Over 180 Videos Now Available!
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Contact Us
Learn2GroomDogs.com
110 Chicago Drive
Jenison, Michigan 49428
616.667.7297
Customer Service Questions?
customerservice@learn2groomdogs.com
Billing Questions?
teresad@paragonpetschool.com
Technical Problems
and Suggestions?
joellea@paragonpetschool.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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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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Melissa Verplank's
First eBook!
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 "Why Dogs Shouldn't Wear Tutus" is the newest book from Melissa Verplank, with whimsical illustrations by Lisa VanSweden. This eBook is available for download to your computer. Use your favorite PDF reader to view and print this informative edition featuring 115 tips for professional pet groomers. This eBook features:
- Informative tips to use every day
- An easy-to-print format
- Colorful illustrations
- Business building information
- Easy to grasp nuggets of wisdom
This fun little book is filled with great tips inspired by over 30 years in the pet service field. Join 'Petunia' (the Bulldog) and 'Twinkle Toes' (the fairy) along with a few of their friends as they present the golden nuggets. Twinkle Toes is busy sprinkling the fairy dust of knowledge throughout the pages of this charming new eBook.
Regularly priced at $14.95, it's available now for $9.95!
LOOK FOR THIS FANTASTIC ITEM AND SO MUCH MORE ON MELISSAVERPLANK.COM!
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| SPECIAL BONUS VIDEO LESSON |  |
Tails from Holidays Past
A gift to our members
In this video session, all four of us sit down together to talk about lessons we've learned from holidays past. With over 113 years of experience between us, we have a lot to share. We share some of the highlights that stand out in our minds as professional pet groomers and stylists. Some of the experiences are just fun and silly while others are lessons to be learned. We cover tips and tricks that apply to busy salons as well as mobile grooming. Grab a cup of eggnog and join us for this holiday lesson - and our gift to you for being a member.
Thank you.
In this video you will learn:
- Some of the stand-out gifts we've received from clients
- How to maintain your energy level to get through your day
- How to best schedule your appointments
- What types of gifts we give our clients
- Some traditions that we honor year after year in our salons
Click Here to See the Video!
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Getting Organized & Ready
The Salon
- Is it clean - really clean? Floors, walls, kennels?
- Is the lighting up to snuff?
- Are your laundry machines working properly?
- Are the tubs draining properly?
- What are the conditions of your pet dryers?
- Are you blowing fuses on a regular basis in one outlet?
- Does you computer need to be de-bugged for a glitch-free running machine?
- Do you have a stock pile of all the office supplies you'll need?
- Are your blades and shears all sharp and ready to go?
- Are your clippers operating smoothly?
- What is your stock level of all your dispensable products? Shampoos, conditioners, colognes, flea foggers, cotton balls, ear cleaner, etc.
- Are there plenty of towels on the shelves?
The Holiday Image
- Are your holiday decorations fresh and up-to date for your salon? Keep it simple and easy... pick a simple theme and work with it.
- Do you have your client's gifts ready to go so they can easily be passed out while the client is having his/her pet groomed? Remember, expense isn't the key, packaging is. Pay attention to the details.
- Have fun with festive accessories. Head gear, costume jewelry. Anything that can bring a smile to someone else is a good thing.
- Are all your holiday bows special and pre-tied? Are bandanas ready to be attached to the pet?
$$ Saving Tip: Buy all of your holiday items the day after the holiday to save up to 50% off the retail price: ribbon, fabric for bandanas, decorations, Christmas cards...
- Do you have red and green nail polish that is actually usable? What about other colors?
- Do you have plenty of air freshener to lend a sparkle to the air without being overpowering?
- Music is everywhere - is your holiday collection handy or is there an 'all Christmas' station you can tune into?
- Have you brought with you extra clothing or makeup to freshen up after work before heading out?
- If you're worried that you'll be slow after the holiday season, do you have any grooming promotions for January and February that you can be handing out now?
Getting Through the Dogs
- What are the pros and cons of working extra hours?
- Should you take on new clients?
- Make sure all of your regular clients have their holiday appointments before taking on new clients or 'non- regulars.'
- Hiring extra help - is there something you can easily delegate with some basic training that would free you up to deal with clients? Cleaning? Answering the phone? Taking out the trash?
- Have you worked out a system to maximize the types of pets you take in per stylist?
- Work out a drop off and pick up schedule that allows you to stay focused on grooming pets.
- Stay calm, cool, and collected no matter what happens during the course of the day.
- Set realistic time goals that push you, but stay on target. Use an egg timer if necessary or place a clock where you can't miss it - no matter what.
- Use every speed trick in the book from prepping - to bathing - to drying - to trimming.
- When clients pick up their pets, are you offering a promotion to assist in rebooking 6 weeks down the road when it can traditionally be really slow?
Organization on a Personal Level
- Do you have a master list of all the things you need to do for the holidays? Is it broken down into smaller do-able chunks? What about a Master gift list that's simply updated year to year? Master Christmas card list? Weekly meal planner? Regular shopping tick sheet list? For great inspiration go to www.organizedchristmas.com
- Are you a store, catalog, or Internet shopper? Are you prepared to have ALL your holiday gift shopping done by December 15? What about the wrapping?
- As time gets closer, demands get greater and healthy meals go by the wayside... If you are in a city, do you have a full selection of menus at your fingertips? Who had great take-out that you quickly sweep in and grab on the way home or while at the shop? If you are a country dweller, is your freezer packed with great frozen meals that only require reheating whether homemade or store bought?
- Does a messy house stress you out? Before it gets really busy, clean and organize the house or hire someone to help you... (or if you have kids, enlist in their help). Also, think about having carpets cleaned, windows washed, or dropping your heaping laundry off at a Laundromat, letting them do it for you.
- Do you need a masseuse or chiropractor to help you stay loose and limber? If you do, book your appointment early.
After the Holiday?
Take the week off!
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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. - What are some the best stripping knives to use for a novice - Jennifer Hecker, CMG
- Tools you can use to facilitate speed with the grooming process - Lisa Leady, CMG
- How to set in the tuxedo shirt on a Black Russian Terrier - Suesan Watson, CMG
- How to create a fabulous round head on a Westie - Courtney Ramstack, CMG
- What are a major no-no's when working on an Old English show type coat - Jeri Hoppe
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. - Hand Stripping Techniques on a Wire Fox Terrier - Lisa Leady
- Grooming a Pet Wire Fox Terrier to Breed Profile Using Hand Stripping and Clipping Techniques - Lisa Leady
- Grooming a Black and White Doodle/Poodle - Suesan Watson
- How to Prepare an Old English Sheepdog for the Show Ring - Jeri Hoppe
- Grooming a Maltese Puppy - Courtney Ramstack
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
Creating a New Trim Style on a Full Coated Shih Tzu That Is Stylish and Easy to Maintain
Lisa Leady, CMG
 You've seen Pandy in our video lessons and in Melissa Verplank's book, The Theory of Five. She's that black-and-white Shih Tzu with an overabundance of long, flowing coat. In this video lesson master pet stylist, Lisa Leady, creates a totally new look for Pandy. As she has aged, caring for Pandy's long coat has gotten a bit challenging for the owners -- and uncomfortable for the dog. Lisa shows you how to create a unique trim that gives the illusion of a long flowing coat. But it's just that, an illusion. She shows you how to create this trim with a combination of guard combs, shears and blending shears. This is fun trim for a senior pet. The main goal is to make her look good while minimizing the amount of time she's on the grooming table or being brushed at home.
In this video you will learn: - Where to set the pattern to give the illusion of a full coat
- Tools you can use to facilitate speed with the grooming process
- Ways to deal with ticklish feet
- How to bevel feet
- How to tie up a topknot and product to help strengthen the coat
Approximate running time: 58 minutes
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Grooming a Black Russian Terrier
Suesan Watson, CMG
 The Black Russian Terrier is a relatively new breed to the American Kennel Club. The breed originated following WWII. It was created to provide working dogs for the armed services in the Soviet Union. This is a large, robust dog. It is extremely muscular and strong. In this session, seasoned stylist, Suesan Watson demonstrates the basic grooming pattern used to accentuate the physique of these dogs. The breed sports a standard Terrier type pattern -- yet has a number of unique attributes that we don't typically see with other dogs. This dog was shaved down a few months prior to this grooming. Still, there is enough coat to show you how to set in the "tuxedo," create the "top hat," carve out the rear angulation and set the lines on the large blocky head.
For more information about the Black Russian Terrier,
In this video you will learn:
- Which blade you should choose for the basic bodywork
- Which blade is used to carve in the rear angulation
- How to set in the tuxedo shirt on a BRT
- Where to place the top hat on the head
- How to set the lines on the head to create a brick shape
Approximate running time: 44 minutes
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What Do You Do With a
Sparse Coated Wire Doodle?
Jennifer Hecker, CMG
 Do you have Doodles in your client file that just don't have the traditional soft, wavy coat? In this session, Jennifer Hecker shows you how to work with the dog that has a very sparse, wiry coat. He has an abundance of long, harsh coat over his spine making him look a bit like a hunchback. Yet, he is sparsely coated on his legs. Jennifer shows you how to make this dog look fabulous with some very basic hand stripping techniques. She gives him loads of personality by playing up his tiny eyebrows, accentuating his beard and giving him tassel ears. By the time he is done, he is a much more balanced dog. The finished look is much more pleasing to the eye. This is a super easy trim to do, even if you are a novice at hand stripping! In this video you will learn:
- Why dirty coats can make hand stripping easier
- Which are the best stripping knives to use for a novice
- How long this type of coat go can between professional groomings
- What to do if the parting tool catches in the coat
- What owners appreciate about removing a large portion of the undercoat
Approximate running time: 48 minutes
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Grooming a Pet West Highland
White Terrier
Courtney Ramstack, CMG
 The West Highland White Terrier in this video is absolutely beautiful. Even though she's older, she's the perfect demonstration dog. Award-winning pet stylist, Courtney Ramstack shows you how to groom this breed. She has an amazing ability to explain, engage, and demonstrate what she is doing as she grooms this dog in a breed profile pet trim. She uses a longer clipper cut to emulate the look of a hand stripped coat. Courtney has a number of tricks up her sleeve when it comes to rounding the head. It's entertaining to watch her get the proper look and expression from this gorgeous dog.
It is obvious Courtney is passionate about what she does with pets. If L2GD had a rating system for its video, this lesson would certainly have a 5 Paw rating! If you're struggling on how to set the Westie pattern, how to shape the head or create a carrot tail -- this video will bring clarity to what you're doing. ...And if you are in any position that involves teaching or mentoring -- this video is a must!
In this video you will learn:
- Why it's important to feel the dog with your eyes closed
- The best blade options to simulate a hand stripped look
- How to set the body pattern
- How to shape a 'carrot tail'
- How to create a fabulous round head on a Westie
Approximate running time: 58 minutes
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How to Effectively Line-Brush an Old English Sheepdog
Jeri Hoppe
 Jeri Hoppe has gained respect for beautifully presenting Old English Sheepdogs in both the conformation ring and the grooming area. In this lesson, she shares her secrets for maintaining the OES's coat. She walks you through the art of line-brushing this type of coat. Her methods minimize coat damage. She'll share the tools, products, and methods she has used for years to keep her dogs in peak condition. One of her favorite phrases is. "You have to brush your dog where the sun doesn't shine." In this lesson, she'll show you how that is done.
In this video you will learn:
- What are major no-no's when working on a show type coat
- What sound does the brush make when the dog is completely brushed out
- When you should start working with a young dog
- Why having the dog lay down is so effective
- How long it takes per week to keep an OES in full coat
Total approximate running time: 27 minutes
Click here to see the full video!
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5 New Sneak Peeks!
Grooming the Pet Wire Fox Terrier
Lisa Leady, CMG
 In this lesson, Lisa Leady shows you how to groom a pet Wire Fox Terrier. She uses a combination of hand stripping, clipping and scissoring techniques. Her focus is on the proper breed profile as she hand strips the bulk of the body coat. By doing this, Lisa retains the correct coat texture and brilliant color. In the areas that are more sensitive, she switches to clippers for the comfort of the pet. On the legs, she uses a combination of all three techniques to shape the columned legs and round the feet. This grooming lesson is perfect for beginners and more advanced stylists. Lisa does a fabulous job discussing hand- stripping technique in detail through the entire video. She also talks about breed profile and how to create the illusion of the proper 45° lay back in the shoulder - on a dog that doesn't have it! We have broken this video lesson into two sections due to the extent of the content.
Chapter 1:
Lisa discusses the method of hand stripping in detail for the viewer.
Chapter 2:
Lisa discusses how to set the pattern, style the coat and create the correct Wire Fox Terrier head. She also discusses areas that are better suited to be clipper or scissored on a pet dog vs. hand stripping.
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Grooming a Black & White Doodle/Poodle
Suesan Watson CMG
 How many of you have owners who say, 'Cut it down but leave it fluffy?" That's just what Sue was faced with on this Doodle type dog. Making the situation even more challenging, this was a very large dog with a soft curly coat. Once she got her hands on the coat, Sue realized the real problem - this dog was extremely mattted! In this lesson, Sue shows you how to deal with a matted coat yet still leave the dog "fluffy." The client wanted a Portuguese Water Dog type style. She couldn't totally comply with the owners wishes. However, she was extremely creative with her styling techniques. Sue uses a variety of metal snap on combs to trim this dog - and - work thorough some left over knots. She finishes this pet with scissors to smooth out the trim and camouflage some of his minor structural faults. As a bonus, Sue shows you how to work with a feisty dog that does not appreciate the de-matting process. She also gives you great tips on how to educate the owner to avoid this condition in the future.
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How to Prepare an Old English Sheepdog
for the Show Ring
Jeri Hoppe
 Jeri Hoppe has gained great respect in the professional world with OESD. She has exhibited this breed successfully for years in the AKC shows. Not only does she win with them in the breed ring - but also in the pet grooming arena. In this lesson, she shows you how it's done. The breed has an abundance of hair. This coat needs special care with brushing so it can present the proper profile when shown. Trimming and teasing in strategic areas help accentuate the standard or camouflage faults. Jeri shares a wealth of secrets she has learned over the years to turn out a stunning Old English Sheepdog in full coat.
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Grooming a Maltese Puppy
Courtney Ramstack, CMG
 In this session, Courtney grooms an adorable Maltese puppy. She shows you how to create a shorter style that plays up the positive features of this breed. Courtney uses a combination of guard combs and thinning shears to get the look. As she works with her guard combs, she clearly demonstrates how to get a smooth, track- free cut. She shows you how to quickly trim angles on the front and rear of the puppy, showing off its structure. Courtney finishes the trim with a charming head style, tying up the top knot, highlighting his gorgeous dark eyes and trimming the ears so they blend with the jaw-line.
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