Over 150 Videos Now Available!

In This Issue
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How to Improve Streaming Performance on Your Laptop
Welcome our New Training Partner
NDGAA and IPG Discount
Free Mini Clip
Complete Video List Now Available
Wanted: Your Ideas and Suggestions
Recommended Reading
Meet Our Newest Training Partner Courtney Ramstack
Grooming the Welsh Terrier.
Grooming the Schnauzer Mi
Groomers Helper® Pet Safety and Positioning System
The Convenience of a Lion Trim for a Pet Portuguese
Using Notes From the Grooming Table: Part 1
Grooming the Doodle in a Highly Stylized Trim
Greatest Hits - Round Heads
Hand Scissoring the Pet Pomeranian
Using "Notes From the Grooming Table" - Part 2
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Recommended Reading



If you like
"Notes from the Grooming Table,"
you'll love
"Theory of 5" and "Notes Pocket Pal!"

 
Meet Our Newest
Training Partner

Courtney Ramstack, CMG

 

Courtney Ramstack began her career in 1998. She started as a bather and dog trainer. In just two years, she was managing a grooming salon. In 2000, Courtney attended a corporate training program conducted by The Paragon School of Pet Grooming. Upon successful completion of that course, she became an endorsed Salon Training Director for a major corporation.

                                                  

Over the next 10 years, she held numerous grooming academies. During that time, Courtney managed three different high volume locations and trained over 150 students. Some of her students went on to become competition level stylists. 

                          

Courtney entered the professional pet grooming arena in 2000. She had many wins and placements over the years. Her specialties were Poodles, Bichons, and mixed breed styling. The highlight of her competition career was winning Best in Show plus Best in Class with her poodle in 2002. 

 

In 2007, she became Certified Master Groomer with IPG. She's currently working on achieving dual master stylist status with the National Dog Groomers Association of America.

 

In 2010 she joined Bridgeview Grooming Salon in Fishers, Indiana. Under Courtney's guidance, it has been highly successful. She works beside her team on a daily basis. Many of her teammates are award winning stylists.

 

Courtney is a compassionate leader with a dynamic personality. She has a strong sense of quality with everything that she does. Her salons have a reputation of beautiful work combined with outstanding customer service. She takes great pride in making her shop a fun and exciting place to work. 

 

October 10, 2011

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 the Welsh Terrier with Colin Taylor: How to round the feet so the dog looks like it's standing on tip toes
  • Groomers Helper with Chuck Simons: Why the GroomerS Helper can build you confidence
  • The Convenience of a Lion Trim for a Pet Portuguese with Irina (Pina) Pinkusevich: What critical thing you need to do before you can set the jacket
  • Using Notes From the Grooming Table: Part 1 (England Lecture) with Melissa Verplank: How to use the bone structure of the head to set pattern lines
  • Grooming the Schnauzer Mix to Highlight the Phantom Markings with Marc LaFleur: How to set the junction point between the head and the neck

 

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 Doodle in a Highly Stylized Trim: Double Feature - Part #1
  • Grooming the Doodle in a Highly Stylized Trim: Double Feature - Part #2
  • Using Notes From the Grooming Table: Part 2 (England Lecture) with Melissa Verplank
  • Greatest Hits - Round Heads Only: Version #1: with various top stylists
  • Hand Scissoring the Pet Pomeranian to Retain Personality with Marc LaFleur

 

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 the Welsh Terrier

Colin Taylor, CMG     

   

As Colin states in this lesson, "Go to a dog show. With just two minutes of 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.   

 

In this video you will learn:   

  • How to round the feet so the dog looks like it's standing on tip toes
  • How to separate the elbow from the body
  • One of the fastest ways to learn how to groom any purebred dog
  • Tricks to get the coat even on the front legs
  • How to style the head to get the correct expression for the breed   

 

Approximate running time: 45 minutes     

 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.
      

In this video you will learn:    

  • When to know when your clipper work is finished
  • How to set the junction point between the head and the neck
  • How to use a typical kennel lead as a safety harness for the dog
  • Why blenders work so well on this coat type
  • Tricks to check the expression to get the perfect look

Approximate running time: 40 minutes 

Groomers HelperŪ 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 HelperŪ 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 HelperŪ does an amazing job of keeping both the groomer and the pet safe. In this session, the President of Groomers HelperŪ, Chuck Simons, demonstrates how the product works. He'll personally show you how you can groom smarter, not harder. The Groomers HelperŪ Pet Safety and Positioning System will make your everyday grooming less stressful, safer and more efficient.

     

In this video you will learn:

  • What percentage of your time is spent of handling vs. grooming
  • Why the Groomers Helper can build your confidence
  • Special features that enhance the function of the loop
  • How it keeps you out of 'bite range'
  • Why it minimizes struggling with the pet

Approximate running time: 10 minutes

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 to 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.     

 

In this video you will learn:    

  • Which blade options to use on the rear of the dog
  • What critical thing you need to do before you can set the jacket
  • Where to set the plume on the tail
  • How to style the head correctly
  • The last thing you should do to a PWD in a Lion Trim before it leaves your salon
Approximate running time: 40 minutes

Using Notes From the Grooming Table:
Part 1

Filmed Before a Live Audience at the Festival of Grooming in the UK

Melissa Verplank, 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
  • Styling options to use on a pet dog
  • Why is it so important to understand canine anatomy
  • How to use the bone structure of the head to set pattern lines
  • The common reference points on a dog
  • Tricks to a get a dog really - really - clean

 

 Total approximate running time: 65 minutes 

 

Click here to see the full video!  

 

  
5 New Sneak Peeks!  

 

 Grooming  the Doodle in a Highly Stylized Trim

Courtney Ramstack, CMG      

  

Doodles seem to be every where. They come is a wide variety of sizes, coat types, and colors. There is no breed standard so we get to make up the trim as we go along. In this session, Courtney Ramstack leads you through a highly stylized trim on a large Doodle. The trim is stylish, yet easy for the owner to maintain at home. The haircut is fun, bringing out the best features of the dog. Courtney takes you through the trim, step-by-step. As she trims Opal, She shares with you tips like; "feel the dog - get your hands in there", "use your clipper like a paint brush," and "use vantage points."    

 

Grooming the Doodle in a Highly Stylized Trim: Double Feature - Part #1

In this session, Courtney sets the outline of the dog. She uses a combination of clippers, guard combs, scissors and blending shears to mold and shape the coat. 




 

 

Grooming the Doodle in a Highly Stylized Trim: Double Feature - Part #2

In this session, Courtney shows you how to style the head and tail to balance with the overall dog. This dog has one of those challenging, floppy coats. Courtney shares great styling tips to bring out the personality of this dog and work with the soft coat.   

     

 

 

 

Greatest Hits

Round Heads Only

Version 1 

      

You asked for it, and here it is!  We searched the archives to bring the best round head styling techniques to you. Join the group of award winning groomers as they show you their favorite way to style the round head. Melissa Verplank, Misty Fowler, Marc LaFleur, and Suesan Watson snip, clip, and trim this classic head style on a number of different breeds. You will be amazed at how subtle changes in techniques and lengths can make a huge difference in the finished product. They all have a slightly different way to routinely create one of the most popular head styles on many purebreds and mixed breeds - the round head. 

    




Hand Scissoring the Pet Pomeranian

Into a Teddy Bear Styled Trim 

Marc LaFleur, CMG  

      

Marc LaFleur takes you through styling this Pomeranian into an adorable trim. In the end, 'Muck-Muck' is so cute, he looks like he should be a little stuffed bear! Marc shows you how to set this trim up using snap-on guard combs. Using a snap-on comb will set the overall length of the trim. He goes on to hand scissor the entire dog to give it a plush, stylized look. Marc is a left handed stylist who loves to scissor. He shares with you lots of scissoring tips - whether you are left or right handed - that will help you achieve a beautiful, smooth finish. Is a salon setting, this little dogs goes from scruffy to adorable in about an hour. Join Marc to see how you can get this look in your shop. 

 

       

 

 

Using "Notes From the Grooming Table"
Part 2

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, CMG, will personally share her best tips pulled from the book. In the second part of this three part series, she talks about how Notes is used as a resource for pet grooming. In this session, Melissa highlights the drying section of Notes. She shares with you plenty of helpful tips on what drying methods get the best results in the least amount of time. Next, Melissa discusses how to work with your clippers to get a super smooth finish in the shortest amount of time.