Welcome to my world
or the intimate confessions of an ex-dog groom(er).

Since you have made it past the title, allow me to let you know, up front, that this is not an expose, but simply a collection of personal experiences during my years as a show dog, and pet groom. Some of the content will be truly informative, and some will be just plain fun. There have been many times in the past when it had been very difficult to tell which was which. Maybe you will have an easier time than I did.

There are a few things that I am going to take for granted, such as; that you know the difference between a slicker, a pin, and a bristle brush. The difference between flea, straight, rat-tail, and greyhound combs. If you are not familiar with these items, or do not understand the descriptions as I make reference to them later on, I would recommend that you subscribe to one or more of the pet supply catalogs in the catalog mall.

I began my association with dogs that were short-coated. These were breeds that really didn't need what is called "formal grooming". Sure, they had to be bathed when they got dirty (or their body odor was "ripe"), but their hair didn't have to be cut, clipped or scissored. So when I finally purchased my first coated breed (any dog with something other than a short or flat coat), I gave new definition to the word "clueless". Since my original breeds were show dogs, I was acquainted with some of the handlers, and show groomers in my area. After pleading my complete ignorance to them, they allowed me to visit their kennels, and grooming shops, so I could see how to groom my dogs. I sat, I watched, I asked questions, I was a pain in their rears, but I learned, and I learned. So my next logical step was to open a kennel and grooming shop of my own. It made sense to me, but then what did I know!? As it turned out, in the early stages of my new career, I didn't know much! So, back I went to the sitting, the watching, the asking questions, and, what I was becoming really good at, being a pain in the rear. But, I did learn, and after a while I actually became good. Later, I became very good, but that was later.

In my shop ( I did have a partner) I began to learn, and understand the difference in the texture of the coats of the coated breeds, and with this awareness, I came to realize that the care of these individual coats differed from breed to breed. So, from month to month, I will write articles, and stories, about the different breeds that require the formal grooming, and maybe some of the breeds that don't. The breeds that I write about will be done on a somewhat random basis. Probably as the mood strikes me, and these articles are, and will always be my opinions, based on my years of experience, knowledge, and studies.

In my last kennel and shop, I bred, and showed numerous champions in the coated breeds, and groomed an average of 3,600 dogs each year for clients. I worked with, and was recommended by veterinarians, handlers, trainers, and other breeders. Most of all, I had fun. So, as I do write these articles, it is with the understanding that they will be a guide to assist you in understanding your dogs needs, and not meant to be the final word. If the reasons, and/or explanations given, make sense, try it. If they don't make sense, then don't try it. None of the information will be difficult to follow, or for you to actually do yourself. I am not saying that is easy, but it's not difficult. All it will require is an open mind, and the willingness, and desire, to make your dog a little happier. If you feel good when you get a good haircut or styling, then imagine how your dog will feel. If you have ever seen a dog that was really groomed well, leave the grooming shop, strut their stuff. They don't just walk out of the shop, they strut. Their head is held a little higher, and their step seems to have a bounce to it. They feel good, because they somehow know they look good. I've also seen dogs after they had a poor grooming, they slink along, as though they don't want anyone to see them. I know this to be true, because I gave a few of my own dogs terrible cuts in my early years, and they wouldn't even look me in the eye. I'm lucky they were small and non-aggressive, otherwise I probably wouldn't be writing this now. Looking back, I really feel sorry for what I put these dogs through, even though it was worth it in the end. Not for my dog(s), but for the learning experience that I had through their unfortunate assistance. They should not be classified as guinea pigs, even though I guess they were in a way. I would really like to look upon them as my "teachers", because they, in all reality, taught me so much.

My first,"victim", in my education was my group placing Basenji. He was a truly wonderful dog in every sense of the word. I had purchased him from a dedicated breeder when he was eight weeks old, going on two years. Now, for those of you who have never experienced the actual uniqueness of having a Basenji, let me inform you that I was very fortunate to have gotten him at eight weeks of age, and not older. One of the many things this dog taught me , was the fact that he was as smart, if not smarter, than I was. At eight weeks old I was able to be a little smarter than he was, but by the time he was ten weeks old, I wasn't so sure as to who was really smarter. From the day that I brought him home, I started his formal training, and within one week, he knew ALL the basic commands, as well as some obedience commands, such as; fetch, bring, and drop. He taught me that if I were ever to get another Basenji, just make sure it was under nine weeks old, and start training him (her) that day. I can almost see the Basenji owners out there grinning in approval of what I have written.

After "Best" got his first group placing, while still a puppy, he started to grow a courser coat. My still being somewhat of a novice in the breed, as well as in grooming, did leave me with much knowledge to determine what to do. I wound up speaking to some breeders in other breeds as to what they recommended for his particular problem. The consensus was to clip his hair short, and to use "henna" to get the color back. So lacking in wisdom, I proceeded to cut his hair short, and bathe him with "henna". This love of a dog never uttered a sound, nor even made any show of his disdain for what I was doing to him. He just went along with what I was doing, right or wrong, he just kept looking at me all the while. Well, when I finally got him clipped, bathed, and dried, and took a look at my handy work, even I could not believe the results. Not realizing that "henna" came in a number of different colors, I had created a new color in the breed. He came out iridescent orange! I mean, his coat, what was left of it, actually glowed. He didn't, but his coat sure did. The poor dog was so humiliated that he would not allow anyone to see him in his condition. He would not go outside unless he had a sweater, or coat on, and it was early summer at the time. He would not look anyone in the eye, even me, until his coat grew out. He would walk with his head tucked between his front legs, and his eyes glued to the ground. I don't think he saw the sky for at least five weeks. I felt terrible for him, but there was nothing I could do except to learn from my huge mistake. I realize that we all make mistakes, and "Best" understood it too. I was very lucky that he was so forgiving, for even though he had every right to, he never attempted any justified retaliation for what I had done to him. Oh sure, had I had the where-with-all to get the right information at the time, this would have probably never happened. Yet we do learn from our mistakes, and sometimes from the mistakes of others. Which now brings us back to all the reasons for my writing these articles. That through my personal experience(s), and those of people that I know, to give some insight into the care of our dogs. From the technical to the trivial, the following articles are intended to be both informally educational, as well as fun. I hope you enjoy reading them, as much as I have enjoyed myself in living them.

The Saga Continues

NetPets® Main Page

contact information Main Library Just for Fun

The Dog Center