Pet Grooming

I used to groom *many* dogs (and also cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, even a few exotics!).  Anymore it is minimal - just my own and a select few others - but has been part of my life for quite some time.  There is a vast difference between pet grooming and show grooming, and the education and maintenance are very important to the process.

Before and after pictures are always amazing.  I loved working with so many breeds and individual characters!  Personalities of the dogs varies just as much as that of the clients.

Aside from some of the drastic “strip downs”, there were well-maintained regulars.  Matted messes and sad things like ingrown nails were dealt with.  I am proud to have worked with some others had given up on, and especially helping the senior animals who needed help.

Tools and techniques are very important - from scissoring and clipperwork to the little details like nail grinding, tooth scaling, and anal gland expression (much of this is veterinary).  Proper handling techniques are necessary to accomplish things safely.  Teaching clients to use the right tools for the job helps tremendously (certain brushes and combs depending on coat type)!

Hand stripping, “rolling” a show coat, and various products come into play.  Communication and styling are part of it too.  Nails need not be traumatic, and it is all about frequency in keeping the quicks short.

 Yes, that is an overgrown toenail.

Understanding the science and nutrition aspects of dogdom is necessary in grooming.  Many folks have no idea how lighting affects their shedding dog, or that a canine hair follicle can have up to 14 hairs around a guard hair.  Hormones and nutrients affect the haircoat.

The training, handling, and behavioral aspect is paramount - settling a dog up for success by being safe, respectful, and secure up on the table reaps big dividends!

  

A little humor as well as education - I *detested* the request to strip a double coated breed that well-meaning owners thought would keep them cool in summer almost as much as the meaningless phrase “puppy cut”.  Still, it was mostly good.  My first love is and always will be training.  I credit Kennel work, grooming, and veterinary medicine for teaching me much about behavior.  

Enjoy grooming!  It is quality bonding time with your pet (or at least it should be!)