Diploma in Dog Grooming Module 1: Introduction to Grooming In this module you’ll discover the fascinating origins of dog grooming and the historical methods used in the past. You’ll learn how grooming is important for canine health and hygiene, what makes a grooming business stand out above the others, and why grooming makes a paws-ome career choice. What you'll learn in this module 1.1 History and evolution of dog grooming 1.2 Origins of dog grooming 1.3 Bark the loudest! 1.4 A profession of the future 1.1 History and evolution of dog grooming It's clear from literature and especially paintings that, for centuries, dogs have consistently shared in peoples’ domestic lives. Many renaissance works show dogs which we're probably a status symbol, especially particular breeds. They were well presented and sometimes dressed or adorned which indicates that grooming practices existed even then. Paintings from the Victorian era in Britain also show the inclusion of well-groomed dogs in society. It was during the Belle Époque era of the late 19th and early 20th century in Paris that the profession of dog grooming flourished. Owners brought their dogs to the banks of the river Seine where dog groomers bathed them in the river and used tools to comb and beautify them. Dogs also became part of the revolution in fashions and attitudes of that time as they were groomed in certain styles that reflected current trends. In 1933, the first dog grooming salon opened in Paris, owned by Madame Andras. Over the next 30 years, she trained numerous professionals. In the 1920's, the electric shears were invented in America and was a large contributor to the development of the industry of dog grooming. 1920 Reducing the manual labour needed to groom the thick fur or long hair of larger breeds allowed more flexibility to introduce new methods and tools and increase the level of care a grooming salon could offer. During the 1960s and 70s, when fashions and personal expression again went through a revolution, dog owners treated their dogs to 1960 grooming styles that reflected popular looks of the era. The crossing of breeds became popular, producing a wide array of new mongrels. Now more than ever dogs are considered fur-family members and we want them to look good and smell sweet. With the popularity of Present designer dogs such as Cockapoos, Labradoodles, and Cavachons there’s a whole new generation of shaggy dogs in need of pampering at the parlour. 1.2 Origins of dog grooming In earlier centuries, a working dog's purpose was to help its owner by herding or rounding up animals, so grooming had less to do with aesthetics and more with trimming excess fur for practical reasons. However, dogs belonging to the wealthy or royalty would be clipped to showcase their status. For example, the ancient Romans clipped poodles to resemble that most royal of beasts, the lion. In later centuries the French saw and admired this look, and took poodle clips on to the next level. In Georgian London the dogs of aristocrats were taken to “Dogs Toilet Clubs” where their pooches were pampered with egg yolk shampoos, coloured powders, and massages. And if you really wanted to impress you had your monogram or family crest clipped into the dog’s coat. 1.3 Bark the loudest! It was not until later, as the centuries progressed, that ordinary people were able to enjoy a personal relationship between dogs and it turned into one of companionship. As the bond developed, dogs were welcomed further into people's lives and invited to share domestic space. This, in turn, led to the need to keep dogs clean and disease free for the sake of human hygiene and health. Grooming techniques for dogs are not just for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons - they are an important way of keeping the skin and coat healthy. Combing and shampooing help raise awareness that your fur-friend has unwelcome visitors, such as fleas, ticks or ear mites, whilst taking care of the eyes, ears, teeth, nails, paws and anal glands can prevent problems from developing. In order to keep dogs and families healthy and clean, the need for grooming has changed from a whim or a luxury to a day-to-day need. As well as shedding and looking after dog’s coats, good grooming also helps prevent ectoparasites such as fleas and ticks. A good groomer is also vigilant for lumps and bumps and can alert the pet parent to get their dog checked by a vet. But grooming isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ activity, as there are a great number of breeds of dog and also different types of coat. Each breed has its own traditional type of haircut. A professional groomer needs to know the individual peculiarities of each breed. For cross breeds, you'll need to work out with the owner which style suits the dog's features. What's also important to know is how to bathe and groom the different types of the coat so as to show them off to best effect. Double coats, wiry, curly, short & smooth and long coats all need particular attention which we'll deal with later. 1.4 A profession of the future What's certain is, dogs are in our lives to stay and the need for grooming services is growing. If you're serious about building your own grooming business, here are some valuable tips: 1. As well as having an excellent face to face relationship with your client’s owners, create a strong online activity center where clients can: book or reschedule appointments in advance. find links to other useful related local services like vets, kenneling, home from home boarding services, pet stores and walking services. see a regularly updated gallery of beautifully groomed, gleeful dogs. watch embedded videos of your grooming in action. avail of some free advice you offer on: . care between grooming sessions . how often to brush different breeds? . grooming pitfalls peculiar to certain breeds . how to accustom reluctant groomees to being pampered 2. Offer a wide range of grooming packages that suit all budgets. Some people may feel able to do some of the tasks involved and leave the rest to you. Others may want the full works. 3. Integrate into your local neighborhood. Even in a large, urban environment, people like to feel part of a friendly local community. Build relationships with people who provide related services and offer discounts to their clients. Arrange reciprocal advertising and referral of your businesses on your premises and on your websites/Facebook pages etc. 4. Personal recommendations are invaluable. Reward loyal customers with extras or discounts and for referring friends. 5. Consider making your business a mobile one. With a specially converted van, you can offer the full range of grooming services. You'll provide a really convenient service for dog owners by saving them time getting to and from a premise. It could be the perfect solution for working or busy owners or those who don't drive. The cost of maintaining a vehicle can be much less than the cost of a premises and you can take it anywhere. Advertise your services by parking near vets' practices. .