Thursday Programs

Brusher Bather Certificate Program

Teri DiMarino

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.

This program is six hours long and is included in the Do-It-All admission or can be purchased separately. See Schedule and Registration for starting times and fees. Program includes Trade show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hair and Skin 101 Certificate Course

Dr. Cliff Faver

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.

Super Styling Everyday Dogs

Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs

Sue and Jay have collaborated for many years teaching seminars all over the world, and now virtually with their Super Styling Sessions app. Spend the day with this dynamic duo as they give valuable tips for prepping, grooming, and finishing those everyday shop dogs. They will demonstrate achievable pet trims on several different common breeds (and mixed breeds) during this four-hour seminar.

Sue and Jay will use several tools in their grooming toolbox to highlight breed profiles and simple pet trims that will keep your clientele in easy-to-maintain trims with some flair. “This seminar will focus on adding personality to an average-looking dog,” says Jay. “We will show how to balance the head in with the rest of the body and how to set the length with clippers to cut out a lot of scissoring. This will help save time with the finishing process.”

Keeping breed profile on pet trims is all about achieving a natural finish with snap-on combs and finishing with thinning shears. Blending the body and not leaving defined lines in the coat is easy to achieve when you use the right techniques. Some coat types that come in the shop everyday can be unforgiving, but Sue and Jay will share their secrets and tips to get a nice, stylish finish every time. Your clients will never be happier once you implement these Super Styling secrets to your everyday trims!

Thursday Evening Programs

Stop Letting Your Company Run You, Run Your Company!

Elli Bultemeier

Let’s face it, no one wants to talk about policies and procedures. How boring!?! Well I disagree! Having written policies and procedures does not make you “corporate,” it makes you a legitimate business. Let your business run on autopilot by setting expectations with management, employees, customers, and everything in between. We will unpack everything from employee handbooks, call-offs, no-show/last-minute cancellation policies, and much more!

Bichon: From Show Trim to Pet Trim

Olga Zabelinskaya

If you were able to choose someone to teach you Bichon grooming secrets, you would probably pick Olga. She has won some of the top grooming contests with her Bichons and has groomed them for the conformation ring for years. In this seminar, Olga will demonstrate how to balance a dog, avoid common mistakes, and create the soft expression of the Bichon.

Handstripping The Schnauzer: Mini Vs Giant

Ashley Pacini

In this 2 hour course, Ashley will guide you through the process of setting the correct pattern on a Standard Schnauzer. She will include how to achieve the correct profile, differentiating an underline from a skirt and more. She will discuss and demonstrate the basics of hand- stripping and scissoring techniques, as well as how the pattern differs in Miniature and Giant Schnauzers.

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