Q&A with the Show Dog Groomer of the Year

Grooming Business Magazine recently attended the Westminster Show Dogs dinner, where we got a chance to meet Beth Collins, this year’s winner of Annual Show Dog Groomer of the Year Cardinal Crystal Grooming Achievement Award.

Grooming Business: Can you tell us a little about your grooming background/your history in the industry?

Beth Collins: I started my career in pet grooming in the early 80's, the same way that most people do. I apprenticed under various groomers, many of them show breeders who taught me both pet and show grooming for their breeds.

After I felt like I was ready, I opened up various grooming/retail businesses around the country, determined by where my husband’s career took him, including Penn., Ohio, Maine and Minn.

GB: What do you feel are the most important parts of running a successful salon?

Collins: The most important elements are customer service, respect for yourself and the animals you groom, honesty and an unending education to keep your skills fresh and honed.

GB: What is the biggest thing you've had to learn about grooming to get to where you are today? 

Collins: Never go stale! Keep yourself challenged by continuing your education. Stay current with the newest styles and equipment and strive to be better. 

In the dog show arena the first thing is to know the dog, its conformation, its standard and how to execute the styling.

GB: One of the important things in any industry is continually developing your skills and working to become better at what you do. How do you work to do this? 

Collins: I personally spend a lot of time at dog shows, just watching and evaluating what I see. I am not afraid to ask questions–learning never ends. I also am not afraid to try new techniques.

Pet groomers, plan into your budget and schedule at least one or two continuing education classes, like scissoring, balance, or anatomy per year. These can be found at grooming seminars around the country as well as at some trade shows.

Learn to work smarter, not harder. Go to dog shows to see what the current styles are. You can also look at magazines featuring show dogs. Yes, I know you groom pets, but all show trims can be modified to meet the request of the pet owner.