Clippers are arguably the most important tool in a groomer’s arsenal. There are so many good ones available that it makes selection difficult. Once you have found one you like, the tendency is to keep purchasing the same clipper, which makes sense, but only if the tasks you are performing stay exactly the same. Most groomers are constantly learning and changing how they do things, so you should consider whether a different clipper might serve a current need even better than your favorite. When selecting a clipper, it is important to keep in mind exactly what you’ll be using it for.

One of the most asked questions by both novice and experienced groomers has to be, “What’s the best shear?” A stylist’s scissors are a very personal, vitally important choice, but with all the trendy catchphrases employed by manufacturers and distributors eager to sell product, it’s difficult to know what is important and what is hyperbole. “Razor edge, hollow ground, finely honed, Japanese shears with a hardness of 58!” Sounds great, but what does it all mean?There’s always some confusion about German versus Japanese shears.

Beyond possessing the expertise required to artfully wield a brush, comb and shears to achieve the desired results, groomers need the right tools. Shampoos and conditioners have always been indispensable components of their toolbox. Groomers–and pet owners–are holding these products to higher standards than ever.

Choosing a bathing tub is one of the more important equipment decisions that a grooming salon will make, both because it can be an expensive investment and because they must be plumbed and built in. So, there are several aspects of a tub to factor in when deciding on the best option for a salon. Groomers should spend plenty of time researching their options and asking questions of distributors and manufacturers, since they will probably have to live with that choice for a long time.

As a consultant, I have been in thousands of grooming salons over the years. I’ve seen every size and type of salon, from those eked out of closets in old houses to multi-million dollar facilities. But the one thing that continues to shock me is to see what people are using for grooming tables.Old cupboards, massage benches, even kitchen tables in some of these establishments. I’ve seen wall-mounted countertops and even hollowed-out bedroom dressers. And the worst offense of all? Groomers actually sitting down at these tables while grooming.

I’m embarrassed to tell you this, but I have a problem. You see, the older I get, the less hair I find growing on the top of my head. Unfortunately, there is not much I can do, unless I want to take potions, lotions and pills–or subject myself to laser hair transplants. So I resign myself to accepting a few playful jabs from my wife and make-do the best I can.Funny thing is, while my wife is brushing, combing and drying her hair for hours, I’m reading... watching TV... or doing a half-dozen other things.

Obviously, when selecting the right bathing tub for your grooming business, the sizes/breeds of the dogs you’ll be working with is a key consideration, as is how many you’ll be bathing in a day, the tub’s longevity and design, and, of course, price. But there’s something that Bethany Hoppenthaler, marketing and brand manager for Shor-Line, headquartered in Kansas City, Kan., says you may not have thought of–getting older.“You may be young and strong now, but that won’t last forever,” says Hoppenthaler.

The three most common types of dryers are cage dryers, high-velocity “force” dryers and stand dryers. Each dryer performs differently and has some specific applications. Most shops use a combination of dryers to meet the various needs of the staff, dogs and customers they serve. Learning more about each type will help a groomer determine which ones are needed in the shop and which will work best for a particular groom. Cage DryersCage dryers are very practical in a busy shop. They allow groomers to multitask.

Professional grooming tables are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and prices, but there are basically three types:  stationary, hydraulic and electric. Most professional grooming businesses use a combination of all three. In a professional grooming shop, it is important to have at least one table that lowers and lifts. A table that lifts generally prevents the groomer from having to lift the dog to the table. It also allows the groomer to adjust the table to a comfortable work height based on the size of the dog and the groomer’s height.

Technological advancements have allowed manufacturers to make professional clippers that are smaller, lighter, faster and more powerful. Increased stokes per minute, two-speed, variable speed and turbo-speed options save groomers time and effort, but increased speed and power means more heat, stress and wear on clipper parts.  Regular maintenance is key in maintaining a clipper’s performance and longevity. Regular maintenance will keep blades cutting longer and will lengthen the life of a clipper.  The most common clipper wear part is the blade drive, lever or swing arm.