og groomers don’t see breeds like Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Bull Dogs or other mixed-breed smooth coats as often as we see doodles and other dogs with more hair. Some owners of these smooth-coated breeds mistakenly feel that their dogs don’t need grooming or even bathing. They may think of them as a “no care required” coat type instead of as the relatively easy but still “some care required” coat type they actually are. They require the same monthly bathing/toenails/skin care regimen that is recommended for all dogs; however, there are some key differences in the products and tools we must use for these smooth-coated breeds.

Smooth Coat vs Short Coat

Both short coats and smooth coats do not need any trimming or cutting of hair when being groomed. They are bath/brush/nails-only dogs. Short coats do shed significantly more and generally need more work from the groomers in the removal of the shedding undercoat hairs. Smooth coats, lacking these undercoat hairs, need more skin care.

Their skin is much more exposed and at risk without that protective undercoat that short-coated breeds have, leaving them more susceptible to skin cancer and negative effects from the sun and other weather, and also much more vulnerable to parasites, skin infections and problems like yeast. And I rarely see a smooth coat like a Doberman or Boxer in my clientele that does not have dandruff that screams out how dry their coat and skin are.

Veterinary dermatologists have defined three categories of hair in dogs: short, normal/natural and long. All three dermatological categories of dogs need all the things mammals need in skin: they all need oils; they all need minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium—the building blocks of hair; and they all need moisturizers, collagen, humectants and emollients.¹

Some companies cater to these different dermatological needs defined by veterinary dermatologists and manufacture shampoos that contain more oils for shorter smooth coats, more minerals for the medium normal/natural coats (like most double-coated dogs) and more moisturizers for long-coated dogs (dogs that need haircuts). Shampoo always removes oils and the protective barrier, so applying conditioner on every coat type every time is essential.

Instead, there are wonderful de-shedding “brushes” made of rubber or acrylic that will do a great job removing dead, shedding hairs from a smooth-coated dog. The soft nubs on these brushes will grab and remove any of the hairs that are ready to come out and leave behind the hairs not ready to fall out. They do no damage to their thin, fragile skin; in fact, their massaging action helps stimulate the skin.

It is best not to blow-dry these smooth-coated dog breeds—high-velocity dryers can be painful and even damaging. Their smooth coats have a tight grain, lay or direction to the hairs, and any HV dryer could hurt and tear delicate arrector pili muscles in their thin skin. But most importantly, the moisture from the bath/condition should be left on the coat while applying the oils. If they need more drying before going home, try a gentle fan in a warm room, or a very gentle warm-air crate dryer.

In addition, you can reach out to your area breeders through local kennel clubs and dog shows. Tell breeders that you have learned the differences in how to care for each coat type, and they will likely send their friends and puppy buyers to you because they know that you have the expertise to care for the different coat and skin types.

References:

1. Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology, 7e by Miller Jr. VMD DACVD, William H., Griffin DVM, Craig E., Ca 7th (seventh) Edition (2012)

“After working in various salons, I saw an opportunity to create an environment that truly prioritizes a calm and personalized experience,” Karu shares. “I started out working in bustling full-scale salons, which were all either free-range or open concept.”

In September 2017, he founded Grooming Arts Northwest in Portland, Oregon, where he combines his past experience in show and competition grooming to execute everyday pet trims. In addition, he oversees the work of the other stylists in the salon to ensure high-quality results.

“I didn’t really see a gap necessarily, but I always noticed a consistent shortage of groomers and an overwhelming number of dogs needing grooming,” Karu recalls. “I think part of the shortage is due just to the challenges of the job, but I believed improving working conditions could make a real difference.

“This feedback pushed me to open my second location, where I could combine that same one-on-one focus with the capacity to support more groomers who share similar values,” he shares. “My goal was to create an upscale, respectful, and private space where both clients and professionals feel valued.”

Passionate about grooming doodles and poodle mixes, Karu is known for his ability to skillfully style their rustic coats into a naturally elegant look. In addition, he holds certifications from IPG and NDGAA, and prioritizes pet wellbeing, which is evidenced by his Low Stress Handling Silver Certification and Fear Free Professional Certification.

“Continuous education has been central to our growth,” Karu notes. “Not only does it set us apart, but it also builds the confidence we need to help clients feel comfortable leaving their pets with us. Above all, I focus on kindness and respect—values that have guided me through every step of this sometimes bumpy road.”

“This means our team can work with more of the types of dogs they enjoy, which creates a more engaging and satisfying work experience—of course, that always includes a significant number of doodles,” explains Karu. “Some of our team members have specific interests, like hand stripping, Asian fusion, or creative grooming, so we do our best to match the right clients with the right groomer whenever possible.”

In addition to Karu, his team includes four groomers, as well as a client care coordinator.

“Kindness is at the heart of everything we do,” he shares emphatically. “Kindness toward the pets in our care and among our team. A large part of this philosophy comes from my training as a Zen Buddhist. I firmly believe that if we can’t do something with kindness, we shouldn’t do it at all. And part of that kindness is sometimes knowing when to set boundaries for ourselves.”

Karu also prioritizes and supports continuous education and skill development within his staff.

“We offer educational stipends and require our staff to meet specific annual learning goals, whether that means attending trade shows, certification exams, or specialized workshops,” he shares. “We also maintain a comprehensive library of reference materials, and while we are mostly self-directed in our learning, our experienced groomers sometimes mentor newer team members when needed.”

“One of my biggest challenges I am learning is how to set clear boundaries and expectations and how to communicate better,” Karu says. “Early on, I didn’t have structured policies, trusting that kindness and respect would always be reciprocated. When I realized that wasn’t always the case, I knew I needed clearer guidelines. This led me to develop a detailed policy manual and implement regular check-ins with my team.”

He also needed to learn how to set a marketing strategy, and decided early on that he wasn’t going to go all out from the get-go, and also ensure he wasn’t shortchanging his regular clients.

“We’ve kept a low profile when it comes to traditional marketing,” Karu explains. “From the beginning, our reputation has grown organically through word of mouth and referrals. So much so that even our storefront has a deliberately understated presence—people often walk by without even seeing us.

“The volume of new-client inquiries can be overwhelming,” he continues. “And we even recently deactivated our social media accounts to streamline our communication. Our focus continues to be more on taking good care of our existing clients.”

Karu also adds that client feedback is a top priority, which has been key to the business’s success.

“After every groom, we send a brief questionnaire asking clients to rate their experience from one to five,” he explains. “If the score isn’t a five, we follow up immediately to address any concerns and ensure complete satisfaction.”

Karu considers Grooming Arts Northwest as somewhat of a pioneer in the grooming industry, particularly in regards to its setup.

Every space inside the salon can be closed off from the others, which is invaluable when working with sensitive dogs, focusing on intricate work or simply taking a moment to decompress after a challenging groom.

“I always liked the layouts of veterinary offices that had lots of little private areas,” shares Karu. “So I was lucky enough to find a building that had been built out as a veterinary office already.

“Two of the best things new clients say when they come in are ‘it’s so quiet’ and ‘it smells so good in here,’” he continues. “I always wanted a space where [clients] could take a big sigh of relief as soon as they entered the front door.”

Grooming Arts Northwest is considered a serene oasis where personalized attention matters first and foremost. Still, Karu has thought of what may lie ahead. And one area he would like to expand is the business’s involvement with the local community.

“While we haven’t engaged in many community events yet, it’s an area I’d love to explore more,” he shares. “Right now, we focus on occasional staff gatherings outside of work, but I look forward to expanding our involvement as the business continues to grow.” When reflecting on the long-term goals for his grooming business, Karu expresses that he is very happy with its current scale.

“Over the years, I’ve remodeled our space multiple times to optimize the environment, and we’re pretty much maxed out at this location,” he says. “I’m not actively pursuing expansion at this point, but we still receive résumés from talented groomers looking for either a quiet space or mentorship.

“It would be wonderful to offer more of them that opportunity someday, but we just don’t have the space or any immediate plans for growth. It’s nice being medium-sized,” concludes Karu.

As aging occurs, all body parts start breaking down and losing their normal functions. The skin is one of the prominent areas in which we see it. We can’t see the liver, kidneys or thyroid gland, but we can see the primary and secondary effects of their deterioration in the skin.

With the keratinization cycle (aging and working outward of the cells of the epidermis), the skin works as an excretory system to detoxify the body. We typically think of the liver detoxing the body and excreting wastes through the digestive tract, and the kidneys detoxifying the body and excreting toxins through the urine, but the skin also functions in this capacity. It will take toxins from the inside and work them to the surface of the skin. This is why so many old dogs have skin issues.

When evaluating these diseases versus hair loss due to infection, it is essential to know the differences. The primary difference is that metabolic diseases are a whole-body issue and are symmetrical, meaning the hair loss tends to be equal and similar on both sides of the body. Hair loss due to infection tends to be sporadic around the body, different sizes of areas and patchy.

Why is this important? As a groomer with correct training, skin infections can be dealt with very effectively. However, if this is a metabolic disease, any effort by the groomer will not be successful without addressing the underlying problem.

My general rule of thumb is any dog over seven years of age with a skin issue must go to a veterinarian for blood work to see what is going on internally. It is never wrong to check blood work at any age because I have even seen young dogs with some of the metabolic diseases mentioned, but that is more the exception than the normal.

Many groomers will start addressing the skin issue without first checking the blood on these older dogs, and what commonly happens is that they get decent to good results until they stop the process. If you bathe these dogs frequently, you can change the skin’s environment. By diluting the toxins on the skin by bathing frequently, you are creating a pseudo-normal environment. However, when you stop, the toxins build back up, and everything falls apart again.

Dogs with these diseases can also have a common history of drinking more water and urinating more frequently, which is commonly referred to as PU/PD (polyuria/ polydipsia). This is another way the body is trying to detoxify itself.

The groomer plays a vital role in recognizing the potential problem, getting the animal help, and bringing the hair and skin back to health. These pets will benefit from products that stimulate hair growth, creating a good environment by adding hydration, trace minerals, vitamins and products that will strengthen the existing hairs—in other words, using products designed to accomplish those things.

Shampoo by itself is not the answer to this because shampoos will strip the precious oils necessary to rebuild the skin barrier. Seeking out the right conditioners or sprays that are correctly pH balanced to aid in this becomes very important.

I consider groomers to be vital in recognizing these old-age-related issues in our pets early. Most owners are not as quick to notice changes because they are with the pets daily and often are not as knowledgeable as a groomer to pick up on these early, subtle changes. In addition, with seeing a pet every two to eight weeks, you will usually notice the changes more quickly than the veterinarian, so don’t hesitate to bring this to the client’s attention and encourage them to seek help.

The saying, “If you see something, say something,” is very appropriate here. You may save the life of one of your favorite “friends” in the later stages of their life by being proactive!

Dr. Cliff Faver graduated with a BS in Biology/BA in Chemistry before getting a Veterinary degree in 1987. He is the past owner of Animal Health Services in Cave Creek, Arizona and now the US distributor for Iv San Bernard products, teaches the ISB Pet Aesthetician Certification program, and speaks internationally on hair and skin. His passion is to merge groomers and veterinarians to aid in helping and healing pets. He is also a member of AVMA, AAHA, AZVMA, Board member with Burbank Kennel Club, and has served on Novartis Lead Committee, Hill’s International Global Veterinary Board, and a Veterinary Management Group.

If you are unfamiliar with reading breed standards, they might seem a little confusing at first, but once you have read through a few, you will find they are full of interesting information.

For example, The Bichon Frise standard explains that the breed has an arched neck. That will help guide you as you groom, because leaving the fur longer there and trimming it to accentuate the arch will be necessary. It also says that this breed’s topline is level, except for a slight rise at the loin. These and other structural descriptions will help you visualize how to trim the coat to accentuate the breed’s ideal build.

Her thoughts were echoed by groomer Desiree Ramirez de Rva, who adds, “As a person with dogs which I show, there’s so much in breed standards beyond just grooming. Structure, history, movement, and temperament are also important parts of a dog, and the more we know, the better groomers we can be.

“Corrective grooming to give the illusion of better structure can only be done when you know what a dog should look like,” continues Desiree. “Being able to name areas correctly, such as croup, hock, pastern, brisket, etcetera, is also important. Even if you are handling doodles or mixed breeds, this knowledge can absolutely translate.”

Many groomers reported that they didn’t believe knowing breed standards was important information for those in our career, saying “I only groom mixed breeds,” or “I live in an area where people only want their pets clipped close.” While that may be true, becoming familiar with breed standards can also be invaluable information for groomers to understand what individual breeds of dogs were originally developed to do and what their temperament will most likely be.

For example, if you know that the diminutive Chihuahua is supposed to be “Alert, projecting the ‘terrier-like’ attitudes of self-importance, confidence, self-reliance,” you might not be so surprised when they act like a bigger, tougher dog than they actually are when you attempt to groom one.

Angela Forrester, CCMS, agrees, saying, “I think knowing the breed standard is important in many ways, but probably the most important is temperament and purpose. If you don’t understand how the dog on your table thinks, you may contribute to a safety issue or make the groom more difficult. Even if they’re not purebred, you should be thinking about what this animal is bred to do and how that may affect its reactions to the grooming process.”

With over 200 breeds currently recognized, learning the American Kennel Club breed standard for every breed would be overkill. However, knowing how to find and read the standard for dogs you groom is a doable task.

Going back to the Bichon in the beginning of the article, the owner didn’t necessarily want the upkeep and maintenance required by a full-on show groom. However, she did want to maintain the correct lines of a breed trim to show her pretty dog off to its best advantage.

For the groomer unsure of how to accomplish that, starting at the breed standard is a fabulous first step. Once you have educated yourself by reading the standard, refer to grooming books for information on what tools to use to achieve the desired trim.

Looking at images online can also be helpful. If you type in the breed you are searching for and add the words “breed club,” you will find lots of helpful information on the breed, especially grooming practices, along with photos of properly groomed specimens.

Being armed with breed-specific familiarity can set you apart from the competition, help you gain confidence in your skills and translate as professionalism to your customers. Knowledge is one of the most essential tools you can acquire.

Let’s explore the importance of maintaining a clean grooming environment, how to tackle daily and deep-cleaning tasks, and how to communicate the value of cleanliness to your team and clients.

Ask yourself, “If I were a new client, walking in for the first time, what would my first impression be?” This simple exercise can help you identify areas of improvement and see your salon from others’ perspectives. Is it clean, welcoming and fresh, or does something need attention?

When your salon is clean and organized, clients are more likely to trust that their pets are being well taken care of and that their health and safety are top priorities. Don’t let your talents be overshadowed by a bad first impression. Instead, let every client see the pride and passion you have for your business from the moment they walk into your salon.

Grooming salons are high-touch environments, and dirty tools or surfaces increase the risk of contamination. Keeping everything sanitized and disinfected not only protects the pets, but also demonstrates your commitment to their wellbeing, which is key in building lasting trust with your clients. Most pet owners consider their pets family, so they expect the environment to be as clean and safe as it would be for their own health.

A poor review or comment about the cleanliness of your salon can tarnish your reputation quickly. However, a positive review about a clean and professional environment can become a major asset in growing your client base. Building a reputation for excellence requires consistent attention to every detail, including the cleanliness of your space.

Clients feel more comfortable and trust the staff more when the salon is clean and welcoming. When your team understands how a clean environment impacts client retention and satisfaction, they’re more likely to embrace cleanliness as part of the salon culture.

Running a clean salon doesn’t require long hours of deep cleaning every day—just consistency and attention to detail. Here’s a quick checklist of daily tasks to keep your salon spotless:

• Persistent odors that don’t go away after cleaning.
• Visible grime or hair buildup in corners or less-used areas.
• Clients hesitate or comment about cleanliness during their visits.
• Pets exhibit unusual reactions, such as sneezing, itching or discomfort after grooming.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at your cleaning routines and ensure you’re meeting both client and pet needs.

A well-fitted basket muzzle is ideal for training. Since the dog will be gradually conditioned to the muzzle, there is not much concern about the dog trying to get its nails in the muzzle and remove it. The dog can easily accept treats and engage in training while wearing it.

The first step in muzzle training is to teach the dog a nose target. Start by having the dog target your hand, then transition to targeting objects, and finally, to the muzzle. When the dog willingly places their nose in the muzzle, reward them for some duration. Just a few seconds is a great start. 

A verbal cue like “muzzle” can be added once the dog is consistently targeting it. Gradually secure the muzzle starting with short periods around 10-30 seconds, then extend to a minute or longer. While the dog wears the muzzle, engage them with tricks, easy skills or a short walk. When these steps are comfortable, begin incorporating the muzzle into real-life scenarios, including the situations that prompted the muzzle training initially.

One key tip is to avoid using the muzzle solely for stressful moments. If the dog associates the muzzle only with negative experiences, it can become a source of stress.

While groomers don’t have to take dogs through muzzle training, simply understanding the process can help shape salon policies. Consider whether muzzles will be used, under what circumstances and whether to encourage owners to complete muzzle training with a professional trainer before using one during a groom.

Even if you decide not to use muzzles in your salon, I hope this article gives you some insight into answering customer questions and a better understanding of the importance of the training process.

Having a niche also helps to focus your marketing efforts. It can set you apart from your competition by creating a unique selling point (USP) critical to developing targeted advertising campaigns. Being the local geriatric grooming specialist made me the authority on the topic. Local veterinarians trusted me with their special senior clients, and area groomers who were uncomfortable grooming senior pets gladly sent them my way.

Deciding to have a niche but not marketing it won’t get you far. Post informational blogs on your specialty to your Facebook business page and post photos, reels and videos to all social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok.

Toot your own horn and let potential clients know you’re the best, because having a specialty allows you to charge more for your services. Every time you get more education on your specialty, let everyone know.

Contact your local breed clubs if your niche is a specific breed or show grooming. Cats have their breed clubs as well. If you’re mobile and want to stick to a particular neighborhood, seek out the President of the HOA. Offer to write a grooming or pet care article for their newsletter or look at a getting in a local veterinarian’s or high-end pet store’s newsletter.

When deciding on a niche, remember you should play to your strengths. I would not recommend catering solely to small dogs if you cannot imagine grooming life without Golden Retrievers. I would also not advise focusing on a breed or group that does not display your talents well. But continuing education can change that. Conversely, just because you love Bichons does not mean you have to be the “Bubbly Bichon Barber;” your business may fare better if you generalize that talent to curly coat types.

A top concern is whether or not there is enough business for a niche groomer to make a living. But knowing who and where your niche clients are and the number of clients you need will help narrow your number.

Niching may not appeal to you, and that’s okay, too. The point is to have fun and love what you do!

Compliance, on the other hand, demonstrates professionalism and commitment to quality education. It ensures a safe, ethical environment for students and helps schools avoid legal troubles while building trust with their communities.

I nearly opened my school without approval, even after hours of research and phone calls. As someone who struggles with reading due to being neurodivergent, navigating outdated and confusing websites made the process even harder. I share this to emphasize that if you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

• Research Your State’s Requirements: Use the resources provided in this article to locate your state’s approval program and gather initial details.
• Contact the Agency: Reach out to confirm the process and requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarity.
• Prepare Your Application: Compile your curriculum, advertising materials, facility plans and other required documents.
• Understand Financial Obligations: Be prepared for fees such as application costs, annual renewals and surety bonds.
• Stay Informed: Join mailing lists or check regularly for updates to state rules and regulations.

Navigating approval programs might seem daunting, but it’s a vital step in building a reputable grooming school and raising the standards of education in our industry. By understanding and complying with these requirements, we can protect students, strengthen our businesses and improve the grooming profession as a whole.

Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Resources and support are available to guide you. Whether you’re just starting or looking to ensure compliance for an existing school, taking these steps is a powerful move toward fostering trust, transparency and excellence in pet grooming education.