Fire Breathing Poodles?

 

Ever been to a convention of professional groomers?
If you have, then it doesn’t surprise you to hear a lion say Woof! But it surprised me!

I recently attended the ISCC (International Society of Canine Cosmetologists) annual show in Dallas Texas. Groomers from around the country gathered to further their education for helping our pets look great, keep up on the latest in tools and techniques and find out more about training and health topics.

I can’t say I had given the profession of grooming considerable thought before but looking at oodles of poodles that resembled every variety of god’s creature made me realize the level of skill that is developed by those who have a passion for creative grooming.

It was a HUGE amount of fun and I thank the ISCC for inviting me. On Sunday night we were treated to a runway show that involved the stylists appearing in costume with their dog who was beautifully coifed to fit the theme. Poodles of every size as well as Lhasa Apso’s, and a couple of Chinese Crested had been transformed into dragons, lions, fawns, and butterfies. The show was delightful!

 

Thanks go out to Custom Photography for allowing me to share a couple shots with you.
Enjoy the photos and admire the creativity as well as the passion it takes to pursue levels of excellence such as this.

And remember to keep your dog in tip-top shape between grooming appointments by following a few simple tips:

Brush and comb your dog regularly. This keeps your dogs hair from matting which eliminates unnecessary shaving and discomfort. Even short coated breeds like Labradors and Boxers should be regularly brushed to keep the skin healthy and the coat shiny and in good condition.

Check your dog’s ears weekly. Watch for signs of infection by looking for waxy debris or redness and inflammation. Ear infections are common in dogs of all varieties, but those breeds with hair in the ear canals (like Poodles and Bichon Frise) are even more prone. If you suspect a problem, visit your veterinarian for proper care.

Learn to trim or Dremel your dog’s toe nails. Dog’s don’t love having this procedure done but with a bit of patience and training it can be a routine your dog learns to tolerate well. Short, well kept nails not only save your wood floor and your skin, but it is healthier for the dog so they can walk properly.

Brush your dog’s teeth. Yep, a brush and dab of doggy toothpaste several times a week provides a variety of health benefits. Plus, the puppy kisses are much more pleasant with fresh breath!

Following a few simple routines at home will further your relationship with your pet, make your dog feel good and help make the groomer’s job a little bit easier.

Woof!