Over 150 Videos Now Available!
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Contact Us
Learn2GroomDogs.com
110 Chicago Drive
Jenison, Michigan 49428
616.667.7297
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customerservice@learn2groomdogs.com
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Did You Know...
 NDGAA and IPG MEMBERS
get a 15% discount for their L2GD memberships? If you belong to either of these organizations, check with one of your officials for details. |
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BONUS!
FREE MINI CLIP Learn About the IPG Certification Testing Organization | CLICK HERE!
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5 Keys To Good Customer Service
Melissa Verplank, CMG
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Answer the Phone Our goal is to answer the phone in three rings or less. What's your goal? There is nothing more frustrating for customers - and potential customers - than going into voice mail. Sure, sometimes it's necessary if you are a small shop. Going into voice mail is a better option than not answering the phone at all! However, if you rely on an answering service, return all calls promptly. If a call comes in after hours, return the call early the next business day. If the call came in during regular business hours, return the call within 30 minutes. Reliable Service Are your grooming jobs consistent each time the owner brings you their pet? Come on, be honest! Do you always get pets done when you tell the owner to return? Is your shop always clean and odor free? Are you cheerful every time you interact with your clients? These are samples of positive silent promises you make to your customer. Clients want to rely on you. Are you keeping your promise that makes your customer want to return? Listen to Your Customers To build positive relationships with customers, you must establish clear communications with them. Ask questions that uncover problems - and then solve their problems! When you ask questions, you show compassion and concern. Asking questions and then listening to your client's answers will build a strong rapport with them. Deal with Customer Complaints When a customer raises an issue, the complaint should be attended to immediately. Keep in mind that you cannot please all people at all times. However, dealing with customer issues head on will put you miles ahead of the competition. When handling a problem, listen closely. Apologize for the misunderstanding or actions from the salon. If you can, offer a solution to the problem that is fair to both parties. Maintain a sense of calm. Show concern. These traits will position your business to reap the benefits of good customer service. Take the Extra Step Toss in something extra. It could be: a coupon for discounts; consultations about how to brush their pet between grooming; bows or bandanas that brighten the groom; or even a genuine smile that exceeds their expectations. All of these items are easy to toss out to every client to make them feel special. All of them go above and beyond. What have you done today to bring a smile to your clients' face? |
FINALLY!
Complete Video List Available!
Learn2GroomDogs.com now offers
a COMPLETE video list
on our Home Page.
Scroll to the bottom of the Home page and click where you see |  |
You can choose any video from the
drop down list...  and it will take you directly
to that video!
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Wanted:Your Ideas and Suggestions
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Do you have an idea for a video?
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Recommended Reading
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 If you like
"Notes from the Grooming Table," you'll love
"Theory of 5" and "Notes Pocket Pal!"
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 Welcome to Learn2GroomDogs.com, the first streaming video library for the professional pet groomer and stylist! Select from over 100 training videos - all available with just a few simple mouse clicks! L2GD.com (and cats) is a unique way to get the edge on your competition. Stay curious. Challenge yourself. Let your drive and creativity increase your success. As the saying goes, 'the more you learn, the more you earn.' L2GD.com (and cats) can help. All of our Training Partners are at the top of their field. For the first time ever, you don't have to travel to shows or clinics to learn the secrets of the masters - we bring them right to you from the comfort of your computer! Learn2GroomDogs.com (and cats) is for you if: - You are a solo stylist and want to see how your work compares to top level stylists
- You work in a small shop and want to know how your work compares to top level stylists
- You struggle to complete 6-8 or even 12 grooms a day with ease
- You are looking for an easy way to visually enhance your current grooming skills
- You struggle with efficient tool use
- Handling difficult pets drives you crazy
Here are a few of the items you'll learn in the videos that are going up for full view today. - Grooming a Lhasa Mix in an Appealing, Easy to Care for Style (Marc LaFleur). As a bonus, learn how to round the head by hand.
- Correcting a Competition Standard Poodle Lamb Trim from the Ring (Irina Pinkusevich).
- Basic Health Inspection Prior to Grooming (Heidi Anderton). Learn what to look for in a healthy pet.
- Basic Shear Control for a Velvet Finish (Colin Taylor). Learn what to look for when buying scissors and shears.
- What Does It Take to Become a Premier Stylist? (UK version with Melissa Verplank and Colin Taylor). Learn how to make conformation dog shows a learning resource for any breed.
We have some amazing footage to share with you. See what is on our editing table in these fabulous Sneak Peeks for our latest release. - Grooming the Welsh Terrier (Colin Taylor)
- Groomers Helper (Chuck Simons)
- The Convenience of a Lion Trim for a Pet Portuguese (Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich)
- Using Notes From the Grooming Table: Part 1 (England Lecture with Melissa Verplank)
- Grooming the Schnauzer Mix to Highlight the Phantom Markings (Marc LaFleur)
Bonus Free Mini Clip: Learn about the IPG Certification testing organization Membership pricing as low as $33.60 Membership Information Please take a moment to check out our "Membership" tab and be sure to share this link with all of your friends and associates! Happy Trimming, Melissa Verplank |
Great Videos Going Up for Full View
Grooming a Lhasa Mix in an Appealing, Easy to Care for Style
Marc LaFleur, CMG
 This Lhasa mix has all the typical features we see in so many of the dogs that come into our salons. Sure, the easy way out is to just trim this dog to one length all over with the blade. But does that really bring out the pets' best features? Can you disguise flaws? In this session, Marc shows you how to use attach-on guard combs combined with hand scissoring to get a very appealing look. On the dog that comes into your salon every 4 to 6 weeks, this trim should normally not take more than an hour to do from start to finish.
In this video you will learn:
- How to set the junction point between the head and the neck.
- One of the most important ways to increase speed during the grooming process.
- Two ways to round feet.
- How to round the head completely by hand.
- How to clear the eye area on a pet that does not like clippers near it's face.
Approximate running time: 55 minutes
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Correcting a Competition Standard Poodle
Lamb Trim from the Ring
Irina Pinkusevich, CMG
 The competition ring was full at the All-American Grooming Show in Chicago. The Poodle Class was in full swing. At the center of the ring, there was a white standard poodle. It simply took Pina's breath away. When they called scissors down, this dog was just out of the placements. Pina told the competitor that she would love to help her bring out the best features of this dog so that next time she would be in ribbons. Little did Pina know, the competitor was an employee of the founder of Learn2GroomDogs.com, Melissa Verplank. Melissa had just spoken to Pina about becoming a Training Partner only a few hours earlier. They quickly talked to Jerry Schinberg, the host of the All-American Grooming Show, about finding an unused lecture hall to film this critique so all of you could benefit from the lesson Pina was about to give. This is an amazing lesson you don't want to miss if you're thinking about certifying or competing with poodles! Special thanks go out to Jerry Schinberg for making this session possible.
In this video you will learn:
- The common fault to watch for on most poodles.
- How to get beautiful, flashy angles in the rear.
- The proper overall proportions of a poodle.
- How to correctly set in the waist of the poodle.
- The secret tool you need in your tool box to get an even finish on the coat.
Approximate running time: 43 minutes
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Basic Health Inspection Prior to Grooming
Heidi Anderton, CMG
 It's important to ensure that every pet is healthy when pets are in close contact with one another. Heidi takes you through a basic inspection for any dog that steps into your salon. This inspection should only take a few moments to complete. Upon completion of the check, you will know if the pet is healthy enough to go through the grooming process. Plus, you'll have an idea of what problems you may want to address with the owner prior to starting. By taking a few moments when the pet is dropped off, you can examine the dog and effectively discuss the options the owner has for her pet.
In this video you will learn what signs to look for in a healthy pet:
- eyes
- nose
- gums and teeth
- ears
- skin
- general demeanor of the pet
Approximate running time: 10 minutes
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Basic Shear Control for a Velvet Finish
 Colin has become the undeniable master of the art of hand scissoring. He has honed his craft on some the most challenging coats. In this session, Colin shows you how to get that velvet finish on the dog's coat. We love his analogy, "Scissors are like shoes." Since this industry is dominated by women -- and you gals love your shoes -- you'll be able to relate when Colin discusses why it's necessary to have a wide variety of shears in your collection.
In this video you will learn:
- How to hold the shear for optimum control.
- How to maintain the proper balance of the scissor in your hand.
- How to run the shear for a smooth finish.
- What to look for when buying scissors and shears.
- The importance of seeing the entire shape before you start to cut any hair.
Approximate running time: 20 minutes
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What Does it Take to become a Premier Stylist?
UK Version Melissa Verplank, CMG
Colin Taylor, CMG
 The key to becoming a premier stylist is through commitment, motivation, and education. Top stylists are well-trained, keenly aware, and highly skilled. So where do you go to get the knowledge that can put you on the top? There is a wealth of information available to you. Knowledge is the key that unlocks the door. With a little bit of effort, you can unlock the secrets producing top quality work. Melissa and Colin guide you through a wealth of avenues for continued education within our industry.
In this video you will learn:
- The best books to purchase on the subject.
- How to make conformation dog shows a learning resource for any breed.
- Why it's so important to study basic anatomy.
- Which trade publications to read.
- How to test your skills.
Total approximate running time: 78 minutes
Click here to see Part 1
What Can YOU Do to Enhance Your Career?
- First Things First...
- Attend Dog Shows and Study Individual Breeds
- Study Anatomy
- Study Individual Breeds - Resources
- Learn the Techniques
- Study Videos and DVDs
- Study Training Manuals
- Be Familiar with Trade Publications
Click here to see Part 2
- Show vs. Pet Quality
- Attend Trade Shows, Seminars, and Clinics
- Certification
- Contest Arena
- How to Find Dogs for Testing or Certification
- Play the Time Game
- Find a Mentor
- Look Outside the Grooming Circle
- Gather Knowledge
- Learning is a Never Ending Journey
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5 New Sneak Peeks!
Grooming the Welsh Terrier
Colin Taylor, CMG
 As Colin states in this lesson, "Go to a dog show. With just two minutes watching someone who really knows how to groom a breed, you can learn TONS." Well, the same goes for this video! Colin is a seasoned pro and a master teacher. Even though this grooming demonstration is only 45 minutes long, it's filled with valuable information. Colin does a brilliant job discussing the breed standard for the Welsh Terrier. He shows you step-by-step how to apply those standards to the trimming process. His common sense communication style allows both beginners and seasoned stylists to glean a wealth of information from this lesson.
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The Groomers Helper® Pet Safety and Positioning System
Chuck Simon
 The #1 pet safety and positioning system on the market.
As groomers, we are always looking for ways to make our job easier. The Groomers Helper® does just that. It stops problems before they even start. This non-aggressive, restraint system stops the unnecessary struggling. Less struggling means we can focus on quality grooming. Cooperation from the pet is a huge stress reliever too! The Groomers Helper® does an amazing job of keeping both the groomer and the pet safe. In this session, the President of Groomers Helper®, Chuck Simons, demonstrates how the product works. He'll personally show you how you can groom smarter, not harder. The Groomers Helper® Pet Safety and Positioning System will make your everyday grooming less stressful, safer and more efficient.
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The Convenience of a Lion Trim
for a Pet Portuguese
Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich, CMG
 The lion trim is the most common trim around the globe for the Portuguese Water Dog - unlike in the United States where the Working Retriever trim takes top billing. Join this world class stylist as she discusses what the breed was created to do. She'll lead you through the breed standard, talking about the essences of the breed and how trim the dog to bring out key points. The key with this trim style is that it is not neat and tidy. The coat is not scissored to perfection. Pina shows you how to get the correct look on a PWD in as little as 30 minutes in your salon. This video was filmed before a live audience at the All American Grooming Show in Chicago.
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Using "Notes From the Grooming Table"
Part 1
Melissa Verplank, CMG
 Notes From the Grooming Table is the hottest grooming reference guide out on the market! In this session, the author, Melissa Verplank will personally share her best tips pulled from the book. In the first part of this three part series, she talks about how Notes is used as a resource for pet grooming. It includes helpful reference points when grooming dogs that are based upon anatomy. How you can easily apply these landmarks to any pet that steps into your salon, bring consistency to all your grooming jobs. Next Melissa highlights the bathing section of Notes. She shares with you plenty of real life stories about how to get dogs clean - really clean. She ends this section by touching lightly on what to expect in the next session - drying dogs to get the best results in the least amount of time.
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Grooming the Schnauzer Mix to
Highlight the Phantom Markings
Marc LaFleur, CMG
 In this session, Marc works on a Schnauzer mix. The dog has very bold phantom markings, making this pooch unique. The coat is a combination of softer fur on the body with coarser coat on the legs. He shows you how to create a simple trim using guard combs and thinning shears. This is a very basic haircut, but by using the principles of general anatomy and balance, you can add a bit of flair to the trim in a very short amount of time. This lesson is filled with practical tips on clipping, scissoring, blending, and handling.
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