Paw Prints

By Steve Appelbaum, ABC President & CEO 

I am writing this from my home in Southern California, nearly three months after our governor announced a statewide stay-at-home order for all non-essential businesses. My first reaction was that living through history isn’t as much fun as reading about it years afterwards is.    

My second reaction was to look up the language of the order to see which businesses and professions were considered essential. Dog trainers were not on the list, meaning those in the most populous state in the nation were no longer allowed to go to work. Many other states enforced the same or similar orders, and the situation will probably remain this way for months for many areas. And, even when these restrictions are lifted or relaxed, dog trainers are likely to face some real challenges.    

First, group gatherings could be problematic for some time and even when they are no longer risky. It will take many people a while to feel safe enough to participate. Private lessons might also suffer, as the willingness of people to let strangers into their homes without fearing sickness could take some time. As a dog trainer, what can you do? Use current technology; literally, all you need is a smartphone—of course, a computer or tablet will work, too. 

More than 65 percent of dog owners who contact trainers are typically looking for help with behavior challenges, such as inappropriate jumping, chewing or digging, house soiling, excessive barking, begging, etc. Every one of these behaviors can be addressed remotely. Of course, you will need a thorough history of the challenge from the owners. You will also need to watch them interacting with their dog.    

Once equipped with the same basic knowledge you would get talking to clients in their living room, you can start formulating a treatment plan that provides behavior-modification steps. The only difference is that all of this can be accomplished via a smartphone (or computer or tablet) through something as simple as WhatsApp, Discord, FaceTime or Skype other live video apps. In short, you can offer private lessons for canine behavior-problem solving remotely. Note: Your clients will also need to have whatever app you opt to use. 

Pet owners’ needs are the same whether or not there is worldwide health crisis. They still need to address behavior challenges that are emotionally and financially costly. Because most of the world has “gone digital” over the past 4 months, pet owners are likely even more willing to use—and pay for—remote training services.    

In addition, this is not limited to just resolving behavior problems. Basic obedience and puppy training could also be done remotely. And, with the right streaming video platforms (e.g., Facebook Live, FaceTime, Discord, Skype, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Google Hangouts, Google Duo, etc.), you could also teach group classes.   While, the ongoing health crisis presents several challenges, with ingenuity and a desire to help pets and their owners, you can overcome them. 

By Petco Marketing Staff 

At Petco, we are committed to improving the health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, of each pet that enters our stores. To help in achieving this, we have an outstanding Pet Services Department that includes grooming, dog training and veterinary services. This enables us to help pet parents meet the complete needs of each of their furry, feathered, scale, and finned family members. 

We pride ourselves on protecting the safety of every pet we encounter. All Petco partners stand behind our vision of Putting Pets First and strive to always be the trusted partner of choice for all pet parents.

As you well know, grooming is an important part of a dog’s health care. Our grooming services range from simple walk-in nail trims to full-service baths with complete haircuts. Pet parents can add luxury shampoos, extra brushing, shed-less packages, seasonal scents and other fun offerings with our customized packages.

Petco’s grooming salons are open 7 days a week with evening appointments available. This gives our salon partners flexible work schedules, whether they work full-time or part-time. We supply our salon partners with all the equipment they need, including brushes, combs, clippers, blades, shears, and nail clippers, just to name a few. 

We also give our clients the ability to schedule grooming appointments online. This allows our salon team to focus on what they love—grooming—and spend less time on the phone booking appointments. 

Keeping pets safe in and out of our salon is our top priority. Our professional stylists receive detailed training in Petco’s well-researched and proven policies to guarantee everyone’s safety and comfort. Our salon partners earn competitive wages plus incentive, along with great benefits for those opting for full-time employment. 

At Petco, we believe that the most important thing we can do is to foster a safe, healthy, and positive relationship between the pet parent and their dog. And our Positive Dog Training program is a great way to do just that.  

All dog-training offerings are taught using only positive-reinforcement methods from evolving curricula that is carefully developed and researched with the help and input of our active trainers. Petco Positive Dog Training services are always based upon the most current research findings in canine cognition and development, as well as learning and behavioral sciences. Class offerings include everything from basic Puppy Manners to AKC Canine Good Citizen classes (and testing) to Clicker. We offer 6-week group classes, 1-hour private lessons, 1-hour workshops, and free seminars. All Petco Positive Dog Trainers also become AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators through a unique partnership with the American Kennel Club as part of their training process.

Classes are offered weekdays, weeknights and weekends, allowing for great scheduling flexibility for our pet parents and trainers. Our trainers earn an hourly wage plus incentive from every class sale, and full-time trainers receive excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and paid time off.   

We work in an exciting, fast-paced environment truly focused upon doing what is best for the animal before us. Because of this, Petco not only encourages but requires dog trainers to evaluate each dog and offer other alternatives if our setting isn’t appropriate for that dog due to fear, anxiety, or stress (potentially leading to aggressive behaviors). Training areas are disinfected between every class, and class sizes are kept small to keep the experience intimate and fun. 

As a health and wellness company, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of people and their pets. At the heart of this approach is a world-class veterinary network of full-service hospitals and vaccination clinics providing pet families with quality, affordable care they can count on, seven days a week.   In the past year alone, vaccination clinics, full-service hospitals, and telehealth have served more than 1 million pets, a number that will double to more than 2 million in 2020. And over the next few years, we will aggressively expand our vet-services footprint to make them accessible for more pets and pet parents nationwide.   

Our Vetco vaccination clinics offer affordable, low-cost vaccination services and preventative veterinary care during convenient evening and weekend hours. Our state-licensed veterinarians administer high-quality vaccines with no appointments and no exam fees.   

Our vet hospitals have four exam rooms that offer comprehensive nose-to-tail exams, vaccinations, microchipping, heartworm, flea-and-tick prevention, X-rays, blood work, dermatology and more. We also have anesthetic dental cleanings and procedures, along with spay/neuter surgeries, mass removals and other minor outpatient surgical procedures. Our treatment rooms have microscopes and a blood-analysis machine, so guests can get bloodwork results the same day.   

As we continue down this path, veterinary support is vital to our success. By educating and encouraging our customers to take advantage of our services, our veterinary staff help foster a community of pet parents that seek a healthy, longer and richer life for their pets.

As ABC graduates, you are considered one of our preferred candidates to help us continue our vision of improving the lives of people and their pets. You can apply for any of these exciting career opportunities at www.careers.petco.com.

By Kong Company Staff

Many new puppy owners need help establishing healthy habits for their new furry family member. Teaching your clients how to encourage good behavior—and discourage bad—not only helps keep puppies healthy and happy, it also helps you improve your relationship with them by being a trusted information source. 

As you know, one of the most common problems many puppy owners have to deal with is inappropriate chewing. To start, you can help them understand why their puppy is acting like a chewing machine. When 28 needle-sharp teeth erupt through tender puppy gums, it can hurt. Chewing on things helps soothe the pain, so puppies constantly search for objects to gnaw on to make them feel better. 

Instead of letting their puppy resort to chewing on shoes, electric cords or cables, you could recommend safe, appropriate options to your clients, such as Kong Puppy Rubber toys. These are made with an all-natural rubber formula created to help soothe teething pain by promoting the entry of new teeth. While it’s irresistibly soft and chewy, the rubber is durable enough to stand up to those sharp puppy teeth. The toys come in a variety of shapes to keep curious puppies interested.

With safe, intriguing, toys on hand, your clients can quickly give one to their puppy whenever he starts gnawing on something on the Do Not Chew List. Let them know that constantly reinforcing good chewing behavior helps puppies develop appropriate chewing behavior that will keep them safe for the rest of their lives.

Stuffing toys with tasty treats (e.g., Kong Puppy Easy Treat, an all-natural, easily digestible paste) makes them even more irresistible and keeps puppies playing longer. Some Kong Puppy toys, like the Activity Ball (image right) and Teething Stick (top image), also feature Denta-Ridges, grooves on the outside that are designed to help sooth sore gums and promote dental health. Your clients could add a squirt of Puppy Easy Treat in the ridges to encourage chewing.

Chewing on frozen toys further eases puppy teething pain as the cold temperature reduces gum inflammation. Your clients could keep a few stuffed toys in the freezer to have on hand for teething episodes. Freezing a stuffed toy keeps puppies busy longer, and a busy puppy is a happy puppy. Chewing on a toy is not simply busy work, it provides developing puppies with mental stimulation and instinctual satisfaction that helps them grow into emotionally balanced young dogs.

You should advise your clients to transition to adult Kong rubber formulas when their puppy’s adult teeth come in, at about 9 months of age. Sending them an email or a postcard reminder is a fun way to keep them on track—and remind them of your value as their pet professional.

By Kathie Henschen, CPG 

There are so many challenges that can rock our confidence when we first start out in the grooming world. You get the basics and a good start in grooming school. However, there are things that only experience can teach you. As long as you keep an open mind, stay humble and remain teachable, you will learn everything you need to as you go. 

I learned early to rely on three things: 1) My customer service skills, which made up for what I was still lacking compared to a more seasoned groomer; 2). My school books that outlined specifics on breed trims; and most importantly, 3) The dogs.

The dogs who were patient when I took longer because I didn’t have speed yet. The dogs who made me face challenges and own them so I could adapt or make changes in order to become a better groomer. The dogs who taught me body language and how to adapt approaches to each dog’s personality. I still groom a few dogs from that time in my life, 15 years ago. Everything they gave to me in the beginning, I get to give back to them in the way of compassion.

Oct. 3, 2005, was the very first day I met Lewis, a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier; I have known him for 15 of his 16 years of life. Lewis has always been sort of special. From day one, he faced challenges in the grooming arena. He has always been extremely nervous. Wheatens are famous in the grooming world for something known as the “Wheaten Dance.” Lewis was such an expert at it, I eventually changed it to the “Lewis Shuffle” at Platinum Paws. He will go down in our history for the Lewis Shuffle and when I think about that it makes me smile. 

Lewis wasn’t the only one that faced challenges. I also had several obstacles I had to overcome 15 years ago. You see, that was when I was just a baby groomer—and a baby business owner. Quite honestly, I was very intimidated by the big, bad Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier back then. I had only been out of grooming school 10 months when Lewis came into my life. I had never even had my hands on a Wheaten in grooming school; I had just watched one being groomed. So, when Lewis first walked through my door, I took a huge gulp and a deep breath, and just decided: This is it. I’m going to go for it; I’m going to do this to the best of my ability and we will see how it all shakes out. 

A Wheaten’s coat is thick and cottony, but also has little wires of hair everywhere and a little bit of a wave to it. Simply said, it’s a scary coat. A very scary coat, or at least it used to be 15 years ago. Wheaten coats are often more likely to be matted, so even more scary. Also, I had never done a pattern cut on a Wheaten body. I was only used to doing one-length, all-over cuts at that time. So I had to get out my school books and study before his first appointment. I had to learn which guard combs to use and how to cut in the line pattern. 

And then there was the whole blending thing—good lord. That was one of the most nerve-wracking things in the beginning—getting that transition from the shorter back coat down to the sides’ longer coat and into the legs. I can remember shaking every time in the beginning. And on top of that, Wheaten coats are one of the MOST unforgiving when it comes to blending and also fixing mistakes. 

To sum it up, we were both scared; however, we got through it and we learned. He learned to trust me, well as much as he could anyway. I learned how to deal with Wheaten coats and cuts. And, his coat made me work so hard! I remember sweating bullets trying to strategically get matts out without stressing him. I remember the day I finally got it blended right (to my satisfaction anyway). It was probably a couple of years after I started grooming him—ha-ha-ha! I had been experimenting with different techniques. I had been introduced to the #7 skip tooth blade at a continuing education seminar I had attended on the subject of blending. And that was the tool that took it all home. I remember breathing a hopeful breath of anticipation as I started down his coat with it. And, I remember having to stop for a minute because I got so excited that it was working that I had to calm myself down before continuing. 

I taught Lewis how to stand on the table in between his shuffle dances long enough to get his hair cut, how to get bathed and dried, and I taught him some confidence and patience. We both learned about patience. I taught him how to calm down and be petted on the grooming table and that he didn’t have to be afraid. I taught him how to relax; at least for brief moments. When you feel anxiety leave a dog, no matter how brief, a part of your soul gets changed—in a beautiful way. 

He taught me so many things. Lewis taught me how to have compassion for dogs who are stressed and insecure. He taught me how to carefully maneuver around his body while working on him to maintain calmness and control. He taught me how to hold dogs in different ways that gave them comfort instead of discomfort and fear. Lewis gave me trials to get through that have made me a better, more knowledgeable groomer. He forced me out of my comfort zone of same-length, all-over haircuts. He showed me a path to finding ways to adapt and overcome instead of giving up and saying, “It just can’t be done.” 

In late February, I received an email letting me know that Lewis wasn’t doing that great and he had started down that last chapter in life. I was given the option to not groom him anymore if that is what I wished. His nervousness had regressed quite a bit. His owners and I knew his ability to handle stress along with a diminishing body were going to be extremely challenging.

I have learned over the years that if a dog’s final grooms are not done in specific ways catered to that specific dog, a disaster can and will happen. I didn’t even have to think about it. I laid out a plan for Lewis immediately. A week later, that plan went into action. I groomed him all by himself with no other dogs around and very little noise. There was a certain shop cat though that decided to get into the mix a few times. Lewis handled that like a champ though. His dad stayed with us and helped the entire time. He got to be there for Lewis. I knew that would be crucial. 

As I groomed him and got the chance to get to know his dad a little better, I learned even more and was filled with this sense of gratitude that was so powerful. Lewis’ dad was strong for him when he needed to be held but also let him know that he wasn’t going anywhere until we were done. Lewis got to feel his love and didn’t have to feel afraid without his dad there and that made my heart happy. It was nice to have that kind of back up on our side. His dad got to see him do the “Lewis Shuffle” and was very impressed with his energy. 

I could go on and on about Lewis, but I’ll just leave it at this: Every time I groom a Wheaten, I think about him because of that Lewis Shuffle. And I smile. I smile because of Lewis and what he brought to my world; challenges and all. I even do the Lewis Shuffle myself sometimes. I will always have a special place in my heart for Lewis. He gave me so many things that molded me into the groomer I am today. 

By Devon Hubbard Sorlie, Editor of Chronicle of the Dog

While Sara Miles’s dog training career started with her attending and graduating from Animal Behavior College, she’s taken that credential and furthered her career, earning her CPDT-KA and becoming a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).

With more than 10 years’ experience, Sara said her professional membership at APDT offers her opportunities to earn continuing education units through webinars and attending APDT’s annual educational conferences. She’s now taken that professional membership another step by volunteering to serve on APDT’s education committee. 

Sara’s interest in the animal-care and training industry began early by rescuing birds and stray puppies, helping them to find homes. In sixth grade, she interviewed a veterinarian, zookeeper and dog trainer for her “What Do You Want to be When You Grow Up?” project. Years later, as Sara trained her own dogs, she decided to turn her passion into a profession. A quick internet search lead her to Animal Behavior College. 

“I was very green, and ABC looked like a good way to get started,” Sara said. “I could see the curriculum was well-rounded and would get me on my way.”

Since a big part of Sara’s interests included working with rescues and shelters, she was set up with a mentor in the San Diego area, where she lived at the time. 

“Jessica Wheatcraft (CPDT-KA), the owner of Synergy Dog Training, was very positive and skilled and open to a mentorship,” Sarah said. “Jessica was already paired up with some rescues. I didn’t have a dog, so I used a rescue dog for hands-on stuff. That easily plugged me into the rescue community and meeting people who were doing this for a living.”

Upon her graduation as an ABC-certified dog trainer, Sara was hired for a position with the Behavior and Training Department at the San Diego Humane Society. One of its requirements was membership in APDT. 

“So, I joined; and getting that membership was important so I could get my hours in for the Certified Professional Dog Trainer certification,” Sarah said.

After receiving her CPDT-KA credentials, Sara uses APDT’s continuing education webinars, courses and sessions at the annual conferences; her first was in 2011 when it was conveniently held at San Diego. 

“The San Diego Humane Society hosted an off-site event,” she recalled. “I was able to go to the conference and work our booth, and attend a couple of sessions. I got to meet all sorts of people from other parts of the country through that experience.”

Sara recently relocated to Phoenix, where she owns and operates her two businesses: Smiles Dog Training and PHX Animal Behavior Center. She has continued her interest in working with shelters and rescues, where she has worked at training and rehabilitating shy and fearful dogs and cats; dogs with impulse control issues; dogs with dog, barrier or leash reactivity; and cats with arousal or litterbox issues. She also has experience with resource guarding, separation anxiety and aggression.

As a member of the APDT Education Committee, Sara has attended the last two conferences, the 25th anniversary conference in 2018 at Memphis, Tennessee, and last year’s conference in Portland, Oregon. 

“It’s a fantastic resource,” Sara said, referring to APDT’s conferences and webinars that are accessible for members. “It helps you stay on top of your certification, and I’ve used APDT’s membership discounts to get supplies. I’ve been able to connect to other people in the community and build those relationships with other trainers, which makes me a better trainer and professional.”

By Ava Olsen, Brand Consultant for Gott Pet Products

More than 25 years ago, Charlee Bear was an idea for a dog treat: a treat that would reinforce the incredible bond between humans and canines and add to the love in the world. 

Charlee Bear has worked on this goal one little treat at a time, creating millions of positive interactions and hopefully adding to the love in the world. 

As ABC alumni and mentors, you deeply understand the bond we have with cats, dogs and other animals. You have spent time, money and energy, and invested your heart to help pets (and their people) be their best.

Especially at this time of crisis, we need to take care of each other. Many of us are alone, trying to stay safe and keep others safe. I am home, not seeing my kids or grandchild. My little dog is with me and he is my wonderful friend and companion. I must admit that I talk to him quite a bit. My best communication with family and friends has been virtual for some time now.

This is an opportunity for us to find ways to connect with and help people in a safe way. If you are a dog or cat trainer, this is a good time to send an extra email to your clients, post training videos online and/or even host live-streaming classes on social media that clients and friends can do with their furry family members. You could also share some just-for-fun games and useful exercises, and/or reinforce important training lessons. While we may be physically separated, we still have the “electronic” power to build relationships and community. Videos and photos can be fun and uplifting; contests with treat prizes could encourage participation. 

Every day, I play games with my dog to make us both happy and lively and active. My dog, who is 15, is still overjoyed to get a Charlee Bear Treat. Some of your clients might think of training as work, but if you asked my dog, I am sure he would classify it as fun. If a family has kids home from school, this could create opportunities for creative ways to interact with their furry housemates. If you are a groomer, you could take time to ask your clients how they are doing. 

Even as stay-at-home and social-distancing rules begin to ease, we still need to use every available tool to reach out to each other safely, to show we care and to build our bonds and community. I believe that ABC graduates and mentors are people of creativity and heart. Let’s work together and hope that when we come through this crisis, we will be stronger. Each small act of kindness and creative outreach, works just like each little Charlee Bear Treat: to bring us all closer together. 

By Nicole Kallish, Andis Global Education Manager 

When you’re in the market for new clippers and accessories, how do you know what’s right for you? I start by asking myself, “Well, what’s my goal”? For me, I need to be able to get through thick coats as I always get matted dogs on my table. I love grooming big dogs and I need a clipper and blade or attachment that can meet those needs day in and day out without breaking the bank.

I’m happy to report that I’ve discovered a great solution for me: a brushless motor clipper like the Andis Endurance® and a 10 or 30 blade with a stainless-steel attachment comb. Why a brushless motor? A brushless motor in a clipper has a very long lifespan with little maintenance. The Endurance clipper has more power and torque than a standard rotary motor clipper and its constant speed technology prevents it from getting bogged down, even in the heaviest of coats. It’s also quiet and light enough to use on single coats. 

To achieve a nice, fluffy finish on a coat, I like to pair my Endurance clipper with attachment combs. All attachment combs are not created equal, however, and I prefer a stainless-steel version to get the best finish on an animal. After listening to feedback from pro groomers, Andis recently upgraded its Universal Stainless-Steel Comb set and I couldn’t be happier with the results. They glide through a properly prepared coat with ease and the tooth geometry makes it super easy to attach to a blade. It features a spring-loaded design to keep the comb on the blade securely and is color-coded for quick identification in all the standard lengths. They also come in a handy clear case, making them easy to transport for groomers on the go, such as house call, mobile and competition groomers. The attachment combs can be used with a 10 or 30 blade underneath. I think the 30 gives me a slightly better finish, but both are excellent. 

For those of you who don’t have much experience with attachment combs, you might wonder why you should use them. They are used for a few reasons with the top one being that you can leave a longer coat on an animal than with blades. Yes, I know there are longer length blades, but they are also heavier and it’s usually a little more work to get a good finish. Longer blades have their place and I like to have them in my toolkit, but attachment combs give me the most versatility when it comes to lengths and finish. 

Another reason attachment combs are used is that you can achieve a short cut when using the shortest combs (red and purple) and still leave some texture on the coat. This makes them perfect for wire-coated breeds that get clipped instead of hand stripped. For example, if I were to use a #7 blade to set the pattern on a Miniature Schnauzer, it will be slick and smooth. The attachment comb will leave just enough hair to make the coat more natural-looking. It’s also easier to blend your lines with an attachment comb, creating a seamless pattern. Going from the shorter back coat and into the longer coat of the legs, the skirt or underline on these trims should not show a distinct line. No hula skirts, please! 

Choose your equipment and tools thoughtfully—you want the best that you can afford and remember that these are the tools we use every day to make a living. We need them to work hard for us! That is working smarter and not harder. Happy clipping!