SAVE YOUR BACK!
Becoming a groomer is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done (and let me tell you I’ve been through a few in my time!) but it can also be one of the most physical demanding jobs; and it can take its toll especially on your back!
At first I would struggle with stress and pain from trying to force the dogs to stand for the duration of their grooms, because that’s what I was told during my training 🙄 but it’s COMPLETELY unnecessary!
If you can create a comfortable environment in which the dog trusts you; this allows for a holistic approach without the need for restraints and hold ups. Its win win all around, good for them & good for you ❤️
Yes, there’s times the dog will have to stand for safety and to get to particular areas but for the majority let them sit, let them lounge and let them trust the process 🥰 🐶
I’m Star SPA for a reason. I focus on creating a calming, soothing environment where the process is more important than the end result. I’m not grooming dogs for the stage; I’m grooming dogs to bond with and make them happy and healthy. 🧡
Share with someone that needs to see this today.
#doggrooming #saveyourback #doggroomingmanchester #processoverproduct
First day of Crufts 🩷
To think, this time 2 years ago I was juggling two jobs (one more joyful than the other) looking around at in awe of the talent and success of everyone working in the dog industry. Having only really just begun my dog grooming career and still not understanding about the right tools, equipment and products it was hugely overwhelming.
Fast forward to now and I know exactly what and where to go and exactly what products and tools I was buying!
Seeing the dogs in their most beautiful conditions it made me realise how far I’d come… to know that some of those styles I’ve seen today I can do and each and everyday I’m getting better and better.
If you want to be apart of this community and learn how to dog groom, I’ve so got you covered and let me tell you…
At a fraction of the cost of other course and ALOT more rich and fulfilling content on a 1-2-1 basis. Tell me where else your finding that 😏
Ive learnt a lot from my grooming career so far and if your genuinely interested in pursuing this as a career, firstly your going to have to convince me (because I won’t be taking on just anyone) and secondly you’ll be getting the most personalised approach to suit you and there won’t be a stone left unturned 🩷
#doggrooming #crufts2024 #doggroomingcourse #specialisedtraining #personalisedapproach #holisticdoggrooming
10 Years of Loving you.
I can’t actually believe you’ve been in my life for 10 years. You have brought me an abundance of joy and love and you’ve supported me more than you’ll ever realise.
There are days when I feel beyond lonely in a room full of people, in this fast paced busy world but your always there to cuddle up to at the end of the day and realise what is actually Important in life 💛
Watching you get older scares me to death. I can’t imagine life without you, but I can’t make time stand still and the inevitable will always concur. So I have to make every second I have with you count.
I love you with every inch of me starry eyes.
Keep digging, keep rolling in sh#t 💩 I love you unconditionally.
#unconditionallove #dogslife #canineoverhuman
LETS TALK!
Todays focus is all about two little things that as dog owners we may not be aware of or may overlook.
Nails health for our dogs is extremely important and if left untreated can lead to serious health issues. If your dogs nails are long they may be more prone to chipping, breaking, splitting and tearing. However, if nails are left even longer they may start to curl back into the pad causing your pup some serious pain. It can eventually lead to the foot changing shape and causing issues such as arthritis 😢
Checking your dogs ears is also super important! Some of the unfortunate bunch (like our little cutie here) have hair grow inside their ears. This needs plucking. Using the chalk powder helps grip the hair and then it’s just a case of pulling teeny tiny bits at a time. It doesn’t hurt the dog as it’s not securely attached. It comes out nice and easy but the importance of this is it helps prevent infection. Once the hairs removed use a cotton pad and some ear cleaner, they make shake their head after this which even helps bring out more dirt and wax that’s lying low.
As I said, most groomers include this as a standard but it’s important as pet parents to keep a watchful eye on this in between grooms.
Pet parent education done for tonight 🤣
Tune in next time for more helpful tips and advice!
#peteducation #petparents #shihtzu #groominghacks #manchesterdoggroomers
MENTAL HEALTH DAY 💛
This is something very close to my heart and the rise in awareness over the past few years has been incredible.
One thing I’ve learnt on my journey of “life” so far is that our mental health is usually determined by our current situations, life style and just general sh*t that gets thrown our way (obviously Soph, what’s your point?)
Well my point is, the average adult spends 1/3 (90,000 hours!) of their life working… I mean it’s a lot! A lot of the time people are unhappy in their jobs which ultimately affects our mental health. I’m not advocating for one minute that everyone quits their jobs and lives a nomads life (go for it if that’s your thing!) I’m just simply saying we need to surround ourselves with people and things we really enjoy and love. It may even be taking up a new hobby! But whatever it is DO IT. Commit yourself to it and go out and make that change. If you can pinpoint exactly what your not happy with please, make that change. We only have one life and one opportunity to make our lives as memorable and special as we can 💛
Our mental health lives on a spectrum and can change periodically depending on certain situations life may throw our way. Ultimately, our mental health is not fixed. This works both positively and negatively.
When we’re feeling low and our mental wellbeing isn’t at its best it’s promising to know it’s not permanent; and there’s things we can do to help improve that. However, we can’t always have positive mental health 24/7 365 days of lives and it’s important to enjoy the highs when they’re around and also accept lows at times.
I’m no mental health expert and I’m not going to sit here and pretend I am. But I am a good listener. And sometimes that’s exactly what people need who are struggling. So if that’s you… I’m here for you. 💛 I also hope people out there who are reading this are also there for me too. The world can be a lonely place but when we
TABLE STRUGGLES 🤯
When your first starting up, choosing a table can be an arduous task. With so many on offer and ranging from such huge prices it can be easy to just choose “most recommended” on Christie’s or various sites.
It’s important to consider some key questions:
1) What breeds are you going to groom? This may seem like a silly question but if you don’t feel comfortable grooming particular breeds or would like to only groom small breeds then there’s really no point in getting a big table. If you want to open your books to all breeds and different sizes it’s recommended to get a big table to suit all your dogs needs.
2) How much would you like to spend?
Sometimes this can be the make or break as some tables start from £30 ranging all the way to thousands.
A little tip ❗️Keep your eye on Facebook Marketplace for all things dog grooming equipment. I picked up this beauty for an absolute bargain!
The reason I’d recommend an electric low, low table is for the following reasons:
1) It’s super tiring on your back lifting dogs day in day our (even with the correct lifting technique) this style of table allows a dog to simply walk straight into the table with zero effort and then you can simply press the foot pedal and allow the beauty of electric to adjust the table to exactly where you need it!
2) Some dogs really don’t like height! It can literally make them freeze in fear if a table is too high. This solves all the problems keeping them low to the ground but without the ability to wriggle. I sometimes even join them on the table in these instances and perch on the table with them keeping them nice and calm.
3) Of course those elderly dogs will thank you for the extra space and low access! This means you can be accommodating for your clients even when they reach their senior years.
4) Finally, of course safety first! These tables are super study and highly durable it doesn’t feel flimsy and as though it could collapse
DO WHAT’S RIGHT NOT WHAT’S TRENDING ❗️❌
As dog groomers, we are overwhelmed with ideas and the “latest style” and often find ourselves faced with a customer’s request that can sometimes just not be possible.
Whilst social media is absolutely amazing and fills my feed with such amazing creativity that I one day aspire to be like; it can sometimes sway our decisions on what’s best for the dog as we face pressure from wanting “likes” and try to be like the big time Asian fusion groomers or creative colour stylists.
We HAVE to put the dogs needs first. ALWAYS.
In this case right here, little Billy was used to having his regular teddy cut but me and his pet parent noticed his fur just needed a fresh start.
So the decision was made to have an all over “coat reset” (as I like to call it) take him down to a 4F and remove all those matts, knots and tangles.
His fur now feels incredibly soft and as you can see, he is OVER THE MOON with his new coat and fresh start!
#humanityvsvanity #putthedogfirst #manchesterdoggrooming
My heart is filled with so much love right now.
It’s so important to bring your pups for an intro groom. They actually enjoy the pampering when they’ve been introduced to the sights, smells, noises and environment from a young age. And we get to build the best relationships with your pups and they build trust with us ❤️ #puppyintro #buildingtrust #doggroomer
FOX POO 🆘
It’s horrid! it makes your eyes water, it fills your home with its scent and it’s an absolute nightmare to get off!
Here’s my top tips:
1. Blast off any big chunks with your hose pipe or shower head try not to get the fur too wet as it’s much easier using diluted “ready to use” shampoo
2. Dilute your shampoo. I use Hydra as I find it the best for all skin types, really lathers and leaves a gorgeous smell and doesn’t dry the coat out leaving a glossy finish!
3. Create those bubbles and get scrubbing! There are lots of tools out there to help with the scrubbing process but I find my hands to be the best tool!
4. Cleanse the coat and leave on for a few minutes to allow the shampoo to work it’s magic and melt that smell and dirt away. This is the perfect opportunity to give your pooch a lovely massage.
5. Rinse with warm water. Be careful not to have the water too hot (I love a hot shower too) but for dogs this can be dangerous and burn their skin or cause them to overheat! Lukewarm water is the best - nice and comfortable for the dog and really helps lift the dirt.
6. Finally! Once all the bubbles are off and your dog feels “squeaky clean” towel dry them and use a low setting on your hair dryer to ensure all areas are dry.
I mean we can’t blame them fully… they were wolves before they were domestic pets! 🙈
#wolfbeforepet #foxpoosos
I mean she ain’t wrong! 🤷🏽♀️
#stunningoversimplicity
