July 2014
Summer Grooming Tips
Things You Should Tell Your Groomer

Are you a new pet owner?  Maybe you already have a dog and are about to take it to a groomer for the first time.  You might be a seasoned pro and have been taking your pets to the groomer for years.  We want you to know how much we appreciate you and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your pets.

Your pet is important to us. Our goal is for you and your dog to love the grooming experience. One of the easiest ways we can ensure this is to have an open conversation before the grooming begins.  Let's talk about things you should tell your groomer.

The most important thing you can tell your groomer is whether your dog has any health issues.  These could be: 
  • any recent illnesses or injuries.
  • joint sensitivity or limitations.
  • lumps or masses.  

Please let your groomer know about any behavioral concerns, particularly dog aggression.  How your pet reacts to other pets can set the tone for his groom - and for theirs.  Letting us know about aggression can help us prepare the proper environment and also make sure we house your pet in a place safe for him and other dogs.

 

Remember that your dog needs to be healthy enough for the grooming process.  If your dog has open wounds or stitches, it's best to wait until they're healed before bringing him to the groomer.  Likewise, if your pet has a condition that is serious enough for a vet visit, don't take him to the groomer first.  Beauty can wait until Rover is in top form again. 

 

We love your pets and care about their health and safety.  We may make recommendations based on the coat condition or physical limitations of the pet.  Trust the professionals and their suggestions that will help make the experience a better one for your dog.  



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Need Supplies?
Technique Talk - Avoiding the Dreaded Brush Burn  
 
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The Slicker Brush
 
Favored among professional groomers and pet owners alike, this is one of the most useful tools in your kit.  This all-purpose brush can be used for all dogs, except for fine-coated breeds such as the Boxer or Dalmatian. 

Used properly, it brushes, demats, and removes undercoat.  When used improperly, it's deceptively easy to injure a pet with this tool by scraping the skin - otherwise known as brush burn.

Use a light touch.  This is a time for skill and finesse - not power and muscle.  And don't dig in with the front bristles - it won't work any better or faster.  Practice your technique on your own bare forearm to test out the proper amount of pressure that is needed.  Did red lines appear on your arm?  It's time to lighten your touch.  Try a softer stroke using the heel of the wire bristles. Listen to the sound it makes.  Remember that any pain you feel would also be felt by the dog.

Refer to pages 48 and 49 of your copy of Notes From the Grooming Table for more detailed information and illustrations.  If you don't have a copy, or if yours needs replacement, give us a call. 
Tips for Grooming Professionals
Who's Ready for SuperZoo?!

 

July 22 - 24, 2014

Las Vegas, Nevada
www.superzoo.org

Pet retailers and professional groomers love SuperZoo - and no wonder! The pet industry's leading place for business is an idea-filled combination of fun and function that's all about giving pet pros what they need to be as successful as they can be.

 

From top suppliers to unique resources to fly-off-the shelf products, you'll find it at SuperZoo. 


Students and Groomers
The Need for Speed  

 

Time is the most common concern for professionals in this industry. New groomers worry that they'll never be able to do more than 4 dogs a day. Salon owners need employees who can hit the ground running.  They need people who can groom 6-8 dogs per day.  Or you've been at the table for a while but still struggle to get beyond 5 dogs per day.

 

Seasoned pros are knocking out 8... 10... 12... 14 or more pets every day.

 

So what are you doing wrong? What are the common areas that seem to be the sticky spots? What areas in your day are robbing you of precious minutes?

 

 

 

Ready for a New Career?
Become a Professional Pet Groomer  

 

The Paragon School of Pet Grooming


Fall classes are filling up fast.  Why wait?  Summer classes are available now. 

You could be a professional groomer before the summer is over. Get a jump start on finding your dream job while others are still working towards their diplomas!


Pet Owners - Tips for Protecting Your Pet
fireworks-red.jpg The July 4th celebrations are fun and filled with picnics, sunshine, and fireworks.  Fireworks.  And more fireworks.

Did I mention fireworks?

This year, the light show celebrations seemed to stretch on and on.  For several days we were favored with the rocket's red glare and of explosive booms echoing into the night. I enjoy the shows, even the amateur ones down the street.  Judging from the howls and barks around me, many dogs in my neighborhood aren't fans...

I'm one of the lucky ones.  My dog enjoys her routine of cuddling up at night and nothing short of an atomic blast is going to remove her from her favorite spot at the end of the couch. 

Some aren't so lucky.  Each year, dogs go missing during the firework celebrations.  Startled and panicked, they flee the safety of their yards.  Many may not be able to find their ways home.  My social media feeds were filled with images of lost dogs for days.  My heart breaks for these pets and for the owners who are still looking for them.

Please make sure your pet wears a collar and a tag with his name and your telephone number.  If your pet wanders from home, he stands a much better chance of being returned to you if someone can give you a call. 

Before the next big celebration, drop by for a new dog tag.  We can make them while you wait.  It'll be there when your pet needs it most. 


We have 5 different kits for a variety of breeds
and coat types to help you learn
to groom your pet at home. 
Call us for details at 616.667.7297


Flashback
A Blast from the Past...   
 





The first dog shows date back to the late 1800's.  Over 8,000 people came to watch on the first day.  On the second day, the crowd grew to 20,000!  It was such a hit back then and Westminster is still going strong today.

Quick and Easy Homemade Dog Treats
Peanut Butter Pupsicles 

 

Try this quick and easy recipe for a tasty cool down after playtime!

You will need:
 

 

32 ounces vanilla yogurt

1 cup peanut butter 

 

Melt the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl. Add yogurt and mix to combine.  Pour the mixture into cupcake wrappers, then place in the freezer.  This super easy recipe will have your dog howling for more!  Wanna kick it up a notch?  Try adding mashed bananas to the mixture.  Your pup will love it!

 


Cat Grooming
One of our most frequently asked questions  is whether we groom cats.  We do!  What's more, many cats even enjoy the process.  

"Yes, but HOW do you do it?  My cat seems to like brushing, but the bath is another story."

Cats do require some special training to make sure they're groomed properly.  It also helps to know a little about cat behavior to help make them as comfortable as possible. 

There will be times when a kitty needs a little extra help in the grooming department.  If you have an outdoor cat who has ever found a mess of burrs during his patrol of the yard, you know how much time and effort it can take to remove them all. Sometimes, a cat can't reach them and mats form, which pull painfully at his skin. 

Kitties are naturally curious.  It can often lead them to messy places.  Gentle bathing and brushing are the keys to a clean and healthy pet.

We'd be happy to help you - whether it's giving your cat the full spa treatment, teaching you more about brushing techniques, or just trimming her nails. 
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The Paragon School of Pet Grooming

110 Chicago Drive
Jenison, MI  49428
616.667.7297

Clearance Sale 

$17.00 

 

Save when you order this beautiful bow bundle featuring the best-selling book and DVD from Melissa Verplank.

 

A great looking bow is the perfect finishing touch for pets!  Get yours now while supplies last!

 

Regular Price $51.90 if purchased separately.

Order today! 


 

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