Thursday Programs

Your ability to do your job, and do it right, separates you from being "just a bather" to a position that contributes to the finished product in the salon. Teri believes that a good bath, brush and dry is 50% of a great groom. The bathing room is where most stylists started. Before future groomers begin to think of clipping coat, they must first know what to expect from the hair, and how to treat it to obtain desired results. Surprisingly, many great B/Bs remain in the bathing room, preferring the security of knowing there will always be a need for their expert services. Bathers-in-training, "groomer wannabes," seasoned groomer techs, and salon owners will benefit from this day-long program with tips on equipment and products to make the job easier. From getting the dog ready for the tub, to finding the right shampoo through proper bathing and blow-drying techniques, Teri will cover the B/B fundamentals. Safety issues and handling will be stressed.

Tools of the Trade and How to Use Them

From brushes and nail clippers, muzzles to grooming loops, Teri covers equipment basics, highlighting correct uses, in an effort to make the work easier and more comfortable for pet and bather. "These techniques and tools will make the finished groom a true work of art," says Teri. Anals and ears will be also discussed.

Dematting…It’s Not What It Used To Be

Everyone has a technique for dematting a neglected pet. For some, it’s a shave-down and then entering the pelt in a Mat Contest. For others, it’s a time-consuming, hair-splitting experience, destined to take its toll on the pet, the B/B or both. Teri examines the most common and effective products, tools and techniques for the demat dilemma without getting all tangled up.

What’s In Those Bubbles??? Shampoos, Conditioners & Spray

Tocopherol, Ergocalciferol, Sodium Chloride. Teri takes a "groomers-eye" view of the stuff we use every day in language we can understand. Shampoos, sprays and conditioners are our most expendable items but what do we really know to select the right product for our situation? (Those scary words are techno-speak for vitamin E, vitamin D and simple table salt, often found in many grooming products.)

Getting the Most Out of Your Bathing and Drying Time

Bathing and drying are the most underestimated aspects of our jobs. Techniques can make or break a groom. The ability to properly apply products, thoroughly clean and then dry the pet will have a direct influence on the finish. You will hear about time-saving equipment and techniques.

Join Sue Zecco and Jay Scruggs for an in-depth Super Styling Session focused on one of the grooming world's most in-demand (and most challenging) clients - the Doodle! In this live seminar, Jay and Sue will groom two Doodles with completely different coat types, showing you how to adapt your tools, techniques, and trims for stunning, salon-ready results.

You'll learn how to identify coat texture, density, and growth patterns to build a customized plan; choose the right products, tools, and prep methods for each coat type; combine clipper and scissor work to create balance, flow, and style definition; control bulk, shape legs, and fine-tune head styles for a professional finish; design practical yet eye-catching trims that fit each Doodle's coat and lifestyle.

Whether it's a thick, soft, cottony coat or a silky, wavy one, Sue and Jay will walk you through their proven approach to make every Doodle in your salon look its absolute best. This certificate course is packed with expert techniques, real-world tips, and the signature Super Styling Sessions energy you love - helping you turn Doodle challenges into Doodle success!

Learn the science, techniques, and product types to successfully put the “why” in what you do. This course is a must for groomers, bathers, and office personnel in the grooming shop and veterinary clinic alike. Come see what some say can’t be done! Real-time cases done by groomers will be shared.

1) Understanding Hair and Skin

Learn the basic anatomy and function of the skin and hair. This is a critical foundation for this class and everything a groomer or bather does. This hour will explain a lot of the science about how nutrition, sebum, and basic anatomy work so you can understand the “why” in what you do.

2) Understanding the Difference in Coat Types and The Protocols to Use

In this class you will learn the needs of the different coat types so you can make better decisions in the product types you pick for maximum results.

3) Understanding Common Things That Go Wrong and That Lead to Skin Issues

Always wonder why these skin conditions occur and reoccur? Does technique play a factor? Could I have caused that issue? When the client or veterinarian accused me of causing the issue, is that true?

4) The Science to Follow in Treating Skin Issues

Learn methods, techniques, and types of products to fix the skin problems when they occur. Learn principles that will lead to success when treating skin issues, how to grow hair back on those shaved-down dogs, and why steroids and antibiotics and the typical therapies for skin don’t always work.

Come learn how as a groomer you can make a difference and save lives.

Want to level up your pet grooming skills? This seminar is a must to attend to learn how you can make a dog look better than ever, improve your scissoring skills and learn corrective grooming. We all know that no dog is perfect, but we can make them look better with these corrective grooming techniques. We often see the dogs walking into our salons with some conformational faults: outward facing front legs, bowlegs, dip in the spine, unbalanced proportions, and so on and so forth. Did you know that we as groomers can visually correct those faults and make the dogs appear more appealing? In this step-by-step grooming demo, you will find out how you can make a dog look more attractive. Your clients will not know what you did differently, but they will notice the difference! Make it your niche and stand out. Attract new clients after learning these priceless skills. If average is not what you want to be, join Guzal and level up your skills.

This seminar offers a beginner-friendly introduction to hand-stripping for wire-coated breeds including Terriers, wired Sporting breeds, and our favorite scruffy mutts, designed to help groomers maintain the natural texture these breeds are known for. Led by Lis Johnston, the session covers the fundamental techniques and tools required for effective hand-stripping, breaking down the process into simple steps that build confidence without overwhelming beginners. Perfect for groomers looking to add this specialized skill to their repertoire, this seminar demystifies hand-stripping and equips you with the knowledge to groom wire-coated breeds to perfection.

Join Joey for two hours packed with tips, tricks, and invaluable information to create a profitable money-making machine. Topics cover will be:

1) Pet grooming business opportunities, including: learning what’s right for you, to own or not to own, business pros and cons, personal profile, buying an existing business or starting new, and choosing between a fixed location, mobile, home-based, concession, or table rental.

2) Creation of a pet grooming business, including: location selection, steps and cost, construction, equipment and supplies, layout, income and expense categories, pricing and booking, additional services, and marketing.

3) Employees, including: the interview, how to pay, types of pay, how to keep valued employees, efficient use of personnel, and who to hire next.

4) Client relations, including: the right image, work with clients, customer complaints, policies and procedures.