Trends, Tools and Techniques for Reducing Pet Hair
By Jennifer Higgins When I was a kid, my family had a German shepherd mix named Max whose fur could be found on almost every surface of our home. My mother would sweep the floor and claim to be able to make, “a whole other dog” with all the fur that had accumulated. As nice […]
Give Them a Lift: Tables and Lifts are Essential Groomers’ Tools
By Jennifer Higgins If groomers are artists, and the animals they groom are their canvases, then the tables and lifts on which they perform their trade must be their easels! Try sitting on the floor to groom a dog and you’ll understand… just about the time your back and knees start aching. Sure, you can […]
How to Strategically Merchandize Shampoo, Conditioner
By Jennifer Higgins In order to help pets with their personal hygiene, there are plenty of pet primping products available to help deodorize, brighten, whiten, smooth, sooth, reduce shedding and much more. At the top of the product list—maybe neck in neck with scissors, clippers and brushes—are shampoos and conditioners. From tea cup Chihuahuas to […]
Hit the Nail on the Head
By Jennifer Higgins Whether customers or clients are looking for grooming supplies to properly tend to pets in the home or they decide to leave their pet in the hands of a professional, the expectation is a clean and tidy pet from head to toe. Speaking of toes… Though keeping a pet’s nails at an […]
Listen to this: Ear Care an Important Part of Dog Grooming, Health Maintenance
Ear cleaning seems simple enough, but it’s a deceptively complicated task because of the length of a dog’s ear canal. Because of that, and combined with canines having lots of hair or floppy ears, dogs are rendered susceptible to ear infections without proper care. Most vets recommend a professional cleaning—either at the veterinarian or by […]
Value of In-Store Washing
When it comes to self-service dog washing bays, you’re probably picturing the usual: a couple metal tubs with washing supplies tucked into the back corner of the store. And that model works—it draws customers into and through the store, and merchandised well, it can also create numerous upsell opportunities. However, one retailer shows that it […]
Elite Salon Grooming Products Should be Easy to Use
Clippers and blowers are foundational tools of the grooming trade. They’re also often an investment piece for the salon. When it comes to selecting the right one, ease-of-use and quality are key purchase drivers. Clippers “I love Wahl clippers,” said Jorge Bendersky, the celebrity dog groomer who’s been trusted to style the dogs of Ralph Lauren and P. Diddy. “They’re a compan[...]
The Right Stuff
The foundation of any good grooming regimen, whether done at home or in a salon, starts with the right tools. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution in this category. The key is matching the comb, brush, shear or clipper to the dog’s coat and to the owner’s desired outcome, and the needs of the pro […]
Safety First
Whether your retail customers are avid or novice at-home groomers, or your salon runs a bustling business, safety is paramount when it comes to dog grooming. A suite of products is available to keep grooming safe for both the groomer and for the dog. Repetitive motions—like brushing a dog—can strain joints and muscles, causing long-lasting […]
Beyond the Brush
When it comes to grooming their pets at home, many owners struggle with a few key questions: Am I using the right tool? Am I using it properly? Can I accidentally hurt my pet? “Dog and cat owners want grooming tools that perform as promised and that you don’t have to be a professional to […]
Tables and Lifts
Safety is paramount when choosing tables and lifts for the grooming salon. While these pieces of equipment might seem like a static product—certainly less exciting than the ever-changing array of available shampoos and conditioners—these are arguably the most important aspect of the salon. Not only do these large-scale purchases keep the groomer safe and comfortable, they also ensure [...]
The Eyes Have It
Eye care is a cross-over category. Products within eye care, whether at the salon or on the retail shelves, must meet the needs of both the health care sector and the casual pet owner. Tear stains, along with an increase in allergies among the pet dog population, mean big sales in the eye care category. […]