TECHNICAL TIPS TO HELP MY NEW ROCKSTAR GROOMERS THRIVE!



Pre-clipping/Bath If you have multiple dogs coming in at the same time, which eventually you will, wash them all first. The only time I do a pre-bath shave is if its a matter dog and I’m using a #7 or #10 blade. I wash cocker spaniels first now that I’m speedy, but I would suggest you shave it first until you really get into the groove of drying. Clean hair always cuts better. If you have a cocker or any other dog that can dry in the kennel, wash it first, dry it like 50%, then put it in the kennel dryer and wash and dry your other dog and groom him while the dog is still in the dryer.



Drying Run the dryer over the whole dog really quickly to open up the hair. Airflow is your best friend, the better the air can get into the coat the faster it will dry. Water flows downward (duh lol) so dry the line down the back to get it off there then dry from the bottom and butt up. I usually start with the belly and chest, butt, then feet and by that time the coat should open up and you can feel where you need to dry more.

Groom Have a routine that you do in order every time. For me its sanitary trim (#10 blade), scoop the corners of the eyes gently #10 blade if needed, paw pads (#10 blade in between pads), then I shave the body down. Once I’ve shaved the body down, I’ll trim nails then trim the body and feet. I wait to trim the nails out of preference because there is less hair to deal with if I have to grind. Then I will start on the head and face last. Find what works for you and stick with it. I shave the inside of the legs with a blade shorter to leave less hair for me to trim after a shave. And I think it looks nicer (PPs won’t notice).



Head/Face Teddy Bear Face. Use a 1/2” GC for shorter heads and 3/4” for regular. Shave backwards and towards the forehead. Lift the ears and shave gently from the inside of the ears with the grain of the hair to get those weird wild hairs. Shave the chin with the longer guard comb (I like shorter chins). This will set your length. Then you can use your thinners to trim with the chin length in a curve up to the back of the ear. If the dog is short faced, shave down the nose. If they are longer nosed, shave a triangle with the corners of the eyes, make sure to blend. Keep in mind no matter what breed, lines and transitions should look natural and blended well. Yorkie/Westie face: Try not to trim the hairs on the side of the head, you want a blocky (squared off) looking head so the longer hairs on the side help. I’m not really sure how to describe this. I’ll show you. 🐾😀✂️



It is important to remember that though it is true that “time is money,” trying to rush through grooming a pet can be a recipe for disaster and accidents. The pets safety and comfort comes FIRST. Because dogs are so sensitive to our moods, energy, and actions, a rushed groomer can cause the animal she is working on to stress out and behave in ways that actually slow the process down OR make it impossible to groom.

Another consideration is that when we rush, we may be more prone to accidents, and no one wants to risk injuring a pet (or ourselves) as we rush recklessly through our work. Then, too, we don’t want to lower the quality of our work by working too fast.



TIME TIP: If you have a pet that is having a bad day and extra wriggly. Give them a “rest” and work on your next groom. CALL the PP and inform them it will be taking a little bit longer today (and you will call when the grooming is done), because Fido is a little anxious today. Always use positive terminology and never refer to them or their behavior as being “bad”.

HERE ARE SOME PERSONAL TIPS I’M SHARING WITH YOU TO HELP YOU SUCCEED :

1. Develop your routine:

For example, when I put a freshly bathed and prepped dog on my table to groom it, I approach the task the same way every time. First I get out my trimmers and tidy up eye corners (where applicable), trim paw pads and sanitary area. Next I get out my clipper and do whatever clipper work needs to be done. After that I comb/brush through the pet and get my scissors out to do the scissor work. By following a set routine I am more efficient.



2. Keep good client notes

If the pet parent checks in his Bichon and says, “He looked great last time, but let’s go a little shorter today.” You will save time trying to figure out just how to groom that dog if you noted just how you groomed it last time. A glance at your notes from your last groom in iPass might say, “0 comb all over body.” Now you know to grab your “1 comb”.



3. Challenge yourself:

Take a look at the clock when you begin working on a pet. Here is an example: when I was a newer groomer, it took me ages to clip Poodle feet. I began to make a game out of it, timing myself, and trying new approaches to get the task done faster. By making a game of it, and watching the clock, I was able to train myself to get this job done very quickly.



4. Keep your tools in good shape:

Always have your station prepped and the tools you need ready. Sharp, clean, well maintained tools are a must if you want to get the job done well and quickly. Keep an eye on organization. Having your essential tools ready and where they belong saves time. Every second you spend rummaging for a nail trimmer or your favorite scissors is time you lose and eyes off the pet on the table. NOTE: Sheer Delight comes monthly (usually on a Thursday) to sharpen our sheers and blades and I’ll post the dates on the whiteboard when they are coming . WE ARE ONLY ALLOWED 4-5 PIECES PER GROOMER, DUE TO LIMITED BUDGET, SO CHOSE WISELY.



RESEARCH AND CE TO MAKE YOU A BETTER GROOMER AND FIND YOUR INDIVIDUAL STYLE AND MOJO!

Read trade magazines, online articles, PETCO training videos and MLC, watch YouTube videos, Groomer TV, and join some groomers groups and communities on facebook and Instagram. You can get advice from groomer forums from all over the world and see other ways to do things instead of just your Way. Keep in mind that just because someone has been grooming for 10+ years doesn’t mean they are any good. Maybe They may have been doing it wrong for the 10+ years, so take everything with a grain of salt, be open to learning new techniques, LISTEN and ask style questions from PP’s, find what works best for you, AND HAVE FUN! Your personal style, pet care, and professionalism will get you those repeat requests, great reviews, and lots of kisses from your furry clients.

We all learn new things everyday, so ask questions…this is your time to shine in a new career you love!