Everyone’s got a favorite comb and which type and brand is probably based on what breeds and coat types frequent that salon. But there are a few that I consider absolute necessities that I could not do without. Or, if you took all my combs away but these– I could still groom every dog that walked into the shop.
Most groomers would love to be a little faster at their work. That whole "Time is Money" thing is easily illustrated in a grooming business. But rushing is a bad idea. Because dogs and cats are so sensitive to our moods and actions, a harried, hurried groomer can cause the animal she is working on to act up and behave in ways that slow the process down.
Imagine a Christmas Tree at your grooming business that is completely covered from bottom to top with adorable plush dog toys. As each dog completes their pre-holiday grooming session, its owner is instructed to choose any toy they wish from the tree for their pet. If their dog is not a fan of plush toys (or eats them!), there is also a stack of soft fleece blankets by the tree to be gifted instead.
You know that customer. The one that when their name shows up on caller ID, you cringe. The one that, when you see them on the calendar, makes you wish you had called in sick.
For many years I worked at an upscale grooming salon where several groomers shared one space to complete finish work on pets. It was great because we could all chat and visit while we worked, and it was also terrific because it meant that there was more than one pair of eyes looking at every dog before it got off the table, eyes that could see each pet from a different perspective.
Between regular exposure to water, shampoos, and the warm air from dryers, groomers’ hands have a rough time. If you live in a place with a cold season, the problem multiplies as outside temperatures drop. Many groomers experience irritating dermatitis, a medical term for inflamed skin.
Most business owners keep careful records of items and products used in the course of the business, simply because it’s a business expense that can be written off on taxes. There are reasons to take that record keeping much further.
Pet Grooming falls into the category of “service industry,” like human hair stylists and barbers. However, many customers are a little confused when it comes to the topic of tipping.
The best way to keep your blades sharp and ready for use is to clean and oil them regularly and often. They will stay sharp longer if maintained properly and less likely to cause clipper irritation (commonly called clipper burn but it’s caused by dull or dirty blades or poor clipping technique more often than hot blades – or just by supremely sensitive skin on a dog).
When choosing a grooming table, the many options can be a little overwhelming. It can be helpful to narrow down your choices by looking at the basics.
