Nightmare Grooming Services - How Safe Is Your Pet? ƕ)

Many reputable groomers across the country welcome the possibility of being required to get a license to continue their grooming businesses. Of course for every one reputable groomer, there are probably hundreds that run their business in an undesired manner, resulting in abuse and mistreatment of the animals left in their hands.

Many people feel that federal licensing is near at hand. Legislation of certain controls has already filtered into the pet shop industry, cutting many pet shops' business in half. Controls on importing exotic birds, exotic animals, domestic animals, turtles, and even some tropical fish, have hurt many pet shops financially.

A lot of pet shops have taken up grooming to make up for the loss even though they are not qualified dog groomers. If legislation can control pet shops, legislation can - and will - control the grooming industry.

In many ways, it's too bad, but in the long run it will do the industry good. It will help rid our industry of the many quacks and incompetents - and will make the grooming shops a safer, cleaner place for our pets.

Licensing will give the consumer a lever in which to demand fair and humane treatment of animals left in the care of groomers. It will help to ensure proper and sanitary conditions for the helpless creatures left in the care of dog groomers, without the worry of the animals contacting mange, kennel cough, distemper, or worse - getting beaten and cut by the unprofessional practices of some individuals.

As a guideline for the pet owner - and until licensing does come - the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) suggests that the pet owner look for the "code of ethics" logo displayed by participating grooming establishments, or a Better Business Bureau logo.

With state licensing requirements, we can put an end to the fakes and sadists that have hung out their grooming standards. Sure, there is money in grooming, but there's money in the medical and veterinary field too. A person doesn't sit down and watch one episode of a home cooking show and then open up a restaurant.

Licensing will come, but not a day too soon. Until it does, we'll have to wonder what kind of groomer we've left our pet with. It makes me wonder just what our pets would say if they could tell us what's going on behind closed doors.

Grooming a Poodle can be a very difficult task to do, especially if you aren't exactly the type of person who likes to play hairdresser with your dog. But whether your Poodle is a show dog or a regular household pet, you still need to give her a nice haircut, especially for the dot's health and comfort. Below are three common questions and answers about grooming your Poodle:

1. Why does my groomer charge extra when my Poodle doesn't come in regularly for a grooming session?

Operating any business is a matter of making the income cover all the operating expenses, and allowing a margin for profit, and time does cost money. A Poodle that is even a week or two late will take a small but measurable amount of time longer to brush, dry, and finish. In some clips a shaved pattern must be re-set rather than simply followed.

A Poodle that does not come on a regular basis is more apt to be dirty and matted, and the blades that cut her hair will dull much more quickly and have to be sent away for sharpening. If money is a real problem, though, ask your groomer to suggest a simple clip that can go a little longer between grooming.

2. My Poodle comes home from the grooming shop a nervous wreck and it takes several days for her to calm down and return to her normal self. Does this mean she's mistreated at the grooming shop?

It is possible, but I also believe that most dog groomers, if not all, love dogs or they would not have chosen dog grooming as a profession. Talk to your groomer about it. It's possible that he or she is not even aware that your Poodle has a problem. There have been several cases of Poodles that are cool and calm but had nervous reactions after grooming.

3. I like my Poodle long and hairy. Is there any real reason why he should be clipped?

The Poodle was first clipped for function, second for beauty. If you are willing to brush him everyday, keep his nails cut and ears cleaned out, make sure the hair around his eyes is kept clean, and bathe him when he needs it, there really isn't anything wrong with having a shaggy Poodle. If it happens that you can't keep up with this program, you may have a very reluctant Poodle when you do decide to have him clipped.

Nightmare Grooming Services - How Safe Is Your Pet? Ƒ)

Powerful and influential groups are lobbying in many state capitals for licensing of dog groomers. If they are successful, it will no longer be possible for individuals to learn grooming from a book and then open up a business. They would first be required to pass a written test administered by the state.

There has been considerable dissatisfaction and uneasiness within the ranks of professional dog groomers for the past few years. This is due in part to the growing number of self-styled groomers - those who read a few books and declare themselves qualified.

There also appears to be a growing number of "grooming schools." Established professional groomers are unanimous in their assertion that many grooming schools are not adequately staffed, nor do they provide adequate curriculum to turn out fully qualified, competent, dog groomers.

In too many cases, it is alleged that these schools are not state-approved and in business solely to make money from unsuspecting students.

Representatives of grooming schools counter with the claim of "professional jealousy", and add that established groomers are finally feeling the pinch of competition, and that eventually such competition will force grooming prices down.

This is due to the cut-rate fees charged from grooming at schools. The work is done by students, and the prices are not in competition with the professional. In any case, where factions square off at each other, someone need only to shake a few trees and all sorts of interesting things begin to fall out for public scrutiny.

Garage Groomers

Another faction infiltrating the industry are the "garage groomers." These are people who cannot afford to pay rent on a grooming parlor. They set up business in their home as a hobby, charging but a fraction of what their professional counterparts would charge, and are not trained in the proper handling of an animal with emphasis on the welfare of the pet.

Without the need to pay employees, rent utilities - and in many cases, the Internal Revenue Service - the garage groomer can cut his prices considerably.

Regardless of what motivates the various factions to make the accusations they do, one fact has surfaced which warrants the attention of the public: There are many unscrupulous, unqualified; inept and incompetent dog groomers in this country. The real issue, it seems, is dog abuse through ignorance and lack of proper training.

According to legal resources, there is no recourse for the dog owner - or law enforcement agencies - in cases of animal abuse or injury caused by drunkenness or ignorance of a self-appointed groomer. If licensing procedures were enacted, there would be.

My goal has always been to be able to work with animals in some way. I have worked alot of jobs without much fulfillment and I know that the reason is because I really want to get into groooming animals. I live in southern illinois and I need a starting place because I don't know where to begin as far as education or training. If anyone has any information that may help me start my career it would be greatly appreciated!

Each year in the country thousands of young puppies are subjected to major surgery which is expensive, dangerous to some degree, uncomfortable, and often painful in its recuperative stages, not to mention totally unnecessary!

Ear cropping was humane in its origin. Centuries ago, when dogfighting sports such as bull baiting were popular, owners of fighting dogs decided that cropping the animals' ears was preferable to having them shredded in battle, which was even more painful.

Thank goodness this practical reason for the cropping of dogs' ears no longer exists! Why, then, do we persist in needless, expensive surgery?

We do it simply because our eyes are accustomed to the appearance of crop-eared Boxers, Schnauzers, Great Danes, and the others; because the standards of these breeds call for cropped ears and consequently breeders must go along with the practice.

Although the AKC says, "Ear cropping is optional for all of the breeds that are usually shown with cropped ears; there is no need for which it is compulsory," the fact is that a natural-eared dog in a show ring full of crop-eared animals would stand virtually no chance in the competition. Breeders wishing to sell pups with natural ears, therefore, would have an uphill battle in the face of public expectation.

The arguments against cropping are numerous and obvious. First, any unnecessary surgery, especially when it requires a general anesthetic, is abhorrent to most dog lovers. Ear cropping is simply not justifiable.

Second, the operation is performed usually at six to ten weeks of age, a time when permanent damage to the puppy's temperament can be sustained as a result of the trauma of the operation, and the discomfort and annoyance of post-operative bandaging, racking, and taping.

Third, it is a bloody operation over a large area of very sensitive skin. Besides the loss of blood, there is always some element of risk involved when a general anesthetic is used, especially with a very young pup. The physical effect on the puppy cannot be anything but detrimental.

Also, the ear-cropping age just about coincides with the selling age of the puppy. If the operation is performed by a veterinarian (and in some states this is the only way it can be done legally), the cost of the operation and aftercare add greatly to the expense of raising a litter of pups to selling age. The breeder must either take a sizable cut from his or her profit, or add the cropping costs to the selling price of the puppy. Furthermore, a puppy with a bandaged head does not make the best impression on prospective buyers.

Grooming your dog or puppy should be a weekly affair, and often daily depending on the breed and physical characteristics.

Bathing is at the top of the list of most important grooming habits that every dog owner must adhere to. It doesn't matter what breed of dog or what coat type - every dog needs a thorough washing on a regular basis.

Despite what the experts say, I personally believe that dogs really do like to be clean. Every time I give my Chihuahua a bath there is an obvious happiness and buzz that comes over him.

You can tell once you are done as they run, frolic, play, and in general have a blast after getting all clean. They can even be hams and like being told they look great. Besides, you will enjoy working with your dog more if your hand isn't stinky or dirty every time you get it back!

How Often Should You Give Your Dog A Bath?

In general, how often you bathe your dog will depend on its environment. Is he an inside dog or an outside dog? Does he get dirty eating? Does he have an odor?

A dog's skin and fur vary from breed to breed, just like humans, so if he smells then definitely give the pooch a bath. If he is an outside dog then the weather and parasites will have something to decide in the matter as well (bathing more often).

What Is The Easiest Way To Bathe A Dog?

It's always better (and easier) to use the bathtub to wash your dog because the water can be warm and he will be able to get a full soak. Not only that, but shampoo comes out a bit better using a combination of water temperatures.

Things you need in the tub:

1) Rubber anti-slip mat.
f) Spray attachment for faucet or shower head.
3) Gloves (not necessary).

When you shampoo your dog it can be helpful to mix some water and shampoo in a separate bottle just for that bathing. It goes into the coat easier that way and comes out better. After the scrub, have a heavy towel or rug on the floor and dry him with big towel. Let him go directly out to a grassy area to shake. No dirty sand pits please.

Note: Small dogs can sometime go in the sink for their bath but beware of the disposal and use caution with dogs that like to jump.

How Do You Get A Dog To Enjoy Being Washed?

If you get your pet as a puppy, the sooner you teach him that they will get a bath the better. The goal is to help the pup to grow into a dog that knows when to stay in the tub and how to help you by getting out when the bath is over.

Over time, the dog will learn to get in and out on his own if he isn't too small. Give the dog a treat after a bath to make it a more pleasant experience.

hey i like to understand more about dog training. im thinking of applying school online for dog training, but is it any good? i love animals and would like to have a career involving them. Is it a good idea going full time? or part-time? is it really like a hobby thing or you can make a living out of it? i was thinking of opening a business of dog training and grooming center. possibly adding pet supplies(but i dont know yet) so i just wanna know if this is a good career path. and if you make enough to live.
thanks in advance

I live in connecticut so i dont know how much of a demand this career can be.