Thursday Programs

Your ability to do your job, and do it right, separates you from being "just a bather" to a position that contributes to the finished product in the salon. Teri believes that a good bath, brush and dry is 50% of a great groom. The bathing room is where most stylists started. Before future groomers begin to think of clipping coat, they must first know what to expect from the hair, and how to treat it to obtain desired results. Surprisingly, many great B/Bs remain in the bathing room, preferring the security of knowing there will always be a need for their expert services. Bathers-in-training, "groomer wannabes," seasoned groomer techs, and salon owners will benefit from this day-long program with tips on equipment and products to make the job easier. From getting the dog ready for the tub, to finding the right shampoo through proper bathing and blow-drying techniques, Teri will cover the B/B fundamentals. Safety issues and handling will be stressed.

Tools of the Trade and How to Use Them

From brushes and nail clippers, muzzles to grooming loops, Teri covers equipment basics, highlighting correct uses, in an effort to make the work easier and more comfortable for pet and bather. "These techniques and tools will make the finished groom a true work of art," says Teri. Anals and ears will be also discussed.

Dematting…It’s Not What It Used To Be

Everyone has a technique for dematting a neglected pet. For some, it’s a shave-down and then entering the pelt in a Mat Contest. For others, it’s a time-consuming, hair-splitting experience, destined to take its toll on the pet, the B/B or both. Teri examines the most common and effective products, tools and techniques for the demat dilemma without getting all tangled up.

What’s In Those Bubbles??? Shampoos, Conditioners & Spray

Tocopherol, Ergocalciferol, Sodium Chloride. Teri takes a "groomers-eye" view of the stuff we use every day in language we can understand. Shampoos, sprays and conditioners are our most expendable items but what do we really know to select the right product for our situation? (Those scary words are techno-speak for vitamin E, vitamin D and simple table salt, often found in many grooming products.)

Getting the Most Out of Your Bathing and Drying Time

Bathing and drying are the most underestimated aspects of our jobs. Techniques can make or break a groom. The ability to properly apply products, thoroughly clean and then dry the pet will have a direct influence on the finish. You will hear about time-saving equipment and techniques.

Let’s face it, NO ONE wants to talk about policies and procedures. How boring, right? Well, I disagree! Written policies and procedures aren’t "corporate"—they’re what make your business legitimate. In this four-hour class, Elli will walk you through setting clear expectations for management, employees, and customers, so your business runs like a well-oiled machine. We’ll cover everything from employee handbooks and handling call-offs to no-show/last-minute cancellation policies. But that’s not all! Pricing for profit is essential to running a successful grooming business. Elli will break down the simple numbers that help you stop guessing and start profiting. You'll learn how to build an amazing work environment for your team and ensure that both you and your staff thrive.

Have you noticed that your customer base is aging rapidly? Are the cute little puppies you once groomed getting older and requiring more care? Providing the best possible care for these beloved pets is essential. This four-hour certificate class will teach you everything you need to know, including how to communicate with clients, what products to use, and the diseases senior dogs may face. Mindy will go over everything you need to know giving you the tools to become a skilled senior dog groomer who is in high demand for compassionate care. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate to proudly exhibit your dedication to the well-being of your clients' elderly dogs.

Learn the science, techniques, and product types to successfully put the “why” in what you do. This course is a must for groomers, bathers, and office personnel in the grooming shop and veterinary clinic alike. Come see what some say can’t be done! Real-time cases done by groomers will be shared.

1) Understanding Hair and Skin

Learn the basic anatomy and function of the skin and hair. This is a critical foundation for this class and everything a groomer or bather does. This hour will explain a lot of the science about how nutrition, sebum, and basic anatomy work so you can understand the “why” in what you do.

2) Understanding the Difference in Coat Types and The Protocols to Use

In this class you will learn the needs of the different coat types so you can make better decisions in the product types you pick for maximum results.

3) Understanding Common Things That Go Wrong and That Lead To Skin issues

Always wonder why these skin conditions occur and reoccur? Does technique play a factor? Could I have caused that issue? When the client or veterinarian accused me of causing the issue, is that true?

4) The Science to Follow in Treating Skin Issues

Learn methods, techniques, and types of products to fix the skin problems when they occur. Learn principles that will lead to success when treating skin issues, how to grow hair back on those shaved-down dogs, and why steroids and antibiotics and the typical therapies for skin don’t always work.

Come learn how as a groomer you can make a difference and save lives.

This comprehensive course is designed to transform your grooming by integrating enrichment techniques. Learn how to enhance the grooming experience for both pets and professionals, improve pet behavior, and implement an enrichment training program. This course is perfect for groomers looking to innovate their services and elevate their business to new heights through enrichment grooming techniques.

1) From Pet Groomer to Enrichment Stylist

Covered in the first hour will be overcoming challenges with difficult pets and reducing professional burnout; tools and safety tips for implementing enrichment grooming; creating a positive grooming experience for diverse pet needs, from puppies to seniors; and enhancing mental, emotional, and physical experiences beyond traditional grooming.

2) Enhancing Business Through Enrichment

Covered in hour two will be an introduction to enrichment grooming and its benefits; assessing the impact on your business environment and bottom line; strategies for solo groomers to increase revenue without adding more clients; addressing high employee and client turnover, injuries, and exhaustion; and identifying who can benefit from enrichment grooming.

3) Improving Pet Behavior Through Enrichment

Covered in hour three will be understanding the emotional and mental states of pets during grooming; techniques to improve reactions of scared, aggressive, or unsure pets; identifying and counteracting unwanted behaviors; reducing risks of overstimulation and injuries through enrichment; and building strong pet care provider relationships for lasting grooming success.

4) Incorporating an Enrichment Training Program

Covered in hour four will be connecting with pets exhibiting unwanted behaviors without formal dog training; scheduling and time management for effective pet connections; evaluation processes and methods for various pet behaviors; and steps to start your own enrichment training program immediately.

Join Colin Taylor to unlock efficiency with his "1, 2, 3 Method" by learning the secrets to working smarter, not harder in dog grooming! Colin’s interactive seminar reveals a game-changing approach to streamline your grooming process, save time, and boost productivity. You’ll discover how to prepare your dog and workspace for success, prioritize tasks for maximum efficiency, and perfect your technique for consistent results. Join Colin and transform your grooming routine!

Join Sue Zecco and Jay Scruggs for an in-depth Super Styling Session focused on one of the grooming world's most in-demand (and most challenging) clients—the doodle! In this live seminar, Jay and Sue will groom two doodles with completely different coat types, showing you how to adapt your tools, techniques, and trims for stunning, salon-ready results.

You'll learn how to identify coat texture, density, and growth patterns to build a customized plan; choose the right products, tools, and prep methods for each coat type; combine clipper and scissor work to create balance, flow, and style definition; control bulk, shape legs, and fine-tune head styles for a professional finish; design practical yet eye-catching trims that fit each doodle's coat and lifestyle.

Whether it's a thick, soft, cottony coat or a silky, wavy one, Sue and Jay will walk you through their proven approach to make every doodle in your salon look its absolute best. This certificate course is packed with expert techniques, real-world tips, and the signature Super Styling Sessions energy you love, helping you turn doodle challenges into doodle success!

There is no perfect finish without perfect prep. Learn coveted industry techniques from award-winning competitive groomer Nadia Bongelli as she touches on several of the most common coat types we see every day. Prep works sets the foundation for every groom, and Nadia is here to share all her secrets and tips of her prep.

What is Asian fusion? Join Allison to find the perfect balance of exaggerated and refined in one trim. She will be scissoring in perfect donut muzzles, sharing tips on how to get that drastic transition line, and chatting about coat-carving techniques as well as accessories.

Cats are a great source of additional revenue, or as your only clients! This session will give you tips and tricks to bathe cats safely and stress free and to keep the cat happy and healthy during the process. Learn how cat skin and hair are unique and gain an understanding of how skin structure will help you decide on the correct groom, and even better handling techniques. Also discussed will be handling and grooming techniques for special needs cats, including kittens and senior cats, when cats can be groomed, and when to have the owners stay. Most importantly, learn how cats should be handled to keep them and YOU safe. Completion of this course will earn attendees an IPG certificate and patch from TICA.

This seminar, led by Lis Johnston, breaks down breeds into easy to understand coat types that are based on the needs for proper coat prep. Covering a wide range of coats, including double, curly, drop, and wire-coated breeds, this session simplifies the care, maintenance, and styling processes for each type. Groomers will leave with practical, actionable strategies to improve their grooms across a variety of breeds. Ideal for both new and experienced groomers, this seminar addresses the common challenges of mastering multiple coat types and offers expert guidance for achieving professional results.