Thursday Programs

Brusher Bather Certificate Program

Teri DiMarino

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.

This program is six hours long and is included in the Do-It-All admission or can be purchased separately. See Schedule and Registration for starting times and fees. Program includes Trade show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hair and Skin 101 Certificate Course

Dr. Cliff Faver

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.

Doodle Days with Super Styling Sessions

Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs

Join Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs as they host an all-doodle seminar with live demos! Three different doodles will be groomed, all having different coat types and trims. Learn how to properly prep these coats to get a great finish. They will also demonstrate how to choose the correct trim for each individual dog, as they are all built differently. Let them explain how to choose what trims are best for the clients to maintain. This jam-packed seminar will go over tools, products, timesaving tips, scheduling, and so much more!

Grooming Business Essentials Certificate Course

Denise Heroux

Do you dream of becoming an entrepreneur or managing a business? Are you a business owner struggling with direction and growth? Becoming fluent on the business end of the pet industry is an undertaking that's often overwhelming. This four-hour course is designed to guide you through starting your business and developing the tools needed to foster consistent long-term growth. Denise will cover how to start your business financially and legally; building your business brand and culture; designing employee handbooks, policies and procedures; and how to implement boundaries and develop communication skills to deliver good customer service and strong leadership.

The Perfect Creative

Angela Kumpe & Adriane Pope

Creative color can be fun, safe, and easy if you know the proper techniques and products—or quite the opposite if you do not. It can also be elegant and sophisticated if done well. In this class, creative experts Angela Kumpe and Adriane Pope will teach you how to achieve the perfect creative groom every time. They will cover all the products, techniques, and tools you need to be successful in offering creative color to your clients. They will show you different levels of creative styling from how to add a perfectly executed quick touch of color to a more time-consuming detailed design. This class is good for groomers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned stylist. Multiple dogs will be done live as well as several video tutorials through the use of a PowerPoint presentation.

Thursday Evening

Purebred Heads

Nadia Bongelli

Explore the art of Purebred Head Styles with GroomTeam Canada member Nadia Bongelli. This class offers hands-on insights into perfecting head styles for various purebred dogs. Nadia, a seasoned grooming expert, shares practical tips on breed-specific techniques, symmetry, and enhancing facial expressions. Elevate your grooming game! This class delivers a concise blend of education and inspiration. Join Nadia to discover the secrets of precision grooming for purebred canine companions.

Difficult Dog Certificate Course: Safe Handling

Melissa Jepson

In today's increasingly litigious society, it's more important than ever to understand how to safely handle as many different types of dogs as possible. So what do we do when we feel our safety is compromised? In this two-hour class, Melissa shows you in real time how to quickly, compassionately, and efficiently handle the difficult behavioral problems we face every day.

Barkleigh Pet Professional First Aid & CPR Certificate Course

Kelsey Ann Sexton

As a pet care professional, you want to be equipped with the skills to handle medical emergencies that arise while a pet is in your care. Whether a pet becomes ill, injured, or needs help in a disaster, this course will teach you how to respond. In this two-hour course, you will learn how to stock a first aid kit, perform CPR, respond to breathing and heart emergencies (including choking), and implement disaster procedures. This unique course is customized for pet care professionals and you will learn how to respond to emergencies specific to your industry. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a frameable certificate stating that you are certified in Pet Professional First Aid & CPR.