I walk in an upscale area bordering the Brookhaven Golf Course. All the homes here have three-car garages. So, it surprises me to see a mobile pet grooming van parked in a driveway. Pet grooming must pay much more than I thought or there is a wealthier resident. When I had a Scottish terrier — Nick, I used to take him to a pet groomer who would always take several strands of Nick’s chest hair and tie a tiny plaid bow tie to them. He always looked so handsome. However, one day when the groomer was trimming Nick’s nails, he bit her finger, bending the metal of her wedding ring. I found out later that his nail was infected and very painful because that was not his normal behavior. I’m sure dog groomers have a lot to put up with not just from the dogs, but also the often-entitled owners. Let’s find out more about dog grooming.
According to Wikipedia, dog grooming refers to both the hygienic care and cleaning of a dog, as well as a process by which a dog's physical appearance is enhanced for showing or other types of competition. Dog groomers — or simply "groomers" — are people who earn their living grooming dogs.
Reasons for grooming
Grooming is a vital part in the well-being and healthiness of a dog, which can improve its quality of life. How much grooming a dog needs depends on its breed, age and health. Regular grooming helps to ensure the dog is healthy and comfortable. While many dogs shed, others — such as the poodle — do not shed as profusely and require grooming every 4-8 weeks.
The main reasons for daily grooming include:
- Decreased chance of various health problems, such as thrush, scratches and other skin problems.
- General cleanliness of the dog.
- Monitoring of the dog's health by checking for cuts, hot spots, swelling, lameness or changes in temperament, all of which could be indicative of illness.
- Forging of a closer bond between dog and owner.
- Reducing infestation load of external parasites on skin.
- Avoid matting that can potentially cause health concerns like skin irritation or the entrapment of harmful bacteria in the coat.
Types of pet grooming tools
Curry or curry brush ‒ a tool made of rubber or plastic with short "teeth." The tool is rubbed or "curried" over the dog's coat to loosen dirt, hair and other detritus, and stimulate the skin into producing natural oils. They are more commonly used on dogs that have large amounts of shedding, like German shepherds. They are also used for untangling knots in certain parts of the dog's body, such as ears, paws or tail. Using a currycomb must be done carefully, as the action of this type of tool can harm the skin of the dog if pulled too hard.
Shedding blade ‒ a metal blade or "sweat scraper" with short, dull teeth that is used to remove dead hair from certain types of harsh coats, as well as remove matted fur. The shedding blade is not used to cut the hair.
Slicker brush ‒ a brush with fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. It is used on medium-to long-haired or curly-haired dogs to remove mats. Slicker brushes are typically used after primarily brushing with a bristle or a wire pin brush. They are used to smooth the coat and to take out mats and tangles. They consist of fine wire pins that are secured to a flat base. The pins are bent at an angle approximately halfway down the pin. For heavier and thicker coats, it is recommended to use a brush with stiffer pins. This type of brush comes in a wide range of sizes and degrees of pin stiffness.
Rake ‒ brush designed to penetrate into a dog's thick coat and remove tangles and dead undercoat near the dog's skin. It is often shaped like a shaving razor and features one or two rows of tightly spaced pins. Rakes are important grooming tools, especially for double-coated dogs, such as Newfoundlands or Siberian huskies.
Bristle brush ‒ one of the most widely used types of brushes due to its versatility. Typically, the bristle brush is used on dogs with long coats to finish the coat and to bring out the natural luster and shine. It is commonly used in daily grooming, as it removes surface dust and dirt. It is important to note that bristle brushes are a finishing tool; they generally do not penetrate the coat. Dogs brushed with a bristle brush only will frequently appear well groomed but will be matted beneath the outer layer. As a general rule, longer and widely spaced bristles are suitable for dogs with longer coats, and shorter and tightly packed ones are better to use on dogs with short hair.
Wire pin brush ‒ has an oval shape and metal bristles set in a flexible rubber base. Useful in separating and untangling the hair of long-, wiry-, wavy- and curly-coated dogs. Some wire pin brushes have polished or coated pins, which prevent scratching the dog's skin during use. Because the coating or polish may wear off over time, the pins should be replaced periodically. Pin brushes come in a variety of sizes, textures and fullness.
Combination pin/bristle brush ‒ has two different sides - one with bristles, which can be successfully used for grooming the short hair areas of the coat, and another side with pins that can be used for long-coated and double-coated dogs.
Dematting comb ‒ designed to “cut” matted hair from the dog's coat without leaving a bald spot.
Stripping combs/knives ‒ Tools used to help grab the longer hairs on a harsh coat and pull them out by the root. Helps maintain a proper coat in many terriers and schnauzers. Most often used on show dogs.
Shears and clippers ‒ cutting tools used to remove/shorten hair on certain types of coats or from sensitive areas. Not all types of coats are suitable for clipping i.e., double coats on breeds such as border collies, which should not be clipped unless the dog is matted. The typical pair of shears for dog grooming is between 6.5 and 9 inches long, longer than human hair dressing shears. Some are designed with a blunt tip to prevent any injuries due to movement.
Stand dryers, cage dryers and hand dryers - used to dry the dog's coat. Drying a dog with a dryer designed for humans is not recommended, as it may cause scalp irritation, dry skin or skin sores.
Shampoo and conditioner - Owners are recommended to use only shampoos, conditioners and rinses that are especially designed for dogs.
Grooming tables ‒ tables that provide a secure and productive environment for grooming, but many single dog owners can avoid this expense by simply using what is available in the home. They are normally used by professional groomers and owners who have dogs that enter competitive shows.
Bathing
Dogs can be bathed in a sink, walk-in shower or bathtub; they can even be bathed outside using a garden hose, provided the water is sufficiently warm enough to prevent hypothermia. Dogs should be bathed with warm water, as hot water can scald the skin. Dogs with a heavy or matted coat should never be bathed without first being completely brushed out or clipped of any mats.
Many types of shampoos and conditioners formulated for dogs are available. For dense and double-coated dogs, pre-mixing the shampoo with water will help ensure a more even distribution of the shampoo. Do not lather the head, as grooming products can be irritating if they come in contact with the eyes. Additionally, excess water may become trapped in the ear canal, leading to secondary ear infections. Fully rinse the dog after shampooing, as residual chemicals may become irritating to the skin. Most dogs do not require frequent bathing; shampooing a coat too often can strip the coat of its natural oils, causing it to dry out.
Dental care is very important and can be addressed while grooming. The dental kits available on the market include everything from special toothpaste to toothbrushes. Many models of toothbrushes include a flexible three-head design, which maintains the proper pressure on all surfaces of the tooth with every stroke. These brushes have side bristles set at 45-degree angles to reduce arm twisting and soft outer bristles for massaging the gums. Toothpaste designed to be used on dogs is usually sugar free toothpaste with different flavoring. Foaming or rinsing is not necessary.
Finishing touches can be added with finishing supplies, including perfumed sprays, ribbons and many other accessories.
Hair removal
The coats of many breeds require trimming, cutting or other attention. Styles vary by breed and discipline. While some hair removal has its origins in practical purposes, much is based on the taste of the owner, whether or not the dog will be shown and what work the dog does.
The rubber grooming gloves and dog brushes are intended to drag loose hair from the short-coated dogs and are some of the most popular grooming tools amongst pet owners. They are easy to use by massaging the coat in firm strokes and have the advantage of being suitable for both wet and dry coats.
Some breeds of dog — such as the Lhasa Apso — do not shed, but have hair that grows constantly. As such, the fur around the legs and belly can get very long and become matted, and the hair around the eyes can impair the dog's vision. In such circumstances, hair trimming can be performed to keep the eyes clear and keep the coat free of knots.
Hand stripping
Stripping or hand-stripping is the process of pulling the dead hair out of the coat of a non-shedding dog, either by using a stripping knife or the fingers. A hard, wiry coat has a cycle where it starts growing and then sheds as it reaches maximum length. Hand-stripping coordinates the shedding and makes room for a new coat to grow. Stripping is the proper grooming method for most terriers, spaniels and many other breeds. The hair is removed with either a stripping knife or stripping stone, with the top coat removed to reveal the dense, soft undercoat. If done correctly, the procedure is painless. Many dogs are reported to enjoy having their hair stripped, especially when they are introduced to it as puppies.
Nail trimming
Nail trimming is essential for maintaining good health. If a dog's nails are allowed to grow, they will curl over into a spiral shape; walking will become increasingly painful. Uncut nails may curl so far that they pierce the paw pad, leading to infection and debilitating pain. Long nails can put pressure on the toe joints, even causing the joints of the forelimb to be realigned. This can cause the animal to have unequal weight distribution and be more prone to injuries. Longer nails are also more likely to be forcibly ripped or torn off, causing serious pain to the animal.
It becomes increasingly difficult to maneuver nail clippers between the paw pad and tip of the nail as the nails grow longer. Owners may choose to trim nails themselves or may opt to take their pet to a groomer or veterinarian.
Nail trimming is done with a nail clipper. In addition, handheld rotary tools are often used to smooth sharp edges caused by nail clippers. There are two main types of nail clippers: guillotine trimmers and standard scissor- and plier-style trimmers. Guillotine trimmers have a hole at the end through which the dog's nail is inserted; then, as the handles of the tool are squeezed together, an internal blade lops off the end of the nail. The scissor-style trimmer is most effective on nails that have grown too long and are now in the shape of a circle or coil.
Creative
Additional options that some groomers provide include services such as coloring dogs' fur and painting dogs' nails.
While traditional grooming achieves to conform with breed standards set by the official breed associations, creative grooming heads to the opposite direction, creating a unique, sometimes exquisite look.
The lighter version of creative grooming is known as pet tuning and is more owner-oriented, adjusting the pets' visual appearance to their owners' amusement or lifestyle, while creative grooming is more of an art form, therefore more artist- or groomer-oriented.
Celebrity dog groomers
According to Katie Warren’s June 6, 2018 article “Meet the celebrity dog groomer who makes up to $6,000 a week” in Insider:
- Jess Rona has a varied résumé: actor, director, writer, and dog-groomer-to-the- stars.
- The Los Angeles woman has groomed the pooches of celebrities like Katy Perry, Nina Dobrev, Zooey Deschanel and Ruby Rose.
- Rona is known for her viral Instagram account dedicated to hilarious, slow-motion music videos of her four-legged clients.
- Her grooming career led to her to directing a music video for pop music duo Tegan and Sara and appearing on the comedy series "New Girl."
You may have seen one of the videos while scrolling through Instagram. In slow-motion, a clean, fluffy dog blinks into the camera while its freshly-coiffed locks are blown out dramatically. The accompanying songs range from bouncy pop songs to mournful soul ballads.
These pampered pooches belong to the likes of actors Katy Perry, Nia Dobrev, Ruby Rose, Zooey Deschanel and Jake Johnson. And they're all groomed, beautified, and filmed by Los Angeles dog groomer, author, and actor Jess Rona.
Rona has also groomed dogs who are famous in their own right, including Marnie the Dog and Balki the three-legged Havanese.
A few years ago, when her dog grooming business was still new and she was trying to build a client base, Rona was feeling a bit depressed.
As someone with a background in acting and comedy, she missed having a creative outlet.
"I was like, 'I just need to create something,'" Rona told INSIDER. "So I started shooting these little videos of my clients after and during the grooming process, and I found it to be so cathartic and it made me so happy. So that kind of catapulted my business because it went viral — and I did not expect it too. It just kind of changed my life and changed my business."
Now, Rona's Instagram has more than 140,000 followers.
People send messages asking her to groom their dogs and make videos for them, but at this point she has to refer them to a waitlist, Rona said. She currently works by referral only, something she hopes will change once she moves into a larger, commercial space.
She charges $150 for a bath and $250 for a full groom. Those are average rates because everything depends on the dog and its type of coat. Rona sees between 20 and 25 dogs a week.
"When a dog comes in, first I say hello and give him a kiss," she said.
One of her two assistants then puts the pooch in the bath and checks its ears and teeth to make sure everything looks normal.
They give the dogs blueberry facials and hot oil treatments. It sounds fancy, but it's simply a concentrated face wash for dogs, Rona said.
Then they bathe the dog with some of their various shampoo and conditioning products, depending on the lengths and type of the dog's coat, as well as any skin conditions.
"I have different oils, like hot oil treatments that we do sometimes or clay masks for different skin problems or issues," Rona said. "So once all of that is done, we rinse and then we do an argan oil face mask on the dog, which is like a conditioner for their faces."
The final step is to blow dry the dog's fur with a conditioning spray — and that's when the Instagram magic happens.
"They've been bathed and blown and all this other stuff," Rona said. "So they're kind of tired and just surrendering at that moment. So that's when I grab my camera."
According to Jenny Powers’ July 10, 2020 article “I'm a celebrity dog groomer in NYC who charges $300 an hour to pamper pets — I even give henna treatments to make dogs look younger” at businessinsider.com:
- Jorge Bendersky, 52, is a New York- based dog groomer who says his clientele includes Ralph Lauren, Sean Combs and Gisele Bündchen.
- He's also the best-selling author of DIY Dog Grooming: From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show, Everything You Need to Know and has appeared on the Animal Planet shows "Groomer Has It" and "Dogs 101" and as a judge on TLC's "Extreme Poodles."
- Bendersky says he's selective and only takes on human clients and dogs that he likes; his rates start at $300 an hour.
- While making house calls, "You're always performing," says Bendersky, who studied stand- up comedy and also works as a certified counselor for the Anti-Violence Project’s hotline.
My clientele is very exclusive. These dog owners are the type of people who don't do their own hair — they have someone come to their home to do a blowout. Many of them don't know the basics of grooming their pets because up until the pandemic, I was grooming their dogs every week.
During the New York City lockdown, I couldn't make house calls, so I did virtual FaceTime coaching to help the owners and keep them calm. After about six weeks of lockdown, I began doing house calls again because I had zero human contact, so I felt safe.
Before COVID-19, I was always out the door of my Chelsea apartment early in the morning to catch the train or crosstown bus with my 32-pound backpack of tools. I always give myself extra time because my clients are busy people and have a schedule to maintain. If I start late, it affects everyone and everything all day.
I used to groom six dogs, five days a week. Now with the pandemic, it's more like eight to 10 per week. It takes around two hours to groom a small dog, and I usually only work with dogs up 20 pounds.
As a rule, I only groom dogs that can stand on a countertop, even though many of my clients have built their own doggie spa in the homes with all the professional equipment of a top grooming salon. They've even bought hundreds of dollars worth of their own grooming tools to keep on hand.
Since the pandemic started, dogs are filthier than ever. Many of them are spending more time outside than usual and they are being groomed a lot less.
Sometimes for me, it's like that movie "Groundhog Day," but it's the “Let's groom the puppy” show over and over, all day.
My summer season started early because a lot of my clients left the city for the Hamptons — mostly East Hampton, Bridgehampton and a few in Watermill.
We have safety protocols in place now for house calls when I go there. When I pull up in the driveway, my clients will often drop the dogs in the guest house, so I can just go in and get to work without us coming into close contact.
Face coverings during grooming has always been common practice, because it protects your lungs from flying hair and products when you use clippers or dryers. Long-term exposure to small particles can cause permanent lung problems. Now I use a face mask during the entire grooming process, though.
The hardest social distancing rule I must practice is not getting tempted to kiss the dogs on the nose, but some extra belly rubs usually do the trick.
Normally, when I make a house call, I allow 10 minutes to talk to my clients, even when it comes to the biggest celebrities, about hot topics — you know, diets, politics, everything. A small detail lost during communication can lead to a pet owner's nervous breakdown — yes, some of them are really that dramatic!
Because of this, I insist all owners, celebrities or not, take time to communicate with me directly. After we get a routine, I'm okay flying solo, but most of my clients look forward to our weekly hot topics chat. After those 10 minutes of chit-chat, they have to leave so I can work.
I'm very selective; I must like the dog and the owner. All my business is through word of mouth, and everyone must go through a couple of interviews. I'm definitely a diva. I have refused dogs and I have refused owners in the past: Some dogs are too territorial, and since I'm working in their space, that's no good for me.
Sometimes the owners are helicopter parents, and that doesn't work either. Sometimes I'm not a good match for them.
I give the dog a good bath, followed by a massage. Then I wrap them in a towel to rest for 15 minutes, which allows the nutrients to absorb into the skin and hair follicles to close. I take pictures and check my email while they nap, and then I style them.
Middle-aged, single women prefer their dogs to look young and thin. They don't want them to look old because they think it's a reflection of themselves, so I do henna treatments on dog's faces to get rid of the gray and sculpture their hair, so they don't look like they were sitting on the sofa watching TV and eating bonbons with mommy all day.
Most of the time I am able to do what my client requests, but if you have a pug and show me a picture of a poodle, well, I can't do that. It'd be like a woman taking a photo of Jennifer Aniston to the hairdresser and saying, make me look like that.
My rates start at $300 an hour. Most dogs take two hours, so it's typically $600 per dog per visit.
I studied stand-up comedy and am certified as a counselor for the A.V.P. Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence hotline so I can groom your dog, make you laugh and listen to you — that's why I'm so expensive.
My own dog, Tito, a Pomeranian passed away in May. He lived a fabulous life and left behind 9,000 Instagram followers before I deleted his account. We worked together for 13 years, and we always wore color-coordinated wardrobes for all our TV appearances.
The dogs I groom are like my nephews. I see them every week and we spend time together and have fun — but at the end of the day, I get to give them back to their parents and go home.
Great article Sis. I didn’t know that about Nick. Taking Wyatt to the groomer tomorrow!