Grooming of spaniel - american, english, cocker, springer

Electric and water baseboard heaters efficiency

2011-12-09T08:57:00.001-08:00

Electric baseboard heaters look like hydronic baseboard heaters, however, they use electric heating coils for non motorized convection heating.
Hot water and electrical baseboard heaters are also adjusted so that the smaller rooms receive less heat than larger rooms. These heaters have a very slim profile, is totally quiet and ultimate energy efficient. It makes an ideal solution for bedrooms, building entrances, office workstations, basements and garages.

Tell me How Soapstone Stove Works

2011-09-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

The soapstone stove works like a cell phone battery.If you are burning wood for 2 to 3 hours, it's like when you put your phone in the cradle.Then you have to stop burning wood.However, the soapstone to provide heat for hours more, like when you pull out your cell phone and still use all day long.

It is good to note that this type of heat much more comfortable than the heat created by standard wood stoves that heat by convection, such as your baseboard and radiator heating systems, the creation of doing an intense discomfort, short-lived heat.There are some features, soapstone stoves make a more expensive choice though.

For example, many are handmade soapstone.This is a wonderful detail and one that is extraordinary.But it can also increase the price significantly for purchase for your wood stove.Many of the pieces come with intricate detail, which is very fine and a very good investment in terms of style and taste.

Napoleon Wood Stoves and Patio Heaters

2011-07-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

Today Napoleon Fireplaces are one of the leading brands of hearth products in the world, including outstanding gas grills and fire some of the most innovative technology in North America.

In 1981 the company developed its first wood-stove product was added that was on the market very well.Later, Napoleon moved in gas furnaces and fireplace products.The company has numerous certifications for its products and is a leader in many areas in which it competes.

Napoleon offers a complete line of fireplaces, including gas, electric and fuel wood types.The company also provides a number of inserts for wood stove, gas and electric fireplaces also makes gas logs.For decoration, the company produces coats to complement the fireplaces and other accessories.Napoleon has a large variety of stove options.

These include pellet stoves, oil stoves, wood stoves and gas stoves.In addition, Napoleon also makes fire pits, patio heaters, and that is essentially called a fire pit Patioflame.Combines Napoleon's commitment to producing high quality products with honest, reliable service has to be a successful framework for ensuring the continued rapid growth of the company.

What is Kick Space heaters and Heatilator

2011-05-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

What is Kick Space heaters

If you would like to know, Kickspace water heaters are the space-saving alternative to hot water baseboard.Designed to fit inconspicuously under a cabinet in the soil on or in the wall, these heaters for heavy areasmsuch such as foyers, kitchens, baths and heat perfectly.Hot water from the home of the boiler is blowing gently through the kick space unit and the fan distributes heated air in the room.

Why to Buy a Heatilator?

Heatilator is a combination of a wood heater and fan. Heatilator with a special ventilation system that draws in cool air in and out privileges as warmer air, and what's more, the air in the ventilation system never goes through the furnace, so it do not get fouled with ash, smoke or other unpleasant odors.A Heatilator routes air around the combustion chamber and allows the heat without the disadvantages associated with traditional fireplaces.

Green Lantern and Super Mario Party Ideas

2011-05-02T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Green Lantern party has a back story that is a little different from most other superhero stories. You can also buy some Green Lantern comic books to decorate the place of your future party. You can take the pages of comic books to hang on the wall as a last-minute wallpaper.

Welcome everyone with a personalized Super Mario Brothers birthday banner hanging on the outside of the house. You can add yellow and red balloon bouquets near the entrance as well. In this version of hot potato, the kids toss a Bomb-omb! Have all of the kids sit or stand in a circle. One child is chosen as “Mario” and he/she begins passing a black ball (the Bomb-omb) around the circle, while the “Mario” turns his/her head with eyes closed.

Every Home is Different

2011-04-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

There will be no risk of getting wounded by the flying ash, burning embers or the burnt wood pellet. Jotul wood stoves is the sophisticated mechanism which has added the extra glow and dimension to the burning process and the hearth will produce the adequate heat for keeping the warmth of the bed chamber. The good and much efficient wood stove will have the minimal flash but it will produce the maximum heating.

Firelight CBF600 model is the oldest wood fireplace which will provide the maximum heat to remove the teeth gnawing cold. It is very workable and fantastic in design. It is built with the durable and solid cast iron frame. This device weighs approximately 465Ib. This model is well equipped with the infrared glass reflector which will display the inner picture in wonder way.

Every home is different. The Beacon/Morris “BRUt” unit heater conforms to the latest CSA certification standards for installations in residential garages. So it is recommended that you have a qualified contractor perform a heat-loss calculation for your garage. Many variables such as the number of doors and windows, exposure, and building construction type will affect this calculation.

The BRU 30 may be enough for a one or one and half car garage, the BRU 60 for a 2 to 2-1/2 car garage, and the BRU 60 for a 3 to 3-1/2 car garage. It’s good to note that the BRU 75 and 90 are appropriate for very large garages and light industrial and commercial applications.

Immersion Heating Elements with Copper and Steel

2011-03-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

Flanged garage heaters are the permanent option, and most often used for heating liquids.You are in the container or tank by screwing it permanently installs a suitable flange welded to the tank.The wiring is protected by boxes with special flooring in order to keep any damage by fluids.This method is usually used to oil, because heat is energy efficient and secure.It is good to note that it can be easily controlled and monitored in tanks and pressure vessels.

Immerstion heater got its name because it is on the edge of a tank or container, where it is used, instead of being used by top or side of the tank will hang.Over-the-side is easy to install and simple to the tank where it is most needed positions.It can just as well when it is no longer used are removed.These heaters are heating elements coated with copper, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, and PFA.Nowadays there are a wide range of kilowatt ratings, shapes and assembly methods that correspond to many different types of applications.

Information about the People and their Experiences in Society

2011-02-14T03:21:00.000-08:00

Sociology is the study of man and human society.It is a way for us to create a scientific view of ourselves, our societies, our cultures, our institutions, all we are and have created as humans to take.It is a way to compare and different cultures, countries and societies, so that we better understand ourselves as we are today and how we can be in the future.The goal of sociology degree is the why, to find, for example, why women are more rooted in the world today than in history.

The sociologist behavioral study and research into the causes related to social problems, such as why so many people live in poverty, why so many poor people are in prison.The answer, many people are in prison with low socio-economic status, ie they live in poverty.People living in poverty often have no where to turn to the things they need for their family so that they commit more crimes to get from him.It's all are somehow connected.Sociology is the social science to understand the problems of society and tries to find solutions.Everyone is part of sociology, if you notice any of it.

If you exist in a given society, then you are part of sociology.You can also study a topic in a sociology, is a sociologist behavioral study regularly for information about the people and their experiences in society.Still curious, post a comment or a question I responded promptly.There are many, many reasons to study psychology of culture.They include all macroscopic from - learning about and understanding of important social institutions and change, so you make predictions about whole societies - to the macroscopic - understanding the inner workings of society and how people in so fit that you help by counseling or social work.

Dimplex and Salamander Heaters

2011-01-12T03:03:00.000-08:00

Nowadays salamander garage heaters are popular among construction workers and garage owners because they are able to heat large areas quickly, affordably and comfortably. Its thermostat can be adjusted between 40° to 100° F. It also has a fan only operation feature. Electric Wall / Ceiling Mount Salamander TPI yes15203a 51195 btu’s is manufactured by reputed brand TPI. The heater is a 51195 Btu unit with 15000 watts, 208 volts and 42 amps.

Dimplex heaters offer a line of fan-forced heaters for different applications in your home. This type of heater is used for quick, powerful bursts of heat in areas that normally become cool or that you want to heat temporarily. Dimplex heaters provide a great alternative to heating a living space without turning up your central furnace.

WHy to Choose Fahrenheat garage heater?

2010-10-09T14:54:00.000-07:00

Fahrenheat Ceiling-Mount Automatic Electric Heater has several advantages.It heats things up fast.It saves floor space.No blast of cold air at start-up! It automatically delays fan action is warm to the long-life heating element.Fan will continue until the heater cools.

Fahrenheat garage heater has built-in thermostat, manually adjustable.Powerful heater delivers up to 17 065 BTU / hrHorizontal heat flow and adjustable flow down to positions, making it the heat evenly throughout the room.Plated fin heating element provides uniform heated air discharge..

The fundamental values of the consumption of fresh

2010-09-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

He needs to exclude a systemic yeast infection as well.If stress is a factor, you need to control access to the activities to reduce your stress and learn your reaction to stress. If there is deficiency, you need to improve your diet.All of us need to go back to the fundamental values of the consumption of fresh, healthy foods.the scalp, face, nails, feet, vaginal tissue, breast areas and underarms, hives, and psoriasis.

Many women also experience hair loss as well.A chronic yeast infection impacts the whole body including digestion, immune system, thyroid function and energy systems.Since all these systems affects the body, it can also cause hair loss.The thyroid gland is the master endocrine gland and effects every cell and function of the body.It is involved with energy function, immune function, body temperature, rate at which we burn calories, and thousands of other important functions.

It acts including your hair and skin.These are symptoms, skin and hair with low thyroid conditions attached: thickened skin, scaly, dry, cracked skin, especially on elbows and knees, dry and pale skin, dry, thin, of course, brittle hair, hair loss, including loss of eyebrow hair -, body hair, armpit hair and pubic hair, and premature gray hair, you will notice that some of these symptoms are anemia in both hypothyroidism and iron deficiency.That is why you need to go to a doctor for a correct diagnosis.You can choose from any of the three problems mentioned above or an entirely different cause hair loss will suffer.

Immune Function and Hypothyroidism

2010-06-09T14:11:00.000-07:00

Many women may have a systemic fungal infection and a vaginal yeast infection.That is, it is an overgrowth of Candida albicans in your intestinal tract.This system is usually caused by a diet laden with sugar and carbohydrates and a poor immune.Stress can also be a factor in Candida infections.Hair and skin symptoms associated with chronic systemic yeast infection, acne, anal itching, athlete's foot, dandruff, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, Facial skin rashes, fungal infections of The thyroid gland is the master endocrine gland and effects every cell and function of the body.

Hair and skin symptoms associated with menopausal hair loss, chronic systemic yeast infection, acne, anal itching, athlete's foot, dandruff, dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, Facial skin rashes, fungal infections of the scalp, face, hot flashes, nails, feet, vaginal tissue, breast areas and underarms, hives, and psoriasis.

It is involved with energy function, immune function, body temperature, rate at which we burn calories, and thousands of other important functions. That is why you need to go to a doctor for a correct diagnosis. To correctly diagnose your hair loss problem, the doctor can run blood tests, including tests for nutritional status, hypothyroid function and iron levels.

He needs to exclude a systemic yeast infection as well.If stress is a factor, you need to control access to the activities to reduce your stress and learn your reaction to stress. If there is deficiency, you need to improve your diet.All of us need to go back to the fundamental values of the consumption of fresh, healthy foods.the scalp, face, nails, feet, vaginal tissue, breast areas and underarms, hives, and psoriasis.Many women also experience hair loss as well.A chronic yeast infection impacts the whole body including digestion, immune system, thyroid function and energy systems.Since all these systems affects the body, it can also cause hair loss.The thyroid gland is the master endocrine gland and effects every cell and function of the body.It is involved with energy function, immune function, body temperature, rate at which we burn calories, and thousands of other important functions.It acts including your hair and skin.These are symptoms, skin and hair with low thyroid conditions attached: thickened skin, scaly, dry, cracked skin, especially on elbows and knees, dry and pale skin, dry, thin, of course, brittle hair, hair loss, including loss of eyebrow hair -, body hair, armpit hair and pubic hair, and premature gray hair, you will notice that some of these symptoms are anemia in both hypothyroidism and iron deficiency.That is why you need to go to a doctor for a correct diagnosis.You can choose from any of the three problems mentioned above or an entirely different cause hair loss will suffer.To correctly diagnose your hair loss problem, the doctor can run blood tests, including tests for nutritional status, hypothyroid function and iron levels.He needs to exclude a systemic yeast infection as well.If stress is a factor, you need to control access to the activities to reduce your stress and learn your reaction to stress.If there is deficiency, you need to improve your diet.Your skin and hair need proper nutrients to be healthy.All of us need to go back to the fundamental values of the consumption of fresh, healthy foods.

Intensive Nursing Practice Options

2010-05-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

You can get an master degree the BSN degree and an MSN for entry level students in California State University Nursing School. Registered nurses without a bachelor degree or those who have a baccalaureate in another field may also enter our accelerated RN MSN track.

Since 1961, nearly 2.5 million former members received a bachelor's, master's or doctoral university system. CSU offers more than 1,800 degree programs in some 240 subjects. Intensive practice options offered in the bachelors program include: Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, Mental Health, School Health. The nursing faculty are prepared in a wide variety of clinical registered specialties. The School is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and fully meets the requirements of the California Board of Nursing.

California State University Nursing School prepares about 60 percent of teachers in the state, 40 percent of engineering graduates, more graduates in business, agriculture, communications, health, education and public administration in all universities of California and colleges combined.

CSU Nursing School offers a B.S. degree for generic (pre-licensure) students and transfer RN (registered nurse) students. Students who complete this nursing program will have knowledge and skills for generale nursing practice and will be qualified to assume leadership roles.

Read also about about LLU School of Nursing programs.

Z-Score is the Number of Standard Deviations

2010-05-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

How many, seventy percent of women over 80 are under threat.According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and National Osteoporosis Foundation, attributed the disease to one or more causes: sixty to eighty percent inherited, low vitamin D or calcium diet, low body weight, excessive alcohol consumption or smoking, and health care in connection with a problem.

Patients with osteoporosis, bones become brittle fracture to her, because not sufficiently able to support body weight.Common fractures occur in the hip, spine and wrist.The first signs of this disease may cause dull pain in the bones or muscles, especially lower back pain or neck pain.In many cases, the diagnosis is made after a fracture.Fractures of the hip almost always require hospitalization and surgery.

The results from different kind of need a wizard to walk, extended care, permanent disability and death.The most severe fractures of the spine or vertebrae thereby causing a loss of height, severe back pain and deformities.Bone mineral density (BMD or densitometry)) test determined or confirmed if osteoporosis or the risk of osteoporosis is expected. The test measures the bone mineral density in using an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) or panoramic dental radiography. Bone density measurement results reported in two numbers: T-values and Z-scores.

Z-Score is the number of standard deviations above or below what is normally expected for someone, age, weight, and ethnic or racial origin.Two types of causes attributable to osteoporosis: Type in a only occurs in menopause symptoms like hot flashes(menopause: the end of ovulation and menstruation in the average between 40-55 years old.

Postmenopausal bleeding from the reproductive system that occurs six months or more after menstruation has stopped due to menopause.produced), and by estrogen (hormones in the ovaries.) deficiency.

How to groom cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

2009-11-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Do you want your cavalier King Charles Spaniel feel healthy and look perfect? Grooming is an essential procedure for this dog. Regular grooming keeps your Cavalier clean, healthy. It also prevents problems caused by fleas, ticks, matted hair, uncleaned teeth, excessive buildup of earwax, dirt and bacteria.
Usually grooming a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel isn’t very difficult because these dogs are extremely social and enjoy constant companionship from humans and other dogs alike. However, in order to make grooming easy at the same time fun for you and your dog, you’d follow some tips below:

First of all, gather all necessary requirements. Probably you’ll need different tools to clean the eyes, ears, brush teeth, bathe, dry, trim nails as well as hair. Again, make sure you have all these things before doing anything else.

Remember, that before bathing your dog, you need to brush and comb away mats and dead hairs as this become tight and unmanageable when wet. Such dogs as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel require daily brushing to make sure that the coat does not get matted and that foreign objects such as grass and sticks do not become entangled. So comb or brush your pet from top to bottom using the appropriate comb/brush for his coat. You’ll need different types of comb, such as combs with fine teeth, with medium teeth, with coarse teeth and combs with or without handles. Besides there are brushes with short metal pins, slanted metal pins, with flexible plastic pins, oval-shaped brushes and rectangular brushes.

It’s important to avoid wetting your pet's ears, eyes and mouth. You should clean your dog's ears regularly to prevent excessive buildup of earwax. The cavaliers have excessive hairs growing on the ear canal. You might want to trim this hairs. However breed standards for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel demand that this must be kept long. Anyway, the best thing to do is to ask your vet or groomer about this.

You should begin shampooing at the neck and move downward. Pay careful attention around the nose, mouth, ears and eyes. After shampoo, rinse your dog thoroughly because shampoo residue will cause hot spots, an irritating spot of bald, itchy, red skin.

As soon as bathing is over, dry your dog. If you need to blow dry your dog, choose a good quality dryer to eliminate or minimize the risk of burning your pet.

More info

Solar garage heater

truck accident attorney

NCLEX exam

geology careers

wood burning fireplace inserts

What to buy to groom spaniel?

2009-10-18T04:56:00.000-07:00

I have two dogs: a cocker spaniel and a cocker spaniel-poodle mix.Let me tell you, they are a handful.The hardest part, beyond having to teach them not to pee on my couch, was having to groom.

Family outdoor activities - outdoor wood burning fireplaces in garden.

One of my dogs freaks whenever she sees a hairbrush and other water-hating (and I mean hate).Although there is an abundance of animal handlers and do-it-yourself shows in the region, there are situations where I need to be grooming one of my dogs start to finish in my own house (like last week when it rolled in the sleet and left my house smelling like.. . you guessed it, wet dog!).
Here are some tips to get your dog in top form for visitors to vacation without spending extra money on grooming services.

More on http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/474535/athome_grooming_tips_for_dog_owners.html?cat=7

Getting a Dog used to Grooming.

2006-10-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

It is very important a dog learn to get used to grooming sessions starting from a very young age. The age a puppy must get groomed varies from puppy to puppy depending on the type of coat he has and on the breed, usually this begins at four to eight months of age.It's suggested to bathe your puppy for the first time before he turns eight months old so that he little by little gets used to bath times, to water, to getting dried, brushed, getting his nails trimmed, etc. It's best to put the dog on a table so that he becomes used to it and becomes familiarized with it and stays on top calmly. Usually breeds that need a lot of grooming are not aggressive or rebellious. Their style of living usually involves getting dirty in some cases but usually these animals are very docile.

To groom your dog place him on top of a table, this way you won't have to bend over to clean him etc. You should also place an anti slip mat under his feet so that he does not slip. Do not allow the dog to jump off the table or walk around nervously. If you notice that the dog is nervous and uptight calm him down by talking to him by using a calm soothing voice. Start out by putting the dog on top of the table for a minute at a time at first and gradually go increasing the time. Whenever the dog does well on top of the table make sure to congratulate and praise him for a job well done.

You can repeat this process again after about an hour and continue doing it several times more during the day if you think it necessary. Make sure to encourage the dog during the whole process. When the dog has overcome his fear of being on top of the table, you can then start to brush him coat for a few seconds and then do the same with the rest of the grooming accessories.

How to choose loose diamonds

Be patient and careful with the dog you groom

2006-10-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

Don't try to rush to get your dog grooming care job done too quickly, go at your own pace and make sure the blade is always flat up against the dog's skin. The best area to start out in is a flat and wide part of the dog's body such as the back. This type of haircut is useful for companion dogs; however, normally dogs that are to be used for a dog show get trimmed. It's important to first visualize and look at areas that need to get cut before actually starting. Let's say you are giving your poodle a haircut; you would have to stop on the top part of its shoulder blade, and at the superior part of its thighs (the paws will need to get done with scissors).

Make sure to always be aware of the precautions and to leave the dog's hair a little longer than you had intended since you can then go back and fix it up. Most importantly is to be very careful and attentive at all moments. Remember that a dog that has been trained to be groomed from the moment he is a puppy is more likely to cooperate than a dog that hasn't.

Nasty mats and scissors: If while brushing your dog's hair you run into a stubborn knot or mat and you don't want to trim the dog with an electric trimmer, scissors are always a good option, however, there are techniques to using them. Never cut the mat by the base horizontally as this will just turn into a big hole in your dog's coat and it is something irreparable and it will not look nice. Just the same way you would untangle knots from the dog's ears is the way you will need to precede to untangle stubborn mats or knots from the dog's body. Very carefully open the mat lengthwise with your fingers then brush it with the de-matting comb.

Some words about groomer's certification

2006-09-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

First you should check with your state government for any current requirements of which we may not be aware. Remember, laws change frequently between states, and the local and county governments of those states. Wherever your business will reside, is your concern at a local, state and federal level. Further, while you as a pet groomer may not be required to be formally licensed, there is a likelihood that a business license(s) to operate a pet grooming business may be required, especially if your business will reside within a major metropolitan area, or an incorporated section of even a rural town. Check with your local and state government for all business license and permit requirements well before you open your business.

In an industry without vocational licensing for pet groomers, pet owners and pets may be at risk of the services received from unqualified pet groomers. Unless pet owners inquire, they may never know that their pet groomer never attended a school of pet grooming, apprenticed for an adequate period of time with an experienced professional pet groomer or sought certification as a pet care professional. Indeed, how does the pet owner know if their pet groomer is not an untrained amateur? There are pet grooming business owners who "set up shop almost overnight" without a background of apprenticeship or formal training. Without formal vocational licensing, pet groomer certification programs have become an alternative way to communicate to pet owners that the certified pet groomer has received some level of training and undergone performance testing. Certification can build consumer confidence, but certification is not replacement for vocational licensing as you will learn below.

The evidence of your certification is an entitlement, and sometimes includes additional rights to display the certifying organization's logo in your business and promotional materials. Certification typically involves performance testing focused on the aesthetic value of your finish grooming based on the pet's breed profile as set forth by its individual breed standard. Consumers may gain more confidence knowing that you have been certified by a reputable organization, and certainly it will distinguish you as being far removed from amateur status. The more revered entitlements typically involve the words "master groomer or master stylist', and that status requires extensive experience beyond attending a school of pet grooming or a basic apprenticeship period.

We recommend that you seek certification. However, we note that it is not an absolute requirement nor does it guarantee financial success. There are very successful pet groomers and business owners who are not certified, but you can be sure that they respect the certification process and they have a similar commitment to uphold pet care skills worthy of certification.

Though vocational licensing of pet groomers is not yet a reality, significant progress is being made to make it so. It is not likely that vocational licensing procedures will be conducted similar to certification procedures. Obtaining a vocational license for pet grooming would probably require an examination covering broader material, such as those which effect public, groomer and pet safety. Grooming procedures and skills for safely handling animals would be fundamental, however much room would need to be for artistic interpretation and creativity."

Sources of Certification

You've decided to be certified. Now, where do you go for certification. You should examine all of the programs offered by the following organizations, and measure the appropriateness of their certification to your personal, career and business objectives. All of these are fine and well-known organizations which we are pleased to recommend to you. Becoming certified requires time, money and effort as you will be traveling with your pet(s) to certification sites.

Companion Animal Hygienist (CAH)
Contact World Wide Pet Supplies Association (WWPSA) at 818-447-2222.

National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG)
Contact National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) at 724-962-2711.

Certified Master Groomer (CMG)
Contact International Professional Groomers (IPG) at 847-758-1938.

ISCC Certified
Contact the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) at 972-414-9715 or visit their website at http://www.petstylist.com/.

Learn More About Vocational Licensing

Vocational licensing has been a hot topic in 1999, and it will probably be the same in 2000. You can learn more about vocational licensing in articles occasionally appearing in pet grooming trade magazines.

Current Status of Licensing

In 2005 there was an attempt by a legislator to vocationally licensed pet groomers in California. The Bill was met with great criticism by groomers for the manner in which it is written, and not necessarily the concept of the profession being licensed. As of early 2006 the California progress went from a pending status to abandonment.

Pet Grooming Magazines

2006-09-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

Pet Age (grooming trade section)
H.H. Backer Associates, Inc.

200 S. Michigan, Suite 840
Chicago, Illinois 60604
312-663-4040
Fax: 312-663-5676
Go to http://www.hhbacker.com/

Pet Business (grooming section)
McFadden Pet Business

233 Park Avenue South, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10003
212-979-4800
Fax: 212-228-3142
Go to http://www.petbusiness.com/

Groomer to Groomer (magazine)
Barkleigh Publications, Inc.

6 State Road, Suite 113
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17050
717-691-3388
Fax: 717-691-3381
Go to http://www.barkleigh.com/

Off Lead (magazine)
Barkleigh Publications, Inc.
6 State Road, Suite 113
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17050
717-691-3388
Fax: 717-691-3381
Go to www.groomexpo.com/index.html

Groomer's Voice (newsletter)

National Dog Groomer's Association of America, Inc.
Post Office Box 101
Clark, Pennsylvania 16113
724-962-2711
Fax: 724-962-1919
Go to http://www.nationaldoggroomers.com/

The Groomer's Gazette Quarterly
Delores McGifford
P.O. Box 609
Dayton, NV 89404
775-241-0340
thegroomersgazette@ableweb.net

Northern Groomers (United Kingdom) (magazine)
c/o Canine Cuts
20 Bridge Road
Colinton, Edinburgh EH130LQ
UNITED KINGDOM
Go to http://www.northerngroomers.co.uk/

Pet Ownership Magazines & Newsletters

Cat Fancy Magazine

Subscription Service Department
Post Office Box 53264
Boulder, Colorado 80322-3264
303-666-8504
Fax: 303-604-7455

Dog Fancy Magazine

Subscription Service Department
Post Office Box 53264
Boulder, Colorado 80322-3264
303-666-8504
Fax: 303-604-7455

Dogs Today Magazine

Pankhurst Farm, Bagshot Road
West End, Near Woking
Surrey GU24 9QR
ENGLAND

Dog Gone Newsletter

Dog Gone Newsletter (Pet Travel)
Post Office Box 651155
Vero Beach, Florida 561-569-8434

Dog World Magazine

Dog World
Subscription Services
Post Office Box 56240
Boulder, Colorado 80323
Toll-free: 800-361-8056
E-mail: dogworld3@aol.com

Pet Life Magazine

Pet Life
Subscription Services
Garden Level Suite
1227 West Magnolia Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76104-9989
Toll-free: 800-856-8060 ext. 128

Are you ready to become a homegroomer?

2006-09-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

Many people have a strong desire to operate a business in their home. They enjoy eliminating regular work commutes. Some groomers prefer to be closer to their family especially while raising young children, so a home based business is ideal. Operating a home business is clearly a working lifestyle choice but there MAY a few disadvantages.

First, the home based pet grooming business rarely earns the "net worth" of a commercial salon business. Commercial locations generally have a much higher market value, including the value of a long lease or equity in the real estate when you own the commercial building. Commercial locations generally build a much larger clienteles, an important factor in setting the market value of a business. Net worth is important because one day you will sell your business and the income derived can provide a more comfortable retirement, or a career change if that is your desire. However, a large valuable business is not always the goal of the home based groomer.

There is only a small percentage of buyers with an interest in buying a home-based pet grooming business including the property, but they are out there. So home groomers ask if they can keep their property but sell their clientele. The answer is "Yes" but again the demand is small, but not unheard of at all. When you consider the buyer faces the obstacle of transferring the existing clientele to a new location, and still has to pay for the build out the new location, it becomes obvious why there are few sales of home-based pet grooming businesses unless the property is a part of the sale.

There are additional obstacles. Be sure to check with your local and state regulations to ensure that you can operate a home-based pet grooming business. We know with certainty that there are areas within the U.S. that prohibit home-based pet grooming businesses. As an area becomes more populated with high density housing, the likelihood of increased restrictions on home businesses is almost certain.

Even if a home based grooming business is allowed in your area, how will your neighbors accept the business? They can be a problem and ask the local regulators to stop your operation for reasons generally derived from increased traffic and noise created by your home business.

Make sure you have at least 500 square feet for a small home business, and to keep your neighbors quiet, soundproof the work area. Keep windows closed, so you will need air conditioning. If you have a yard area for dogs, strictly limit their barking.

Consider the extra traffic you are bringing in to your area. Neighbor complaints have been a common reason for some home-based pet grooming business having to close down, or for commercial codes that prevent operating a pet grooming business in the home. Personally we have known of cases where neighbors got together and easily shutdown a home grooming business where noise and traffic problems were substantiated. Some home groomers have worked around traffic related problems by picking up and delivering the pets they groom.

If you are a renter, ensure very clearly that your landlord will cooperate with your intent to operate a home business and the required building improvements. Don't underestimate the demand for water and other utilities.

Home groomers need insurance for their business in addition to regular homeowner coverage. Ensure that you can find the necessary insurance coverage for both the household and the business.

Starting a pet grooming business in the home typically costs less, even much less, than a commercial location. For that reason alone, persons not willing to take out a loan, or seek out an investor, for a mobile van or commercial location often turn to a home business. Many home-based pet grooming business owners are excellent groomers, but they are in a professional business sense sometimes more appropriately characterized as a business hobbyist in comparison to the business owner and manager set out to develop a commercial salon with several employees. If your desire is to work in your home, you will not mind the obstacles or limitations of a home-based pet grooming business.

There is almost nothing in the way of books on managing a home grooming business, however, business management principles are business management principles. You can order some really helpful books on PetGroomer.com Pet Bookstore. Moreover you can find some more information there.

In some areas regulations for home based businesses may restrict hiring employees. Again, check with your local regulators.

Do your homework for your business! Many home groomers have invested thousands of dollars remodeling a home grooming business only to find out later they have to shutdown, and move the business to a commercial location. Don't go by what friends and family say alone, do your homework. Usually that means talking with Town or City Hall government and the County government. Never forget that the closer you live to neighbors, the more likely your business could disturb them and they have rights that may prevail over your having a home business affecting them with noise and/or traffic.

Why Buy an Existing Grooming Business

2006-09-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

cxraYou should obtain the following documents of any business you are thinking about buying.

Client Records: Does the business keep a client list with service histories? It is one of most important assets of the business. Many grooming business owners easily throw around the size of their client base, like "I have 1,000 regular clients." What is "regular?" There are no rules in the pet industry. We tell you that if a pet owner doesn't come in AT LEAST 2 times, and it really should be a minimum of 4 times a year, they really are not that valuable to the purchase. Take a count of each client and how often they have come in during the last year. Those that come in 4 times a year or more are the ones you can count on for future cash flow, and these are the ones that back the asking price of the business. We have seen client bases overstated by up to 500% many, many times. Really.

Bank Accounts: A list of all business accounts.

Asset List: Asset list of all real estate, equipment, tools and supplies including intangible assets like trademarks and licenses.

Real and Personal Property: Documents such as mortgages, deeds, leases, appraisals, loans and insurance policies.

Sales Records: You want the back up sales records that correlate with the financial records and tax returns.

Advertising and Promotions: Obtain copies of past and present advertising, brochures and yellow pages ads.

Inventory Receipts: If you are purchasing inventory, check a list of inventory and examine ALL inventory to ensure it is still worthy of selling based on condition or product dating.

Supplier List: You want a list of all sources the owner uses to obtain supplies, tools, equipment and other vendors.

Employee Records: When you are going to employ existing employees you need their personnel files including any benefits information, payroll records etc.

Licenses and Permits: You need to have all certificates, permits and licenses issued by federal, state or local agencies.

You must evaluate your chances for successfully owning and managing the business you may decide to purchase. That means fully understanding how the business was setup and run until it became available for sale. Can you fulfill the management system running it now? Will the owner provide assistance including consultation assistance for a period of time after the sale is complete? Will the present owner really be able to persuade most of the existing clientele to stay with the business? Oh yes, does your contract of sale ensure that the seller won't open a competing new business in the same trade?

Is the price right? Get at least two certified commercial business appraisers to value the business. Their reports should tell you a great deal if the asking price is reasonable. Ask for the opinion of your accountant and lawyer too, and if you have successful business owners in your family, see what they say too. You are collecting information, and not necessarily confirming that everyone's assessment is correct. But swings in appraised value can be a sign of a problem.

You need to review the financial performance of the business to ensure that you can meet the monthly payments of a business purchased on a loan or note receivable as well as providing income to support your household. This process must be done for each of the new owners looking for income from the business.

Have you considered the costs of opening your own business in the selected area? Our biggest concern for new grooming business owners is that one or more of the owners should be a full-charge, full-time groomer earning a steady wage for completing those services from the business. Please review the next section below for more information.

As you complete the investigation and compile the records you are likely to gain more insight on if the purchase of the business is for you. Unfortunately, it has been our experience that some pet grooming business owners are lax in maintaining well-organized documentation and if that is so, you are at risk. If you cannot investigate at minimum what has been mentioned here, and your lawyer and accountant are likely to require more, you may be at risk of buying a business and inheriting undiscovered problems. It does happen, be very careful.

Non-Groomers Purchasing a Grooming Business

Occasionally someone shares his or her desire to own a grooming business, yet not groom. Their desire is to be an owner/manager. Is it possible? Yes, but there are financial risks.

As a rule of thumb, an owner/groomer "putting down their clippers" to simply own and manage their business needs the net operating of a minimum of 3 full-time full-charge groomers to provide the now non-grooming owner with about the same paycheck previously earned when the owner was also a groomer. Only a large business can support 3 or more full-time groomers, but that is what it will take. If the business has other sources of revenue, such as a kennel operation or strong retail sales, then the dependency factor is lessened. What does this mean to a non-groomer purchasing a grooming business? If you are counting on a good paycheck from the grooming business your purchasing, and it doesn't have 3 or more full-time groomers working for you, you shouldn't count on too much of a paycheck if grooming is the main source of revenue. Yes, there are exceptions but you need to talk this over with a grooming consultant expert at this subject. There are so many variables here that we could fill this website, but the above mentioned caution is very serious.

If you are a non-groomer purchasing a grooming business, we favor the situation where two partners purchase the business, usually a husband/wife but not a requirement, where one grooms full-time and one manages full-time. That means the grooming partner is steadily earning a regular paycheck from grooming each working day.

All information you can find on http://www.petgroomer.com/

Business Owners Reccomendations.

2006-09-06T23:52:00.000-07:00

Based on the results of recent surveys we know that 90% of career seekers want to one day open your own pet grooming business. 48% of you expect to employed when first entering the grooming industry, but it's only a step to one day being a business owner. However, nearly all of the 90% destined to open a grooming business say they have no previous experience as a business owner of any kind. Now that's a big career step indeed!

Becoming a business owner is perhaps one of the most important events in your life. It requires knowledge and advance planning, and even changing the way you think in the workplace. You are not employed anymore working under the directions and supervision of management, so you are the supervisor of every aspect of your business, indeed, you are the OWNER, MANAGER, SUPERVISOR, GROOMER, BOOKKEEPER, CUSTOMER SERVICE and probably more job descriptions.

Doesn't a business owner require more skills than grooming alone?

What 2 hats are you really wearing? Groomer and Manager.

Where is your MANAGEMENT training specific to grooming?

Did you know there is only one book ever written in the history of the grooming industry dedicated to MANAGEMENT? One. It's advertised here a lot for a reasons, but for one good reason. You need it! If you are a business owner, you have more responsibilities than just being a groomer. Too many thousands of grooming business owners have little or no management training; that's a fact. They are wonderful groomers because they love it, but they love it more than management, but management is what keeps a business alive and healthy, less stressful and financially successful. The source of groomer burnout is not grooming, but a lack of business education and accepting business problems as normal.

From Problems to Profits - The Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Businesses is perhaps our foremost recommendation to first time business owners as well as veteran groomers. It is an incredible business plan and management guide, and it can save you thousands of dollars avoiding years of trial and error in getting a stable and profitable grooming business established.

You need more knowledge to become a business owner. Here are some answers to frequent questions.

At present pet grooming businesses and pet groomers are not formally licensed as a vocation, as are doctors, lawyers etc. However that may change in the future. You are responsible to maintain your awareness of vocational licensing requirements.
Because the profession of grooming is not vocationally licensed does not mean you do not have to apply for other permits and licenses. If you are going to open a home, mobile, commercial salon or shop, or your own business leasing space from another business, you most likely have to apply for some licenses and permits. Most likely they will fall into these categories, 1) local government, 2) state government and 3) federal government. Here are the most common licenses and permits, but this list does not represent a complete list and you are responsible to discover all permits and licenses you require by contacting local, state and federal business owner and employer agencies.
Local government will almost certainly require that you inform them of your new business by applying for licenses and permits. You usually do this at your "City Hall" and/or "County Clerk." Ask for assistance in opening a new business, and they will inform you of local government licensing and permit requirements. You may need a permit to operate or license in your city, and sometimes county, even if you have a mobile grooming business. You are most likely to need one when you open a business in "incorporated" areas of your town or city. You are most likely also required to file a "fictitious name statement" or "dba - doing business as" application, and have to publish it in locally approved media. What this means is that the public has the right to know who owns the "ABC Pet Grooming Business" as a matter of public record. Be sure to ask your local government how to file, and know that almost certainly any bank where you desire to open a business type account is going to ask for proof that you filed your fictitious name statement with local government. Finally, you may become amazed that your local government may or may not allow a pet grooming business where you want it. In California urban areas it is difficult, if not impossible, to legally open a grooming business in the home, and sometimes they do not allow a commercial vehicle (like a mobile grooming van) to be parked in front of the owner's home as it is a visual nuisance distracting neighbors. The moral of the story? Go to your local government offices and be honest in describing the business you want to open, and ask them for a list of all legal requirements to open such a business. Don't disobey or ignore any requirement as you don't want someone to take recourse against your business down the road. As a new business owner you should introduce yourself to a local attorney and explain your dream of opening a local business, and in that way you have someone ready to help. Don't be embarrassed, they started new at one time and know what it is to open a new business - in fact you should be proud - and they know you need working relationships with professionals just like they do with other professionals. Remember, you are no longer and employee, but an owner and possibly employer and they both use professional help occasionally.
State government does get involved with your business. If you are going to sell retail pet products, even a few, you are going to collect sales tax and transfer it state and/or local government. It is critical that you get a resale permit. From experience we can tell you that you must be very accurate to the penny in collecting and transferring sales tax monies, and keep detailed sales records for retail items separate of sales of services like grooming. Oh yes, there are some areas where you do collect tax on services. Again it is your responsibility to go your state government offices and inform them that you intend to open a business in their state, and you require a list of requirements to do so. Yes, there are states that require a state license to operate in addition to local business licenses. Be sure to inform them that your business is grooming pets and some retail sales if applicable so that they provide you with the most accurate requirements. You may be responsible for additional state taxes on businesses, business owners and your employees. Be sure to talk to your state level taxation agencies to under what records, policies and procedures, and filings you must follow and complete. Again, working professionals such as your bookkeeper, Certified Public Accountant and lawyer will be invaluable. Some states, even local governments, are now requiring pet groomers to get special permits, sometimes issued by the U.S.D.A., and permits to use and store chemicals like flea dip pesticides, etc. Ask! State, local and federal government all hold you responsible to get their information for the business and type of business you intend to open, and so do we.
Federal government requirements may exist specific to a pet grooming business. If you are a sole-proprietor grooming business you are responsible to file estimated tax payments for income you draw from your business, and you will have to start filing the long form 1040, and additional forms like a Schedule C (profit/loss from your business) and Schedule SE the "Social Security" payments you must make on your personal income drawn from the business. Your Social Security number will be used on many of these documents, but even if you have only one employee you must get an EIN number (Employer ID Number) as you will be required to withhold payroll taxes. The IRS has employer handbooks. If you incorporate your business, or form one of the newer "LLC" type organizations, there are even more rules and regulations. Okay, are you frightened now? Don't be! We always groomed a few extra pets every month figuring that the money we earned from them would pay for our bookkeeper, Certified Public Accountant and sometimes a lawyer to keep our business operating to the letter of the law. By doing this we "slept well at night." You should to, and don't worry. Often you can earn more money grooming pets than trying to do all of this extraneous business work by yourself. It's worth it indeed. Your business is like a baby and you take your baby to a doctor right? Okay, business professionals help you to do tax forms, paychecks and much more in the same way. It's always the people that don't get professional help that get into trouble someday. Also, the bookkeeping system in this extensive book will help you to keep records suitable for your bookkeeper and CPA. In fact many readers report that they get charged less because the book's system organizes the information they need so well they can complete their work far more quickly!
You are going to need insurance for your business.

Buying pet grooming business.

2006-09-05T00:09:00.000-07:00

If you don't want to start a grooming business from scratch, buying an existing one may be your alternative. First of all, there are the plusses and minuses.

The plusses are:

Existing Customers: Customers and loyal clients have already been developed. Ensuring that they are likely to stay with your new ownership means you will have demand for services from the start, and that means cash flow from sales of services. Businesses started from scratch have much less initial cash flow.

Immediate Operation: You can start immediately.

Existing Goodwill: Presumably the present owner has created goodwill towards the businesses grooming and other pet care services.

Financial Planning: Financing may be easier to obtain because the business has a track record.

Eliminate Competition: Buying a business may eliminate a competitor had you started your own business.

The minuses are:

Problems: There may be unapparent problems in the business that you do not discover till after the sale of the business.

Cost: Sometimes buying an existing business costs more than starting one from scratch.

Obsolete Equipment: Grooming equipment, tools and leasehold improvements may be obsolete or in need of substantial repair.

Personality Conflicts: If some of the existing employees are staying in your employment, there may be personality clashes. Specifically, owners new to the grooming industry keeping very experienced employees may be pushed to pay higher commission wages or salaries or other scenarios taking advantage of the new owner. It really helps when the new owner(s) know how to groom and are not dependent on having no choice but to maintain the present full-charge staff.

Receivables: If the seller is owned receivables from clientele, you may find they are worthless or hard to collect.

When buying a business you should exercise caution throughout the entire process from researching it to finally signing a contract of sale. You are strongly urged to have the assistance of a lawyer and accountant throughout the process. Not having both has often been the cause of problems when buying an existing business. Unscrupulous sellers can take advantage of buyers, the courts have seen many such cases. Never buy a business without a contract of sale reviewed by your attorney, never. Don't sign documents relating to the sale without your attorney's prior review.

You start by locating a business to buy, researching it exhaustively and making the decision to buy or not.

Locating a Business to Buy: I reccomend you PetGroomer.com Classified Ads list of grooming businesses for sale. Major pet grooming industry trade magazines also have business for sale classifieds. Your local newspapers, especially major metropolitan newspapers occasionally have grooming business for sale ads. There are major Internet based classified ads web sites you can research from most of the major search engines like Excite, Lycos, and Yahoo. Ask your local commercial real estate broker if they access to regional business for sale listings.

Researching the Business: After you locate a business that interests you, start researching it. Now is the deadline to have an attorney and accountant representing you and your interests. The more you research the business the more likely you will make the right decision to buy, or not buy, an existing business. You should be very confident in your purchase.

The seller may ask you to sign a letter of intent to purchase the business, a non-binding offer for the business, before exposing any sensitive information about the business. You may also be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement promising that you won't use the information released for any purpose other than to make the decision to buy.

If a business is for sale, there is a reason. Determine the reason very clearly. Is the business having financial problems? Is the economy of its market area and demand for pet care services eroding? Is it simply poor management? Is the owner simply retiring? A thorough investigation is absolutely warranted. Any problems uncovered must be weighed in making your decision to buy.

A business investigation involves taking a hard, OBJECTIVE look at every aspect of the business. Sometimes the investigation continues even if you have made an offer to purchase, and an escrow has been opened. Your attorney can request that should certain problems be discovered during the escrow you can request adjustments, reimbursements or other solutions to uncovered problems. Here is where you are very much aided by an attorney.

Dog training

I strongly urge you to have a certified commercial appraiser perform a written appraisal of the business. The owner may have had one done, but you should two. They are excellent tools to use in price negotiations.

Your investigation should include reviewing the business' documentation, including:

Contracts and Leases: Property and machinery leases, sales contracts and purchases contracts. What are the obligations you are assuming?

Organization: How is the business organized? Is it a partnership, corporation or ? How is it capitalized? Who are the owners, all of them? How is their ownership documented and do you have copies?

Financials: Examine the last three years of financial statements, or further back, to determine the financial condition of the business. Your accountant can be very helpful in this investigation.

Tax Returns: Examine the last three years of business tax returns, or further back, to determine if the business has been profitable and whether there are outstanding tax liabilities. Again, your accountant and lawyer will be very helpful in this part of the investigation.

this very helpful information i found on http://petgroomer.com/

Is it worth to start pet grooming business?

2006-09-04T03:09:00.000-07:00

So now after reading all articles on this blog some of you perhaps start thinking of your own pet grooming business.

Is it worth to start?

Demand for pet groomers will increase 12% by 2010. The U.S. pet industry is a $32 billion a year business noted for being recession resistant. It has steadily grown from $16 billion in 1992.

Recent research into Yellow Pages advertising by groomers and U.S. pet population studies indicates there were nearly 28,000 pet grooming businesses or other pet businesses offering ancillary grooming services in the U.S. in 2003.

Yet thousands of professional groomer jobs are vacant year round, perhaps because there are over 4,000 dogs and cats for every U.S. grooming business. So career opportunities are nearly limitless.

You can find some more useful information on http://www.petgroomer.com

During next month we will talk about many important issues which are connected with building a pet grooming business. See you!

The Heritage of Pet Grooming

2006-09-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Over 400 years ago pet owners were taking care of their pets.

Many reference materials attest to man's fondness of pets, but no books trace the origins of pet grooming.

However, there are occasional references that shed light on the art of pet grooming. Ferdinand Mery, authored The Dog (London, 1970). In it, he established that dogs were first perceived as useful to man as early as 4240 B.C. Mery mentions unusual religious totems with dogs depicted in their sculpture. As centuries passed the dog eventually became commonly accepted as a pet, and is now considered "man's best friend."

In past centuries, pets have lived comfortably in the castles of Kings and Queens. They have served as working dogs in the marketplace and traveled with entertainment groups. Art from the fourteenth through eighteenth century depicts small dogs and cats near the footstools of ladies of the Court. In other paintings small pets sit with their masters on lounges and chairs. Another shows a young man standing next to his spaniel. Frequently, the images depict larger breeds sitting on the floor next to their masters.

The Elizabethan era reveals some the earliest historical evidence of pet grooming activity. While the method of grooming is unclear, the pets are clean and well-groomed. Perhaps groomers in the marketplace cleaned them. One such grooming lithograph shows a dog being sheared while sitting on a lady's lap. Women shearing dogs is also the subject of etchings.

In 17th century France, the poodle was the official dog at court. The era of King Louis XV of France reveals the first official records of dog grooming parlors. Rare books of the 19th century mention dog grooming in Europe. The Book of the Dog (Vero Shaw, 1879) refers to the existence of dog grooming in England. Specific grooming recommendations such as washing, grooming, and coat conditioning occur in Ashmont's Kennel Secrets, (Boston, 1893). Pet groomers have a historical record of which they can be proud.

Over the years, attitudes have been changing toward many animals. Animals that provided carriage for thousands of years, such as horses, mules, and camels, are now replaced by advanced developments in transportation. Many of these animals have different uses presently and maintain a special relationship with man. However, none are move beloved as pets than dogs and cats. And what man loves, he care for and protects.

Nobody can deny that unless you know the history of your profession and the revolutions taking place in your field, you are unlikely to succeed. Too many of today's pet grooming salons are as outmoded as a horse replaced by an automobile.

You can find more information on this topic on www.petgroomer.com

Amazing Cockers - Aren't They Funny?

2006-07-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

I found these funny pictures on http://www.zimfamilycockers.com. There are many other lovely pictures of my favourite dogs there.

Grooming Welsh Springer Spaniel

2006-07-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Welsh Springer Spaniel has a straight, flat coat that is silky in texture. Grooming should include a twice weekly brushing with a stiff bristle brush, though extra attention is needed during the shedding seasons. This breed will also benefit from an occasional grooming by a professional. The ears should be regularly checked for grass seeds and signs of infection, and the nails should be kept clipped. In addition, the hair between the toes should be trimmed. Baths or dry shampoos should be given only when needed.

Grooming Climber Spaniel

2006-07-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Clumber Spaniel is a heavy shedder with a dense coat. Daily brushing is required to keep the coat tangle-free. In addition, the eyes and ears should be regularly cleaned and the hair under the ears occasionally clipped. The coat should also be trimmed on occasion, and you may find that it is easiest to go to a skilled groomer.

What To Do If You Cut Too Short

2006-07-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Place a tiny piece of tissue paper tightly against the end of the nail and hold it for a few minutes. Better yet, have some Quick Stop Powder available and put a small amount up against the bleeding end of the nail. This works right away. The bleeding will stop in about 5 to 7 minutes. And give your veterinarian a call.

How to Trim a Dog's Toenails

2006-06-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Nail trimming in dogs, called a PEDICURE, can be done simply if you know how. It is a good idea to have a vet tech, veterinarian or dog groomer show you how to trim nails first. Then, once you have an idea of what NOT to do you will be more successful in getting the job done. Not all dogs need their nails trimmed, either. Many will naturally wear the nails down or the dried ends of the nails will simply flake away without you even knowing. But some breedsmay need our help in keeping the toe nails reasonably short. And just count on cutting a nail too short on occasion.

So let’s talk about trimming nails. Get yourself a RESCO nail trimmer, they seem to work the best. There are other trimmers available but the RESCO is the easiest to learn with, too. Or for large breeds and Basset Hounds (they have very big toenails) a sturdy Claw cutter works well. Place the main part of the trimmer in the palm of your hand and the moveable part is controlled by your fingers. You should be able to see the small cutting blade that slides when you squeeze the handle.

The nail should be cut from underneath, not from the top downward. Slide the opening over the end of the nail while staying in the whitish part of the nail. The pink area of the nail is the live part and has blood vessels throughout.

To cut the nail, be decisive and make a smooth, quick squeeze on the handle while holding the trimmer steady. Don't try to "pop" the end of the nail off; it will fall away on its own.

This nail has been cut about as far back as is possible without causing some bleeding. You can file the edges or just let the dog wear the nail smooth. Some people will cut the nail back until there is a slight amount of bleeding in an attempt to shorten the nail back further. Not a bad idea to keep some Quickstop Powder on hand in case you do accidentally cut too short.

On the dark nails where you can't see any pink to know where the live part of the nail starts, you can check the end of the nail. The dead area usually is whitish and as you cut deeper into the end of the nail you will begin to see a dark area. This dark area is where the live part starts.

Puppies and Grooming

2006-06-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

BATHING

So you just brought that new family member home and you are wondering about bathing it. Maybe it smells a little like... well, like puppy smell ! Yes you can bathe even a very young pup and often a good bath really perks them up and helps to rid them of any dirt, stool or food that has hidden itself in the puppy's coat.

You can purchase puppy shampoo (get the tearless kind, it doesn't sting if it gets in the eyes) and wet the pup down completely. Lather up the shampoo all over. When you rinse the shampoo off, be sure that you get all of it off! Even a little shampoo left on the coat can irritate the skin later on. Rinse twice as long as you think you need to. You do not have to put anything in the eyes prior to the bath... just try not to get any soap in the eyes.

You can put little cotton plugs in the ear canals to help keep the water and shampoo out of the ear canals, but this isn't absolutely necessary. When you rinse be sure the water is warm and comfortable. The surest way to make the pup hate a bath is to use water that is too cold or too hot.

Now that the pup has been rinsed off well, just wrap the little rascal in a big towel and gently rub the puppy dry. You can also use a blow dryer but try not to scare the heck out of the pup if you are going to use one. If it is warm outside a good run after a bath is an absolute delight for a dog. Watch out, though, they usually head straight for the dirt or mud to roll around in! (All dogs have been born with some sort of agreement among themselves to do this!)

HOW OFTEN? You can bathe a dog whenever it really needs to be cleaned up. In general, though, a bath every three weeks is about right. And some breeds like Dobes, Boston Terriers and others with short coats may rarely need a bath. Old English Sheepdogs and Collies are a different story!

WHAT KIND? In general just use a mild dog/puppy shampoo. A professional groomer can tell you if your dog needs a special formula to alleviate dry skin, allergic dermatitis or very sensitive skin.

GROOMING
In short haired dogs just use a soft brush and sweep it over the coat in the direction of hair growth. Long haired dogs and dogs with a double coat (short fuzzy hairs underneath long coarse hairs) can tolerate short wire brushes and steel combs. Always be certain that when using the wire brushes that you are not scratching the dog's skin! Some dogs really need to be brushed out every day. Others may never need a brushing because their coats are so short and tight to the skin.

There are amount of useful information about dogs health on www.thepetcenter.com/

Untangling Knots and Drying Dog Hair

2006-06-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Untangling the knots in dog hair is no easy task. How to untangle knots in a dog's hair is explained herein: Make sure when drying and brushing your dog's hair to not pull too hard because it can irritate your dog's skin. Brush the hair quickly while drying it to air out and draw out the dog's hair. If you are the owner of a breed that has long hair, you will need to brush it in the direction of the hair so that it does not get tangled and make sure to separate it towards the sides if and when necessary. Usually this is done by brushing from back to front, and then brushing the paws downwards to upwards, and finally finishing with the dog's head and ears. If you have a special dog dryer you will need to dry the dog's legs by keeping them extended and brushing them against the direction of the dog's hair, the same way you would to untangle a knot.

However, if you have a normal hand dryer you will have to dry the dog's legs and paws with a towel while at the same time using the dryer rubbing them upwards and downwards. Then you will proceed to pull the dog's hair outwards and dry until you have a perfect brushing. When using a hand dryer however, the results are not always the same as with professional dryers and it takes a lot longer.

Remember that it's very important you dry your dog's hair well especially in the areas that can be affected by humidity such as the dog's ears, whiskers; under it's tail, face legs and paws. It is essential to groom and brush your dog's hair every day. Doing this is not only good for your dog's coat but it will keep your home free of hair deposits. If you are able to, start brushing your dog's hair at puppy age so that he gets used to it. Dogs that are used to getting groomed often times enjoy these sessions.

How to Groom Dog with Scissors

2006-06-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

There is a lot more to cutting a dog's hair with scissors, even more so than in trimming and it requires a lot of skill and practice. Don't be under the impression that you will be able to create a magnificent sculpture within the first weeks; you will need to practice. Before using scissors on your dog it's important to know that there are certain types of hair that can be cut while there are others that can't. Curly hair that can be pulled with a brushing are

perfect for cutting with scissors. Whereas longer hair, whether they be straight or have a lot of volume, should not be cut with scissors because it will turn into an uneven result. It's best to just even out this type of hair or to slightly shave it.

Make sure when starting out that the dog's hair is dry and perfectly brushed out, with no knots or mats. There is another technique called scissoring which consists in sculpting depending on the imaginary lines that will need to be done in as much of a uniform way as possible, which will then be the definite lines to follow of the cut.

Cleaning Dog Anal Glands

2006-06-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

A dog's anal glands are the two small sacks bracketing from the anus. If you notice that your dog is continually licking his rectal area or dragging this area across the ground, it may indicate that the anal glands of the dog are full or infected. Make sure to consult your veterinarian about this. Usually, the way to deal with this problem is by regularly emptying out or expressing the anal glands. In order to do this, the dog must be standing in its bathtub with his head to the left and his behind area on the right, in the case of right-handed people that is. Next lift the dog's tail upwards firmly with your left hand and press on both sides of the dog's anus using your thumb and your index finger with your right hand.

Drying Dogs Hair

2006-06-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Blow drying and brushing your dog's hair: Blow drying a dog's hair is something that must be done very carefully because dogs are not able to handle the heat of a blow dryer very well. Using a dryer will decrease the amount of time you will need to spend towel drying your dog and in breeds that have curly hair it loosens the hair which forms a thick uniform layer which can then be cut with some scissors and will then allow you to sculpture it th

e way you desire. If the dog's coat is not properly prepared, cutting it will be more difficult and the results will probably not be the best. If you choose to use a dryer on the dog's coat, it might turn into a problem since you need both hands – one to keep the dog in place and the other to use the brush. Professional dog groomers use special dryers that allow their hands to be free. Make sure to never put your dog too close to the dryer so as to not burn his hair. Brush the dog's hair while you are drying it with the brush or comb (depending on your breed).
As soon as your dog is done with his bath make sure to take as much water off of his coat with your hand by pressing hard on the sides of his head, tail and ears (make sure not to hurt the dog though!), followed by his sides, his stomach, his legs and paws from top to bottom. Finish off the job by drying him with a sponge towel or a normal towel completely. The dog will still be slightly wet after this but he should not be drenched in water by any means.

First Dog Grooming Session

2006-06-21T23:17:00.000-07:00

Even when we the dog owners occasionally groom our dogs, it is still necessary and indispensable to take them to the professional dog groomer or barber if we want them to look like the image of their breed. Although it is not easy to pinpoint which is the best dog groomer, you will need to find a groomer you feel comfortable and confident with. It's usually recommended you yourself (without your dog at first) go to the barber yourself to see the people's treatment with the dogs, the cleanliness of the place and obviously if you get a good feel off of it. This is suggested because the first visit to the groomer will have a strong impact on the dog if it is not an enjoyable one and it will determine how the dog will react in his future visits to the barber and grooming sessions. If you are not sure which place to choose, ask friends or neighbors that have dogs.

Grooming a Field Spaniel

2006-06-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Field Spaniel requires a fair amount of grooming. A once or twice weekly brushing is needed, and every few months straggling hairs need to be scissored. Plucking is usually required to remove dead hairs, and the ears need to be frequently cleaned. Many owners prefer occasional trips to the groomer.

Dog Grooming Care and Precautions

2006-06-21T10:34:00.001-07:00

It's very important the dog owner have full control over the situation when grooming his or her dog. The dog must not be allowed to threaten his owner and he must not bite or become aggressive. If this type of thing occurs, make sure to put a muzzle on the dog immediately; this will teach the dog that he is not allowed to act aggressively. When the dog calms down you can then take the muzzle off of him again, if he calms down make sure to praise him.
Make sure to keep an open eye as not all dogs show their aggressive intentions clearly. Be very careful with dogs that lick their mouths or worse yet, your hands because it is a signal of discomfort and it means he does not like what you are doing to him. A dog that does this might bite, so be very cautious. Remember that putting a muzzle on the dog will ensure your safety if he is not completely relaxed or starts to act aggressively.

Some of the items we use when grooming a dog such as electric buzzer, hair dryer etc. sometimes scare dogs. So it will be necessary to get the dog used to these sounds progressively by teaching the dog to listen to them without placing them directly on the dog's body yet. Remember to have full control of the situation, it is not the easiest job to groom a dog that does not want to sit still or that is afraid or worse yet, becomes aggressive. As the owner you will need to learn to have the last word. If you are not fully convinced of your way of doing this you will need to change the way you are grooming him. If you still need help with it, get professional guidance.

Grooming while Training Your Dog

2006-06-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

There is a positive psychological aspect to grooming that is not known by a lot of people but that is of great interest, which has to do with the educational qualities that grooming sessions give and teach a dog.

This actually plays a very important role in the function of a dog's social life. In the wild, dogs or wolves that live together in packs revere a strong hierarchy. The wild dogs or wolves that occupy a high social position require and impose physical contact to those under them by licking them, nibbling them, cleaning their eyes,

ears, etc. and they decide when to stop as well. The under dogs are not allowed to resist the physical contact the superior ones give them. In a sense, these types of "communal hygiene" sessions help the superiors affirm their power over the rest.

This aspect carries a lot of importance in an owner - dog relationship as well as in the relationship with the veterinarian, groomer etc. If a dog owner does not physically come into contact with his or her dog or allows the animal to avoid it by growling and showing his teeth when he gets brushed etc, the owner will lose his place as the leader and will no longer be the dominant one. It is not uncommon to hear of dog owners that are afraid of their own dogs because the dog takes the owners place and calls the shots. If this type of situation happens to you, the best solution is to call for professional help; although it is not easy to resolve this type of problem, it is possible, but it will require of a lot of work from the both the dog and the owner.

Choosing Dog Clothes

2006-06-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Choices in dog clothes range from winter sweaters to football jerseys and summer tees. You can get a set of flannel PJ's for bedtime or a terry robe for after bath. There's even an entire line of Harley clothes for dogs, complete with leather cap and studded collar. Dog costumes made for parties and holidays are just too cute for words.

If you really want your gift to be a hit with admirers, accessorize. Try a designer dog collar and maybe a cool pair of sunglasses--they make them just for dogs. And I recently heard that leg warmers are making a come back.

Got a mischievous sense of humor? There are some really creative doggie costume out there that are good for a chuckle or two.

There's really only a couple of rules you'll need to keep in mind when shopping for dog clothes:

One is that if the dog in question is an avid chewer, you should avoid buying him anything tempting. Shiny buttons, fringe, and feathers are examples that come to mind. An object that can easily be chewed off and swallowed is a choking hazard and can get stuck in the dog's digestive tract.

The other rule is that any dog, no matter how tolerant, will be more comfortable wearing clothes that fit. Proper fit typically requires measuring from the dog's collar to the base of her tail for length. Most garment's girth can be adjusted with velcro tabs, but could still be an issue with a barrel-chested breed such as a bulldog. Measurements are typically in inches.

Remember that a dog will never "diet down" into an outfit that's too small , or -- unless you're shopping for a puppy or a pregnant female -- "grow into" an item that's too big.

And one more thing--if you're handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own dog clothes creations.

Some ear's problems

2006-06-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

The most common medical ailment is "OTITIS. " The root causes of ear trouble can run the full spectrum from contact irritants such as occurs from soaps, pollens, grass or carpeting, to infectious organisms such as yeast and bacteria, to parasites such as fleas and ear mites. Veterinarians further generally classify OTITIS as externa, media, interna depending upon which areas of the entire auditory system is affected. As a groomer you will see many cases of OTITIS externa and these will generally be either allergic otitis externa or microbial otitis externa.

Allergic otitis displays itself as reddened, inflamed ear tissues that feel warm (or even hot!) to the touch. These cases tend to be dry, and have only a mild odor with minimal build-up of wax, pus and debris. An allergic ear looks red and inflamed.

On the other hand infected ears - microbial otitis - because of the damage the bacteria and yeast are doing to the tissues of the ear, the ear canal and other affected tissues become moist and purulent (the medical term for pus.) That ear canal is a perfect incubator for microorganisms - dark, most, warm with a good supply of nutrients! If that ear canal sounds wet upon manipulation and has a foul odor, there is certain to be an infection present.

Always check with a veterinarian before plucking hairs from any ear structures that seem to be infected. Sometimes the ear problem requires sedation and cleaning. And chronic, severe cases of infected and scarred ear tissues often respond well to surgery to open up the canal for better exposure to the drying effects of air. Be sure to mention to the pet's owner to have the ears checked if you suspect Otitis is present. The longer it goes on, whether it's allergic or infectious, the more scar tissue forms and the more difficult it is to cure. And simple ear cleaners that work well to clean the waxy or oily ears won't touch an infection and may further irritate allergic ears.

Shaving the hairs close with a #40 blade can be of help (keep that blade flat to the skin surface - not at an angle!). If the ear structures have a buildup of crusts or debris, eliminating the hair prevents the hairs from trapping the exudate and allows better contact of medications and facilitates the drying effects of air. So, in general, removing hair from infected tissues can be helpful.

You can find more information on http://thepetcenter.com

Clipper Burns and Clipper Abrasions

2006-06-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Every successful and competent groomer on occasion has had an experience where a few days after grooming a dog it develops an extremely itchy, moist, scabby area that drives the dog and the owner crazy. These skin sores are often called Hot Spots. Hot spots (also called Moist Eczema) result from trauma to the skin surface either from a clipper blade scratch or from contact with a hot blade. A true "clipper burn" is a skin lesion that can occur due to a hot clipper blade contacting the skin.

A Clipper Abrasion is an actual scratching of the skin surface from holding the blade at the wrong angle to the skin or from using the wrong sized blade. The most common site for this problem is along the cheekbone and on the cheek.

Hot Spots (moist eczema) requires repeated cleansing and often oral antibiotics to hasten its resolution. Be especially careful with the clippers around the cheeks, it's just possible the sharp points on the blades are creating tiny scratches that become irritated or infected, then the dog scratches the area compounding the skin trauma and shortly after that you get a call from the owner!

This condition should be checked by a veterinarian. And don't be discouraged if you loose a client because of "clipper burns"... whoever they take the dog to next has had their share too! You won't know when it happens, but you'll find out a few days later.

As in any worthwhile endeavor, the fruits of your hard work will be recognized by customer satisfaction. You will have lots of repeat customers! And they will tell their friends. Your success will result in no small measure from your professional and knowledgeable assessment of the mental and physical and nutritional well-being of the pets entrusted to your care. Be observant, take good notes, and don't be reluctant to advise your clients about proper pet health care. Groomers are a vital link in the pet health care chain.
NOTE: Hot spots can result from inadequate rinsing, too. If any shampoo is not rinsed away completely and remains in contact with the skin for an extended period of time, a local skin infection can result.

The solution: Rinse thoroughly and dry the entire skin and coat before sending the dog home!

You can find more information on http://thepetcenter.com

Taking Care About Eyes

2006-06-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

As a groomer you will have numerous opportunities to help your subjects by pointing out abnormalities to the owner or veterinarian. Probably the most common disorder you'll see will be Epiphora - excessive tearing.

There are so many causes for the tears draining down the face that chapters could be written on just this topic! Here's where your penlight comes in handy. Darken the room and shine the light along the edges of the eyelids and look for tiny eyelashes growing along the edges of the lids. If these tiny lashes are contacting the eye, there is the potential for serious corneal damage. Report this condition, called distichiasis, to the owner or veterinarian. Often the tiny openings, one in the inside corner of all four lids, will be under-developed or plugged up. Tear duct obstruction sometimes can be alleviated by using small amounts of an antibiotic called tetracycline. A veterinarian can evaluate tear duct flow under anesthesia.

Numerous other disorders such as entropion (rolling inward of the lid), follicular conjunctivitis, facial folds, or long hairs contacting the eye can predispose the dog to excessive or misdirected tears resulting in chronic wetness and a mucoid, crusty build-up on the face.

Clipping the hairs short if possible will make clean up or application of medication easier. Remember, though, to advise the owner to have the underlying cause determined by a veterinarian.

Inform the owner if you see cataracts in the eyes. Darken the room and shine your penlight directly into the front of the eye and look over the top of the light (as if you were aiming the light into the eye.) Deep in the very center of the eye the light passes through the pupil (the circular opening made by the colored part of the eye called the iris.) Just behind the pupil is the lens and the light should pass unreflected through the lens to the back part of the eye called the retina. If you see a milky or hazy object or reflective particles where the lens is, the dog may have some vision problems and you should let the owner know.

Be very careful about scratches on the corneas. Tearing and squinting are the most likely signals of corneal abrasions, and sometimes with the penlight directed at an angle, the abrasion or ulcer on the cornea is visible. Veterinarians will use a stain to highlight these areas.

Some helpful recommendations concerning skin ang coat

2006-06-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

Groomers, by the very nature of the profession, have the best opportunity to evaluate the character of pets' skin and coat. Using your senses of touch, vision, and smell, you will be able to detect deviations from a "healthy skin and coat," and these changes should be noted in the pet's chart and personally conveyed to the pets' owners.

TOUCH
Normal touch: There will be a soft texture to the hairs and even in wiry coats such as in Airedales the character of the coat should be pliable and smooth.
Abnormal touch: The coat will be made up of dry, coarse, brittle hairs, some broken off, some very fine. The coat may be sparse and thinning or short and underdeveloped.

APPEARANCE
Normal appearing skin/coat: The skin will have a clean look to it and be free of scales, scabs and crusts. The coat should appear full, almost lustrous and have a soft look to it.
Abnormal appearing skin/coat: The skin will appear thin, dry and scaly or greasy. The coat will appear dull, lusterless or even dusty. It will have no "shine" to it and will have a harsh appearance.

SMELL
Normal skin/coat: A healthy skin and coat won't have any smell to it. And even when dirty, will smell like whatever is making it dirty.
Abnormal skin/coat: An unhealthy skin and coat will have a rancid, oily odor; the odor is caused by superficial skin bacteria and their waste products breaking down the oils on the skin.

All skin surfaces have colonies of bacteria present. But an unhealthy skin surface harbors too many of the wrong kinds of bacteria. That is why many veterinarians recommend weekly shampoos with benzoyl peroxide for some dogs with chronic bacterial dermatitis. These types of shampoos keep bacterial numbers to a minimum.

The single most important determining factor in the healthy skin/coat equation is proper NUTRITION. No matter what else may be adversely affecting the skin/coat, such as allergies, infections, harsh environment, or parasites, the problem will be worse in a dog that is only barely meeting its nutrient requirements. And skin/coat problems are always less severe and occur less often in well nourished pets. Dogs are meat eaters. They will act, feel and look their best if fed a diet whose first ingredient listed on the pet food label is MEAT, POULTRY. Diets that are based on grains such as corn will not properly nourish dogs.

Always recommend to the customer that they seek a veterinarian's advice if you suspect a pet may have a nutritional deficiency. Be sure the customer understands that you are making an observation and merely suggesting that the owners may be helping their pet by having a veterinarian check something out.

The entire field of pet health nutrition is now only beginning to recognize the value and function of meat-based (poultry, beef, lamb) diets. Many well known brands of dog foods that have been around for years and whose foundation (the first listed ingredient on the label) is a grain such as corn, wheat, barley, or rice simply do not provide the health enhancing nutrients that meat-based diets provide. As a professional groomer your suggestions to the pet owner carries remarkable credibility. It is your obligation on behalf of the pet and as a pet health care professional to become familiar with high quality diets. Most veterinarians have had only superficial training in pet nutrition and often that training has been provided by representatives of various dog food companies.

Always note on your client chart what the pet is being fed. If you detect a less than optimum skin/coat condition, be sure to discuss with the owner your concerns about the pets nutritional status. Remember: if a pet doesn't look good, it probably doesn't feel good.

Some recommendations concerning nails

2006-06-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

The nails are a good indicator of the pet's general state of health. Crooked, dry, cracking or pitted nails are a tip-off that the dog may have a fungal infection or be poorly nourished.

If you see abnormal nails, be especially watchful for areas on the skin where there may be circular, dry patches of hair loss. The dog may have "ringworm", a fungal infection (called dermatophyte), that requires oral medication to correct.What you see externally may indicate an internal abnormality in the pet. And treatment entails discovering why the nails are diseased in the first place. Treating diseased toenails may extend over a few months.

And it is very important to notify a veterinarian if there is any pus or bleeding from the nail bed. Be cautions yourself NEVER to get any bloody, purulent (pus) discharge into contact with a cut or scratch on yourself. A serious fungal disease of dogs and humans called Blastomycosis often will show up first a draining lesion at the toenail bed.

We've all cut nails too short. It’s useful to use the Quick Stop powder as a coagulant, but there are other quite satisfactory methods to arrest the bleeding. A healthy dog's toenail should clot on its own within 5-6 minutes, any longer than that warrants laboratory tests and veterinary analysis for clotting factors!

If you see large or overgrown nails that simple trimming won't provide proper nail set, have a veterinarian take a look. The dog may require a "deep pedicure" under anesthesia to cut the toe nails back close.

Broken nails need to be trimmed back to the fracture site, then a coagulant applied. Pulled nails, ones that have been torn from the nail bed and all you see is a bloody circle at the end of the toe, do require a veterinary check. Antibiotics may be indicated.

Taking Care of The Dog's Mouth

2006-06-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

It is a good idea to open the dog's mouth and check the teeth and gums. Be sure to pull the corner of the mouth back in order to visualize the molars. It's quite easy to detect oral problems by visualizing bleeding gums, chunks of brown plaque on the teeth or loose teeth and an odor that will knock you over! You'll be shocked at how many dogs have severe gum inflammation and infection (called gingivitis), loose teeth or even occasionally have cavities. A healthy oral cavity is vital to the pet's optimum health. You will be doing the pet and owner a great service by suggesting a veterinary check-up for dentistry. You'd be surprised how many veterinarians overlook a thorough oral exam. Dental hygiene is a very important topic and unfortunately it is often overlooked by veterinarians and groomers.

Some tips for healthy skin

2006-06-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

Healthy skin is certainly a consideration for a well-groomed dog, and healthy skin begins with a good diet. Again, the choices are legion. The rule of thumb is thus: If your dog does well on the food you buy, if his skin and coat are healthy, if he has energy and enjoys life, if he is maintaining his optimum weight, if his intestines are working well, if the food is highly digestible and thus leaves little manure to clean up, keep on keepin' on. But if the dog's energy level is low, if his coat is dull and his skin dry and itchy or sore, if a vet check shows no thyroid or other medical condition to account for the anomalies, consider switching the diet or supplementing with fatty acids.

Grooming is essential for healthy skin, not so much for keeping it clean, but for making the owner aware of any problems that may be developing. Flea allergies can cause severe skin problems, so daily examination of the dog during flea season is a must. Contact allergies can also cause skin to break out. Irritated skin leads to scratching, which can open the skin to staphylococcus infections. An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure for the dog and the pocketbook the antibiotics for skin infections are among the most expensive medications, and the cost of treatment can be dollars a day for a couple of weeks or longer.

Skin irritations and infections can crop up overnight, so keep a close eye on the situation. Groom daily for fleas and ticks if Lad has had a problem. Use a fine-toothed comb to check for fleas, then flick the tiny insects into a container of warm, soapy water. Remove ticks with protected fingers and drop in a vial of alcohol. Treat the house for fleas as well; modern controls for these pests use genetically altered natural insecticides, growth inhibitors, and drying agents that are both environmentally friendly and less toxic to people and pets.

Daily Examination is Important!

2006-06-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Even if your dog doesn’t need daily grooming, check his or her thoroughly to make sure she has no cuts, sores, fleas, rashes, bumps, ticks, or hitchhikers in the coat or dirt in her ears. Remove fleas with a fine-toothed comb and drop them into a container of soapy water. Remove embedded ticks with tweezers or protected fingers and drop them in a vial of alcohol. (Grasp the tick body, rock it back and forth, then pull firmly.) Carefully remove vegetative matter such as grass awns, seed casings, or thorny twigs with fingers or comb.

During this daily exam, your dog’s feet and ears, look at his or her teeth, and feel for cuts or tumors.

Checking dog's ears

2006-06-05T00:52:00.000-07:00

All dogs should have their ears checked periodically. Dogs with droop ears are especially susceptible to fungus and bacterial infections and should be checked at least weekly. Veterinarians can prescribe cleaning agents for ears to dry them out.

Infected ears can also lead to further complications. Not only is the dog painfully uncomfortable, he may cause a hematoma by breaking a blood vessel while shaking his head in response to the discomfort.

Start grooming with puppies

2006-06-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

Good grooming habits begin with puppy care. All puppies should be taught to sit, stand, or lie down to have their bodies checked over and their hair combed.

Grooming provides bonding time. In the wild, wolves and other canines groom each other as part of the social interaction of the pack or family group. Dog incisors (the front teeth) are an effective comb; the little nibbles they etch on the bodies of pack mates stimulate the skin and have a calming effect. Puppy owners can also use grooming as pleasurable time with their new family member.

History of Spaniels

2006-05-31T23:39:00.000-07:00

Spaniels are a very old family, going back in Spanish writings of the 14th century. It is English breeders who get credit for most of the various breeds of Spaniel. In the early days, it was common to have Cockers, Springers, etc., in the same litter, the difference being their size. In the late 1800s, Cockers were recognized as a unique breed. Although guidelines are set, the breed continues to change even today.

Breeders in America and England had different ideas of the best traits for the breed. By the late 20s, the breeds had diverged significantly. Shortly afterwards, each was recognized as a unique breed.

Cockers are considered high-maintenance dogs. This is due to their bearing heavy coats and, in many cases, due to numerous health problems. Both of these can be minimized by careful choice of a puppy and with proper grooming.

Combs and Brushes

2006-05-29T23:36:00.000-07:00

The first tool purchased by Cocker owners is a comb or brush. The pet store selection is overwhelming, each claiming to be the best. The double ended comb (lower left) has wide teeth for thick coats, and fine teeth for the fine hair on ears. This comb, combined with a detangling rake, are all the basic tools needed for many pets. Various manufacturers, $5-8.

The detangling rake (right center) has a razor blade embedded in a protective covering. As it is pulled through matted fur, it cuts through the mats. Some models have multiple blade, but they sometimes pull too hard and make grooming less comfortable. 4 Paws.

The card block (left top) has hundreds of spring wire teeth. After a thorough combing, the fur is blocked. This removes loose hair and gives the hair that silky, "poofy" look. Care should be used short hair to avoid scratching the skin underneath. Sergeants.

The grooming blade (top right) looks like a saw blade, leather handles. It can be used single handed, as shown, or unsprung to be held in both hands. The serrated edge is used down the dog's back, front to rear, to remove loose hair. Both dogs and cats seem to like their backs scratched with this blade, and you'll like it because there's that much less fur to fall off on the carpet. After a bath it's useful to "rake" excessive water from your pet's back. 4 Paws, $12.

I tried several "odd" combs, each claiming to work. Most didn't live up to my expectations. One exception was the varied-tooth comb (lower right). Especially useful for grooming ears, it can be held loosely in the hand, so it will "turn" rather than pull tangles. On a light combing, the widely spaced teeth "bite", with the other teeth coming into play as tangles are removed. I generally follow up with the double ended comb or with the card block. Wonder Fluff, $6.

Why is Dog Insurance so Important?

2006-05-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Today I want you to get acquainted with such burning issue for every pet owner - Dog insurance.
So, let's start....
Why is Dog Insurance so important?

The first reason is Peace of Mind.
No one plans on their pet getting sick or being in an accident. With Dog insurance you don't have to worry about being faced with unexpected medical bills. You will be able to provide the best possible care for your pet when the unexpected happens.
Then Responsible Care.
In many European countries - like the UK and Sweden - insuring your pet is just as common as insuring your home or car. It's second nature. Today, responsible pet ownership is about more than loving them - it means being able to provide the right environment, stimulation, lifestyle, exercise and activity levels, nutrition and health care for your pet.
You are financing Your Dog's Health.
We all have the best intentions when it comes to saving money for emergencies, however it seems like something always comes up and we're back to square one.
Cover for Life plans for dogs are like an emergency fund that never runs out!
Dog insurance is a way to budget and control the cost of keeping your dog healthy. You'll always know your monthly costs so you won't be caught unprepared in the case of an emergency. You'll be free to provide your dog with your love and attention in times of need.
Insurance gives you an opportunity to avoid difficult decisions. Did you know that many dogs do not receive potentially life-saving treatments because the cost is too great for the owners to bear?
Dog insurance allows you to provide your pet with the best possible care. Decisions regarding treatment are no longer complicated by financial restrictions. Treatments that may otherwise be unattainable can be provided without a second thought. Your primary concern becomes the health of your dog, not the cost of care.
With Dog Insurance you planning for the future.
When you insure your pets before they develop health problems, you are completely covered if they develop anything in the future. Your dog will be covered for any conditions that do not exist before enrolling or that arise after the waiting period.
Don't be caught unprotected. Insure your pets before anything happens.
And what is more important, insurance protect you and your dog from the unexpected.
When people choose their dogs, they often plan for how compatible that species or breed will be with their lifestyle.
However, few people budget for the common illnesses and medical problems associated with their dog's type or breed, or for the additional accidents or mishaps that occur over the course of an average dog's life; things like ear infections, fights with other pets and swallowing foreign objects.
Dog insurance is your way of preparing for the costs of these unexpected occurrences, so you can go on with your life as quickly and easily as possible.

How to Groom English Springer?

2006-05-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Adult English Springers have beautiful, long, well feathered ears and profuse silky hair on their chest, legs and underbelly. All this needs to be regularly groomed and kept clean and free from knots.

Once your English Springer reaches about six months old its coat will start to become much thicker and you will have to start trimming the excess hair so your dog retains its natural shape and looks. For a pet trim, the areas you will need to work on are around the inside of the ears, the top of the head, the top of the outside of the ear, the chest & throat and, the feet and hocks.

If you were going to show your dog, then you would have to learn to trim in a more specialised manner and you should get further advice on this from your nearest Breed Club Secretary.

You can learn to do a basic trim yourself or you can take your dog to a grooming parlour. Words of warning here though - make sure the parlour knows how to trim an English Springer properly. - always ask for your dog to be hand stripped.

If you do choose to learn to trim your own dog, the easiest way is to be shown in a practical demonstration. If you have bought your puppy from a reputable breeder they will probably be only too willing to give you a demonstration. If this is not the case, once again, ask your nearest Breed Club secretary to put you in touch with someone who will. For trimming at home you will need some specialised grooming equipment in the form of:

a pair of straight edged scissors;
a pair of thinning scissors;
an ordinary toothed steel comb;
a close toothed steel comb (known as a spaniel comb);
a Soft bristle brush;
a Hard bristle brush;
a slicker brush ( with "L" shaped metal teeth);
two rubber thumbs (the kind cashiers use to count notes!) or a rubber glove; and
a trimming table or bench with a non-slip rubber mat on (It is much easier to groom a dog on a trimming table or workbench rather than at floor level. The dog soon associates the table with the grooming routine, and it is much better for your back).

To ensure your English Springer co-operates with you on the trimming table, remember to start your grooming routine early on in its life. Use brushes and combs early on in the routine, and pretend to trim using scissors at the same time so the pup gets used to the noise they make.

Below you will find some pictures demonstrating the various aspects of grooming..

Use the spaniel comb and slicker brush on the ear feathering

Use the combs and brushes to remove all dust, dirt, tangles and dead hair from the coat.

The close toothed spaniel comb and the slicker brush are particularly effective on the ear feathering. Don’t be rough with your dog when you are grooming it -

remember there’s real live skin under the hair!

Carefully trim inside the ears with some thinning scissors.

Inside of the ear around the entrance to the ear canal, the hair should be trimmed quite short to allow air to circulate freely into the ear.

You should use the thinning scissors to do this. They can also be used to trim the hair on the outside of the earflap. The hair from the top of the ear to about a third of the way down should be thinned out. After thinning, use the spaniel comb to remove all loose hair from the ear.

Thin out the hair from the top of the ear to one third down.

The hair from the top of the ear to about a third of the way down should be thinned out.

After thinning, use the spaniel comb to remove all loose hair from the ear.

Pluck

any dead hair on top of the dog’s head, wearing a rubber glove or rubber thumbs. The hair on top of your dog’s head is likely to go a lighter shade and stick up when it is dead hair and therefore, needs to be trimmed out. All you need to do here is pluck the dead hair out using your thumb and forefinger. This is where the rubber thumbs or a rubber glove is useful as they give you a better grip on the hair. You can use this action to remove any dead hair from other parts of the dog’s coat.

Use a brush to remove dust and dirt from the coat.
Gently tease out any tangles and knots.

The hair on the chest and throat will, at some stage,

need thinning out

and you will once again do this with the thinning scissors and a comb.

.
.

Comb through the feathering on the chest carefully, teasing out any knots.

As with any aspect of trimming always work against the natural lie of the hair

Trim any hair growing between the toes and under the foot. The feet should be trimmed using a pair of straight edge scissors; the aim is to make the each foot look tight and rounded. This also means trimming flat any hair growing up between the toes, and any growing underneath the foot. The hair on the hocks should be trimmed close using the thinning scissors.

You can find more information about grooming english springer spaniel on http://www.englishspringer.org/

Shedding

2006-05-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

Dog hair grows and dies just as human hair does. Some dogs hang on to their dead hair, thus requiring special grooming to remove it. Other dogs give it up quite readily, all over the house. Double-coated dogs generally drop their soft undercoats twice a year and lose their guard hairs once a year, although some individual dogs might shed constantly or only every 10-12 months. Shedding can take anywhere from three weeks to two months. A warm bath helps accelerate the process and daily (or twice-daily) grooming can help control clouds of hair that scurry into corners and under furniture.

Shedding is controlled by hormonal changes that are tied to photoperiod (day length) and is influenced by level of nutrition and general state of health. In addition to natural biennial shedding, a dog may drop its coat after surgery, x-rays under anesthesia, and whelping puppies.

Owners should be aware before purchase that a long-coated dog, purebred or mixed, will require grooming throughout its life. If the inclination to groom or the time to do so are not part of the plan, provisions should be made for professional coat care for the dog. Otherwise, a dog that can do with a lick and a promise is a better choice as a family pet.

Preparing Your Cocker Spaniel For Grooming

2006-05-17T23:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some hints to make a trip to the groomer easier on both you and your dog:

Teach the dog to stand on command and to accept the attentions of a stranger without cringing or growling.Obedience classes are wonderful for this good manners exercise, which is an integral part of the Canine Good Citizen test.
Comb your dog regularly to prevent tangles and mats. Or schedule more frequent visits to the groomer. Matted hair can cause great pain to the dog and to the groomer who gets bitten .
Crate train your dog, so he'll sit quietly while drying and waiting for your return.
Warn the groomer of any bad habits that could interfere with successful grooming.

A groomer is not a miracle worker. She cannot take a poorly maintained dog and turn it into a show-stopper in one visit. You should maximize your chances of satisfaction by teaching the dog to accept the attentions of strangers and keeping the coat free of mats and tangles.

Grooming, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Combs, Brushes

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth

2006-05-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

Brushing your dog's teeth is simple after you've had a few practice sessions. Try to do this every day to promote healthy teeth and gums.

Steps:

Have a veterinarian check your pet's teeth before you start a tooth-brushing program. If your pet has gum disease or damaged teeth, the process will be painful and he will associate pain with tooth brushing. He may even bite you.
Get your dog used to your looking into his mouth. After each time you do so, reward him with a treat or praise.
Buy a pet dental kit, including toothpaste (made for dogs) and a toothbrush, at a pet store or from your vet. Follow the kit's instructions for use. Research alternatives, such as a finger toothbrush, if your pet refuses to let you brush his teeth with a toothbrush. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions.
Place your dog on a comfortable surface while brushing his teeth.
In general, try to use minimal restraint on your pet while brushing.
Brush your dog's teeth with a gentle, massaging motion.
Reward your dog with a tartar-control treat after the procedure.

Grooming, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Combs, Brushes

Basic Show Characteristics of American Cocker Spaniel

2006-05-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some general show characteristics of American cocker. So I’ll try to give you a peace of useful information on how show-cocker should look like.

The head of the American Cocker should be well developed and rounded with eyebrows and stop clearly defined.

The muzzle should be broad, deep and square.

The jaws should be strong with a perfect scissor bite.

The eyes should be full, round and looking forward, with an alert, soft and appealing expression.

The ears are lobular, long and well clothed with long silky hair which may be straight or wavy.

The neck is long and muscular and the body short, compact and knit together, giving an impression of strength.

The chest is deep with well sprung ribs.

The legs should be moderately short and strongly boned, the feet compact and round.

The tail is carried on a line with the back or slightly higher and in the past has been docked to two fifths of its length.

The coat is silky, flat or slightly wavy, it is short on the head and of medium length on the body.

On head, short and fine; on body, medium length, with enough under coating to give protection. Ears, chest, abdomen and legs well feathered, but not so excessive as to hide body lines or impede movement and function as a sporting dog. Texture most important. Coat silky, flat or slightly wavy. Excessive coat, curly, woolly or cotton texture undesirable.

The ears, chest, abdomen and legs should be well feathered but not excessively so as to impede movement and function as a sporting dog. There are strict rules covering the colours of American Cockers which come in three varieties. These are Black, Any Solid Colour Other than Black (ASCOB), and Particolours. Blacks and Browns may have some tan in the coat but never white.
Grooming, Cocker, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Combs, Brushes

Cocker for the Show

2006-05-11T00:24:00.000-07:00

Dogs bred for show often have heavier coats and are smaller than those bred for sport. In full trim, it's difficult to see the legs as they "swoosh" across the floor. They are affectionate animals, but their diminished size and heavy coat make it hard to imagine them working the field. The muzzle is notably shortened, 1/3 of the total head length. While AKC "rules" give a maximum size of 14" (female) or 15" (male), these show dogs are much smaller than their "classic" counterparts. The dog pictured above is an example of the "show" cocker. He might weight 15 pounds, while the "classic" would weigh in around 25 pounds. This has led to misunderstandings, with some dogs labeled as "miniature" or "toy" Cockers.

In show dogs, the differences between ACS and ECS are obvious. In working class dogs, the differences are sometimes obscured. A larger dog, with longer muzzle and lighter fur, are desirable in a working dog. Lucky is an example of an attractive working class dog. These differences have led to arguments in the show circuits that the ACS should be removed from the sporting dog classification. In England, where this argument may be the strongest, there are still some notable exceptions, with owners going for titles in show, then placing well in field trials. This works well, since many show dogs have earned their standing by the time they reach full maturity, while many field dogs do their best work at several years of age.
Grooming, Cocker, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Combs, Brushes, Show

Tipping your Dog Groomer.

2006-05-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

You do tip your own hairdresser, don't you? This is the same kind of courtesy - a 15% tip - to let your dog groomer know you're happy with the style, care, and attention to detail she is peforming for your dog. When I groomed dogs at PetsMart, I noticed a wide range of tipping behaviours in the Grooming Salon. Some people leave nice, big tips - which are gratefully accepted. Some people leave a dollar or two, which is still a very nice token of appreciation, and never considered cheap. Yet a lot of folks don't tip at all, even when it's apparent that they are very pleased with the services rendered.
Grooming is a skilled trade that takes years of perfecting to get right. There are the five basic clips - body contour, hand scissoring (poodle, bichon), the bladed body/fuller leg (schnauzer), short-legged terrier (westie, cairn terrier, scottie), long-legged terrier (wire fox, airdale), and sporting clip (cocker, springer). And then there are the myriad variations on these themes that make up both the extreme end (show clips), to the casual end (pet and so-called "puppy" clips).
The groomer must be skilled with both shear and clipper blade, dog handling, nail trimming, dematting tools, body washing and, of course, blowdrying techniques. She must be able to quickly analyze a pet's skin and coat condition to select the proper shampoo and conditioner. There are as many kinds of treatments for dogs as their are for your own hair - from hypoallergenic oatmeal brands, to medicated dandruff shampoos, to those designed to brighten white fur or deodorize strong musky dog odors. She must be able to assess the condition of mats in the fur and recommend a proper cut to work with the owner's own daily care regime.
Groomers can help an owner with questions about proper canine nutrition (a poor diet shows up on the skin first), show how to properly brush out the coat, and even help the owner develop a proper toothbrushing routine for their favorite furry friend.
Since the groomer works intimately with each dog over a series of hours, they can alert the owners to changes in the dog's behaviours and body. Groomers might be the first to notice an oozing sore which might require a vet's attention, cut a dew claw before it can grow around and into the footpad, note changes in warts and old wounds, and pull out thorns from doggie toes that could have become staph infections in time.
A really good groomer will also try to ensure your dog has a nice day at the salon. Being away from their owners can be stressful for pooches, and not every dog enjoys a good bath and blowout. They might be foot-shy, which makes clipping nails problematic. Head-shy dogs don't like clippers or shears near their faces. It's the groomer's job to help the dog feel comfortable with the process, by using warm water, a gentle but firm hand, and soothing words through the process.
Many dogs come to enjoy being groomed. After all, they ARE being lavished with individual attention, something all canines crave. If an owner uses the same groomer each time, so much the better for the dog, who develops a bond with their own personal "hairdresser".
Dogs who are clean, dry and looking good always know it. They act happier, more light and alert, than when they arrive. When the pet parent arrives to pick up their "child", it's always very exciting and rewarding - the dog is happy to see their family, be smelled and held and fawned over. The excitement spills over to the groomer, who has worked so closely with the pet. So, while a tip is never mandatory, it is still a nice gesture
http://www.smartdogs.chillizone.net/

Gentle grooming - brushing scared dogs

2006-05-08T05:35:00.001-07:00

What kind of dog and what kind of coat? If she's really matted, I'd recommend going to a groomer for a shave down first. But this also depends on what kind of coat we are talking about. Some double coats should not be shaved.If shaving is an option, as the hair grows back in, you can slowly ease Bridget into a brushing routine. By the time mats might occur again, she will be comfortable with it all.
Here's what to do: Have short (five minutes, ten max) play sessions daily, with yummy treats and toys, lots of praise, and just let the brush 'hang out' with you, in your lap or whatever she will allow. Don't touch her with it for a few days. Just let it be there. In fact, let it lie around on the floor all day for awhile, like furniture, so she can see it is not a threat.
Let the play sessions end on a happy note, each time. You are training for positive responses to the sight of the brush.
If she can tolerate the sight of the brush, try turning it over (smooth side) and letting it go over her skin without bristles. Praise her for accepting it with treats and lovins. Eventually she will let you gently brush her, and she should still be mat-free from being shaved. If there are mats, leave them alone until she accepts brushing.
What kind of brush are you using? A "slicker" type is better than a pin brush or human one.
Other options include soft rubber brushes that feel like a doggie massage, and the "zoom groom" (look it up online), that dogs don't mind on their bodies because it feels nice to them. The zoom groom won't take out mats but it's non-threatening, and really great for getting off dead hairs, which means no more shedding if you use it every day.
Now, for de-matting, you can certainly ask a groomer for advice on tools and techniques. Brushes can prevent future mats but should never be used to get out an existing mat. Get a specialized tool for that and ask a groomer to show you how to use it. She won't charge for this but you should give her a tip of 3 or 5 bucks for her time. There are easy ways to take out bad mats without hurting the dog, but using a plain brush would just be painful for Bridget. And for you!
http://www.smartdogs.chillizone.net/
Grooming, Cocker, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Combs, Brushes

Dog Grooming - How To Groom A Difficult Dog

2006-05-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

"I don't know how you do it," my grooming clients say. "He just yelps and carries on like I am going to kill him!" Over the past twenty plus years as a groomer I have heard over and over again from my customers that they can't get Fido to sit still long enough to brush him, never mind put up with a bath. Guess what, the majority of the time they do it for me too. The reason I can get the lil' darlin' to mind is simple. Dogs, and especially spoiled dogs, are no different than children. They tend to test the babysitter and if they can get away with their antics, they will do everything to do so. In my shop they can't. It is not because I use drugs to knock them out; however, I have had clients who have had the vet sedate their dog before coming to me.
(Generally, I find them even more difficult when sedated and harder to guess when they might snap as their reactions come without warning.)
The dogs discover that with gentle handling and a firm commanding voice, there is no choice for them but to behave.
Specialized equipment is essential. Without a grooming arm attached to the grooming table, I would require an extra set of hands. Most dogs don't like company while being groomed and become even more agitated when there is more than one person handling them. Sometimes a Velcro muzzle will actually calm down a dog who is prone to nipping your fingers while you are detangling his coat or clipping his nails. When they realize that their teeth are rendered ineffectual they are forced to sit and watch.
Patience is key. Consistency will train him readily. Reward him with praise for good behavior and don't allow bad behavior to go unchecked. If his struggles become a full blown war of wits between you both, then no one wins. Put him in a crate so you can cool off and he can calm down, but make certain you go right back and end with you accomplishing even the smallest victory. So today he sat through a half hour of brushing and you told him what a good boy he was; tomorrow you can stretch it out and maybe trim two nails. The most important part of training him for grooming is for him to relax so you can do the job. Once he can trust, it won't hurt, and that, in fact, he even likes the attention, and then you can get the same results as you would by sending him to the groomer ( well almost, read previous articles on styling etc. for perfection).
Our devoted canine companions want nothing more out of life than to be with you and for you to be happy with them. They live to please us no matter if we pull tangles out of a matted coat or not. Not getting tangles out is more of a disservice to out four-legged friends that you can imagine, from skin problems to an even more nasty temperament due to being uncomfortable. So if you wouldn't let your kids go without combing their hair, brushing their teeth or having a bath, Don't let your dog get away with it either.
www.smartdogs.chillizone.net

Coat and Groom Tips.

2006-05-04T02:46:00.000-07:00

Cocker Spaniels have significant coats that must be maintained on a regular basis. The coat is silky and flat or a little wavy according to rigid standards, but groomers may find they will groom dogs with more cottony coats that matt and tangle very easily. The show trim for Cocker Spaniels is far different than common styling provided by groomers for owners not concerned about show grooming. In particular, groomers often use electric clippers on the back coat of a Cocker Spaniel but that should never be apparent on a show Cocker Spaniel. Owners of of non-show Cockers may choose to have the coat shortened to assist them in maintaining their grooming duties. Where the coat is shortened adequately the owner may choose to have the pet groomed near our outside recommendation of 8 weeks between professional grooming. Again, Cocker Spaniels with more cottony coats require more grooming attention.

Owners not skilled in brushing and combing both the under coat and outer coat should seek training from their breeder or groomer. Many unskilled owners tend to brush and comb only the outer coat, leaving the under coat subject to potential matting problems. Like many other long coated breeds hair shed can and often does remain in the under coat until it is removed by proper brushing and combing. Hair shed not removed will, with time or immediately upon getting damp or wet, begin to "tangle" and "matt" whereby the hair shed both wraps and compresses around the existing hair coat. Matts simply ruin the beauty of the dog's coat, and severe matting causes any pet discomfort and even poor skin health.

We recommend hair shed and matts be removed before bathing the Cocker Spaniel, and that it be hand fluff-dried with a professional force blow dryer. Your type of bathing and drying equipment will affect the way in which you groom the dog. Experienced groomers may choose to leave some of the hair shed and matt removal until after the bath, and apply special coat conditioning products to ease matt removal.

Protein-enriched shampoos followed by cream rinses can add to the luster of the Cocker Spaniel coat.

The Cocker Spaniel coat may show some clipper marks, but this can often be reduced by using a stripping knife to remove extra shedding. However, you should be trained by a professional in the use of this tool before attempting it.

Blow dry and straighten the coat, all matts must be removed. Final comb well. You will need a clipping guide for this breed. When scissoring around the feet the nails should not be seen when done. Be sure to clip the hair from the pads too.

What is the difference between american Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel?

2006-05-04T02:45:00.000-07:00

American Cocker Spaniels

American Cocker Spaniels have round eyes, a rounded skull, a more pronounced stop, and a shorter muzzle than English Cocker Spaniels. They come in many of the same colors as English Cockers, but are rarely seen in the roan colors. The classic "buff" color that is so popular among American cockers is not seen in the English Cocker, although there are "red" English Cockers that have a darker red color. English Cockers are a bit taller and heavier than the American breed and tend to have less coat. The head of the English Cocker is more setter-like than the American Cocker. Just because a dog has a longer muzzle or is bigger than the usual AC doesn't make it automatically an EC. Often, it takes someone expert in the breed to tell the difference.Below are pictures of some American Cocker Spaniels. Two are buff colored and one is a show groomed liver American Cocker.
English Springer Spaniels.
English Springer Spaniels may have a similar coat pattern in open-marked (black/white, liver/white) English Cocker Spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel stands taller and heavier (average 25-35 lbs.) English Springer Spaniels have a longer muzzle, the eyes are not as prominent and the coat is less profuse than most Cocker Spaniels. English Cockers are smaller and have longer, and lower-set ears than English Springers. Field-bred English Springer Spaniels often have a lighter build, with a more moderate amount of coat and featherings than show-bred Springers. Their markings are frequently predominantly white, or white with varied patches of color.

English Cocker Spaniels

English Cocker Spaniels may be many coat colors. They may be parti-colored, with patches of black, liver, red, orange, or gold against a white or roan background. ("Roan" is when the white background is lightly to heavily speckled or mixed with hairs of a color listed above. Roan colors are common in English Cockers, while relatively rare in other spaniels.) English Cockers may be solid colors of black, red, liver, and golden; or any of the above colors accompanied by tan points on the eyebrows, muzzle, throat, rump, and feet. English Cocker Spaniels have a medium coat length. The average size is from 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder, and 25 to 35 lbs.

Grooming of cocker spaniel legs.

2006-04-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Next we will shave the hind leg area - you can use either the 1/4" or 1/2" comb, shave against the growth of hair, begin right above what would be his knee joint, and shave upward into the area you shaved the back coat off of. You only shave the outside flank of the rear legs, not the longer "feathers". See red area outlined on picture.

Now, the front legs - shave from the foot upward, onto the shoulders, and into the back coat area using the same comb or blade you used on the back legs. You can use the soft scrunchy or snood on his ears at this point to hold them up from the area being groomed. Keep the scrunchy nice and loose - don't hurt your dogs ears. Do not shave the back of the legs.

If your dog is getting antsy, take another break, let your clippers cool down, next we will start the head/ears.

Cocker spaniel bath

2006-04-26T10:22:00.001-07:00

OK, after all your tools are in place the first thing you must do before any grooming happens is bathe your dog in a good dog shampoo. Put a cotton ball in each ear to avoid water getting in there. Rinse him well, towel off excess moisture, and blow dry. Most people use some type of leave-in coat conditioner to avoid mats and tangles. Use your metal comb & pin brush during drying to separate the hair and speed up the process. Try not to groom your dog if he has not been bathed first - it will make your clippers and scissors dull.
Keep it lighthearted & fun - I usually give my dog treats at intervals during the bath - one treat when I first put them in the tub, then another one after I wet them down, then another after getting soaped up, then another one when they're rinsed off. Keep praise low key & calm.

Grooming, Cocker, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Combs, Brushes, Bath

We start to groom a cocker!

2006-04-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

So now your dog is clean, dry & all brushed out - where do you start? Anywhere, really! Let's begin with the back and work down. Place one of your combs on the end of your clipper - either the 1" or the 1/2", depending on how short you like your dogs coat on his back, or if you are using a 4-F blade instead, put it on now. With the comb, shave against the grain of the hair, starting at the tail and continuing to the neck & making sure the hair that is falling off does not tangle in with your dogs feathers (the long hair on his legs & sides).
If you are using the blade instead of the comb, you can shave with the direction of the hair to get a longer length if desired. I use the combs because the blade gets very hot during cutting, and with the comb on the hot blade never touches your dogs skin. Another plus to the combs is they are very lightweight, where the 4-F blade is heavier than the standard #10 blade. If you are having a problem controlling or gripping the clipper the extra weight of the 4-F blade can compound your difficulties.
Shave a small area, then put down your clippers & turn them off (let them cool). Brush out the area you have shaved, smooth it down with the horse hair brush, and see how you like it. If it is too short or too long then change your comb before proceeding. Clean the hair off your table as you go along to prevent it from tangling in with your dogs coat and causing a big mat. Give your dog a treat - good dog! Keep your voice calm and your tone down - nice calm praise.
Continue shaving the top coat. After you have finished this, let your dog run around a little - take a small potty break! Give him/her some treats - keep it fun.

Grooming, Spaniel, Dog Grooming

Toe Care.

2006-04-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Cockers have hairy feet, which can make foot care more difficult. If hair is kept trimmed from between the toes and between the pads, the feet will stay drier, they will track less, and have better traction on slippery floors. This will reduce the number of foot infections and make nail care much simpler.

If your dog has sensitive (ticklish) feet, here's a tip for making grooming easier. Apply a bit of gum numbing jell (Oragel, Ambasol, etc.) between the toes and pads. His feet will soon be numb, and he won't squirm around as much. The effect takes 3 to 5 minutes to "set" but it wears off in half an hour.

I find the standard nail clipper is the best design. They are simple to use and maintain. The clipper should be kept clean and sharp. Most clippers come with a spare blade, but this is always lost before it's needed. Spare blades are sold separately.

Toe nails on your dog are a hardened protein, which grows around a "quick". The quick is very sensitive and bleeds freely if clipped. The idea is to cut the nail as short as possible, without cutting the quick. If you should cut into the quick, don't panic. The blood flow can be quickly stopped by applying alum or corn starch. Lucky has ticklish feet, so I clipped his nails too short twice. 2 years later, he's beginning to trust me again.

It is best to clip toenails frequently. If your dog's nails are long, remove 1/4" each week until they are of proper length. As the nail is clipped, the quick will withdraw. After this, keep an eye on their growth. Usually a monthly clipping will keep them short and smooth. Some dogs have clear toenails, so it is easy to see the quick. On dogs like Lucky, with black nails, I remove just past the "tapered" portion of the nail.

If the clippers are sharp, they leave the ends of the nail squared, with sharp edges. Dull clippers will splinter or crush the nail and can hurt the quick. These sharp edges must be removed. Special nail files are available, but require some patience on your part.

My vet showed me an excellent way to trim nails on my parrot. Dremel sells a battery powered tool, with a rotary sanding attachment. When charged, I can trim nails 6 or 8 times before recharging. After 2 years, I'm still on the same sanding wheel. When it begins to slow, I turn the unit on to completely drain the battery before charging. $40, Dremel Mini-Mite, with spare attachments.

With this tool, I don't have to clip as deeply into the nail, and can avoid the quick. If you should happen to sand into the quick, the heat cauterizes the wound. Nails can be quickly shortened and rounded, and my pets prefer shorter nail clipping sessions. I would suggest wearing a filter to avoid breathing the dust, and placing a light towel over your dog's face when doing the front nails. Flying dust is the main drawback to this type of clipping.

Grooming, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Toe

English Cocker Spaniel Grooming Photo: Before and After

2006-04-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

Remember, one good thing about grooming your English Cocker is their hair grows pretty quickly - so anything you cut too short won't stay that way long!

Dog Grooming, Spaniel Grooming, Photo, English Cocker

Grooming Tips For English Cocker Spaniels

2006-04-18T03:44:00.000-07:00

The English Cocker Spaniel is an average shedder with a long coat. Regular and frequent grooming is essential to keeping the coat from matting or tangling.

Daily brushing is best, and this should include the hair on the feet. In addition, hair on the feet and around the pads can also be trimmed.

The ears need to be regularly cleaned of excessive wax, and baths or dry shampoos should be given only when needed.

Grooming, Dog Grooming, English Cocker Spaniel

Clippers.

2006-04-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

When your pet looks and smells good, he receives more attention.
BTW, keeping your pet tangle free will cut your grooming costs. Average cost of grooming a Cocker is quoted at $30-60.
Hair clippers vary widely in cost and quality. The Wahl clippers (left) start under $20, while professional clippers, like the Oster (right), are priced at $100 and up. A wide variety of optional clipper heads are also available.
Wahl markets a number of different clipper packages. They all come with combs, which are attached to space the clipper head further out, allowing various lengths of clip. Some kits come with scissors, hair combs, and even a video on clipping your pet. For general clipping, I prefer the Wahl model MC and would recommend it for any beginner. Notice the lever on the side of the Wahl clippers (white). This slides the upper and lower blades forwards and backwards. When slid together, the clip is shorter for clipping around the eyes, when slid apart, the cut is slightly longer, for trimming the head and inside ear flaps. The longer clip helps avoid "stubble" which can cause your pet to scratch.
When buying your clippers, look around. 5 years ago, Wahl marketed their HomeCut model in one color for people, the same clipper in a different color for use on pets. Side by side at K-mart, the HomeCut was $10 cheaper, and it occasionally went on sale. In the pet stores the clippers were sometimes priced even higher. I picked up my first set for $18. With moderate to heavy use on two pets, these last about 2 years. Eventually they will begin to "growl" intermittently, which scares my dogs. I gave my first clippers away when they began showing signs of wear, and I've nearly worn out my second set.
I picked up the Oster model a couple years ago, because I do a lot of heavy clipping. I also picked up the optional "gap tooth" clipper head, about $35. In this head every other tooth is much longer. This allows a heavy coat to be sheared, while leaving enough length to avoid razor burn. The tips of the teeth are sharp very sharp, so some care must be taken when shaving around the neck "rolls". I find they do a quick, professional job. They are much heavier and the cord tends to twist the clippers in your hand. Their round shape and heaviness makes them more awkward than the Wahl.
Your clipper must be maintained properly. This includes keeping it oiled and cleaned. Allow the clipper heads to cool frequently. One mistake I made was to clip my dog's body, working down to more sensitive areas, like the feet and belly. By this time the clippers were quite warm and uncomfortable. The solution here is to split up your grooming session into several sessions, or to own more than one pair of clippers. Even though I own two sets, I like to split my sessions to avoid stressing my pets.
Between clipping pets, use a good head cleaner. This will clean out excessive buildups, and sterilize the clipper heads. Pour a little cleaner into a shallow dish and immerse the clipper heads into the cleaner, while they are running. When done, remove, clean, dry and oil your heads.
One additional item is needed to make a clipping complete, the requisite doggy bone. Most grooming shops give these out liberally, but I'm more stingy with treats. Give too many treats and they lose their special appeal. Each treat should be given with enthusiasm, so the dog knows they are something special, only given out because he was very good. Treats of cheese used to give out pills. Doggy bones are given for clippings and bathes. A vitamin or half a bone might be given out for sitting well while ear medicine is applied. Your pet will be as happy when receiving a small bone as when receiving the larger size, and he won't gain excessive weight.

Grooming, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Clippers

Scissors for grooming.

2006-04-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Scissors
Everyone who grooms their pets needs at least one pair of scissors. As a novice, I used whatever scissors were lying around the house. After all, scissors are scissors, right? After visiting a local dog show, I visited the vendor section outside... and was introduced to more types of scissors than I thought possible. These are available in an almost endless array of size, shape, and cost. Starting around $15 for a good pair, they range to over $100 and finishes range from stainless steel to brass to gold. A wide variety are available, especially from German manufacturers.

When looking for a good pair of scissors, find a pair that are comfortable and can be picked up with one hand. Blunt tips are always a good idea, especially for those used around the face and ears. You never know when your pet will turn.

For general clipping, I have a pair of inexpensive scissors (top). Their longer blades are good for trimming the feathers and skirts, where long strait cuts are needed. $8

Trimming the ear flaps called for a different set of scissors. Blunt tips are necessary in this area, and I opted for a set with a slight curve in the blade (center left). These also work well in trimming hair between toes and around toenails. $18, Millers Forge.

Trimming inside the ear canal required a smaller set of scissors. I chose a pair with enlarged blunt tips (center right) and found these also work especially well on foot pads. $20, Fromm Ice Stainless.

No set of scissors is complete without a set of thinning scissors (bottom). The larger blade has a number of teeth, each with a U shaped leading edge. On many dogs, the feathering is too heavy to lay properly. These blades are used to thin and taper the feathering so it lays more "naturally". I've seen it done in the grooming shops, but I have trouble with this grooming technique. When I'm finished, instead of a smooth transition, it looks more like it was trimmed with a weed whacker.

Grooming, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Scissors

Combs and brushes.

2006-04-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

The first tool purchased by Cocker owners is a comb or brush.

The double ended comb (lower left) has wide teeth for thick coats, and fine teeth for the fine hair on ears. This comb, combined with a detangling rake, are all the basic tools needed for many pets. Various manufacturers, $5-8.
The detangling rake (right center) has a razor blade embedded in a protective covering. As it is pulled through matted fur, it cuts through the mats. I used a wet stone to sharpen the blade and reduce pulling of the fur. Some models have multiple blade, but I find they pull too hard and make grooming less comfortable. 4 Paws.
The card block (left top) has hundreds of spring wire teeth. After a thorough combing, the fur is blocked. This removes loose hair and gives the hair that silky, "poofy" look. Care should be used short hair to avoid scratching the skin underneath. Sergeants.
The grooming blade (top right) looks like a saw blade, leather handles. It can be used single handed, as shown, or unsprung to be held in both hands. The serrated edge is used down the dog's back, front to rear, to remove loose hair. Both dogs and cats seem to like their backs scratched with this blade, and you'll like it because there's that much less fur to fall off on the carpet. After a bath it's useful to "rake" excessive water from your pet's back. 4 Paws, $12.

Especially useful for grooming ears, varied-tooth comb can be held loosely in the hand, so it will "turn" rather than pull tangles. On a light combing, the widely spaced teeth "bite", with the other teeth coming into play as tangles are removed. I generally follow up with the double ended comb or with the card block. Wonder Fluff, $6.
Grooming, Spaniel, Dog Grooming, Combs, Brushes

Tool Box.

2006-04-11T04:39:00.000-07:00

Tool box Cost under $5, Stack-on Tool Tote .

As odd as it may seem, tool box is probably the most important tool. I recommend you to have a pair of open totes, one for commonly used tools, another for the various items used less often.
I keep all the tools shown on this page, with the exception of the large clippers, which are kept in their carrying case.

Tools for Grooming.

2006-04-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Good table that will mount a 48 inch grooming arm and give access to all of the dog. The square arms are superior to the round ones
Oster home animal clipper from Care a lot. Any other clipper requires a #10 or 1.5mm or Medium blade designation.
Black and Decker Wizard with Ѕ inch sanding drums, 100 grit from Home Depot
I personally like 80 grit, particularly for larger nails.
Sheddr’ comb, large loop
4 inch slicker brush
Mars fine stripping comb
7-8 inch combo comb Fine/Medium
Ice on Ice conditioner.
30/inch thinning shears

Grooming of American Cocker Spaniel

2006-04-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Competition grooming is an art. Beauty salons for dogs are not in a position to groom for competition. There is virtually only the breeders or the professional handlers who know enough about it to give you satisfaction. If your breeder sold you a dog who will eventually be a show dog, it would be best that he is groomed by him since a show dog will not be groomed the same way a house pet.

The bath
The drying
The clipping

1. The bath
After cutting the claws, put your dog it the bathtub. With a showerphone, wet your pet's coat. Splash its coat with a good dog shampoo which has previously been diluted in about 10 times more water. Shampoo well without scrubbing too much not to mess up the coat. Repeat and rinse well. Mix the rinse solution : 1 part rinse for 20 part water and spread over the dog's coat, let it penetrate for a few minutes. Rinse abundantly. Wring out your friend with a couple of towels.

2. The drying
Make yourself comfortable to dry your dog because it is a very long procedure. Start by drying the inside of the ears and then the outside, by brushing the coat the wrong way (against the growth of the hair). The skin of the ear is very long to dry.It is important that the dog is dry before getting to the next step.

3. The clipping
You will need a clipper with a #10 blade to do the ears, the top of the nose, under the eyes and the throat. A #8½ or #7 blade for the back, the top of the head, the neck, the cheeks and the lips.Set the dog standing on the table. Grab an ear and clip it against the grain starting at the bottom of the fold and going up. Do the same on the inside of the pavillion. Neatly clear the orifice of the ear. Be careful not to cut the fine skin inside the ear. Repeat on the other side.

Using the same #10 blade, clip from the nose to the forehead, making a V shape in between both eyes. With the #8½ blade, going against the grain, clip the top of the skull. With a view top of the head, stop clipping at the imaginary line in between the ears. Always leave the front hair on the forehead: it will be trimmed whith thinning shears to give it a squareness look.
Set the dog in a standing position with its nose toward you. Bring the ears to the nose to clear the neck and use blade #8½ from the base of the ears to the shoulder clearing the front.

A suitable grooming will give your dog the desired appearance for its race. Your dog will also feel more comfortable and you will be happy to admire him.
Afterwards, start by clipping the back with thinning shears or with a stripper. The tail must be cleared underneath with the clipper and blade # 10. The rest of the back is trimmed with the thinning shears. Brush the coat while thinning until the desired appearance. This is a precision trim and you will acquire success with time and practice. Practice makes perfect!
Afterwards, using your clipper and blade # 8½, clip the base of the skull toward the back to the tail. Do the same for the whole back but when you get to the sides go down slowly without making any demarcations. To avoid this, lift your blade slowly when you go down the sides.The last step is to clip the paws, nice big rounded paws. Set the dog in a standing position. With straight shears, carefully clear the cushions under the paws.
Always brush the hair during the trimming to make sure you give it the desired fullness. It requires a lot of time and practice to achieve this. Since the coat grows very fast, you will have a lot of leisure time to practice.
One thing to remember: A fine grooming must have a natural look without any apparent strokes from the scissors