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By Nicole Kallish, Andis Global Education Manager—Animal

The Andis Vida^™ Clipper boasts a lightweight, ergonomic design that fits smaller-sized hands better, and features a quiet motor plus cordless charging with a USB-C cable. The Vida is great for many parts of a groom such as sanitary trims, paw pad trims, shaving faces and feet, and the lion cut on felines. However, the adjustable blade lengths of 9, 10, 15, 30 and 40 are typically not used for grooming body styles, which require a longer coat length. But now you can—with the new 8-Piece Adjustable Blade Stainless-Steel Attachment Comb Set. This set of attachments will also work with the Andis Pulse Li 5, if that clipper is part of your tool kit.

This brand-new offering from Andis will help you create your way, with more versatility and style, and all with one tool. The set features eight different stainless-steel attachment combs, which are color-coded for easy identification and come in a clear storage case to help you stay organized. The real benefit of this set is the stainless-steel tines, because they will glide through a properly prepared coat with ease, leaving a much smoother finish, and with less passes than traditional plastic-type attachment combs. Efficient use of grooming tools is one of the keys to success, and the Vida Clipper with the Adjustable Blade Stainless-Steel Attachment Comb Set helps professional groomers achieve that next level of efficiency.

Using the adjustable blade Vida clipper and the new Andis attachment comb set, I can groom all my miniature poodles with ease. I use the Vida without attachments for all prep work, shaved faces and feet, and then put on my desired attachment combs to complete the body groom—without ever having to change clippers. I often will use a shorter attachment comb such as the blue #2 for the body and go a little longer on the legs with the yellow #0 attachment comb. A quick fluff and scissor to finish and we are good to go. Another fantastic way to use the Vida with these new attachment combs is to do outline trims. On dogs such as Golden Retrievers or Australian Shepherds, we often do not cut into the coat, but rather clip or scissor the outline leaving a natural look, which is easier for dog owners to manage. The underline, leg feathers, rear and tail can be skimmed off with ease using attachment combs and minimal touch up work with thinning shears as needed. This will speed up your grooming time and help you get more pets on your table throughout the day.

For more information on the Andis Vida, Pulse Li 5, or the new 8-Piece Adjustable Blade Stainless-Steel Attachment Comb Set, visit Andis.com and Andis Grooming on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

By the Cloud Star Staff

Food is a universal bond that brings friends and family together. Whether it’s pizza or a pot roast, sharing a snack or meal with others creates warmth and makes us feel connected in a way that gatherings without food and drink do not.

Our relationship with our pets is no different. Splitting a bag of popcorn with your dog on a road trip, or giving her a piece of chicken at a backyard barbecue, makes you both feel happy and closer to each other. Aside from getting a yummy treat, your dog feels loved and part of the pack, because she’s participating in the same activities as her human family. And you, too, feel a special bonding seeing your “best friend” enjoying the same delicious food you’re eating.

But unfortunately, this well-intentioned act of sharing food can be hazardous to pets’ health. Pet owners may be unaware that many popular human foods – including some given to dogs most often as treats — can cause serious medical conditions, both immediate and long-term.

Pet professionals can help their clients avoid trips to the veterinarian, or worse, by alerting them to the perils of feeding human foods to dogs. They can also suggest alternative treats that are scrumptious and special enough to evoke that warm bonding feeling while delivering positive nutritional benefits to dogs, such as the human-inspired canine treats that Cloud Star focuses on.

Food Toxicity May Be Surprising

Some human indulgences are widely known to be hazardous to dogs, such as chocolate, which contains theobromine, a stimulant that is difficult for canines to metabolize, and can cause cardiac symptoms and seizures if consumed in large enough amounts. But many pet owners may be surprised to learn that even foods considered “good” for people can have high toxicity to dogs. Fruits like grapes and raisins can cause canines to vomit repeatedly and may even lead to kidney failure. Macadamia nuts are rich in nutrients and antioxidants beneficial to humans, but as few as six of them can make a dog very sick with muscle spasms, vomiting and fever. And that guacamole dip you made for the whole gang to share during the big game can be downright lethal to Fido. That’s because avocados contain a substance called persin, which not only triggers diarrhea and vomiting in dogs but may also cause fluid to accumulate in their lungs and chest, leading to serious and even fatal breathing difficulties.

Pet owners who don’t read product labels may inadvertently be giving their dogs treats infused with deadly ingredients, such as xylitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause canines’ blood sugar to plummet, leading to seizures and a coma. Xylitol is often used to sweeten candy and gum but, unknown to many, can also be found in some peanut butter, baked goods and condiments.

Other human foods may not result in immediate serious illness or death, but can cause pups to feel pretty crummy and may produce health issues over time. The lactose in human ice cream, cheese and pizza is hard to digest and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Human jerkies and processed meat are loaded with salt, sugar, nitrates and preservatives. And cookies and baked goods are full of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and chemical preservatives.

All pretty scary stuff—so does this mean your clients must forego the fun and bonding experience of sharing food with pets? Happily, there’s a solution that allows dogs to be treated with delectable human-type snacks, while also benefiting from good nutrition that will enhance their health and well-being. Cloud Star makes mouth-watering canine treats, inspired by human foods, that are as fun for pet owners to feed as they are delicious and nutritious for dogs to eat. Pet professionals can suggest these products as wholesome alternatives to their clients.

Human-Inspired Alternatives

For example, at the next cookout, instead of hot dogs or other fatty human meats, why not give pups their own healthy homestyle barbecue treats. Cloud Star’s USA-made Wag More Bark Less Kansas City Style and Texas Style Gourmet Jerkies are made with real meat as their #1 ingredient and use simple ingredients to emulate the authentic BBQ cuisine each region is known for. The Texas Style jerky is made with delicious beef, along with tomatoes, vinegar, lemon juice and turmeric to impart a savory flavor, while the chicken-based Kansas City recipe includes applesauce to add the sweetness associated with that city’s BBQ style. The gourmet jerkies have been so popular that Cloud Star has just added another iconic local favorite: Philly Cheese Steak Jerkies. Pet owners will love giving their dogs these meaty treats modeled after classic American regional fare, knowing that the minimally processed jerkies contain no grains, added glutens, corn, wheat, soy, animal by-products or artificial colors and flavors.

Looking for something sweeter to give as a special treat? Cloud Star’s new Wag More Bark Less Birthday Bites are a yummy and healthy alternative to human cakes and confections on birthdays, special occasions or anytime. These soft-texture bites are gently baked with natural peanut butter and honey, then mixed with real fruits—cranberries, blueberries and coconut flakes, plus carrots—for a unique sweet treat that is both healthy and indulgent.

Treats for Pets and People to Share

Also on the sweet side from Cloud Star are Wag More Bark Less Sandwich Cookies, and Wag More Bark Less Iced Treat, a frosty non-dairy “doggy ice cream.” The Sandwich Cookies are just like the ones humans eat with a real peanut butter filling layered between two crunchy cookie biscuits. The Iced Treat is made with a delicious coconut cream base and either natural peanut butter or natural banana.

The sweetest thing of all about Cloud Star’s Sandwich Cookies and Iced Treat is that not only are they modeled after human favorites, they’re also made completely with human-grade ingredients. This means that people will enjoy eating these delectable desserts too. So humans CAN experience the close bonding that comes from sharing food with dogs – as long as our pets are the ones who share their food with us!

By Charlee Bear Staff

For nearly 2 years, the pandemic caused the world to experience a state of total isolation. The feeling of loneliness hung over our heads, which drove thousands of individuals to adopt pets from shelters across the country. Although the adoption rates surged throughout the pandemic, there are still countless animals who have yet to find their forever homes. Animal fostering is a great way to prepare pets for post-adoption life. It’s the perfect alternative for individuals who aren’t sure if they’re prepared to own their own pet, plus it helps local animal shelters. While animal fostering is extremely beneficial for all parties involved, it can also be difficult at times…so who better to foster animals than certified animal trainers? Below are some tips that will set your clients—and their foster dog—up for success.

It’s important for your clients to be patient when fostering pups. Oftentimes, the dog has never experienced a healthy home environment, so they may be anxious when they’re first brought home. Forming a strong bond with a foster dog can be accomplished through acts of praise and positive reinforcement. Your client should reward their foster dog any time they show good behavior, even if it’s as simple as sitting still while your client cooks, cleans or works. Charlee Bear’s Original Crunch treats are sized perfectly for treating or training – plus they contain less than 3 calories per treat, making them a great option to frequently reward dogs. Many pups are food-motivated, so it’s crucial for your clients to keep flavorful, nutritious treats in the house at all times.

Socializing a foster dog will better prepare them for post-adoption life. Even if your client doesn’t own any pets themself, it’s still necessary to safely and slowly expose the foster dog to other people and animals so they can experience different social settings. Animal Behavior College offers several great training courses, allowing your clients to expose their foster dogs to people and animals of unfamiliarity—all while training them. Another easy way to socialize a foster dog is to take them on walks throughout the neighborhood or local park. This way, your client is allowing their foster dog to get used to new scents and environments. Mouthwatering, freeze-dried Meaty Bites from Charlee Bear can also help motivate your client’s foster dog to stay calm and collected when exploring new faces and places.

Learning a foster’s dog personality, including their interests as well as their trigger points, will help the shelter find an owner that’s right for them. Your clients should try their best to keep track of their foster dog’s reactions to different situations. For instance, if your client throws a ball or frisbee across the backyard and their foster dog doesn’t chase it or respond with any excitement, it’s possible that they’re more interested in tug toys or treat puzzles. If your client is fostering a dog for more than a month, they can experiment with different types of high-quality wet and dry food to see which diets and flavors the dog enjoys most. This type of information will help the new owner better prepare, making the transition a lot easier for both them and their new pup.

Fostering a dog can definitely be a challenge, but your clients have all the skills they need to make it an enjoyable experience. They are the best people to foster a dog because they know how to effectively teach good behavior, and how to deal with poor behavior. The tips above will not only benefit your clients, but also the lives of countless foster pups. With the goal being to prepare foster dogs for the most successful post-adoption life, your clients could make a significant impact within the animal rescue community.

By Kelsey R. Mailloux, Marketing Content Specialist, Groomer’s Choice

Every month, Groomer’s Choice catches up with a member of our grooming community about their favorite products, tips and tricks and more.

We asked “What is the best piece of grooming advice you’ve received?” Here’s what they said.

“That’s tough. What comes to mind still today that someone told me years ago in a seminar is: “Just do your best for today.”

The ever-changing circumstances dealing with live animals and so many factors taught me early on to understand it’s OK to not be perfect with every dog, every day. Just putting forth my best is what matters, and improving comes naturally.”—Kristie Stewart, Animal Arts in Carmel, Indiana

“Let the tools do the work.”—Elly Linam, Elly Scissorhands Dog Grooming LLC in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

“Humanity over Vanity”—Miranda Alonzo, Grooms By Miranda Elite Grooming in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“Make sure that your pets are squeaky clean and thoroughly dried. Also, get yourself a good finishing comb!”—Brandy Fink, Sioux Nation Pet Clinic in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

“Practice makes perfect!”—Lashonda Geffrard, The Paw Shop in Ocoee, Florida.

“Not every groomer is cookie cutter. Find your groove and bloom in it! That is what makes this career one of the best.”—Bethany Pate, house-call groomer from central Florida

“The bad days are going to make you question every decision you’ve ever made, but the good days will ground you and remind you why you love and do it.”—Brianna Davis, Loyal Companion in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Expect the unexpected.“—Breanna Salas, Salas Paw Spa Mobile Dog Grooming in Tracy, California.

“The best grooming advice I’ve received was: The only way to win with a toxic client…is not to take them on at all! We all have a choice on whom we want to work with, client and groomer. Not all money is good money. Sometimes we aren’t the right fit and vice versa.”—Valerie Dela Pena, Valz Pawfect Kutz in Las Vegas, Nevada

“Enjoy what you do. Because if you don’t, it just becomes another job.”—Stacey Alourdas,  Valley of the Paws Pet Grooming in Canoga Park, California

“To continue my education.”—Vivian Thornton, Classy Canine Clips LLC, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“Scissor with intention. Don’t just scissor willy-nilly. Purposefully scissor the hair, especially on faces. Simple, but so meaningful! Shout-out to Jilly (@jillymoochgrooms).”—Marci Wanta, Wiggle Waggle Pet Care in Verona, Wisconsin

“I have two ingrained in my mind. 1: A good groom starts with your prep work and in the tub. 2: Dogs and cats are energy readers. They will sense if you are stressed, calm or anxious and feed off those emotions.”—Kelsey Walter,  Boca Park Animal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Treat the animal as if it’s your own.”—Tara Hanson, D-Tails Pet Spa in Las Vegas.

“Aside from being told to never expect a dog to stand still like a statue, the best advice was to know to take a break when a dog and me are just not on the same page. Sometimes a dog can seem naughty, but in reality, you just need to stop what you’re doing and give yourself and the dog a small break. It’s okay to walk away.”—Jazmin Negrete, A Brand New Dog in Glendora, California

“Re-invest in yourself. Attend trade shows, try different tools and continue your education. Continuing your education by attending seminars is crucial to learning the tips and tricks to make your career flourish. Having the best tools for the job helps you work smarter and not harder.”—Christina Shealy, Berclair Animal Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

“The best piece of grooming advice I have ever received is to always advocate for the dog’s needs first, no matter what. I live by this.”—Tiffany Zankovich, PawSpa Salon & Daycare in Fountain Hills, Arizona.

By Coastal Pet Products Staff

A harness is not just another piece of gear for your clients’ dogs to sport while out on walks. Using a harness instead of a collar can provide added safety and benefits for a dog and their owner. Depending on harness type, they can provide owners with more control and assist with prevention of pulling. Properly sized harnesses are also less likely to slip off than a collar and do not put as much pressure on the neck and windpipe.

To ensure that a dog’s harness is working effectively for a dog and their owner, there are a few factors to consider.

Sizing

When it comes to dog harness sizing, the numbers owners need to know are girth and weight.

Owners need to pay attention to girth most importantly. Girth is the measurement around the broadest part of the dog’s chest (behind their front legs). Make sure the dog is standing up on all fours and wrap a flexible tape measure around the chest. The girth measurement will be used to determine the appropriate range of sizes for the dog.

Weight comes second in determining which harness a dog needs. Once the owner knows the dog’s girth, they can use the dog’s weight to determine which size category the harness needs to be.

For example, with Coastal Pet harnesses, a dog with a girth of 30 inches could wear a medium, large, or extra-large harness depending on their weight. A 50-pound dog will wear a medium; a 75-pound dog will need a large; and a 100-pound dog will wear an extra-large.

To check that a harness is properly sized, owners should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and the dog’s body. There should not be any bunched skin around the dog’s neck or shoulders, or any indentations in the fur once removed.

To learn more about proper harness sizing, check out this video from Coastal Pet.

Types of Harnesses

There is a variety of harness types for different preferences or situations. Owners should consider their dog’s needs when selecting a harness.

Adjustable Strap

Adjustable strap harnesses (also known as figure 8 harnesses) are the most basic. These harnesses fit all kinds of dogs and can assist with easy walks, although they are not the best option for dogs who are heavy pullers.

These harnesses can be widely adjusted which is beneficial for puppies or dogs who are still growing.

Step-In Strap

A step-in harness is easier to get on a dog. It has two loops for each of the front legs and a back strap that clasps together with a leash attachment. These harnesses can be adjusted at the neck, girth, and chest.

A step-in harness helps owners have more control over their dogs, but it not recommended for strong pullers.

Step-In Padded/Mesh Vest

Padded harnesses are different because they have more material in the middle section. They can provide a little extra security for dogs due to the larger middle and are less likely to cause chafing.

Step-in padded vest harnesses are adjustable at the girth and are recommended for broader-chested dogs.

Over-the-Head Strap

Over-the-head harnesses are a type of figure 8 harness. They go over the dog’s head and then behind their legs. It clips together in the back.

Adjustable at the neck and girth, over-the-head strap harnesses are good for longer-haired dogs because they are less likely to snag on fur.

Over-the-Head Mesh Vest

This harness type also goes over the head, behind the legs, and clips in the back, however it has a larger middle section that is reinforced with webbing. This larger, reinforced middle helps spread pressure across a broader area when holding the dog back which protects their neck and windpipe.

This is a great option for dogs that pull.

Choosing the right harness can be a bit of a trial-and-error process for dog owners. It is most important to know the girth measurement and weight of the dog. After that, owners should evaluate their dog’s needs as well as their own needs when it comes to control, especially on walks. With a variety of harness types as well as colors and patterns, owners are sure to find something that fits their dog’s personality as well as their body.  

By the Fig & Tyler Staff

You are an expert when it comes to training or grooming, which likely means you’re very knowledgeable when it comes to dog and cat treats.

However, your clients may not be as well-informed. What follows are some key points you might find useful to help your clients understand the differences between treats and their usage.

“Treat” Can Be a Loaded Word

You might have found that some people have a negative reaction to the word “treat.” In the human-world this term typically implies something unhealthy.

As a pet professional, you can use these moments as an opportunity to explain to your clients that in the dog and cat world, “treat” doesn’t necessarily refer to something unhealthy. Instead, it can refer to a nutrient-rich morsel of food that will capture a dog or cat’s attention and keep them focused.

We appreciate the complexity of these semantics. While Fig & Tyler is a treat company, even we aren’t always a fan of the word “treat.” We use it because it’s the clearest way to describe our products. We would love to say we sell tantalizing small morsels of food across a wide variety of proteins, but that’s quite the mouthful!

The Training Treat Hierarchy

If you are a trainer, you’re very familiar with the high-value/low-value hierarchy of treats. You also know the most high-value treat of all is the one that works with the dog or cat you are training. What is high-value to one furry student may not be high-value to another.

However, not all pet owners know this. Since we love talking about treats, we’ve outlined the basics of the hierarchy below.

• Low-value: A good example of a low-value treat is whatever a dog or cat normally eats for dinner (i.e. kibble). These treats won’t motivate as well as ones that are tastier, smellier, or new for that particular dog or cat. Over time, the trainee may lose interest in these low-value bites, or it may get harder to get their attention with these treats.
• Medium-value: Medium-value treats are snacks dogs or cats don’t usually get to eat. These motivators are different from their everyday kibble and can often be just the incentive they need.
• High-value: These are treats the dogs or cats you’re training will do anything to get. They’re great attention-getters and motivators during a session, even when there are distractions. These treats need to be exciting and special for the trainee. They typically smell and taste amazing or they are made of ingredients or novel proteins that the dog or cat does not often get. Raw, freeze-dried 100 percent meat or fish treats, like the ones we make at Fig & Tyler, fit the bill.

High-Value Raw, Freeze-Dried Treats

Dogs are the direct descendants of wolves, which means they love raw meat. Their stomachs have the necessary acids to break down this type of protein—not to mention harder materials like bone. Cats, on the other hand, are obligatory carnivores so their instincts are hardwired to want fresh meat and fish.

Clients also might not understand the difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated treats. More than just a method of preserving astronaut food, freeze-drying is an awesome way to lock in nutrients and flavor of raw meat and fish. Freeze-drying uses a special high-pressure vacuum to remove liquid content from meat and fish, locking in all the nutritious enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Dehydration uses heat in the process which can kill the nutrients. But, freeze-drying preserves all of the nutrients and, by removing water, it eliminates the potential for bacteria growth. This process also makes these treats shelf stable for over a year if properly stored in a cool, dry environment.

Many pet owners ask if they can feed these types of treats to their dog or cat if they are not on a raw diet and the answer is “Yes.” Raw, freeze-dried treats can be used to train dogs and cats, or keep their attention while being groomed, no matter what diet they’re on. However, you should always be sure to ask if the pet has any known allergies before introducing any type of new food or treat. Also, we suggest that people start off in moderation if their furry friend is not already on a raw diet. Most of these types of meat and fish treats are high in protein and consuming too many of them may initially result in an upset stomach.

Yuck, Liver!

Pet ovners often project their own taste preferences on their dogs and cats, but animals have their own. So, while organ meat like liver or heart may not be the first thing to come to mind when preparing dinner for ourselves, these meats are delicacies for our pets. Remind your clients that organ meats and other products that they wouldn’t necessarily eat themselves are loaded with nutrients and great for their pets’ health.

Who We Are

Fig & Tyler offers one of the widest varieties of single-ingredient raw, freeze-dried morsels made from USDA-inspected meat and fresh fish. (Notice how we didn’t say “treats?”) We have something for even the pickiest pooch or those with dietary restrictions. To learn more about our offering, check us out at www.figandtyler.com. We offer pet professionals, such as yourself, discounts and many other amazing perks through our free Pet Pro Program. To join this program or learn more about it, please visit www.figandtyler.com/pages/petpros