Correction!
We experienced some technical issues that affected the video links in the newsletter that was sent on February 16, 2012. 
As a result, you may have been connected to a different video
than the one you wanted to see.  We've fixed the problem in this updated issue. 
We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused
and thank you for your patience.
The FREE biweekly newsletter for the professional and aspiring pet groomer.
In This Issue
What I Know for Sure
Slope Side Chats
Grooming a Doodle as an Irish Water Spaniel
Bucket Bathing and Degreasing a Small Dog
Trimming a Light Coated Yorkie in a Hand Scissored Layer Trim
Grooming the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a Show Trim
Grooming a Grey and White Bichon Mix in a Personality Trim
Fabulous Finishing Touches for Your Everyday Pet Client
Prep Work on a Poodle - Face, Feet, Tail, Ears, and Nails
 

Hundreds of Videos to Watch At Learn2GroomDogs.com (and cats)!


For the first time ever, you can expand your educational horizon - and never leave home to do it! 

Did you know Learn2GroomDogs.com (and cats) now has over 201 videos in the streaming video library? We have hundreds of grooming demonstrations where you have a front row seat as award-winning stylists demonstrate how it's done. And grooming demonstrations aren't our only topics. Oh no. If it has anything to do with the pet grooming industry, we are seeking it out and bringing it to you.

  

With so much information on the site, finding the exact lessons you're looking for can be a bit of a challenge. For the first time ever, you can expand your educational horizon - and never leave home to do it! You've told us - and we've listened. You now have multiple ways to find titles that interest you.      

  

3 Simple Way to Search the Learn2GroomDogs Site

 

  1. Use the Learn2GroomDogs website search engine
  2. Search for lessons hosted by your favorite Learn2GroomDogs Trainer Partner
  3. Review all the titles on Learn2GroomDogs using our NEW PDF Master List

 

Using the Learn2GroomDogs

Search Engine

 

Learn2GroomDogs has a powerful search engine. You can find the Search Engine on the Home Page of the site. Simply type in a few key words of what you would like to learn more about. Do you want to learn about a particular breed? Type in the name of the breed you're looking for - such as 'Poodle.' All of the videos on the website that feature a Poodle will show up in the drop-down box. Are you trying to master a particular skill, such as scissoring? Type in the word 'scissoring' and you will be amazed at the number of videos at your fingertips. When working with the search engine, we suggest you limit the number of words. This will allow you to see the widest variety of videos available while focusing on your intended subject matter.

 

Learn2GroomDogs.com  

Training Partners

 

Our Training Partners are some of the best in the business! All of the grooming demonstrations are presented by Certified Master Groomers from one of the voluntary national testing organizations. Many of the L2DG Training Partners have earned the right to be members of GroomTeam USA. We are constantly on the lookout for knowledgeable presenters in all aspects of our industry, whether it be pet massage, sales and marketing, product knowledge or a wide array of other topics.

 

To make it simple for you, all of our Training Partners are listed in just two groups - Grooming & Styling or Business & Management. Simply click on the name on the Home Page. The site will take you to their full bio. At the Biography area, you will see a listing of all the videos that particular Training Partner has on L2GD.com. Remember, many of our Training Partners are multi-talented. You'll find their names listed in both areas based on the content of their videos.

 

Learn2GroomDogs.com  

PDF Master List:  

Table of Contents

 

The Master List is a PDF list of all the videos currently available. We've included those video lessons that are in the process of being edited, as well. Technology is great, but sometimes having a hard copy in your hands just works better!

 

We have added key information right on the page. With just a quick glance, you can isolate the subject matter, title, Training Partner, release date, video length, and general category as it is listed on L2GD. With this easy-to-use reference guide, you can now navigate the site with ease.

 

The Table of Contents  

consists of...

 

Grooming

  • Core Grooming Skills & Techniques
  • Sporting Group
  • Hound Group
  • Working Group
  • Terrier Group
  • Toy Group
  • Non-Sporting Group
  • Herding Group
  • Mixed Breeds
  • Miscellaneous Grooming

 Business & Operations

  • Sales & Marketing
  • Equipment & Grooming Supplies
  • Groomer Health & Well-Being
  • Pet Health & Well-Being
  • Repairs & Maintenance
  • Cats
  • Facility Tours
  • Creative Pet Styling (Color & Bling)
  • Personal Interview
  • Miscellaneous

So how do you use this as a tool? Find a video that catches your fancy and type in a few key words of its title into the search engine. If the title is "Grooming the Pet Bichon in a Modified Show Trim," just type "Bichon" or "Pet Bichon" to narrow the selection. The search engine will find all the videos on the site matching your search criteria. Or, you can simply type in the training partner's name. All of their videos currently available on the site will come up.

 

The wealth of knowledge packed into the Learn2GroomDogs.com site is simply amazing - and it's growing! Every month we add 10 new videos. Never before has learning been so easy - and so economical! It's like having a grooming show right on your computer!   


Like us on Facebook  Visit my blog  View our videos on YouTube
Melissa Verplank's Blog



 






 Sneak Peek Previews
What I Know for Sure

Judy Hudson, NCMG


One of Judy's outstanding features is her overall attitude about life. She's one of those warm, straight shooters that you could listen to for hours due to her positive attitude. She's passed the 50 year mark on the birthday calendar. She's lived a lot of life. She's learned from it. She's had her share of challenges and her share of joy. During those years, she has gathered a lot of 'real world experience' grooming dogs, running a successful business, becoming a top pet stylist and raising a family. In this lesson, Judy shares a wealth of "good ol' common sense." This is a fabulous short lesson that you'll want to watch over and over again just to keep the injection of positive energy flowing. If you are just starting out in your career or you've hit that point where you question where you are headed in life - this is a video not to miss! 


Slope Side Chats: 
How to Fire a Client

Teri DiMarino, Kathy Rose,  

Melissa Verplank   

 

This action is one of the most difficult for professional groomers. How do you to fire a client? It can be the four legged or the two legged type. Both cause personal agony with the decision. In this casual video session, longtime friends, Teri DiMarnio, Kathy Rose, and Melissa Verplank share their wisdom on how to fire clients. They discussed the topic on the chairlift ride up the mountain. Half way down, they stopped to discuss it with you slope side. Learn the key triggers and red flags they all adhere to prior to making this challenging decision. If you struggle with this problem, this short lesson shouldn't be missed.

Grooming a Doodle as an Irish Water Spaniel

Suesan Watson, CMG 

 

One of the fun things to do with Doodles or many mixed breed dogs, is to turn them into another breed all together! That's just what we did with this third generation chocolate colored Doodle. In this lesson, Sue turns this charming young dog into an Irish Water Spaniel. Even though he is a Doodle, she walks you through the breed profile of the IWS as she sets the haircut. By the time she removes that abundant coat, it's amazing to see the transformation of the stylish dog. Sue uses primarily metal snap-on-combs and scissors to get the look. The head style on an IWS is unique. Sue walks you through it step-by-step. She shows you a few key spots to leave hair and why. Then she shows you a distinctive spot where the hair is removed and why. When Sue completes the trim, this dog is ready to set out for the competition grooming ring or for a walk through the neighborhood where he will be sure to turn heads.


Bucket Bathing and Degreasing a Small Dog,
Part 1

Irina (Pina) Pinkusevich, NCMG  

 

What do you do when you don't have access to running water or a bath tub? How do you save money AND time when bathing small pets? Bucket bathing! This technique was developed by professional handlers when bathing facilities were not available at a dog show site. By bringing this bathing technique into the salon, you can save loads of time. Mobile groomers - just think how much water you could save by using this shampooing method! Pina shows you how to do it and shows you a fabulous way to get greasy residue out of a coat. Her tip is super easy. You'll be amazed by how the coat looks - it's silky and shiny - perfectly set up to give the dog a gorgeous haircut.

Trimming a Light Coated Yorkie in a Hand Scissored Layer Trim,
Part 2

Irina (Pina) Pinkusevich, NCMG  

 
As Pina said earlier in Part I, many groomers find drop coated dogs the most difficult to groom. In this lesson, she shows you a trim style that is fast, easy, and forgiving on a light coated dog. For this demonstration, Pina uses a Yorkie, however, this trim works well on other drop coated breeds such as Malteses, Shih Tzus, and mixed breeds. The entire trim is done using only two shears: a tiny pair of blunt nosed scissors and a pair of high quality blenders. The crowning glory of this haircut is the head. Pina guides you through, step-by-step, so you can easily duplicate the look in your shop.

 

This video is filmed as if you are in a private lesson right next to Pina. We have taken the camera off the tri-pod, moving around Pina as she grooms the dog. By filming in this style, you get the best views, just as if you were right there getting a personal lesson from one of the top stylists in the country!

 

Click Here for the Sneak Peek 


 

Welcome to Learn2GroomDogs.com.   

 

Select from 201 training videos - all available with just a few simple mouse clicks!

 

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! All of our Training Partners are at the tops of their fields. L2GD.com  

(and cats) is a unique way to get the edge on your competition.  

 

Join us!

 

Learn2GroomDogs.com (and cats) is for you if:

  • You want to learn simple tricks to make every day pet grooming easier
  • You struggle to complete 6-8 grooms a day with ease  
  • You want to know how your work compares to other stylists
  • You are looking for an easy way to enhance your current grooming skills
  • Want to train with top professionals in the pet grooming industry
 

 

Here are a few of the items you'll learn in the videos that are going up for full view today.

  • How to apply 'bootie bling" and where to find fun options - Angela Kumpe
  • How to measure the tail to start your clipper work - Judy Hudson, NCMG
  • The difference between the American and the Irish coat on the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier - Lindsey Dicken, NCMG
  • How to clip the unique ear style on a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier - Lindsey Dicken, NCMG
  • How to bring elegance to any dog - Irina (Pina) Pinkusevich, NCMG

   

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.

  • What I Know for Sure - Judy Hudson, NCMG
  • Bucket Bathing & Degreasing a Small Dog: Part I - Irina Pinkusevich, NCMG
  • Trimming a Light Coated Yorkie in a Hand Scissored Layer Trim: Part 2 - Irina Pinkusevich, NCMG
  • Grooming a Doodle as an Irish Water Spaniel - Suesan Watson, CMG
  • Slope Side Chats: How to Fire a Client: Teri DiMarnio, Kathy Rose, Melissa Verplank

Membership pricing as low as $33.60

  

  Click Here for 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

 

 

Videos Going up for Full View Today
Grooming the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a Show Trim

(Double Feature)

Lindsey Dicken, NCMG 

 

You asked for her - we got her. Lindsey Dicken. She has won hundreds of awards for her grooming skills in this country and abroad. In this lesson, Lindsey shows you how to groom a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Lindsey has built a large part of her reputation on grooming this breed. The trim Lindsey puts on this dog is suitable for the pet contest arena or the conformation show ring.

As she works over the dog, you'll learn how to get the classic outline for the breed. This is definitely a dog that is supposed to look very natural and not "over groomed." You'll learn about the tools that you'll need to get the look and how to use them. Lindsey shares so many details about how to groom the SCWT that we have broken this lesson into a double feature. The first feature addresses the body, legs, and feet. In the second feature, Lindsey deals with the head in great detail. Her teaching style is easy to understand - whether you are a new stylist or a seasoned pro. If you have any questions about how to groom a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, this lesson is for you! 

     

In this video you will learn:              

  • The grooming tool of choice for the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
  • The difference between the American and the Irish coat on the SCWT
  • Different ways to trim the side coat in the spring of rib area
  • How to clip the unique ear style
  • How to correctly trim the eye area so the dog can see through the "fringe" 
Part 1 - Setting the Soft Coated Wheaten Trim
to Accentuate Proper Breed Profile
 

 

Approximate running times: 41 minutes

 

 Part 2 - Trimming the Classic Head of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier & Final Review of the SCWT


Approximate running times: 21 minutes 

 

Click Here to See the Videos 

 

Key Word Search: Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, SCWT, thinning shears, blenders, show grooming, contest grooming, Terrier 

Grooming a Grey and White Bichon Mix in a Personality Trim

Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich, NCMG   

 

This video lesson will make you just want to pick up your shears and start scissoring. Pina makes it look so easy! This little poodle mix has got personality plus! And we can't forget to mention that he has a coat that is simply amazing.

   

Pina shows you how to bring out the personality of this type of dog and do it in a manner that is low maintenance for the owner and superfast for the stylist. She's aiming for a plush look that gives the dog tons of style. She puts this little poodle mix into a Bichon style trim that makes him so cute -- he could be a stuffed toy. As she works over the trim, you'll learn about the products that she's used and the tools that she loves to get the best finish on the coat. 
  

In this video you will learn:              

  • A trick to set in the topline for an easy flow
  • How to bring elegance to any dog
  • Which shears will give you confidence and help increase speed
  • How to get a perfectly straight line on the inside of the front leg
  • How to trim over the eye area to build volume
Approximate running times: 54 minutes

 

Key Word Search:     Mixed breeds, Poodle mix, Bichon mix, hand scissoring, blenders, balance and style

 

Click Here to See the Video 

Fabulous Finishing Touches for Your Everyday Pet Clients

Angela Kumpe  

 

Angela is a master at creative pet styling. To her, creative styling can be anything from simple 'bling' to elaborate patterns and color on a dog or cat.

 

In this session, Angela shows you how to add simple, fun, and inexpensive creative ideas to your everyday pets. She shows you how to make super simple collars to match any occasion. What about adding rhinestone bling on short coated dogs? She also demonstrates how easy it is to add a splash of color to a coat with children's blow pens. ...And what about inserting a feather extension? Who knew it was so simple? This lesson is full of creative ways to add pizazz to your everyday salon clients.

 

Throughout the demonstration, she discusses how to apply these simple accoutrements with ease. Plus, she shares her secrets on how to 'sell it' to the customer. Once a client tries these zingy accents, many are hooked on it. What a fabulous way to add a little more revenue to your salon! It's an enjoyable - and fun - upsell to your clients.

   

Private, hands on classes are available at Angela's Grooming in Little Rock, AR.  Please contact us for availability. 501.888.3647 or [email protected].

 

In this video you will learn:              

  • How to create a simple, removable neck band that adds flair to any pet
  • How to apply 'bootie bling" and where to find fun options
  • Which glues work best to keep all types of bling in place without discomfort for you or the pet
  • The best way to apply temporary color to accent a coat
  • How easy it is to apply extensions in seconds

Approximate running times: 26 minutes

 

Key Word Search:   Creative pet grooming, creative pet styling, bling, color, rhinestones, feather extensions, marketing, pricing

 

Click Here to See the Video 

Prep Work on a Poodle - Face, Feet, Tail, Ears, and Nails

Judy Hudson, NCMG    

 

In this lesson, seasoned professional stylist Judy Hudson walks you through the basics with this young Standard Poodle. As Judy says, "The clipper work is the foundation of all good grooming!"

 

She shows you how to get that perfectly clean face, feet, and tail, quickly and safely. The camera angles with this session are right up close and personal. If you've ever been in a demonstration and couldn't quite see, you won't have that problem with this video lesson. It's just like you're standing right next to Judy watching every single move.

 

As a bonus, Judy also talks about cleaning and plucking the ears. Plus, she discusses products and tips that work for her to keep the ear healthy. Finally, she talks about trimming nails and grinding them for smoothness.

 

This video lesson is full of good sound basic information. If you are a new groomer just starting out, this is the video not to miss. If you are a groomer who is struggling to get perfectly clean clipper work (especially around those pesky toes), Judy's insight will be immensely helpful.    
 

Judy is available for Private Consulting & Coaching.  Please contact her for cost and availability. 615.506.9571 [email protected]

 

In this video you will learn:              

  • The key to great clipper work
  • Where to set the throat lines
  • The guideline for the poodle foot
  • How to measure the tail to start your clipper work
  • Why filing nails can be such a benefit -- especially for senior clients 

Approximate running times: 29 minutes

 

Key Word Search:   clean face, poodle face, poodle feet, clipping the poodle tail, close work in a poodle, filing nails, grinding nails, cleaning ears, plucking ears, core skills, basic skills, foundation skills

 

Click Here to See the Video 


Whoever said money can't buy happiness forgot little puppies. 

- Gene Hill 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
 
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