PetEdge

One More Reason to Like the Master Equipment Polypro Grooming Tub

What happens when you combine one of our most popular grooming tubs with one of our most popular colors?

You get one great-looking grooming tub (if we do say so ourselves).

The Master Equipment Polypro Grooming Tub is now available in purple, making a great addition to our collection of purple grooming tools, equipment and accessories.

Since its introduction in our spring catalog last year, the Polypro Tub has been a big hit with our customers and with the staff groomers on our product support team.

Here's why we think it's a great buy.

It's Strong and Sturdy: Our tubs are made of durable, double-walled polyethylene that's lightweight, strong and built to last. The wide base and sturdy legs provide extra tip-resistance.

It's Rustproof and Leakproof: There are no metal parts to rust, and the seamless, sealant-free tub basin won't spring a leak. The sliding door (below) fits into deep grooves to maintain a watertight seal while you bathe.

It's Easy to Get Pets In and Out Of: The free-standing ramp has wheels on one end and non-skid rubber feet on the other. You can roll the ramp out from under the tub to give pets a sturdy walkway, then slide it back out of sight when you're done. The lightweight door slides in and out in a flash.

It Makes Bathing Pets Easy: Each tub comes with a Y-shaped overhead grooming arm with three adjustable spots for securing grooming loops. The unique Y-shaped head allows you to cross-tie a pet's head with two grooming loops for better control when grooming and bathing.

Plus, the removable platform makes it easy to groom small pets at a more comfortable height.

"It's Super Cute": OK, this is a subjective opinion, but our PetEdge staff groomers are crazy about the design of this tub. From the bright colors to the pawprint details and the block-solid design, this tub is a real looker.

P.S. If by some chance you don't have a passion for purple, the tub is also availble in blue, pink or ivory. Visit the product page at PetEdge.com to see all our color options.

What Groomers Like You Have to Say:

Don't just take our word for it. Here is what our pet groomer customers have said about the Polypro Grooming Tub.

"I can sum it up in one word: AWESOME!! I have bathed dogs as big as 180lbs in this tub and still have room...very easy to clean and maintain. Would most definitely recommend this tub to others."

Jennifer Rice
Dog Gone Clean Grooming Salon,
Whitesville, KY

"Beautifully designed and well made, it doesn't leak or rust. Customers are always commenting on how nice it is."

Beth Powers
Hounds Good
Fayettville, WV

Learn More at PetEdge.com

To find out more about the Polypro Grooming Tub, please visit the tub's product page at PetEdge.com, or call 888-PetEdge to talk with one of our grooming experts.

Thanks and happy grooming :)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PetEdge, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of wholesale pet products and dog grooming supplies. Shop from over 17,000 products in our catalog and online at PetEdge.com.

The PetEdge Interview: The Happy Pet Parlor, Part 2

Editor's Note: This is the second part of our interview with Illinois groomer Jolie McGrath. In part one, Jolie told us how she always knew she wanted to be a pet groomer and talked about the six rescue dogs she has at home.

In part two, Jolie will talk about what she's learned from running her own grooming business, plus detail some of the improvements she's made to her shop to make animals more comfortable.

Jolie McGrath
Happy Pet Parlor
Elk Grove Village, IL

4. What is the best part of owning your own business? How has it evolved since you opened?

"The best part of owning my own business is being able to help out others. At my old job, I wasn't allowed to groom rescue dogs for free, to help out friends and family members who needed jobs or couldn't afford grooming, or give seniors a discount.

"I can also have fun trying out new things like hair dye, extensions and making up promotions and holiday packages.

"I also love feeling at home while working, I am so happy and comfortable here and the dogs can feel that.

"My biggest challenge has been properly educating clients on what is best for their dog, especially if it is not what they had in mind coming in.

"Some customers don't realize that their dogs are matted, or are too pushy about asking us to complete a service when their pet is aggressive, or insist that we shave or trim a double coated-breed and then get mad when the fur doesn't grow back.

"We now have a release form along with photographs that customers have to sign when they want a double-coated breed trimmed.

"We also have some issues with customers refusing to follow our policies, but luckily most people are really understanding."

5. Do you have any grooming tips to share?

• We had had problems with dogs getting their toes stuck in cage grates, so we use cabinet/drawer liners to cover the grates. It is really cheap for a roll and can be cut to fit

• Lavender oil really calms everyone down, so I burn it and make a spray out of the oil

• We use a hanging plastic shoe holder (above) to organize customer collars, leads and client sheets
• At check-in, we let the pet watch the pet parent leave, instead of taking the pet away first. This helps the pet to calm down
• We never ever yell at the dogs because it makes them think we are unstable

• Our cage-free cubbies (above) cost about $300 total to build and can house four big or small dogs. Our big dog clients love them, and people come from all over the area because we are the only shop that has them
• We ask pet parents not to return to the shop before we call them so the dog does not get too excited before it is done being groomed

• Our client sign-in sheet (above) helps to promote upgrades and eliminate misunderstandings
• We use Elizabethan collars instead of muzzles to protect against bites while grooming

• I bought fake fur (above) from a fabric store and shaved it different lengths so customers can see the lengths and we can agree beforehand on what version of "shaved" they had in mind

More from Jolie: "I have been so excited to do this interview and be involved with PetEdge. I bought my first grooming tools from you over 10 years ago. I have watched your company grow, add a new shipment location, and get so many awesome new products. Your Master Grooming tools scissors are my favorites."

"I am a deal hunter, and after all of these years I haven't found anything better than PetEdge. When I opened my own shop I ordered EVERYTHING from PetEdge."

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PetEdge, Inc. is a leading distributor of wholesale pet products and dog grooming supplies. Shop from over 17,000 products in our catalog and online at PetEdge.com.

The PetEdge Interview: The Happy Pet Parlor, Part 1

Editor's Note: Jolie's story caught our eye a few months back when she submitted photos for our groomer's showcase. Not only did she submit a nice writeup about her grooming shop and her rescue dogs, she also mentioned some innovations she made in her shop to keep pets more comfortable during the grooming process.

We were eager to find out more, so we contacted Jolie and she graciously agreed to answer some questions for us and share some photographs of her pets and business. We were thrilled to learn about the good work she's doing for her dogs and for animals in the community, and hope you enjoy reading about the Happy Pet Parlor as much as we did. Thanks :)

Jolie McGrath
Happy Pet Parlor
Elk Grove Village, IL

1. Where did your love for dogs start? Did you have dogs growing up?

"The more I think about it, the more I am convinced I was born with a very strong love and bond to animals. Thankfully, I have animal-loving parents with the patience for a kid who wanted to be a pet doctor for My Little Ponies and cut my sister's hair.

"Not only did we have dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, hamsters, fish, reptiles etc., I would bring home wounded and unwanted animals to fix and find homes for."

2. When did you know that you wanted to be a pet groomer?

"My first aspiration as a child was to become a veterinarian. I knew I wanted to help animals, but the thought of seeing them hurt and possibly die was way too much for me to handle.

"When I was about five years old, I found out about pet groomers. Nobody had told me they existed before! I knew that this was it—cutting dogs' hair was the perfect job.

"I was so sure that I didn't even want to hear any other career suggestions. I was going to be a dog groomer."

(Double click on this image for a closer look)

3. Can you tell us a little bit about your rescue dogs? What have you learned from working with rescues?

So now I have six rescue dogs of my own.

Faye (Mi-Ki)

"Faye is an 11-year-old Mi-Ki. She lost an eye in a car accident, so she is now an advocate for pet seat belts and car seats. Faye is also a therapy dog at the Manor Care Nursing and Rehabiliation Home in Oak Lawn, IL.

"Faye has been with me the longest and I consider her my daughter. She has been to every state in this country and has helped me nurse countless numbers of bottle-fed kittens for the Almost Home Foundation dog and cat rescue.

Paisley (Affinpincher Mix)

"Paisley is a four-year-old affenpincher mix. She was rescued from a horder's basement. She was with her four litter mates in a cage that they had not left their whole life!

"They were in over a foot of their own waste. I am sure you can imagine the health and socialization issues we have had to overcome.

"Paisley will only warm up to a select few people, and she is still scared of some things, but she is full of so much love."

Sharkington (Chihuahua)

"Sharkington (Sharkey) is a three-year-old chihuahua. His litter was brought into the pet store I was working at. Sharkey was less than a pound and only 6 weeks old when I first saw him. He was so small that I had to worry about him falling down the sewer when we went for walks.

"Now Sharkey is the little papa dog. He cleans all the other dogs' eyes and ears. He also has an obsession with sleeping under blankets, so our other dogs have learned to check blanket piles before they lay down on them."

Mickey (Boxer)

"Mickey is a 3-year-old boxer. His original family got him from a pet store when he was little. As he got bigger, they kept him in the cage more and more until they decided they didn't want him any more.

His first owner was a nurse where Faye volunteers, so word got around to me that this boxer dog was going to a shelter if she couldn't find a home soon. Faye and I decided to bring him home.

"My boyfriend named him Mickey after the professional boxer Mickey Ward. Mick is mostly lazy, but sometimes crazy and can jump really really high. He is also convinced that he is the size of the small dogs and will try to fit in places/things that they can and it's so funny."

Gretchen (Shih-Tzu)

"Gretchen is a two-year-old shih-tzu. We dye her feet and tail pink, so she is known for that in our neighborhood.

"There was a pet store in the area that would kill puppies when they turned 6 months old so they could return the body to the puppy mill and get a new one in its place. Gretchen was already on death row, so they had stopped taking care of her. Her fur was matted across her eyes.

"The pet trainer I work with found her in the back of the shop and bought her for full price. They won't give discounts, since the pup is worth more to them dead than alive at that point. We since have rallied against this awful place and it got shut down.

"Gretchen is now the boss around the house and a sneaky bird hunter in the back yard."

Shaymus (Standard Poodle)

"Shaymus is an eight-month-old standard poodle. His original owners got him from a breeder. They only had him one day before they were ready to drop him off at the nearest shelter!

"Luckily, they found my shop first. Shaymus has been the perfect addition to our family. Mickey is so happy to have another big dog to play with.

"Working with the rescue dogs can be challenging because some of them have never been groomed or they are in really bad shape.

"If they are too scared, I stop trying to make them look perfect and just make them comfortable.

I have learned not to hire groomers who don't want to groom the rescue dogs for free.

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Coming up in Part 2: Next, Jolie will tell us more about the grooming shop that she created, and give us some of her tips for keeping pets comfortable and her clients happy. You'll love what she did to keep big dogs comfortable in her shop!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PetEdge, Inc. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of wholesale pet products and dog grooming supplies. Choose from over 17,000 products in our catalog and online at PetEdge.com. Plus, get $5.99 flat rate shipping on qualified orders of $150 or more. For more information, visit www.petedge.com

PetEdge Grooming Question: What's The Right Grooming Table for Me?

Buying a grooming table is one of the first big investments that groomers make in their business. Just like any big purchase—such as buying a car—it's important to ask questions, compare models, and do your homework.

With so many different styles, options, and price points to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out what table is right for you.

At PetEdge, our product support team of grooming experts is available to provide detailed answers to common questions about grooming tables.

• What kind of table will work best in my shop?
• What are the big differences between an electric and hydraulic table?
• Which tables offer the most stability?
• Which offer the most value?

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers to the questions posed above.

The right grooming table for you depends on your operating budget, the type and size of the dogs you groom, the space you have available in your shop, and the features that are most important to you.

While we can't pick your next grooming table for you, we can describe how each of our tables works, advise you on the benefits and limitations of each one, and give you some options to consider.

 

Electric and Hydraulic Lift Tables:

Tables with a built-in electric or hydraulic lift are the best bet for groomers who are looking to make a serious investment in their business.

Both table styles feature built-in lifting mechanisms that do the lifting and lowering for you.

These tables make it a lot easier to work with heavy pets and older dogs with limited mobility, and they save a lot of unnecessary strain on your back and legs.

When buying an electric or hydraulic table, here are a few questions to consider

• How fast does the table lift and lower?
• Is the lifting mechanism smooth? Does it make noise?
• How stable is the work surface?
• How many attachment points are there between the tabletop and the base?
• How low and how high does the table go?
• Does the tabletop rotate? If so, how much space will you need to accommodate the full rotation?
• What does the base consist of?

Portable/Folding Grooming Tables

Portable grooming tables are simple but sturdy folding tables that are ideal for groomers with budget and space constraints. These tables also work well as a second table in a crowded grooming shop. Their compact, foldable designs make them an ideal choice for mobile groomers, too.

Here are some questions to ask when buying a portable grooming table:

• What size options are available for the tabletop?
• What material is the tabletop made of?
• What is on the surface of the table?
• How much does the table weigh?
• Can the table support a grooming arm?
• Does the table include a grooming arm?

 Are You Ready for Your Grooming Table Consultation?

If you're shopping for a new grooming table, give us a call before you buy. We'll talk you through the different options that are available and try to point you in the right direction.

Thanks and happy grooming :)

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About the Author: PetEdge is a leading manufacturer and distributor of wholesale pet products and discount dog grooming supplies. We have over 17,000 products in our catalog and online, plus you can get $5.99 flat rate shipping on qualified orders of $150 or more every day. Visit www.petedge.com for details.

PetEdge Grooming Question: Getting Ready for Your First Grooming Contest

Grooming contests can be a fun way to sharpen your skills, learn about the latest grooming trends, and compete against other groomers for prizes, awards and bragging rights.

Contests aren't for everyone, but they can be personally and professionally rewarding. (An award-winning groomer can charge more for his or her services, after all.)

Are you thinking about entering a grooming contest, or getting ready to compete in your first one?

Here are a few quick tips from our staff grooming experts to help you get the most out of the experience.

1. Study the rules of the competition. What will the contest be judged on? Adherence to breed standards? Creativity? Will the contest be timed? Do you need any special tools or supplies? Does the dog have to meet certain standards in order to gain entry? For example, many dogs are required to have six weeks of unchecked growth prior to being entered in a contest. In other contents, groomers are allowed to work on faces and feet before the competition begins. 
   
   
2. Choose the right dog. You want to enter the contest with a dog that won’t panic or get flustered in loud and chaotic environments. For that reason, many groomers like to use former show dogs in competitions. Make sure you check on the contest's vaccination standards. If you're traveling with the dog, make the necessary travel and housing arrangements beforehand. 
   
   
3. Don’t be afraid to overpack. When you first start competing, you may not know exactly what tools you'll need to compete. As a rule of thumb, we recommend bringing your best tools, but when you are first starting out it's a good idea to bring more than you need so you won't be without a crucial toool. As you become more comfortable competing, you can streamline your packing so that you're only taking the essentials along.
   
   
4. Check and recheck what you pack. We recommend checking over your supplies before you leave for the competition, and again when you arrive. Go through the entire grooming process in your head beforehand and make sure you have the tools and supplies you need for every step. If you are missing something, you may be able to pick it up from a vendor booth at the show. We have a booth at the annual Super Zoo trade show in Las Vegas every year, we’ve had more than a few visits from competition groomers who need last-minute supplies.
   
   
5. Keep it light and loose. Remember that grooming in a pressure-packed competition setting is different than grooming in the comfort and (relative) calm of your shop. You may not do your best work your first time out, but you will get more comfortable each time you compete. If you relax and have fun with the contest, you’ll enjoy yourself more and make the dog feel more comfortable, too.
   
   
6. Don’t take feedback personally: If your goal in competing is to sharpen your skills, then it’s important to listen to all feedback from the judges with an open mind. It’s easy to feel defensive when someone is examining and passing judgment on your work, but if you stay open to their feedback, you may learn something from what they see and say about the groom.
   
   
7. Let us know what you think! Have you recently entered a grooming competition? Are you preparing for your first one? Are you an old pro with some advice for up-and-coming groomers? We’d love to hear your stories. Post them as comments on the blog, add them to our Facebook wall, or email us to blog@petedge.com.

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About the Author: PetEdge, Inc. is your source for wholesale pet products and discount dog grooming supplies. Shop from over 17,000 products in our catalog and online at PetEdge.com, plus get $5.99 flat rate shipping on qualified orders of $150 or more. See our website for details.

Seven Quick & Easy Spring Cleaning Projects for Your Grooming Shop

Spring is in the air!

The trees are budding, temperatures are on the rise, and the phone lines in most grooming shops are buzzing with customers looking to get a fresh springtime cut for their pets.

While it might seem overwhelming to take on a big cleaning job during the spring rush, there are some quick and easy projects that you can do to get that spring clean feeling in your shop. 

Here are some suggestions from our on-staff groomers and grooming experts:

1. Take a day to go through your client list. Figure out who hasn't shown up for a while, and determine if it's time to give them a call or cross them off your list.


2. Close your shop for a day to give it a thorough cleaning. Pull everything off the shelves and move heavy equipment away from the walls so you can clean the hair, dust, dirt and dander that you can't get to everyday. 
   
   
3. Look at your shop from the outside to see what needs improving. What could you do to make it a more welcoming place for customers? Add a pee post or some waste pickup bags? Plant some new trees or flowers? Add some mulch or other landscaping accents? Add a new store sign?
   
   
4. Go through your open bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Figure out which shampoos you need to reorder, and which ones you don't use anymore. You can donate the unwanted shampoos to a local animal shelter.
   
   
5. Organize a grooming shop yard sale. This is a great way to clear out old equipment and supplies that you no longer need. You can also invite some of your customers to bring their own used pet supplies to sell or trade at the sale. Just check with local officials first to see if you need any special permits or permission.
   
   
6. Give your equipment a once-over. Check the carbon brushes on your clippers and dryers. Are they worn? Do you have backups ready to go? What about the hardware on your clippers? Are the blade drives still tight enough to cut effectively? Do the screws on your grooming tables need tightening? Do you have a backup dryer or clipper on hand in case your go-to equipment fails?
   
   
7. Streamline your work routine. Sometimes we fall into work patterns that are based on habit. rather than efficiency. This spring, study your normal work routine as if you're seeing it for the first time. Ask yourselves a series of "why" questions. Why did I choose this layout for the shop? Why are the tables over here? And the tubs over there? A few small changes to your shop layout could make a big difference in your productivity over the course of a year.

YOUR TURN:

Do you have a spring cleaning project planned for your grooming shop? We want to know about it! Post a comment on our blog, leave us a note on our Facebook wall, or email us at blog@petedge.com.

Thanks, good luck, and happy spring :)

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About the Author: PetEdge is a leading supplier of discount dog grooming supplies and wholesale pet products. We have over 17,000 products to choose from online at PetEdge.com, including grooming tubs, tables, shears, shampoos and lots more. Plus we offer $5.99 flat rate shipping on qualified orders of $150 or more every day!

PetEdge Grooming Blog: Our Four-Point Plan for Getting Fleas to Scram

Due to the mild winter weather and the unseasonably warm spring, the fleas never really went away this year—at least here at the PetEdge home offices in New England.

But no matter where you're located, if the weather is warming up, it's time to start thinking about flea protection again.

Whether you are a groomer, a pet care professional, kennel owner or a homeowner, fleas can be a big headache. Once they get a foothold (or in the case of fleas, six tiny feetholds) in your home or business it's tough to get rid of them.

Oftentimes you'll think you have fleas on the run only to see them reappear again a few days or weeks later.

Here's our plan for identifying flea infestations, getting rid of these problem pests, and making sure they don't come back.   

 
Checking for Fleas:

Even if you don't see fleas flitting about on the back of a dog or cat's coat, that doesn't mean they aren't a problem. Fleas only stay on the dog for as long as it takes to feed. Once they're done, they hop off and hide somewhere else until it's time to feed again.

To check for fleas on the coat, take a flea comb or a fine-toothed face & finishing comb and comb the fur along the hair shaft. Your best bet is to comb in high flea traffic areas such as the base of the ears, the belly, armpits, around the ears, the base of the tail or the groin.

If you don't see actual fleas when you run the comb through the coat, there may still be evidence of an infestation in the form of flea debris. How can you tell flea debris from regular dirt?

Wipe the comb with a damp paper towel once it's been through the coat. If the paper towel turns red, that's evidence of dried blood—the byproduct of fleas feeding on the pet.

Once you have identified an infestation, it's time to start treatment.

At PetEdge, we recommend a four-point plan for attacking a flea infestation. Our plan includes getting rid of the fleas on the pet, getting rid of fleas in the home, preventing the fleas from returning to the pet, and doubling back to make sure that any fleas that escaped the first time around get eliminated in round 2.

1. Treat the Infestation on the Pet

The first step in treating a flea problem is to attack the fleas at the source of the infestation.  When using a flea shampoo or a spray to eliminate fleas from a pet's coat, it's important to saturate the coat to ensure that the flea-eliminating agents reach all the way down to the skin.

Also, be sure to start from the back of the pet—where the fur is usually the thickest—and work your way to the front, where the coat is thinner. This makes it harder for the fleas to run and hide.

Be aware that some chemical pesticides are designed to cause an overstimulation of the flea's nervous system, which may temporarily make fleas more active, and in turn make the infestation seem like it's worse than before. If those fleas are jumping around like crazy, they are most likely reacting to the pesticide.

2. Treat the Home

Before allowing a newly flea-free pet back into the home, we recommend treating the home itself with a flea spray or fogger that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR). Spray any carpets, around the baseboards, into any gaps in flooring, and any area or throw rugs. Fleas can hop rides on pant legs, shoes and all kinds of things—so the more areas you treat, the better.

The spray or fogger will eliminate any fleas that are hiding in the corners, crevices and carpets of the home. Plus, the insect growth regulator in the spray will prevent any flea eggs from hatching. Common trade names for chemical IGRs include Methoprene, Nylar and Precor. Another clue that the product contains and IGR is that the label says "interrupts the flea life cycle."

 
3. Give the Pet A Preventative Treatment

To discourage fleas from reinfesting your pet, use a topical treatment, a flea repellent spray, or a flea collar to act as a flea preventative. Some of the flea preventatives that we recommend to customers include:

• K9 Advantix II
• Advantage II
• Frontline and Frontline Plus
• Bio-Spot Spot-On Flea Treatment
  

4. Retreat the Home in Exactly 14 Days

Retreating the premises after two weeks will ensure that any remaining fleas are eliminated from the home. This will take care of any fleas that were in the pupae stage during the first treatment.

When they're in the pupae stage, fleas have a hard exoskeleton that insecticides can't penetrate. Any flea pupas that are present during the initial treatment are thus likely to survive this step.

It takes pupae 12-14 days to hatch, and after hatching it is only 24 to 48 hours before the fleas reach full maturity and start laying eggs, so it's important to retreat the area at exactly 14 days to prevent a new infestation from starting.  

As a cost-saving measure, the second flea treatment does not have to be with a formula that contains an insect growth regular, as growth regulator compounds will last up to seven months once applied.

Botanical Alternatives:

If you'd prefer to attack fleas with a non-chemcial solution, there are some botanical products that have natural insecticide properties and are effective at eliminating fleas.

Look for products that contain all or some of the following products: cedar oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, eugenol (a secondary form of clove oil), rosemary oil and cinnamon oil. 

These botanical essences act to disrupt the transmission of octopamine, a neutransmitter that invertebrates like fleas and ticks need to survive. When the octopamine receptors no longer function correctly, the flea will die.

Natural alternatives that take advantage of botanical essences include our Top Performance Natural Flea and Tick Shampoos and Sprays, and Sentry Natural Defense Squeeze On and Spray Treatments.

Your Turn:

Do you have a story about fleas that you've been itching to share with us? Post them on our Facebook Wall, leave a comment on our blog, or email them to blog@petedge.com.

Thanks and happy grooming :)

The Thrilling Truth Behind the Dulling of Clipper Blades & Grooming Shears

OK, so listing all the reasons why blades and shears go dull may not be the most exciting subject in the world.

But it is an important one.

There are few things more frustrating for a professional pet groomer than to have shears or clipper blades go dull during a busy grooming day. Dull cutting instruments can lead to lost time, lost money, and subpar grooming results.

So how do you avoid this dreaded dulling?

Any sharpened metal surface will eventually grow dull with regular use, but there are ways to reduce the rate at which your blades and shears lose their edge.

Here are some suggestions from our staff groomers.

Coat Texture:

The types of dogs that you groom can be a big factor in the rate at which your blades dull. If you primarily groom soft-coated breeds like shih-tzus (above), yorkies or silky terriers, your blades will probably hold their edge longer.

If, on the other hand, you primarily groom dogs with coarse, wiry or thick coats such as dark-coated Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs or Newfoundlands (below), your blades will dull at a faster rate.

Coats that are dense or wiry put more stress on the cutting surface.

Although you might not think it, the hair shaft of a dog is actually stronger and denser than a similarly sized piece of copper wire.

Every time you cut hair, it puts a tiny ding into the cutting blade. The stronger the hair, the bigger the ding, and the more quickly the cutting surface will lose its edge.

Some groomers charge more for dogs with thick or wiry coats because they know it will make their blades dull faster.

To Bathe or Not To Bathe First? That is the Question

The cleanliness of the coat also plays a key role in determining how long your blade and shear edges will last.

If you clip or scissor the dog before the bath, you are cutting through any dirt, oil and grit that has accumulated in the coat since the dog's last bath. This process is akin to cutting a paper doll out of a piece of sandpaper. It can be very tough on blade edges.

It is easier and gentler on the blades to cut hair after the bath, when the coat is clean and hair shafts are plumped with moisture.

Some groomers like to cut or clip before they bathe because it helps to reduce washing and drying time (and as any groomer will tell you, "time is money.") There is nothing wrong with this practice, but it will increase the rate of dulling.

Temperature Extremes

In addition to the condition of the coat, clipper blades can go dull if they are exposed to extreme changes in temperature.

When a metal clipper blade heats up during use, the metal expands. When the blade cools down, the metal contracts. This cycle of expanding and contracting can result in subtle changes in the angle of the blade edge over time.

The hotter the blade gets and the faster you cool it down afterwards, the more likely it is that the edge will be altered by the process and no longer cut like it used to.

We recommend monitoring blade heat to prevent blades from heating up too fast, and using a heat-absorbing surface like slate or granite to gradually draw out the heat during cooldown.

When Clippers & Blades Grow Old Together

If you've been using the same clipper with the same blades for a while, you can run into problems when you try to switch out your old blades for new ones.

The blade drive on an older clipper often becomes weakened with age. Your old blades may have continued to cut well on this blade drive because the cutting tension on your blades also loosened over time. It was no problem for the blade drive to move the blades at a speed that would cut through hair.

When you attach new blades with a tighter blade tension to your old clipper, the blade drive isn’t able to move the blades at a fast enough rate of speed. So the blades won’t cut and will appear to be dull.

You can solve this problem by replacing the blade drive on your clipper or adjusting the tension of the blades, and they should cut fine.

Coming To Grips with Your Shears

When it comes to shears, the technique that you use to scissor can also affect the longevity of your blades. If you are putting too much of your fingers through the handles of your shears, you may be holding them too tight.

A tight grip can cause the two blades of the shears to grind against each other with each cutting stroke, which will dull them down fast.

Holding the shears lightly with the tips of your fingers so that the rings don't go past your first knuckle (see photo above) will help to ensure that you're cutting hair instead of grinding metal.

A trick that groomers often try when their shears are going dull is to crank down on the dial adjuster. This will increase the cutting tension and make it possible to cut with shears that otherwise seem dull, but it will do more damage to the blades in the long run.

When you go to get your shears sharpened, the sharpener will have to take off more of the metal to restore the edge, which in turn will cut down on the life of your shears.

Your Turn:

Do you have a thrilling true story about dull clipper blades or shears to share with us?

Post your stories on our facebook wall, leave a comment on our blog, or email them to blog@petedge.com. We want to hear from you!

PetEdge Product Spotlight: The Geib Zero Heat Clipper

When you combine an innovative new design with one of the most popular names in grooming, it comes as no surprise that this clipper is creating a buzz.

The Geib Zero Heat Clipper has been one of the most talked about new products in the PetEdge Spring and Summer Catalog.

Many groomers are intrigued by the idea of a clipper that is designed to produce zero heat, so our staff groomers thought this would be a good time to take a closer look.

What "Zero Heat" Refers To:

The Zero Heat clipper has a series of design innovations that prevent the clipper housing from heating up during use. The insulated handpiece provides an extra layer of protection between the hand and the motor, helping to muffle heat, vibration and noise. The clipper is also equipped with air vents that draw air inside the housing to cool down the motor.

Does This Mean the Blades Won't Heat Up?

No. Blade heat is caused by the friction that is generated when the blade cutter and the blade comb rub against each other when the clipper is in use. No amount of insulation in the handpiece can prevent the blades from heating up, especially if you consider that the two parts are making contact several thousand times each minute!

When using this clipper, it is important to test the blades every three to five minutes to gauge the temperature of the metal and ensure that you are clipping pets comfortably. Remember that pet skin is very sensitive, so blades that seem only warm to the touch could cause clipper burn.

The easiest way to ensure cool, comfortable clipping is to keep plenty of backup blades on hand and switch them out as soon as they heat up. To quickly cool down your blades, our groomers recommend placing them on a heat-absorbing surface such as a block of marble, slate, granite or stoneware that is at least a 1/2" thick.

Placing a hot blade on an aluminum pan such as a cookie sheet or baking tray, or on a freezer pack covered with a towel can also help to cool them fast.

What is A Carbon Brush Motor?

The Geib Zero Heat Clipper features a carbon brush motor that is identical in design to a permanent magnetic rotary motor. As the name suggests, the motor does require routine carbon brush replacements to keep it operating at full speed.

But like a permanent magnetic rotary motor, the carbon brush motor is designed to run cooler, quieter and with less vibrations than a clipper with a universal rotary motor. This type of motor also requires less routine maintenance overall.

For more information:

Please visit the product page for the Geib Zero Heat Clipper at PetEdge.com for more details on this innovative new design. Plus, when you purchase your clipper from us, you'll get a FREE Geib BC-125 Trimmer (A $29.99 value).

PetEdge Groomer's Showcase Leap Year Special

Welcome to a special leap year edition of the PetEdge Groomer's Showcase! We're happy to celebrate this February 29th with an all new gallery of before and after grooming pictures.

Thanks to Nicole, Jolie, and Phyllis for submitting their work, and for doing such a great job making our animal friends look their best.

Nicole Parker
ShampoochIE
Lake City, South Carolina

Nicole writes: "Bella is a small yorkshire terrier, a real princess! She enjoys having her grooming done. I did a #7 blade on the back, on the nose, and scissored the face, skirt and legs.

Bella before:

Bella after:

"Tobi is a shih tzu/poodle mix who had some slight matting on his back. I cleaned him up with a #5 blade on the body, a 3/5" blade on the back and a #10 blade on the face. I cleaned all the edges with a little scissoring on the legs and brows."

Tobi before:    

Tobi after:

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Jolie McGrath
Happy Pet Parlor
Elk Grove Village, IL

Jolie writes: "I have wanted to be a dog groomer for as long as I can remember. When I was a little kid I used to draw pictures of houses with dogs in every window. Now I am lucky enough to have six wonderful rescue dogs of my own and my own grooming salon, where I can treat my clients the way they deserve."

Before:

After:

"We put pets' safety and comfort first here. I even learned how to build things so I could build the cage-free cubbies I designed to help dogs that don't like cages to have a pleasant stay here.

I am grateful to PetEdge for having everything I needed to start my salon from the ground up, from cages and tubs all the way to the little things like ear cleaner and toys. I didn't have to shop anywhere else."

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Phyllis Oliver
Dobralco Silky Terriers
Davenport, N.Y.

Phyllis writes: "I breed and raise Silky Terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I have been a customer of PetEdge for over 10 years. Here is my Toby, a Silky Terrier, before and after his grooming. I use a Wahl KM2 Professional two-speed clipper and Espree shampoo and conditioner."

Toby before:

Toby after:

"I love all your products and your prices are great. I suggest you to all my puppy buyers."

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Who's Next?

Are you ready to be featured in the PetEdge groomer's showcase? Don't wait for another leap year to come around—send your before and after grooming photos and a brief description of your work to blog@petedge.com today!

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P.S. Don't forget to visit PetEdge.com to check out our NEW spring and summer product collection, and our NEW lifetime guarantee on Master Grooming Tools shears.

Creative Ways to Market Your Grooming Business

It’s never easy to know how best to market your business, especially in a down economy where every dollar counts. Thinking outside the box and leveraging cheaper alternatives can make a big difference in your bottom line.

Marketing your business is now easier and cheaper than ever, so why not use some handy online tools to put your business is in the spotlight?

We recently had the opportunity to visit with Valerie Provost at Val’s Four Paw Spa in Worcester, MA. Valerie has been a local certified groomer for 10 years with over 14 years in the animal care industry.

Val worked as a groomer at a large pet retailer for seven years, and then began her own business, Val’s Four Paw Spa, within the Fuzzy Pants Pet Stop store in August 2010.

Valerie shared with us some of her insights and experiences in owning and marketing a grooming shop.

1. Harness the power of social media

Online Coupons

Val participates in an online coupon program, TheLocalDeal.com, where she offers reduced pricing and specials as a way to get new customers in the door.

Even though she loses money on discounted groomings up front, the advertising she gets from being involved helps boost her customer base and generates lots of referrals and return business.

Val says: “I have to admit that I absolutely hated this the first time I ran a deal. I was not yet as busy as I am now. I worked for two weeks straight making less than 10 bucks a dog. However, about 6 weeks later, I noticed that most of those customers who bought the deal were returning. I now run the deal three to four times a year.”

Build a Professional Website

Val has created a detailed website with information about her business, pictures of customers’ newly groomed pets, prices, and even an online reservation feature.

Having a well-constructed website ensures that her customers are getting the best in customer service.

They can easily find out information about her business, book appointments for their pets, and swoon over the photos she posts of her work… and the best part?

She designed the website herself and the whole thing costs her under $10 a month thanks to services like Website Tonight and Go Daddy.

Put Your Business on Facebook

Val also has a Facebook page linked to her website where she can build a community with other groomers and with her customers.

She can share photos, mention contests/events, and generate interest in her business.

This free service helps increase her visibility as a groomer and also connects her with other groomers and customers easily.

2. Get customers involved

Contests

Val runs a regular contest where customers have the opportunity to have their pet’s picture featured on the top left hand corner of her business cards. All customers have to do to enter the contest is email Val a picture of their newly groomed pet.

Val promotes the contest on her website and Facebook page. All contestants are highly encouraged to share the contest on their personal Facebook pages to get the most votes for their pets.

When the contest closes, the contestant with the highest number of votes wins. The prize is their pup’s picture on 1,000 of Val’s business cards, and the same picture is used as the business’ Facebook profile picture for 30 days.

The winning pet owner also gets one free spa day for their pet, a free photo session with VillKat Photography, and $25 in free products from the Fuzzy Pants Pet Stop. 

Val says: “My customers love having their pet’s picture on my business card more than anything else. It’s a personal touch.”

3. Broaden your reach

Rather than going at it on her own, Val opened shop within an independent pet store. This provides her with extra help when she needs it and also ensures added foot traffic and new customers.

She works closely with JL of Fuzzy Pants Pet Stop. She makes recommendations on pet food and supplies, while he reminds his customers of her grooming expertise and services. The relationship is symbiotic.

 

Fuzzy Pants Pet Stop

4. Listen to your customers and go with the flow

Val doesn’t sell much in her grooming shop (especially since she works inside a pet store), but when her customers started asking for EZ Groom shampoos and sprays, Val decided to start selling them the product. Val also sells Pet Effects sprays so her customers can keep their pets smelling their best between grooming visits. Her willingness to go with the flow helps ensure customer satisfaction, while increasing her bottom line.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been working in the industry for years, remaining unique in how you market your business will help grow your customer base and keep your current customers coming back for more.

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Thanks to affordable marketing solutions, it is now easier than ever to get your business out there. Let us know some of your clever marketing ideas and how they worked for your business.

PetEdge is your source for discount dog grooming products and wholesale pet products. Shop from over 17,000 pet products in our catalog and online at PetEdge.com