Faux Paws

Professionalism and Promoting Yourself- Part 1 -Emily Rupe

Recently Faux Paws acquired an additional mobile grooming unit, thus requiring the hiring of an additional groomer.  What sounded so simple ended up being a nightmare.  With each new applicant, another red flag would be raised.  Some were tardy to interviews or job shadowing, others showed up sloppy, some lied about experience or skills...I was completely shocked by the lack of professionalism and maturity.  Groomers have a hard enough time being taken as serious SKILLED tradespeople and that sort of behavior just reinforced our image of unintelligent grunt laborers.   

Then, after composing myself after the latest applicant answered her door with a towel on her head and completely unprepared for her job shadowing appointment (she expected me to wait on her...I drove off)  the thought dawned on me.  Perhaps no one has taught these groomers proper business etiquette.  Thus this series of blogs was born to aid those groomers seeking employment or those just wanting to build on their resumes/portfolios.

Application

1.  If filling out a pre-formed application always write legibly and in ink.  Pencil is hard to read and fades over time.  Try to limit scratch outs and mistakes.

2.  Attach a resume and a portfolio/sample of your work along with any applications.(Building a professional resume and portfolio will be discussed in Part-2)

3.  Even if a shop/business isn't formally hiring, but you'd like to be considered for any future openings send a resume and portfolio.

4.  DO NOT falsify experience, current skill level or availability.

5.  Call to verify that your information was received if no response has been given in 48 hrs.  This shows that your inquiry into the position is serious.  Make sure to be polite and professional on the phone!

6.  If communicating via e-mail or written correspondence use proper grammar and spelling.  You're not texting a friend your trying to impress a possible employer.

Interview

1.  Dress accordingly.  If it is a interview in which you must groom, wear nice grooming attire.  There are many fashionable and relatively inexpensive outfits that provide a better impression than jeans and a smock.  If your interview is a only a verbal one, then dress formally (slacks/skirt, nice top).  NO FLIP FLOPS!

2.  BE ON TIME!  The interviewers time is valuable and often when you waste it you've offically taken yourself out of the job running.

3.  Always shake your interviewers hand, and slightly firmly.  Weak handshakes sometimes can be translated as an applicant who is easily intimidated and frazzled.  A slightly firm one imparts you're mature and capable to handling stressful situations with poise.

4.  Good posture is key.  This goes along with the handshake.  Body language is stronger than verbal communication.  Stand up straight, shoulders slightly back and chest open.  If you're a Yoga nut like me, think mountain pose.

5.  Have a copy of your resume and portfolio on hand.  That way if the interviewer has misplaced their copy or would like you to highlight some aspects of yourself you're able to reference it. 

6.  If doing a technical, bring your tools with you.  You may or may or may not need them, but being unprepared is unacceptable.  Also, try to bring your nicer scissors and clippers.  Show that you invest and take pride in yourself and your work.

6.  At the conclusion of the interview thank your interviewer for the opportunity.  It's good manners.

Part 2 will go over resume and portfolio building and will be posted in the near future.

There's An App for That!- Emily Rupe

The majority of human beings, not just groomers, carry their cell phones like an added appendage.  Like a true slave to technology; I have an Iphone addiction.  However, my addiction does aid me with my mobile grooming and recently I discovered some great FREE applications that I simply must share.  Consider it part of my healing process.

MerchantOne-  This is a smart phone credit card processing service.  It basically turns your smart phone into a portable terminal.  I use this one constantly!  Before downloading this app, I'd have to write down the credit card number and then at the end of my day either call in the charge or process through a conventional terminal.  If the card was declined, then I'd have the always fun adventure of tracking down the client to arrange another form of payment.  Now armed with this app, as soon as I complete the groom I process the card on the spot.  This allows for me to get another form of payment if required, as well shorten my evening business duties.

Sit or Squat-  A female and or mobile groomer must have.  This application will tell you where the closest public restrooms are to your current location via the GPS in your phone.  You are also able to find reviews on features and cleanliness.  If you login, you're able to add to the data base of restrooms and review as well.  This tool is a weak bladdered groomers hero!

YELP-  Another app that utilizes the GPS in smart phones, it allows you to look up all sorts of businesses in your immediate area.  Venues such as gas stations, restaurants and drug stores tend to be my favorites.  It will even tell you where to find diesel.  I'm in heaven.

Dragon Search-  A search engine that you simply speak what you'd like to look up and it automatically searches.  No typing required!!  It's great for when you're in quick need of information, but really shouldn't be typing on your phone...ie driving. 

 

 

Oh the "Cat-astrophy"

To My Human Associates:

I feel required to write you on behalf of my species. We as felines, distain riding in the car,being abandoned all day in a cage,having water poured upon our magnificent coats then poked and prodded by these devices known as brushes. 

As an added offense, you force exposure to those constant barking, lesser creatures referred to as dogs.  This is by no means the relaxing "spa-like" experience that is implied. We ask that you quickly remedy this situation or face unpleasant consequences.  These may include but are not limited to mauling of your self or the practitioner, sudden illness and general resentment.

Sincerely,

Your Cat

Anyone who has even owned a cat can truly appreciate the personality that can be found in a cat and if your cat could write, this letter would probably be theirs. 

Cats are unique and like everything about cats their grooming should be just as unique. Like any veteran groomer, the days when I had to groom a cat in the salon was a hectic day. I am very familiar with how cats react when surrounded by dogs 

and my hands are familiar with how a cat reacts when bathed. But, in 2006 when I decided to become a Mobile Pet Groomer little did I know how this would impact my feline clients.  I would never have guessed that 4 years later a whole new world 

had opened, a world in which I enjoy grooming cats and where cats actually don’t mind being groomed. So, what was the secret in this new miraculous grooming world? It was simple, in Mobile Grooming cats get what they believe they deserve- there are no car rides, no cages, no barking dogs and we spend time focusing on them. So many groomers try to devote one day a month to only grooming cats in their shop or they only groom cats at the end of the day. However, life happens and the good intentions don’t quite seem to come to fruition. Instead, it seems that a cat comes in on the exact same day as the Sheltie who never stops barking or the Golden Retriever who believes that it is their lot in life to chase every cat- you know the days... we have all had them. Mobile Grooming prevented these issues since there were no other pets in the van.  Although cats dry quickly and take me very little time to groom, I still allow for extra time to spend helping the cat to adjust to my grooming environment by sitting for a few moments simply petting 

and making the cat feel comfortable.  This vastly reduces the struggle a stressed cat presents, thus my usage of muzzles and other restraints has lessened.  My calendar stays full and many cat owners now choose to have their cats groomed every 4,6 or 8 weeks because they have seen a difference. 

Cat grooming can be made easy, and you can approach it with less fear when you know the cat’s requirements.

Why didn't I think of that?- Emily Rupe

With the heat, came an explosion of fleas and allergens.  Now I have my fair share of clients with skin issues either stemming from bacteria, yeast or genetics.  However, recently I've had more suffering from infections due to licking and chewing of areas that are irritated by allergies or flea bites.  The usual medicated or hypo allergenic products would be applied, but really no progress was being made.

Just when I was running out of ideas, I stared out the window at my horse.  IDIOT!!!  Horses often get what we call "rain rot" it's a fungus type of scabby deal that usually effects the rump and legs.  When treating it, you can pick it, bathe the animal in Dial or use Betadine.  Betadine is a iodine rinse that basically attacks the fungus and has antiseptic properties.

I rushed on-line to see if any shampoo were iodine based and found one.  Natures Choice Thera-dyne Medicated Shampoo. It's been awesome. 

I have a toy poodle I groom every other week that chronically licks his paws, creating a staph infection.  Mom said that since we've been using the iodine, the infection issue is gone.  Another client that has bad skin from both yeast and bacteria has been doing well on it too.

Yes the shampoo isn't the best smelling..iodine doesn't have an overly pleasant odor.  However, it really does work for those pets with bacteria or skin infections.  The parents seem to appreciate the healing over using a different product that may have a more enjoyable smell but does nothing for their pet's problem.

Naked Labs and Flea Fiestas- Emily Rupe

Tis the season for shave downs (especially those lovely annual clients), de-shed treatments and flea outbreaks.  Here are just a few helpful hints and ideas I apply during this time of year.

Purchase a few #7 Wide, #4Wide and #10 Wide blades.  They reduce shave down times dramatically.  The #7Wide I frequently use on labs in reverse and the finish is smooth as silk.

For de sheds try soaking the dog in conditioner in the tub for a at least 5-10 minutes.  Then, without rinsing, blow out the coat with your force dryer.  The conditioner weighs the hair down so instead of flying all over your shop or van it stays in the easy to rinse tub.

To easily blend the head on a shave down, try running a comb attachment in 2-3 sizes longer (for a #7 rev shave down I use a #1 or #2 comb) in reverse and then back in the opposite direction from the occiput over the top of the skull.  Then thinning shear the rest.

Utilize your bathing systems.  For double coated breed I often mix a quick dry product into the shampoo to cut down on drying time.  For those super smelly pets I mix in some odor inhibitor (I like Laube's No Big Stinkin Deal) and my clients have responded by saying their pets have stayed fresher longer.  Also, you'll find some elderly or arthritic pets have increased stiffness due to the temperature/ weather changes.  You can provide a smoothing liniment bath by either putting some peppermint oil in you system or by purchasing a liniment product often found in tack store for horses.  Most horse products are approved for dog use as well.  My personal favorite is called Refreshment.

Despite the frigid winter, flea infestations are already rearing their ugly head.  Of course if you know a pet has fleas immediately bathe them with a flea killing shampoo.  I prefer more herbal ones, since pyrmethrins tend to break me out.  Allow them to soak for at least 5-10 minutes and always start from head down, so fleas can not run to the head (that you're washing in a tearless or face shampoo).

After grooming a flea infested pet clean your clipper vac and force dryer filters.  This prevents a shop infestation.  I also spray down the filters and surfaces with cleansing alcohol (found at a local beauty supply).  The alcohol kills the fleas as well as sanitizes.

For carpets and upholstery, borax is a wonderful, inexpensive tool to kill fleas.  Found in the laundry aisle, use the borax just like a carpet powder.  Sprinkle, allow to sit for a few minutes, then vacuum up; the flea are dehydrated and die.

I have yet to find a great tick shampoo, so I usually am stuck pulling them off with either hemostats or a special tick removing tool.  The pulled ticks go into a cup full of either ear cleaner or cleansing alcohol to kill them.  I've been known to save some for an owner of a horribly infested pet to help encourage proper preventative such as tropicals, Preventix collars or other methods.

WIth pets that came in with a flea issue or particularly smelly I also use a alcohol-based cologne.  The fragrance lasts longer and the alcohol once again kills any stray fleas. 

Be diligent with water for every pet.  I've had a few clients bring their dogs in after lengthy exposure to the heat and are surprised to find their pet faints.

I hope some of these ideas and hints have been helpful.  Enjoy the weather and all the grooming challenges it brings with. 

Spring Has Sprung- Emily Rupe

 
Spring has sprung and with it a great oppopportunity to clean and organize your mobile grooming van.  A tidy work environment is not only great for the soul, but is healthier and can improve efficiency.  Oobviously, every night most mobliers clean and sanitize their van.  However, try to tackle some areas that do not get the daily attention. 

Remove your AC vents.  Either purchase material at your local hardware/home improvement store to replace or give them a good cleaning.  I personally like to rinse them in a mixture of cleansing alcohol and warm water (via my bathing beauty) then use my force dryer to blow off all the moisture.  Then prior to replacement I spray them with very diluted fabric softener.  This not only provides a lovely fragrance when I run my rear AC but helps the hair not stick to the material as much.  I also, spray the vents for the same reason.

Detail your cabin compartment.  Take the timeto vacuum the floors, Armor All the dashboard, and clean the glass.  Also, if you have lighter colored upholstery you can spray it with Scotchgard to repel and reduce staining.  If you're limited on time or supplies, try to find your local car wash and have it professionally detailed.

Scrutinize your current storage and organization.  Are the products and tool used most, easier to access than the seldom employed ones?  Great organizers can be found in most large retailers and home improvement stores.  I find great shampoo caddies in the bathroom department.  Most of the time all you have to do is merely remove some suction cups and screw into the van walls.  Toothbrush holders are great for shears or hemostats.  Just get creative!

Sanitize those water and grey water tanks.  Remove them from the van and scrub with some bleach.  Rise well.  Clean the area behind the tanks, since it will be easy to access with them removed.

Go through your blades and shears.  Separate them into 3 piles.  One pile for those that need to be throw away or retired, another for those that need to be sent off to the sharpener and the final pile for ones in current working order.  Then throw the bad ones out, either send the dull ones off to the sharpener or place them in container ( find those soft bags made for crown royal or liquor work great since the felt protects them) till you gather a reasonable amount to send off, and the working ones great a good cleaning/oiling and put back in your caddy or blade rack.   

These are just a few of the areas that you can focus your Spring cleaning energy.  You'll be amazed how much your lungs will appreciate the cleaner environment and with your tools properly organized how much more efficiently you get through your workload.

Mazie's Story by Emily Rupe

Many of our beloved pets suffer setbacks and injuries, which place them in a “special needs” category.  Whether it’s a disability from birth or an age related ailment, it is an honor and a privilege to aid these special pets.  Provided it is medically safe, groomers should be more than willing to tackle the challenges faced by attending to these clients.  If given the opportunity, these pets find a special place in our hearts and remind us of why we pursued grooming in the first place; to aid pets.

One such pet that has touched my heart is Mazie, a 4 year old wheaten with a birth defect.  Born with an incomplete urinary tract, Mazie is entirely incontinent.  Left at a breed rescue, she had little chance of being placed in a home with such a malady.  Talk of euthanasia had begun.  Finally, the rescue, as a last resort contacted a couple who had adopted several wheatens from them in the past.

Upon hearing about this special girl, they decided to bring her home and aid with her medical issues.  The initial option was to surgically repair the defect, which in turn failed.  This did not stop Mazie or her family.  They accepted that she would remain incontinent.  Now it was time to develop a strategy to cope with the situation.  In the beginning, due to cost and availability, human diapers with a tail hole cut out were implemented.  Then eventually a new product was found by Simple Solution; diapers made especially for incontinent dogs.  The cost however, was an issue, so they decided to write the company and explain Mazie’s special situation.  Simple Solution responded and offered their product at wholesale cost for the duration of Mazie’s life.

I met Mazie after her regular groomer changed jobs and was unable to be reached.  In the past, Mazie was not a favorite at local groom shops.  To many groomers, she equated an abundance of time and effort with not enough financial return.  Either she would be recommended for another shop or if taken in, a less than satisfactory groom was preformed.  Due to constant friction from the diaper, sores/calluses have developed that require cleaning and shaving.  Also, the continual leakage can be a challenge.  However, with a proper routine, the accidents/issues are simple to overcome.

After meeting Mazie, it’s been love at first sight.  I cannot imagine my Tuesday schedule without her.  As soon as you pull into the driveway, she’ perched by the window shaking her entire rump and bouncing.  During the entire groom you are showered by a plethora of kisses.  Every time I gaze into her loving brown eyes I’m reminded of all the other groomers that refused to tackle a challenging groom and what they truly missed out on.  Mazie may be a special needs case, but that does not negate the fact that she still deserves a quality groom with compassion.  Yes, the majority of us work on commission and time is valuable, but I would like to believe that groomers have not lost their love of the animals that they serve.  So when the next opportunity arises to aid a disabled or special needs pet, I implore you to at least give them a chance.  The joy you’ll receive will far outweigh the time and effort required.  

     

Grooming The Wet Dog

One of my favorite things to do is to Groom dogs while they are wet. Afterall when do hairdressers cut your hair?… when it is wet.

Clean hair is less likely to ruin your blades due to dullness being caused from oil, sand and debris.

There are three things to do while the dog is wet:

1. Deshedding- Deshedding is a great way to use your brains and not your braun. Start by heavily conditioning the pet, use your force dryer to work the conditioner into the hair. You can also use a coat king, long needle pin brushes around chest area and britches to get those areas that are packed. You will find by deshedding the dog wet it will prevent hair from going everywhere since it is weighted down.

2. Dematting- Use shampoo (conditioner is designed to help moisture penetrate hair shaft making the hair thicker) since shampoo cleanses the hair shaft it actually makes it thinner and easier to dematt. You will also need a slicker brush, pin brush (wooden pin) and force dryer. I know we have all been told "don't wet matts" when they actually mean "don't wet and DRY matts". Every time a matt dries it tightens and can actually start to pull the dogs skin up into the matt. I bathe my dogs regularly then add a generous amount of shampoo to the matted area, sometimes I may use my force dryer to actually push that shampoo down and help it to break up the dirt and move it out of the way. I then use a slicker brush or my personal favorite a wooden pin brush to dematt. Since the matt is coated with slicky shampoo the matts work out much easier.

3. Wet Shaving-  Wet shaving will leave about 2 blade lengths longer once the coat is dry (ex: a 2 comb wet will dry the length of a 0c). Use for dogs that the parents want longer than an e comb or for dogs that have dense coat even if you keep it short (cockapoo) and matted mess shave downs. Wet grooming is actually healthier for your lungs since you aren't breathing all of that hair in and is less likely to damage the hair.

To wet shave you bathe the dog as you normally would, lightly towel dry them and then groom. A parent who is dreading having their dog shaved due to matting will be happy when the pet comes home a little fluffier. Wet shaving helps your blades to glide through the hair easier.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE my Laube clippers for grooming wet dogs- the are cordless, the moter is encased so water/moisture can't get to it and they go through anything. I use them on the St.Bernard yearly shavedown and on the full coated thin hair Maltese. They do it all!

Adding a Pet Oral Health Care Program

Would you be happy  if clients willingly paid you more money for each groom In spite of the economy and without having raised your prices? Creating a pet “oral health” program will give your more revenue and please your clients. A few years ago I discovered a product that I fell in love with and so have my clients. Nothing is worse than dogs with yucky breath and gross teeth, but we have all seen it and smelled them.  PetzLife alleviates this problem without the unnecessary anesthesia associated with “PetDentals”. PetzLife coats the teeth to fight plaque, gingivitis and periodontal disease plus freshens the breath.  I offer pet “oral health” for $5 to my clients and it includes: 1 brushing of teeth during the bath, then I swab the teeth with one more time prior to going home with PetzLife. One bottle of PetzLife retails for $29 and I can brush about 60 dogs teeth with one bottle. Just one application begins the process of fighting plaque, gingivitis and periodontal disease but I have discovered that my clients were so excited by the results that they are buying PetzLife to use at home in between grooming as well.

So, every pet that enters my salon is willing paying me $5 more for this great product which nets me more than  $300 for every single bottle I use. To me this is a WIN-WIN situation!

The Puppy Report Card

I know that most of us pride ourselves on being honest but there is such a thing as being “honest to a fault”.  Our clients trust their little “fur-baby” into our gentle hands. This is the same trust that they place their children in when they go to school. As a parent I never wanted to hear “your child is horrid” and neither does the pet parent.  

I am a firm believer in using Pet Report Cards but there are some great ways to get your point across that is gentle and encouraging. I decided to write on this topic after flipping through a magazine with report cards that read “demon dog, tyrant, etc”. I thought to myself “that would be sad to tell a Mommy that their baby was a demon”. If you spend money on buying or making Pet Report cards make sure you earn your money back by using them to encourage repeat and referral business.

So, how can we use these cards and why should we use these cards?

1.       Let parents know that their dog is loved while in your care.

2.       Make parents aware of coat, skin or other possible health concerns. How many times have you wanted to tell a client something but forgot when they came to pick up their pet? Cards will help you make that note.

3.       Give parents suggestions and recommendations for a healthier and happier pet.

4.       Encourage clients to rebook.

5.       Put your name and contact information.

6.       Conversation starter- clients tell their friends “you won’t believe what my groomer sent home with Fido…”.

 

You may click on my website link to download a copy of a great “pet report card” that I designed. Customize it to make it your own.