The following article is
for general information
only and not intended to
serve as professional
training nor replace
professional training.
We strongly advise
professional training
for every new groomer
before they offer
grooming services to pet
owners. Based on our
experience your charging
fees for grooming
services is legally
interpreted that you are
the expert in grooming,
and not the pet owners
you serve. Thereby you
accept the risk of being
responsible for the
services you provide.
You are responsible to
interview every pet
owner you serve to
ensure that your
services are not only
aesthetic, but safe and
appropriate for their
pet. You are also
responsible to disclose
to each pet owner any
and all risks your
procedures may involve
to their pet.
Professional grooming
requires professional
training.
Click for training
opportunities. We
wrote the Pet Care
Services Brochure and
Pet Groomer's Report &
Health Alert in the book
From Problems to Profits
to exemplify one example
of the disclosure
process for a
professional groomer.
Remember, every pet
owner you serve is
putting their faith and
trust in you. Get the
professional training
required of a
professional groomer.
Brushes usually
come in three categories, bristle, wire-pin and
slicker brushes. Bristle brushes are very
versatile. Wire pin brushes come with or without
rubber tips on bristles, and they work best on
wooly coats. Slicker brushes have fine wire
bristles and are used mostly on dogs with dense
undercoat, and not on smooth coated breeds.
Rubber Pin Brush
You should use only the best dog grooming tools on your dog to ensure a safe and happy pet. Some pet allergies are exacerbated by cheap brushes or combs. As with dog homes, pet supplies should be of the best quality.
Combs
come in many sizes
for many purposes.
They may be
fine-toothed,
medium-toothed,
wide-toothed and
combination of
these. Fine tooth
combs are
generally for soft
and silky coats.
Medium tooth combs
are all-purpose,
and wide tooth
combs are ideal
for heavy coats,
and sometimes
de-matting tasks.
Curry combs are
made of rubber.
They massage the
skin and remove
dead hair from
short coated
breeds.
Groomers love to
talk about their clippers, and everyone has many
models and favorites. Some models have snap-on
blades whereas others require tools to change
blades. Use and maintenance of your clippers
should be a part of your professional
school
and
training program curricula. Snap-on combs like those below can be
attached to some models. Read more about blades
here.
Today there are so many more
models of dryers available, and
greatly improved performance.
There are cage dryer systems, cage
dryer motors to hang on cages, as
well as many models of
free-standing and multiple nozzle
dryers.
Cage Dryer
Most
groomers use several types of
dryers.
Stand
Dryer
One of the most
progressive developments of the 1990's was clipper
vacuum systems. They attached vacuum hoses to your
clippers sucking in the cut as you groom. What a
great reduction in airborne hairs, dirt and
dander, and less cleanup!
The fine
art of "finish styling" requires great
scissors, but every groomer also has their favorite
all purpose scissors. There are many types including
straight shears, curved shears, blunt-tipped shears
and thinning shears. Buy the best shears you can
afford as quality shows in scissors and shears.
Professional school
and training programs usually include how and when to use all of the
various types of shears.
Bathing equipment
was one of the main areas of product development
in the 1990's, and we expect more. You really must
check out today's modern bathing systems as well
as other shampoo and conditioner dispenser
systems.
Grooming tables
come in stationary models, hydraulic and
electrical versions. The hydraulic table raises
and lowers with pumping action by the groomer.
Electric tables have a built-in motor to raise and
lower the tabletop. Accessories are also available
for grooming tables.
Brushes
and combs may not be enough to break-up significant
matting. De-matting tools do the job. Matt splitters
break the matt up into smaller pieces which are then
more easily removed with brush and comb action. They
are essential tools for professional groomers and
come in various forms. Be sure to obtain instruction
in the proper use of this tool for the safety of
pets. De-matting
tools are available from most grooming
suppliers.
There
are many more grooming products, tools, equipment
and suppliers besides the basics shown above.
Please check the PetGroomer.com
Grooming Products section for more product
information. Looking for a grooming products
supplier? Click
here.
Combs
come in many sizes
for many purposes.
They may be
fine-toothed,
medium-toothed,
wide-toothed and
combination of
these. Fine tooth
combs are
generally for soft
and silky coats.
Medium tooth combs
are all-purpose,
and wide tooth
combs are ideal
for heavy coats,
and sometimes
de-matting tasks.
Curry combs are
made of rubber.
They massage the
skin and remove
dead hair from
short coated
breeds.
Stand
Dryer
