Frank Rowe Blog

Brachycephalic Pets - Safe Drying Techniques

Brachycephalic Pets- Safe Drying Techniques

Most people can’t resist the look of brachycephalic pets. Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Persians, Ragdolls, and Himalayan cats, to name a few. Those squishy faces. Those big eyes. They trigger something in our brains that makes us go, “Ohhhh!”

Read more

Shedding Season Strategies

Shedding Season Strategies

Pet groomers don’t need a calendar to tell us what season it is; we can tell the days are getting longer by how much the dogs on our tables are shedding. With the proper devices, there is no need to dread shedding season. Here are some tools and methods to help you get through these hairy times with less effort.

Read more

Tips for Grooming Wire Coats

Tips for Grooming Wire Coats

Most groomers see a fair number of wire-coated breeds on their tables. A few examples are Airedale Terriers, Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Schnauzers. These and many more are familiar breeds that require regular grooming.

Read more

Another Reason I Love Grooming

Another Reason I Love Grooming

Since I was old enough to grasp the idea that I needed a job in life, I’ve always wanted that job to involve animals. As a kid, I thought maybe I could be a Marine Biologist or live in Africa and work with lions and Elephants. My aspirations changed as I matured, formed other goals, and settled on pet grooming. My career choice has been a happy one in many ways. I have, indeed, worked with animals. I have also met wonderful people at the other end of the leash.

Read more

The Difference Between Rakes and Undercoat Rakes

The Difference Between Rakes and Undercoat Rakes

These tools can be confusing. When you read their descriptions in catalogs, they’re so similar…They do the same thing, don’t they? No, they don’t. Let me explain.
Both remove undercoat on thick coated dogs. It’s the METHOD of removal that varies. One pulls out dead and shedding coat without cutting the fur. The other has sharp, curved teeth which remove the undercoat but will also cut the coat. One is used primarily on dry coats, both before and after the bath. The other is effective prior to shampooing, during the bathing process, and after the dog is clean and dried.

Read more

Ear Drying Tip

Ear Drying Tip

Grover is a completely adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He has the breeds typical silky coat, with thick, luxurious furnishings on his ears. So thick, in fact, they are a serious challenge to dry. Most dogs are not fans of the drying process to begin with, and when you work on their sensitive ears, they like it even less. Here are some tips for getting the hair on thickly coated ears dry while keeping the pet as comfortable as possible.

Read more

Reporting Suspected Medical Problems

Reporting Suspected Medical Problems

Pet groomers have their hands on every part of every pet they groom and, in most cases, see that pet on a more regular schedule than the animal’s doctor sees it. This being said it is no surprise that groomers often discover potential medical problems

Read more

Fifteen Ways to Fill Unexpected Downtime

Fifteen Ways to Fill Unexpected Downtime

Even talented groomers with well-established businesses sometimes find themselves having a slow day. Maybe you had a last-minute cancellation that you can't fill, or the weather is horrible, and a bunch of people rescheduled. Maybe (gasp) you made an error on the calendar. Here are fifteen ideas to wisely use that free time you hadn't planned on having.

Read more

Creating a Master Supply List

Creating a Master Supply List

Nothing is worse than reaching for a gallon of your favorite shampoo or conditioner to replace the one you just finished and realizing you are out of it. Except for going for the de-matting spray that never lets you down and finding the bottle is putting out nothing but fumes, and the backupyou were sure you had stashed is missing in action.

Read more

Artificial Intelligence in the Groom Room

Artificial Intelligence in the Groom Room

No, AI can't dematt an Old English Sheepdog but believe it or not, artificial intelligence can come in handy for pet groomers. "How in the world could it be useful?" you say. I'm so glad you asked!

Read more