When I was a fresh, new business owner almost 10 years ago, I was the only mobile groomer in the small community where I live. I was excited to get on the road with my new mobile and start serving clients. Mobile grooming was so new to the area that I had people congratulate me for inventing the concept. No lie!
WWMMD: What Would My Mechanic Do? Read More
As professional groomers and certified (or certifiable!) dog lovers, we are all aware of the beauty, adaptability, and smarts of the Golden Retriever. We’ve seen them in action as service dogs for the physically disabled, guide dogs for the blind, comfort dogs for the traumatized in times of national disasters, therapy dogs for the sick, and reading dogs for children with learning difficulties.
Last week I groomed a very nice, well behaved dog. I complimented his owner on his excellent grooming manners and she said, “When he was a puppy, the groomer where I used to live had me bring him in every week for a while. They would put him on the table and play with him, trim his nails, give him a little brushing.
To be successful in this business doesn’t just depend on your knowledge of grooming or the equipment you use. It can also depend on some very basic goals that you accomplish every day. They are simple goals, such as making money, customer perspective, and safety. These three little goals pass through our minds, but we never really think about how much they impact us every day we work.
The Daily Goals of a Pet Groomer Read More
The following scenario is common. A customer drops off his dog at your facility in the morning for a groom. He agrees to pick the dog up later that afternoon so you’ll have to keep her in a kennel for
a few hours after her grooming.
How to Eliminate Stress Before, During & After a Groom Read More
I have a riddle for you. What can go from minor to major in a blink of an eye? The answer is… eye injuries. It is why you should take a good look at a dog’s eyes during the check-in process. Check for excessive blinking, squinting, discharge, blood, cloudiness, bulging eyes, rubbing, or redness, all of which could indicate a pre-existing condition that may be aggravated during grooming. Bring any concerns to the owner’s attention beforehand.
I love grooming and learning new things to keep it interesting. And it is always so much fun meeting the people we become friends with through the internet in person, and friends of friends who then become your friend. On this particular weekend I decided to spend some time with longtime friend and fellow groomer Helen Schaefer and attend a workshop on Asian Style grooming that was being hosted at Smoochie Pooch Salon in Portage, Indiana where Helen was working.
The Trim That Cracked Me Up Read More
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
When I lived in Memphis, I operated a house call pet grooming business for many years. One of my favorite customers did a good bit of community volunteer work, including delivering Meals on Wheels.
Hi there. I am a country groomer who does a lot of double coated
shave–downs. I must shave at least one a day in the summer months. We get Goldens, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds by the dozens. I have heard that shaving them is not good for their coat.
The Double Coated Debate Read More
I have a cattle dog that belongs to a common subspecies of domestic dog—canis manducatione—the chewing dog. He does have a small underbite, which makes me think part of his problem is improper occlusion. I will be fixing that problem in the near future, but for the moment (and for the last 10 months) I have been dealing with a super chewer. That brings up the topic of chew toys.
Many years ago when I first opened my salon, a young couple brought their Toy Poodle, Spunky in to be groomed. We discussed the style of clip they wanted, and as they were leaving, I placed Spunky in a cage so that I could finish the dog I already had on my table.
To Cage or Not to Cage Read More
Well, another year has come and almost gone. The busy summer grooming season is winding down, and just when we think we can take a break and relax, we come to the realization that the holiday season is just around the corner. Every groomer knows what I am talking about.
Christmas Bling and Things Read More