Month: October 2020

Dog grooming was once seen as a part-time occupation for animal lovers, today it is recognized as a rapidly growing professional industry! If you are passionate about working with animals, grooming can be a dream come true, but to be a viable career path, it needs to offer more than just job satisfaction. Keep reading to learn the top 5 reasons why taking a dog groomer training course can set you on the path to a rewarding and fulfilling career.

The U.S. pet grooming industry is expected to exceed $10 billion by the end of 2020!

Seeing new faces every day

Where so many professions keep people locked up in cubicles all day with only the computer for company, groomers get to interact with new people every single day. It’s a great way to build a social circle, develop professional interpersonal skills, and grow a network. Such energetic environments are often credited for giving greater job satisfaction too.

Learning new skills

Your dog grooming training is just the first step in a successful career in grooming. Groomers often specialize in particular dog breeds and work in industries like pet shows, animals in film, and caring for working dogs (support dogs, K9 units). There are many advanced certifications and dog groomer trainer courses you can enroll in to become a master in your field.

Lucrative salary

Groomers’ salaries can vary from city to city, but in a dog-loving part of the U.S. like Crown Point, IN, expect to make about $30-32,000 per year as a new groomer. Experienced groomers can command much higher salaries, and groomers in specialized industries can earn higher wages than the national average. Make sure you complete a dog groomer training course from a reputed academy to work with the best groomers and get lucrative gigs.

Flexibility in work

Groomers enjoy a far healthier work-life balance compared to virtually any other profession. Grooming studios offer full-time and part-time positions, and groomers generally work during the day. These convenient shifts are a boon for those with children or other responsibilities. Many groomers use this freedom to further their careers.

Essential business skills

Unlike most other businesses where business management is a closely guarded secret, groomers get to experience what it’s like managing all aspects of the company. You’ll build skills in administration, bookkeeping, client management, and pricing. In short, you’ll learn all the skills needed to help run a grooming salon! More than that, people who work in pet grooming enjoy a greater sense of responsibility from their work.

Starting a Career with Smoochie Pooch

Are you looking to work with pet grooming professionals that don’t just do good work; they work to be the standard that others in the industry compare themselves against. Once you’ve finished your dog grooming course, consider joining the Smoochie Pooch team. Contact us now about our career opportunities.

One of the reasons that dogs make such amazing pets is that they each have their own unique personality that pet owners come to love. However, it’s not just their personality quirks that distinguish dogs from each other, it’s also their breed-specific differences that can set them apart. For those looking into pet grooming courses, be sure your training will include how to handle the many different breeds you may be asked to work with.

You may be wondering if breed type really matters that much when it comes to grooming services. It most certainly does. Professional dog grooming courses will always start with the basics, but it’s the in-depth knowledge of how to treat each pet and their unique skin and coat needs that will help set you apart from other groomers.

Why Pet Grooming Courses Teach About Breed-Specific Grooming

As mentioned, if you’re really serious about a career in dog grooming, you will absolutely need to learn about breed-specific tricks and techniques. Dog grooming training really is a comprehensive process, and in fact, should never be considered complete! There is always something new to learn as the industry continues to evolve.

When it comes to breed-specific grooming information, here’s why it should be included in your dog grooming courses:

• Some particular dog breeds have a traditional cut style that you’ll need to know about. Not all pet owners choose to have their pet groomed in their breed-specific style. From Standard Poodles to Schnauzers and Havanese pups, not only will you need to know what the final look is supposed to be, you’ll also need to know what tools to use to accomplish the desired result.

• Many breed types have predominant skin and coat characteristics that need to be considered when completing a groom. Failing to keep this information in mind can result in an unhappy dog and an unhappy pet owner. Remember, grooming is not just about how a pet looks, but plays a significant role in their overall health too.

• Understanding the different tools you need for grooming different dogs. Dog grooming training is certainly not complete without learning about the tools you need to do the job. For example, a pin brush can be used for medium to long hair and a slicker brush is helpful when removing mats and tangles on dogs with a thicker coat. Bristle brushes can be used on all coat types but you should choose your bristle spacing based on the length of the fur.

Learn Breed-Specific Dog Grooming at Smoochie Pooch Academy

At the Smoochie Pooch Academy of Pet Grooming, we know how important it is for students to learn about every element of their four-legged clients. Our programs focus on mastering the skills and technical knowledge needed to become comfortable grooming pets of any breed. Offering small class sizes, hands-on training, and flexible instruction means that every one of our students receives the personalized attention they need to succeed. To find out more about our programs and how to enroll, contact us.

For dogs with longer hair, it’s usually more obvious to know when it’s time to make a grooming appointment, but owners of short-haired dogs may not get the same cues. There’s no hard and fast rule about when you need to call the local mobile dog groomers or make a pet salon appointment, it really does depend on the breed, how much brushing they get at home, and their lifestyle.

However, it’s also important to understand that caring for your dog’s coat is only one small portion of what happens at a pet grooming appointment. As a result, it’s important for all dogs, regardless of their coat to have regular grooming appointments to ensure that their hygienic needs are being met.

What You Need to Know About the Grooming Needs of Short Haired Dogs

Short haired dog owners in Indiana should connect with a local pet grooming salon to find out more about what their pet may need. Some short haired dogs may only need occasional baths and limited brushing, while others may benefit from a shed relief system to reduce shedding. Planning for dog grooming sessions seasonally is a great way to remove the dead undercoat before it ends up all over your furniture.

In short, the answer is that yes, short haired dogs need grooming too! There are many options for pet owners in Indiana, including local mobile dog groomers that can conveniently come to your location, or you can book your short-haired four-legged family member into a pet salon for a complete groom if you prefer that option over dog grooming vans.

Here are some top reasons why short-haired pup’s benefit from regular pet grooming:

• Since short-haired dogs also shed their coats, they need a thorough brushing every now and then. Groomers will have the right tools needed including a stiff bristle brush made specifically for short-haired dogs.
• Experienced groomers will have the right shampoo and conditioner for bath time that will be gentle on your dog’s skin and short coat. Using the wrong products can result in their coat feeling sticky which can lead to skin irritation or a rash. Remember, regardless of their coat length, their paws and face still need to be cleaned regularly, especially if you have an adventurous pooch who loves their outdoor time!
• Every dog requires that their nails be trimmed regularly. This reduces the risk of overgrown nails which can lead to pain and discomfort.
• Professional pet grooming also means your pet will get a complete visual check at every appointment. Groomers will inspect your pet’s paw pads, ears, as well as check for dryness, cracks, cuts, weird odors, and any skin lesions or irritations. A regular review of your dog’s appearance can help mitigate further issues, provide a proactive approach to their health, and generally help to ensure they’re feeling their best.

Short Haired Dog Grooming At Smoochie Pooch in Indiana

If you have a short-haired dog, Smoochie Pooch can provide regular professional grooming using high quality products that support your pet’s health and happiness. We have four convenient locations throughout Northern Indiana as well as dog grooming vans that can bring our services right to your door. If you think it’s time for your dog to be groomed, contact Smoochie Pooch and book an appointment.  With highly trained groomers and a commitment to exceeding our customer’s expectations, we know your pet will love their grooming experience with us!

Is Boredom the Reason behind Your Dog’s Destructive Behavior?

Your dog groomer in Valparaiso, Indiana often comments on how much energy your dog has and you’re always amazed at how much running they do when you visit the dog park. So, does it really come as a surprise that your dog may be dealing with boredom when they’re left alone?

If you’ve ever returned home and found that your dog has destroyed a shoe, your furniture or a pillow, try not to get too discouraged. A bored dog will resort to these destructive behaviors if they need more mental stimulation and physical activity. Take a deep breath, pay attention to what your pet is trying to tell you and then make a plan to ensure they get what they need.

How to Keep Your Dog from Becoming Bored at Home

You’ve found local dog grooming services, a veterinarian, and know where to buy their food and favorite treats, but have you made a plan for keeping your dog busy? In particular, young dogs and certain breeds need to burn off energy and keep their minds engaged, or else they’ll start to make negative choices.

Owners are usually concerned about the destructive behaviors boredom can bring, but you should recognize that boredom also typically indicates an unhappy dog, and nobody wants that! Keep reading for great ideas on how to keep your four-legged family member busy and happy.

Physical Exercise

If you tire out your dog, they are more likely to sleep when you’re out than to get into trouble. Ask your vet, your breeder or your local dog grooming service for advice on how much exercise your dog needs. Try heading to a local dog park and be sure to take varied routes around your neighborhood to give your dog a chance to explore different sights, sounds, and smells.

Mental Stimulation

Try out some puzzle toys and games. There are very exciting dog toys out there that include hidden squeakers or lift flaps as well as balls and cubes your dog must engage with to get at the treats inside. Also be sure to keep your pet’s regular appointments as it’s another great way to get social stimulation. A trip to the dog groomers in Valparaiso, Indiana can be quite the exciting day for your dog!

More Training

No doubt your dog already knows the basics but signing up for additional dog training class gives them an opportunity to learn tricks or practice agility. The regular classes will not only keep your dog busy, but also, you’ll both get some social time too. Look for a class that uses positive reinforcement, training, and focuses on teaching dogs how to learn and encourages their participation in the process.

Mealtime Games

Making your dog work for their food can be incredibly exciting for them. Consider putting their food in a slow feeder bowl or a food-releasing puzzle toy. Nearby dog groomers may have a selection of options they can recommend. For a simple solution, sprinkle your dog’s meal around the house or backyard and let them sniff for each piece.

While the ideas listed above are great places to start, in some cases hiring outside help may be the best option. From a dog walker or pet sitter, to a full day doggy daycare there are plenty of options worth considering.

Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy

There certainly is a lot that goes into keeping your dog happy and maintaining their overall health. If you’re looking for nearby dog groomers you can trust to keep your dog looking and feeling their best, contact Smoochie Pooch. Visit our Valparaiso location on Calumet Avenue or make an appointment at one of our other three convenient Northern Indiana locations. For those pet owners who prefer a mobile grooming service, we offer that too! Contact us to learn more about our services.