Thursday 5 November 2015

Dog Umbrellas

Our doggie umbrellas have been in stock for months and months now but luckily we hadn't had a need to use them. Now the weather has turned we've been taking them for a test drive. 


These retail at £9.99 and are a great way to keep pets dry who don't like to wear jackets or coats.

Hayley x

Wednesday 3 June 2015

Poodles and Pompadours go to Groom Pro Expo 2015

This weekend I travelled up to Knutsford in Cheshire to attend Groom Pro Expo with my 2 dog grooming buddies, Katie and Kris. Groom Pro Expo (GPE) is a two day industry event for dog groomers. I attended seminars spread out over the two days and got to hear some of the most amazing, world renowned groomers share their knowledge and expertise. Some had even travelled all the way from the USA!

On the Saturday I spent the day listening to seminars on Poodle Grooming, natural grooming products, scissor techniques, Asian fusion grooming and many more. On Saturday night we attended a beautiful gala dinner which was lovely, although I did leave before the end as I was just too tired. My brain was frazzled from all the learning!

On the Sunday I did more seminars on new products and different bits of equipment to help make your grooming better, creative grooming and how to best groom curly coated breeds. I also got to watch a schnauzer grooming seminar by the amazing Colin Taylor.

I learnt so much this weekend and can't wait to put some of my new knowledge into practise.
Scissor expert Jonathon David from the USA giving a seminar on Asian Fusian grooming. Jonathon is a huge TV star and has a celebrity client list that includes Mariah Carey.
Jay Scruggs and Sue Zecco holding a seminar on a poodle trim. I was very excited to see them as I had watched snippets from their well known Super Styling Sessions on YouTube.

I was also super super excited to see Lori Craig do some creative grooming demonstrations. There was also the added bonus as her friend Su Eld-Weaver was there to support her. These two are my creative grooming heroes and it was a pleasure to see them both. I was too nervous and shy to speak to them but hopefully it won't be th last time we meet.

I also watched seminars by the amazing Colin Taylor, Julie Harris and Judy Hudson but didn't get any pictures of these as my phone ran out of battery. The line up was absolutely amazing and the awards that all of these groomers have won would fill a room. Their talent is outstanding and I hope one day to be half as good as they are. That's why I keep going to these events to further my education and improve my grooming.

I had a really fantastic weekend and spent far too much money! I can't wait to try out all of my new products and techniques. I will also be adding to the range creative grooming services that I already offer in the parlour so if you would like to try anything please let me know. The are all temporary treatmets that are completely pet safe and cruelty free so no need to worry about it harming your dog and they will absolutely LOVE the attention.

Hayley. X

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Flea and Tick Prevention Packs from Poodles and Pompadours

*FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION*

We have officially launched our Flea and Tick Prevention Program. For just £8.50 you can purchase our prevention pack which includes all the natural grooming products that you need to keep your pets parasite free this season.

You will receive one educational leaflet, a finetoothed flea comb, a bottle of Health Mutt's All Natural Flea and Tick Stay Away Spray (spray on your pets before taking them out for a walk to repel fleas and ticks) and a 150g bag of Diatomaceous Earth (DE).

DE is highly effective as a natural insecticide and has been used for hundreds of years. Due to the incessant use of pesticides, many insects have become resistant to chemical deterrents. This organic pest control method is helpful for reducing the amount of environmental toxins we’re all exposed to. Dust the immediate surroundings such as animal bedding to illiminate fleas or use a food supplement to deworm.

Other benefits of DE include being a natural source of silica, promotes skin and heart health, and also works as a natural internal cleanser, ridding the body of any intestinal invaders and other harmful organisms from the digestive tract.

Pick up your prevention pack today!

 

Sunday 10 May 2015

Our 1st Birthday!

Today our little vintage grooming parlour has been open for 1 whole year!

How time flies! I can't believe it's been a year already. Thank you to all of my amazing customers for supporting me and trusting me with your babies!

Here's to plenty more years to come!

 

Wednesday 29 April 2015

Tick Season is Here! Make like a Boy Scout and Be Prepared.

TICKS! It's the beginning flea and tick season and all of these little nasties are starting to come out and say hello. Please make sure that your pets are fully protected from parasites by using the appropriate treatments. This picture is of a tick nest! 😱

Please look out for them in your gardens or on your dog walks. 🐜



Here are some top tips to ensure your garden has the best chance of staying tick free:
- Mow your lawn regularly. Ticks like to live in long grass.
- Ticks do not like sunlight. Make sure your garden is as sunny as possible by removing debris and any unused items you may have lying around creating shade.
- Cut back vegetation and sweep up brush and dead leaves. 🍃



Prevention is better than cure! Ticks can carry numerous harmful blood-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease and some diseases transferred from ticks can kill your pets. Speak to your vet about the best parasite prevention treatments for your pet. 🚑

You should also use a natural flea and tick repelling spray before each walk to ensure your pet doesn't pick up any new friends when out and about. 

You can even use a natural parasite repelling herb like Diatomaceous Earth as a food supplement for your pets or sprinkle it on their bedding and sleeping area. Please do not use Diatomaceous Earth in your garden as it can be harmful to bees and worms! 🐝

BE TICK SMART! 🐾

Thursday 2 April 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT TO CUSTOMERS: INCREASE IN PRICE AS OF 1 MAY 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT TO CUSTOMERS: INCREASE IN PRICE AS OF 1 MAY 2015

Firstly, let me start by saying that it has been an absolute pleasure to work you and your fur-babies in the past, and we look forward to doing business with you again in the future. I'm privileged to be able to do a job that I love and I'm thankful to all of my clients for making our first year of business as a grooming parlour so successful.

As you may know, since opening in May 2014 we have yet to have an increase in our prices, despite gaining further qualifications, training and investing significantly in new equipment and premium products. In February 2015 we introduced a new pricing structure to our new clients, but existing clients remained on the old pricing structure. We are now implementing our new pricing structure to ALL clients. This will take effect from 1st May 2015. If you would like to enquire about your new grooming price please feel free to contact us via phone, text message, email, facebook or via our website and we will give you a personalised quote.

If you are at all concerned about the price increase, we do now offer a VIP Membership Scheme. The VIP Membership Scheme splits the yearly cost of your pet's grooming into 12 equal payments, and is paid via standing order on the 1st of each month, helping you with your budget and ensuring that your grooming fee will be fixed for at least a year. If you would like to learn more or sign up to our VIP Scheme please do let us know.

We are confident you will continue to be pleased with our superior service and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Hayley x

 

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Poodles and Pompadours embark on a new Grooming Qualification

In 2014 I completed my City and Guilds Level 3 Introductory Dog Grooming qualification and since then I have been wanting to further my learning and add to my certifications and qualifications. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go down the City and Guilds route again so last week after much deliberation I decided to take the leap and I became a member of the International Professional Groomers Association and will be working towards becoming an International Certified Groomer and ultimately hope to receive the ICMG title after my name which stands for International Certified Master Groomer. This can only be achieved if a pass mark of 86% or higher is gained in every exam taken.


This qualification involves taking 10 exams. The first part is to become Salon Details Certified. This is 2 exams (one written and one practical) and these must be passed with 80% or higher if you wish to continue with the rest of the qualification. If you pass these exams with 80% or higher you earn the title of SDC after your name and become and IPG Salon Details Certified Groomer.


If you wish you may then continue on to complete 8 more exams. (4 written and 4 practical) if you pass these with a mark of 70% or higher you earn the International Certified Groomer qualification.


If you pass all of these exams with 86% or higher you will then be invited to take a further 2 exams to gain the coveted International Certified Master Groomer title and if passed with 86% or higher you will earn the letters ICMG after your name.

My goal is to end up with those letters after my name and I have 5 years to complete the qualification. I take the Salon Details part of the qualification in April so wish me luck!


Hayley x


 

Monday 23 February 2015

New Addition to The Family

Meet Elvis...

 

He's a 9 week old toy poodle and he is the newest addition to our family. We picked him up yesterday and he has been settling in well, as you can see...

Welcome home Elvis!

 

Saturday 7 February 2015

What is Creative Dog Grooming?

What is Creative Grooming?
 

The Creative Grooming industry is absolutely huge in the USA and is really starting to take off here in the UK too. It can include anything from an unusual haircut inspired by Asian styles, shaving intricate patterns or shapes into the fur, adding embellishments such as rhinestones, feathers, glitter and painted nails to the more extreme end of the spectrum such as colouring or dying of the fur.



Creative Grooming requires additional training and specialist product knowledge and should only be performed by a trained professional.


All treatments are completely safe for animals and are achieved using specially formulated non-toxic products made especially for pets. Under no circumstances are human products ever used.


 


As with our standard grooming services, we use natural, organic and cruelty free products where possible. We do not use permanent colourings and all of the treatments we provide are temporary. They can either be removed at your next visit to the Parlour or washed out in 1-3 shampoos.


Adding embellishments or colour can garner a lot of extra attention for a dog when out in public, and most of our fluffy friends absolutely love the extra fuss and cuddles they receive (even posing for photographs!) but it is for this reason that we will never perform creative grooming treatments on any shy, nervous or aggressive animals.

 

Our creative grooming services include Creative Colouring, Glitter and Colour Tattoos, Feather Extensions and Pawdicures.

 

Are you interested in learning more about creative grooming?

Just ask us at your next appointment!

 

 
 
 

 

Thursday 29 January 2015

Asian Fusion Grooming

What is Asian Fusion Grooming?
Asian Fusion style grooming takes traditional styling commonly used in the UK and mixes it with the more extreme and creative grooming styles popular in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

Dogs are usually made to look like extremely cute teddy bears and are often compared to cuddly toys or cartoon characters due to their exaggerated features.

Asian Fusian grooming has become quite popular in western countries such as the USA and is gaining popularity here in the UK thanks to it's introduction by Pammie Carmicheal Hogg. Pammie is considered to be the UK's resident expert and inventor of the Asian Fusion style and hosts and judges many competitions and workshops across the UK and abroad.

Pammie showing off one of her Asian Fusion styles.

Alternative Asian Fusion styling by Riza Wisnom - another Asian grooming expert!

Asian Fusion grooming usually incorporates softer versions of common Asian grooming elements such as:

  • Short, round faces and muzzles
  • Round ears set high on the head
  • Pronounced and/or rounded tails
  • Rounded, volumised trousers and leg furnishings
  • Decorative accessories such as ties, bows and ribbons as well as the use of creative colouring.
The great thing about Asian Fusion is that it is easy on the owner. The bodies are often kept short which means owners can have a really manageable style that is easy to maintain at home but still have a look that is extremely cute and appealing. 

Asian Freesyle Seminar by Scissor Yappy

Ever since I became aware of Asian Grooming early last year I have wanted to try it. I love the exaggerated cute look and was lucky enough to witness my mentor Heidi Anderton demonstrate a fusion style used to transform a matted poodle during my training, so when my friend Lia told me about the demonstration day she was holding at her salon in Ascot by the fabulous and award winning Wayne Roby from Scozzor Yappy I knew I had to book my place.


I had a great day at the salon demo with 11 other groomers from across the South East and got to watch demonstrations of 4 different Asian freestyle trims on 4 different breeds. The great thing about Asian freestyle is that it's so versatile that you can adapt aspects of it to fit almost any dog. You can go the whole way with short bodies and dramatic flared legs or just incorporate a cute face into your usual styling.

I came away with lots of new information and a sketch book of new ideas and styles that I can't wait to try out.


What do you think about Asian fusion grooming? Do you like the Japenese inspired looks or do you prefer the more traditional styles?

Let me know in the comments below, and don't forget I'm on the look out for volunteers to practise on!

Hayley x

Monday 5 January 2015

Is My Dog Groomer Qualified? And Why Does It Matter?

Did you know that there are no legal requirements for qualifications within the dog grooming industry? In fact, other than vets and vet nurses, there are no legal requirements for training or Qulifications in any animal care jobs. How scary is that? Literally anyone can buy a pair of scissors or clippers online and set up a business as a dog groomer with no training, knowledge or qualifications.

 

Yes, that's right. There are no legal requirements to ensure that your dog groomer went to school to learn how to do their job.

 

Dog grooming, like human hairdressing is a skilled profession. There are severe health risks involved in this job to both the groomer and the animal and attempting to do it with no qualifications or training is both dangerous and irresponsible. You could badly injure yourself or the animal, cause death or disfiguration, skin irritation, infections or even spread contagious diseases.

There are many ways in which people can become dog groomers. You can set up with no training at all and just make it up as you go along (not recommended), be trained by an already established and practising dog groomer through an informal apprenticeship program (these are extremely hard to find and you have no way of knowing that the level of training you are getting is appropriate), do an online course and receive a certificate that is not accredited (these involve no practical work with live animals at all and do not provide recognised qualifications) or undertake one of the recommended pathways into the industry by shelling out the thousands of pounds that it costs to gain a City and Guilds qualification through a college or private training school. If you are dedicated to provided the bast care possible to your clients then you will take the last option.

What are City and Guilds Qualifications?

Until 2014, there was only 1 nationally recognised dog grooming qualification in the UK. This is provided by City and Guilds. The Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) or the Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists (Level 3) is suitable for those who have experience of working in the dog grooming industry or have completed a related qualification. Each of these stages of qualification have lengthy practical and written examinations as well as candidates providing a portfolio of work to the exam board. These qualifications can be passed with a pass, merit or distinction.

In my personal opinion, if you are leaving your dog in the care of a professional groomer the Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) or the international equivalent is the absolute minimum level of qualification that they should hold unless they have over 5+ years experience in the industry already.


All City and Guilds Level 3 work is provided to the same standard and is the equivalent of other nationally recognised qualifications such as NVQ level 3, A-Level, Scottish highers, AVCE, BTEC National, Certificate/Diploma, and Vocational A-Levels.


Are there International Grooming Qulifications available for my groomer?
Until 2014 City and Guilds was the only nationally recognised qualification in the UK. In 2014 the International Certified Master Groomer qualification was introduced by the IPG.

Although the ICMG qualification is new to the UK, the International Professional Groomers Inc. is well established and highly regarded. The Association certifies groomers from USA, Canada, Australia and Singapore and provides international industry standards, a Code of Ethics and an extensive examination process. It certifies groomers at two levels and globally promotes and preserves the professional certifications and accreditations of Pet Groomers, Grooming Salons, and Grooming Schools.
The exams and study materials have been written to reflect the UK recognised breed standards and will enable the groomer to be certified in 5 stages. Each stage has a written and a practical exam. A certificate will be awarded for a score of 70% and above and a score of 86% and higher will earn the applicant the chance to take the Masters Exam. Providing this is passed, also at 86% or higher, the candidate will be awarded a coveted International Certified Master Groomer Certificate (ICMG). This qualification will eventually be rolled out to cover the rest of Europe too. This qualification is usually taken by extremely experience groomers who usually have already achieved their City & Guilds qualifications or have the relevant experience.


What qualifications should my dog groomer have?

A minimum of City and Guilds Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) should be sought.

Further qualifications include the City and Guilds Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists (Level 3), IPG Certified Salon Professional Certiciate (CSP) and the International Certified Master Groomer Certificate (ICMG). 

Qualifications from any other sources other than City & Guilds and IPG are not recognised in the professional grooming community.

Professional Groomers can also choose to be members of The Pet Industry Federation and The British Dog Groomers Association if they wish. Both industry bodies provide strict codes of ethics for groomers to abide by and keep the, up to date with industry news and developments.

 

Further career development steps should also be undertaken to ensure their knowledge and techniques are up the date with new methods and technologies. This includes going on regular training days in areas such as first aid, safe handling, breed workshops, alternative trims and keeping all equpitment and learning materials such a books, industry magazine subscriptions and DVDs current.

How do I know if my groomer is qualified?

Simply ask them. Most groomers will proudly display their qualifaction certificates (but remember to check they are a recognised qualification). You should also ask them if they regularly go to workshops, demo days, competitions and training days to keep they knowledge current. All of these things can be very expense and groomers can travel hours to get to them but a dedicated and professional groomer will always make the time to go.

If you don't feel comfortable asking your groomer directly, alternatively you can contact IPG or City and Guilds directly and ask if they can tell you if your groomer holds the qualification they are claiming too. Sadly some groomers will use official logos to deceive clients when they have not passed the exams. It's always best to double check if you are unsure. You wouldn't send your child to an unqualified and unregistered child minder so don't do the same for your pet.

Hayley currently holds the City and Guilds Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming (Level 3) which she passed with Distinction and is currently working towards the City and Guilds Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists (Level 3).

Saturday 3 January 2015

2014 Wrapped Up

Following on from last years post, here's my year wrapped up in a neat little blog post.

January
The first week of January we celebrated our official first birthday. Now we are officially 2 years old. How exciting! Bear also celebrated his 3rd birthday!


February
Our website had a little makeover, we recovered from the January blues and started to prepare for the next step in my career journey.


March
Went to Crufts for the first time, quit my part time job at the grooming salon and left for London for 5 weeks to undertake my grooming training and take my exams.


April
I finished my training, passed my exams and started work on The Parlour.


May
The first two weeks of May were consumed with getting The Parlour read to o
pen and we finally opened the doors on May 13th.
Just 2 weeks later I had a family emergency and had to close and fly to Ireland for a few weeks.


June
This was a tough month. We returned from Ireland and got stuck back in to getting my business up and running again.


July
After just two weeks of being open again after our family emergency, we had a huge fire at our property and had to close business again until the investigation was over.
I also had my stall at Maidenhead Festival for the second year running and my friends visited from Ireland.


August
In August Bambi and Bear competed at Littlewick Show and came home with lots of prizes and rosettes. We also spent a lot of the time clearing the remains of the fire and attempting to get back to normal. August was also the month we announced our plans to hold Maidenehads first doggie event in 2015.


September
Bambi celebrated her 6th birthday.
Back to business as usual
We also celebrated Puppy Awareness Week.


October
We celebrated Halloween, welcomed lots of new clients and entered an international grooming competition which we placed 4th in!


November
November was spent welcoming lots of new grooming clients and introducing some new services to the parlour. We were fully booked for grooming and dog sitting appointments and went to Discover Dogs in London and had a lovely time.


December
December was such a busy month for grooming appointments and we even got to go to the most famous house in the country! Had a lovely Christmas with family and a well deserved rest!

***

2014 was a roller coaster for me. It featured such highs like passing my exams and opening the parlour and also some real lows that took quite some time to get over.

Hopefully 2015 will come with more peaks than pits and I'll be back next week with my New Years resolutions and annual inspirational vision board.

I hope 2015 brings you lots of love, health, happiness and prosperity.

Happy New Year!!
Hayley x