.5

0.2

0.2

0.2

40

1/100

0.3

0.3

0.6

0.1

0.3

0.3

35

3/50

—

—

—

—

—

0.4

30

1/50

0.5

0.5

0.8

0.2

0.5

0.5

15

3/64

1.2

1.0

1.3

1.0

1.2

1.2

10

1/16

1.6

1.5

1.8

1.5/1.6

1.0

1.5

10W

3/32

2.4

—

—

—

—

—

9

5/64

2.0

2.0

2.0

1.5

1.0/2.0

2.0

8.5

7/64

2.8

2.8

—

—

2.0

2.8

7

1/8

3.2

3.2

4.0

3.2

3.0

3.2

5

1/4

6.4

6.4

6.0

6.3

6.0

6.3

4

3/8

9.5

9.6

8.0

9.5

9.0

9.5

3

1/2

12.7

13.0

10.0

12.0

13.0

12.0

5/8HT

5/8

15.9

16.0

—

—

—

16.0

3/4HT

3/4

—

—

—

—

—

19.0

T-84

3/16

—

—

—

—

—

2.4

Snap-On Comb Sizes & Cut Lengths by Manufacturer COMB SIZE

LAUBE SELF ADJ & X-LARGE

WAHL STAINLESS STEEL

MDC ROMANI

OSTER UNIVERSAL

MILLERS FORGE

#

Inches

MM

MM

MM

MM

1/16

1/16

1/8

1/8

1/4

1/4

1/2

3/4

9/16

1/2 3/4

3/4 0

7/8

5/8

5/8

1

5/8

1/2

1/2

1

5/8

1 1/4

1 1/4 1 1/2

1/2

2

3/8

3

5/16

4

3/16

3/8

3/8

7/16

1/2

3/8

3/8

5/16

5/16

1/4

3/16

5

1/16

1/8

1/16

A

1

3/4

B

1 1/4

C

1 1/2

PetGroomer.com Magazine www.petgroomermagazine.com

D

1 3/4

E

2

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Charts courtesy of Northern Tails Sharpening 479-498-2367 www.northerntails.com

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