R+ Training: Using Positive Reinforcement
“All of those positive reinforcement (R+) trainers always use food for training.”…“The dogs won’t work unless they see you have treats.”…“My dog isn’t that food motivated, so R+ training clearly won’t work for us….” Have you heard these comments?…Have you made these comments? Let’s take a step back and address these common misunderstandings…
Read More9 Tips to Improve the Longevity of Your Grooming Career
The grooming job is hard work. We can take steps to keep ourselves healthy and strong and to be able to continue grooming as long as we would like. I’ve accumulated the following 9 tips to help you improve the longevity of your grooming career. 1. Ear Protection The noise from dryers, shop vacs,…
Read MoreWhen Your Dog Growls …
A stranger approaches your dog, and your dog growls. Your dog is dozing on the couch, and you sit down next to him, startling him awake, and he growls. Perhaps your dog is chewing on a favorite toy or eating his food and a child reaches for the toy or the bowl, and your dog…
Read MoreTalking to Owners About Behavior Problems In Grooming
When we’re grooming a dog who is stressed, scared, aggressive, or even overly silly the risk of an accident or injury goes up. For many years the grooming industry has completed trims and grooms on dogs without doing much about the behavior problem. It’s common for our customers to think that it’s our job to…
Read MorePlaying Tug of War: Good Exercise, Great Bond-Building
There is a school of thought that suggests we shouldn’t play Tug of War with our pups because it can create aggression. That same school of thought will say that if you do play Tug, make sure you always win so that the dog knows you’re the boss. I could not disagree with that…
Read MoreGiving Our Pets Choices
So much of our pets’ lives are dictated by us. We determine when they have access to outside, food, water, resting areas and games. We decide what food they eat. We restrict our dogs’ movements by attaching a leash to them when we take them out. We determine when, or if, they have play dates…
Read MoreJob Posting: Awesome Pawsome Pet Spa (Ironton, MO)
Part-Time Dog Groomer (W-2 Commissioned) Job Description Awesome Pawsome Pet Spa is looking for an experienced pet stylist or recent grooming graduate who doesn’t mind working with large breeds. No nights or weekends required. Quality over quantity is a must. Part time to start but may lead to full time. Compensation: 50% Commission Desired Start…
Read MoreThe Power of Happy Visits
Is your dog afraid to go to the vet’s office or grooming salon? Do they resist going through the door? Does she pant, pace or drool? Does she suddenly start shedding while waiting in the lobby? You and your dog are not alone. And when one dog is fearful, they exude stress hormones which every…
Read MoreJob Posting: Ruff-Inn-It (Mt. Zion, IL)
Full-Time Dog Groomer Job Description Ruff-Inn-It is hiring for a dog/cat grooming position in their busy boarding facility. They need a second groomer. There are a lot of boarding clients looking for grooming so you can just walk in and groom. Compensation: Approximately $700 per week Desired Start Date: 8/6/2019 Contact Information Randy Doty 1555…
Read MoreIs Doggy Day Care Right For My Dog?
Doggy day care is a growing trend for busy dog parents. It’s an excellent place for many dogs to socialize with other dogs, get exercise and burn energy while the humans are off at work. But, is doggy day care the right option for all dogs? Dogs Who Would Benefit from Doggy Day Care…
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