“I love my team so much; they are all amazing humans, and I am so lucky to know them and even luckier to work with them,” she exclaims. “One person is really great with old dogs, and we have another person that just loves puppies. I personally do behavior modification and training for the grooming process with my Master Groomer Behavior Specialist certification and my CPDT Dog Training Certification, on top of my grooming skills.”

All of the Paws & Anchor groomers participate in continuing education annually, and are also AKC Safety in the Salon certified, Fear Free certified and IPG certified.

“It’s so important to keep learning,” Nicole expresses. “Beyond our continuing education hourly requirements every year, we also reimburse our staff up to $200 a year for any continuing education purchases, and they have the freedom to make their own choices with what they are interested in. We also encourage our team to go to at least one of the grooming shows each year.”

Like in any business, she’s found that kindness goes a long way in aiding in success.

“We got a reputation for being ‘so nice’ early on,” Nicole shares. “I like to talk to clients like I’m their friend or family member. I like to be real and honest while also treating them with kindness.

“We also do a lot of client education,” she continues. “I might speak to a client at length about brushing, matting prevention, or little training tips for home. And, you know what—smile. Just smile, people—come on, everything is nicer when you smile.”

To build on their good reputation, Paws & Anchor has been involved in a number of community events since the beginning.

“We have also done that same setup for a lot of community events in our area,” she adds. “We’ve done charity drives, creative in-store events, and we regularly donate to charity gift auctions.”

Another way Paws & Anchor has given back to the community is by hosting a dog safety class at the local elementary school. And, earlier this year, Nicole welcomed the Pre-K class of Bradley Beach Elementary to the shop as part of a school trip.

“We taught them all to be groomers with stuffed animals,” she explains. “It was adorable! They wore smocks, ‘washed’ their dogs, watched a tutorial video of me grooming a dog, and then used a bunch of grooming kids toys that we purchased to ‘groom’ their dogs. We followed up by letting them put accessories on them. Who knows, they might be the next generation of groomers!”

With Nicole’s dog training background, she would love to eventually have a larger facility that includes a doggy daycare, training classes and a self-service dog wash.

“These are our goals that we are working towards,” she shares. “We would also love to move to a larger location where our clients have more parking.”

Her grooming philosophy is simple, believing most dog owners are just regular people with great family dogs who want practical services that are cute and stylish.

“They want their homes to have less hair in them, they want to spoil their little furry friend that follows them around the house all day, and they want to cuddle them and their sweet-smelling fur after they’re groomed,” Nicole explains. “We cater to each particular client, giving them one-on-one care and cater their services to what’s in their best interest and what is requested from their pet parents.

“After all,” she continues, “these are people’s furry children; their family members. They deserve the utmost, best care.”

One of the worst culprits of excessive/repetitive movements that we see is using shears that are improperly fitted to our hands. Your average “old-school” non-swivel-style shear forces your hand into an awkward posture many thousands of times a day. For groomers, maintaining a neutral position is more than just the position of the wrist. Non-swivel shears put your thumb in an awkward position and place pressure on the carpal tunnel. But a correctly fitted pair of swivel shears will keep your thumb in a neutral position and reduce awkward repetitive movements.

The human body is amazing in its function and design, and while our opposable thumbs are a key trait in dexterity, we often come back to the “just because we can do something, doesn’t mean that we should” theory when it comes to repetitive motion. There can be too much of a good thing.

The key to an easy brush-out (or easier de-matting) is prep and products. Using the correct product types for the pet’s coat can make a huge difference in drying time and ease of brush-out. If the coat isn’t thoroughly clean and conditioned, it’s going to take forever to dry—not to mention having a negative effect on the finished groom.

Regarding de-matting, mild detangling that can be done without hurting the pet still begins in the tub with the correct products. This is also a time when having a recirculating bathing system (provided you keep it disinfected properly) can be a lifesaver in getting the product worked through the coat thoroughly while being easier on your body.

In addition to finding tools that fit your hand properly and using products to help cut time, there’s a simple trick to avoiding excessive movements: Try not to do things more times than you have to! I’m not talking about a second bath when needed—that’s part of proper prep work—I’m talking about rough cuts.

If you were looking for a sign to stop rough-cutting dogs unless they were pelted, here you go. We already know that a clean coat is less damaging to your equipment than a dirty one; that the dirt actually dulls your shears and blades faster. And it’s not just your equipment that you are putting excessive wear on, it’s your body!

It’s time to start being more mindful of ergonomics and treating our body like the irreplaceable tool it is. So why put more strain on it than necessary, working harder than we have to and doing things twice when once will work? That’s excessive.

Early 20th-century catalogs show sales of soap blends intended for dogs. In 1933, Maurice Marks patented the “Sham‑Poodle” cobalt-blue, poodle-shaped bottle to dispense dog shampoo. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, dog shows and suburban living contributed to changes in pet care. Grooming salons multiplied and commercial shampoos evolved.

Like shampoos today, earlier shampoos were intended to clean, and sometimes treat skin problems, but the major difference is that they were not formulated for a dog’s skin the way many are today.

“The shift towards microbiome-supporting formulas enriched with prebiotics fundamentally transformed pet shampoos,” says Kris Hampton, founder of Raintown Dog Training in Vancouver, BC. “They balance skin flora, reduce flare-ups, and enable groomers to deliver lasting comfort and healthier coats in a single process.”

The 1960s and 1970s brought real differentiation, as regular grooming brought with it an awareness for coat and skin care needs. Shampoo took a gentle turn with oatmeal blends becoming more common. Improvements in pH-balanced formulas were also seen.

As the grooming industry continued to grow, so did niche offerings. From dog show products to spa offerings, the 1990s gave groomers even more opportunities to make their services stand out with the help of specialty shampoos, including options for different coat textures, breeds and colors. Shampoo then started to go beyond the awareness of skin care needs by also providing a marketing edge for groomers.

Every groomer knows that an exceptional groom starts with a clean and prepped coat. Having the right shampoos and conditioners is important but won’t produce results alone. And so, with new products comes new processes. From bathing systems and frothers to techniques that go beyond a lather and rinse, groomers continue to find new ways to get the best results—making their products work for them. This can mean cleaner coats along with less waste and completing grooming sessions faster, all of which is great for the bottom line.

One thing to consider when looking into the future is how companies will leverage new tools and available data to develop the next products. Could AI models analyze coat types, skin pH, breed genetics and even microbiome data to optimize shampoo blends accordingly? If so, could every bottle become custom‑designed?

Groomers can stay ahead and be the first to know about what’s new by attending trade shows, networking, and subscribing to grooming publications and blogs. As the industry continues to evolve, the next breakthrough in dog shampoo may move away from tradition entirely. Until then, groomers can get the best results by choosing products wisely and using them with care.

Do employees not want to come to work because of drama? Learn de-escalation skills to manage employee problems and eliminate any toxic employees, no matter how good they are at their job.

Our industry attracts a much higher than normal percentage of the neurodiverse community. What makes sense to a neurotypical employee may make zero sense to a neurodiverse employee. Are you trying to work with your employees, or are you a do-as-I-say or hit-the-highway type of boss?

Are you providing your staff a living wage? Staff having a hard time making ends meet will look for other places of employment. Consider hiring a business coach if you are struggling to make a living and provide that living wage for your employees.

Are you encouraging them to continue their education? Facilitating and even paying for continuing education for your staff provides a renewed passion for their work. With advanced skills and certifications, groomers can charge more for their services, allowing for higher wages.

Are they happy in their jobs? Have monthly employee meetings and check in with your staff. Even better, organize some fun group activities, like paint night, happy hour or escape rooms to encourage camaraderie. 

The flip side of our industry is when we lose pets. Bringing in a grief counselor and providing coping resources can help deal with those emotions.

Remember, you are still a human in your business. If your employees are making you unhappy due to unreasonable demands, then get rid of them. However, your handbooks should clearly have legal processes for removing those employees so that you don’t have unwarranted unemployment claims against your business.

When your staff members are balanced, pets react positively, pet owners walk in with a smile, business owners are happy because everyone is making money and problems are easily remedied because you have processes in place.

While happy staff may still have reasons for leaving, they are simply less likely to quit. At the end of the day, happiness is king.

Several groomers in online groups have recommended using AI to help word messages to customers when they need to reply to a question or complaint tactfully, but are having trouble finding the right words. So, you may also find that AI is a help when communicating with people.

There are downsides to AI, of course. One groomer who specializes in social media management and education for pet groomers says, “Some people are starting to use AI to fake before-and-after grooming results. I saw an advertisement where the after photo was obviously AI. It wasn’t even the same dog.

“Too much AI makes a business feel cold,” she continues. “Grooming is personal. It’s about trust, and if our online presence doesn’t reflect that, it’s harder to attract the right kind of client. It removes the human connection that people are searching for.”

Another downside to AI is its environmental impact. The machines that create AI use tremendous amounts of resources, including high energy consumption, heavy carbon emissions and high water usage for cooling the computer servers. According to the AI app ChatGPT, “In some cases, training a model can use millions of liters of water indirectly, depending on how the electricity is generated and cooled.”

Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, and though it may make you feel apprehensive, there are ways in which it can streamline your business and make your life a little easier!

Grooming can be a physically demanding job. You often put in long hours, doing your best to comply with owners’ wishes while working on pets that are difficult on the table—and ones who haven’t seen a brush or comb in quite some time. By the end of the day, you may feel completely exhausted, both physically and mentally.

But there is a way you can change that! You can learn to work smarter, not harder. Knowledge truly is power. Enhance your skills by taking classes, in person and online, and setting personal goals for yourself. Attend shows and seminars to learn timesaving techniques and tips. Invest in tools and equipment that will make your job easier.

Another big one is to get and keep your clients’ pets on a consistent grooming schedule. The pets will stay in better shape when they come in regularly, making the grooming process easier and more enjoyable for you and the pet. Save your sweating for the sports, hobbies and activities you enjoy, like working out, dancing or hiking!

While not all of these situations are entirely avoidable, having clients sign appropriate pet release forms at check-in and documenting everything is a good place to start. In fact, you should take before and after photos of the pets you groom, and of anything out of the ordinary you see on them. In addition, having clear policies in place makes it easier to say no to uncomfortable requests.

The Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” is sound advice every groomer should follow. Protect yourself and your business by having adequate insurance coverage. Additionally, installing video cameras in your mobile unit or throughout your salon, as well as in your parking area, could save you countless tears and sleepless nights.

Acknowledging the pet’s life is very important. You should reach out to the owner and at the very least send a heartfelt card. You can also consider sending a pet sympathy gift. These can be purchased wholesale or ordered one at a time online. Some companies can personalize the gift with a card with a message and send it out the same or the next day.

Blood, sweat and tears are a part of life, as well as our careers—but most groomers wouldn’t have it any other way!

Over time, this wear and tear can lead to chronic discomfort, repetitive strain injuries and burnout…but it doesn’t have to. By incorporating movement prep, strategic breaks and end-of-day recovery practices, groomers can protect their most valuable tool: their body.

The following is an easy-to-follow stretch and recovery routine tailored for cat groomers, along with movement practices and skincare habits that support longevity behind the grooming table.

Skipping a warm-up before grooming is like showing up to a race without tying your shoes. A short, consistent routine gets muscles engaged and joints moving, helping prevent early fatigue and tension that build over the day.

Here is an easy five-to-seven-minute routine to get your day started right:

• Neck & Shoulder Rolls: Gently circle your neck and roll your shoulders to release overnight stiffness, doing five in each direction.
• Wrist Circles & Finger Flicks: Rotate each wrist, then flick fingers open and closed for 30 seconds to warm up tendons.
• Cat-Cow Stretch: From standing or hands and knees, alternate between rounding and arching the back to mobilize the spine, repeating 10 times.
• Standing Forward Fold: Let the upper body hang from the hips and gently shake out your arms. This stretches the back and decompresses the spine.
• Side-to-Side Lunge: Shift your weight from leg to leg. This warms up hips and knees for crouching and floor work.

Try these simple movements between grooms:

• Heel Lifts or Marching in Place: A few reps keeps blood flowing and lower body limber.
• Wall Shoulder Stretch: With hands on the wall and feet back, hinge at the hips until the spine and arms align. Hold for 30 seconds to relieve upper-back tension.
• Hip Swings: Using a table for balance, gently swing one leg at a time forward and back 10–15 times to loosen hips and lower back.
• Overhead Stretch with Side Reach: With arms overhead, reach side to side. This opens the rib cage and counteracts the forward-hunching grooming posture.

Here is a 10-minute cool-down routine to reset your body at the end of the day:

• Seated Forward Fold: Sit with legs extended and reach forward gently. Hold for 30–60 seconds.
• Reclining Spinal Twist: Lying on your back, bend your knees and drop them to one side. Switch after 30 seconds.
• Legs Up the Wall: While on your back, rest your legs vertically against a wall. Hold for 5–10 minutes.
• Forearm Massage: Use your opposite hand or a massage ball to gently knead forearms and wrists.

Between flying fur, shampoo residue, cat dander and the occasional sneeze spray, skin irritation and breakouts are common. A consistent cleansing and moisturizing routine helps prevent clogged pores, contact dermatitis and skin-barrier damage.

Here are some tips for keeping hands looking and feeling healthy:

• Wash with Gentle Soap: Choose a mild cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Avoid anything overly scented or labeled as deep-cleaning.
• Apply Barrier Cream: Use a fast-absorbing cream or ointment that helps lock in moisture and protect the skin between washes.
• Use Overnight Repair Products: A thick, fragrance-free hand cream or balm applied at bedtime (with or without cotton gloves) can help repair damaged skin overnight.
• Nail and Cuticle Care: Keep nails short and use cuticle oil or balm regularly to prevent splitting and hangnails.
• Exfoliating Scrub (Sugar, Oatmeal or Rice-Based): Use weekly to help remove buildup from products, dander and dead skin.

Try adding these skincare steps for healthy face, neck and arms:

• Double Cleanse After Work: Use a cleansing balm or oil-based cleanser to break down sunscreen, grooming-product residue and sebum. Follow with a gentle, water-based cleanser to remove sweat and surface debris.
• Follow With Hydration: A moisturizing toner or lightweight lotion helps rebalance the skin after cleansing.
• Optional Serums or Barrier Creams: If your skin is prone to irritation or acne, choose calming or hydrating formulas to support skin-barrier recovery.
• Don’t Skip Sunscreen (Even Indoors): If your table is near a window, UV exposure can add up. Look for a mineral sunscreen to avoid pore-clogging.

Building this quick end-of-day skincare habit can prevent breakouts, redness and dryness, and supports long-term skin health for anyone regularly exposed to grooming products and airborne allergens.

Here are a few strength-building activities that are great options for groomers:

• Swimming: Excellent for cardiovascular health, joint support and upper-body mobility.
• Weight Lifting: Focus on shoulders, back, wrists and core. Resistance bands can be a low-impact alternative.
• Yoga or Pilates: Both improve flexibility, balance and breath control.
• Barre, Pole or Dance-Based Fitness: Supports body strength and posture awareness.
• Martial Arts or Functional Movement Training: Builds core control, coordination and safe reaction techniques under pressure.

Aim for two to three sessions per week of movement outside of grooming. It doesn’t need to be long—just consistent.

A few minutes of movement each day, along with smart conditioning and skincare practices, can mean the difference between a five-year grooming career and a 20-year career.

Treat your body like it matters—because it does.

FIG. 6) I then finish the bath with more eye rinse solution.