A photo of Daryl Conner

Daryl Conner

Daryl Conner, MPS Meritus, CMCG has been devoted to making dogs and cats more comfortable and beautiful for 40 years.  You can find her happily working at FairWinds Grooming Studio with her daughter or typing away at her latest grooming-related article. Daryl was awarded both a Cardinal Crystal Award and Barkleigh Honors Award for journalism.  She shares her meadow-hugged antique Maine farmhouse with her practically perfect husband and a lot of animals. 

Dog Grooming Claw Care

Claw Care for Dog Groomers

No doubt about it, most pet owners are very concerned about their pet's claws. I feel reasonably sure that one reason we have such a loyal clientele is that we pay extra attention to those nails with every groom. So here are some suggestions for ways that you can up your claw care game!

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When it's Time to Retire Grooming Tools

Do you have a favorite old slicker brush? The one you grab first when you start on almost every dog? If you give it a hard look, do you see that there are bent, twisted and missing tines? I know it's hard, but it's time to let it retire. Damaged tines on brushes can scratch and injure delicate skin. They can also cause harm to that fur you are trying to take good care of by damaging the hair shaft's cuticle as you work. I know it's hard to say goodbye, but it's time to retire that tired old brush and replace it with a new, unblemished one.

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Four Uses for Flea Combs

Flea combs might not seem like a very important tool. They are small, inexpensive, and seemingly not terribly useful, right? Think again!

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Time Saving Drying Tools

Experienced groomers know that the time and skill put into preparing a dog for grooming is the cornerstone to good results. A great groom cannot happen on a pet that has not been cleaned and dried correctly. Getting a clean pet dried appropriately takes a lot of time, but tools are available to make the job go much quicker.

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Safe and Secure on the Grooming Tables

Safe and Secure with The Trach Saver

Imagine you are grooming a small, older poodle. To prevent any falls, you put the grooming loop around her neck, making sure it is not too snug, but the dog keeps hanging her head down, and the pressure from the loop makes her cough. She’s a little wobbly on the table, so you want to keep a loop on her for safety’s sake, but she is clearly having a problem with this traditional restraint.

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