If I told you that you could invest around one dollar and have a versatile tool that can prevent a dog from slipping its collar and getting loose as it enters the business, assist you in safely removing a dog from a crate, can be used to guide a dog from point A to point B during the grooming process (for instance, from tub to table) can be turned into a makeshift muzzle in a pinch, can be used as a safety loop or a haunch holder for a brief period or even given as a thoughtful gift, would you believe me?
Well-made grooming shears are an expensive necessity. No one wants to make a mistake by purchasing a shear that is not right for them. Even if you know what length you prefer and what style, it can still be confusing when you read the description for each one. For instance, what is the difference between Japanese and German-style shears? You certainly can’t tell by looking at the pictures.
It is safe to say that I washed thousands of dogs and cats by hand early in my career. I was good at it. Then, I heard about bathing systems, and honestly, I was suspicious that a machine could replace my capable hands. Then one happy day, I tried a recirculating bathing system on my own dog, a sleek Doberman.
Picture this; you get a pile of clipper blades sharpened and are delighted to groom the day's dogs with them. You picture how the freshly maintained blades will slide through the dog's coats smoothly and cleanly, making your work easier, and the results will look so fine. While a dog dances on your table, you unwrap the first blade and snap it onto your clipper, happily anticipating how well your work will go. Then, to your horror, you find that the blade barely cuts.
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.
I'd like to buy a drink for the person who first introduced guide (also known as snap-on) combs to the pet grooming industry. These inexpensive tools give groomers a far wider range of options for leaving coats longer on the pets we groom.
