news

I've said it before....and I'll say it again

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:36:35 +0100

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." ~Hippocrates

“Garbage in garbage out” ~George Fuechsel

“If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it” ~Common sense

“Today, more than 95% of all chronic disease is caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies and lack of physical exercise.” ~Mike Adams

"You are what you eat." ~Somebody a really long time ago.

All of these pertain to both us and our pets...know what you're feeding yourselves and your pets!! If you're not sure what to feed your pets visit www.dogfoodadvisor.com. The information on that website is priceless and I highly recommend a visit whenever you are considering a switch in diets. Sadly veterinarians are not usually well versed in the area of nutrition so be sure to do your own research before choosing a food.

What to do, what to do...

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:21:17 +0100

Going for a walk around your 'hood just not cutting it for you and your pooch anymore? Need something a little more stimulating for you both? Or just interested in trying something new? There are lots of dog related activities that can help build a strong relationship between you and your pet. Many of these activities are offered locally. Here is a rating of some dog activities that you can look into. We rated them according to activity level, required training, fun, and breed specific factor, 1 being the least amount of activity exerted or fun or training required etc, 5 being very active, highly trained, or lots of fun.

Agility is an obstacle course that the dog maneuvers through, around, and over while following directions from their handler. In competition it is judged by both time and accuracy.
- activity level: 4-5. Depending on how competitive you are this sport requires running and some footwork by the handler, though you can still enjoy this sport without having to break a sweat.
- required training: 4-5. Also depends how serious you want to take this, but dogs are off leash in this sport so you do have to have control over your pet while off leash and facing multiple distractions of treats and other pets.
- fun: 5. This is a great sport and helps build a very strong bond between your pet and you. It's also a great stimulant for pets in need of an energy release.
- breed specific: herding breeds often do best in this arena as they are bred to work away from their handlers, quickly, and often have a high energy drive as well as a desire to please and natural athletic ability. This does not mean that all breeds cannot participate and excel, it just means that breeds such as Border Collies and Shelties etc have a natural propensity for agility.

Flyball is a team sport in which dogs must jump a series of hurdles, retrieve a tennis ball from a custom made flyball box and then bring the tennis ball back over the hurdles to their handler.
- activity level: 5 for pets, 1 for handlers. The best part of this game...the dog does all the work!
- required training: 4. Pets need to be able to be away from their owners, maintain the straight line over the hurdles and then return again. Dogs with a very high tennis ball drive work well in this game as they keep their eyes on the prize instead of the other things happening around them.
- fun: 5. Just watch the dogs faces as they partake in this fun, they're literally smiling.
- breed specific: another all breed sport, though dogs with a high play drive and who love tennis balls thrive in this arena.

Lure coursing is where the dog chases a lure that is mechanically operated usually by a system of ropes/line and pulleys.
- activity level: dog 5, handler 1. The dog is let off leash to chase a lure (stuffed animal, plastic bag, feathers/fur etc) around a course or in an open area.
- required training: 2. Most dogs take to this pretty naturally but due to the fact that the dog is off leash you should at least have some sort of a recall ability.
- fun: 4. As long as the dog is enthralled by the lure they are having a lot of fun.
- breed specific: sight hounds tend to do very well at this sport competitively but most dogs enjoy this for a quick run. Some breeds will tire quickly or do not have enough prey drive to really pursue the lure, but it's fun to try.

Obedience can be as general as just teaching your dog basic household manners to performing very specific tasks that are judged by very strict standards. Commands include heel, stay, sit, down, come, etc.
- activity level: 1. This is more a sport of control and mental stimulation versus physical exertion.
- required training: 5. This sport, both recreational and competitive is based solely on how well your dog responds to your commands despite outside distractions.
- fun: 3. While it is thrilling to have your pet be so connected with you as to obey your every command, I would have to say the level of pure fun and entertainment is not through the roof in this activity.
- breed specific: there are certain breeds who are more easily trained and willing to please, but for the most part this is an all breed sport.

Rally or Rally-O is similar to obedience except the competitors follow a series of signs with commands they must follow on each sign. It is a little more relaxed than obedience.
- activity level: 2. Does require walking and some slight jogging.
- required training: 5. Similar to obedience.
- fun: 3. Also similar to obedience, but in Rally you are able to encourage your pet as your traverse the course.
- breed specific: See obedience.

Earth Dog is a series of underground tunnels and dens that the dog must negotiate in pursuit of vermin which are separated by bars so as not to be harmed by the dogs or vice versa. This sport is to highlight the reason many smaller dogs were bred, as vermin control on farms or homes.
- activity level: dog 5, handler 1. The dog must "go to ground" meaning it maneuvers through tunnels and must "work" the prey/quarry by scratching, barking, staring, etc.
- required training: 2. Most dogs with high prey drives do not need much training as this activity comes pretty naturally.
- fun: 3-4.
- breed specific: this sport is more geared towards the short legged terriers and dachshunds. The tunnels are not very large and therefore cannot accommodate larger breeds.

Dancing With Dogs is pretty self explanatory. This is a great activity to really build a strong bond with your dog and improve their obedience in a fun artistic setting.
- activity level: 3-4. You will be dancing while signaling commands to your dog.
- required training: 4-5. Obviously the more advanced you become the more your pet has to obey your commands, but a simple routine can be made with only a few commands.
- fun: 4. A successful routine done with minimal mistakes and smooth transitions is a thing of beauty.
- breed specific: again, some breeds are more willing to please and more easily trained, but this is really open to all breeds and sizes.

Check out Google and YouTube to see some of these sports in action. It's a lot of fun.

Blog problems

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:08:51 +0100

Well...we at Little Shop have had some computer issues. We are pet groomers, NOT IT specialists, so do forgive our delay in updating the blog. All is not solved as of yet, but we were able to get our paws on a computer and internet in the same location today and therefore will be blogging our brains out. Ok ok, maybe not THAT crazy but we will post some updated info. First of all, Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there...whether your children be 2 legged or 4, they both count!

Remember to tell your kids, tell your wife, tell everybody to visit our website, blog, Facebook and Twitter @LittleShopSalon!!

Back from Atlanta Pet Fair...

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 02:31:02 +0100

Well, I had a good time in Atlanta. Didn't place in any of the 3 classes I entered, but I was happy with how the dogs turned out. Great strides were made, I feel. The next show is April at Intergroom in New Jersey. This is a large, international show so placing here is a big victory. If you woukd like to see pictures of the dog's I groomed this weekend, like us on facebook www.facebook.com/LittleShopSalon or follow us on Twitter @LittleShopSalon.

While in ATL I lined up some possible speaking engagements at upcoming shows. I am excited about this new phase of my career and look forward to helping new groomers improve their skills.

Introducing: Laurie @ Howlers

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:43:32 +0100

Several years ago two adorable Pomeranians walked into Little Shop for a makeover. Their mom, Laurie, mentioned an interest in grooming. I admit at the time I thought there's no way she would cut it as a groomer, she was so immaculately dressed and soft spoken I couldn't picture her covered in dog hair dealing with some of the less savory aspects a day with dogs often entails. When the opportunity arose for her to start working one day a week with us I thought for sure she would decide this was not the life for her. I admit, I was wrong. By the end of her first day, I knew I had to figure out how to get her to stay. Forever!

The next two years she worked with us and learned how to bathe, clipper, scissor, finish dogs on her own. She studied, watched, asked questions, watched DVDs, attended seminars, whatever she could do to grow her knowledge of pet grooming. She began to build a loyal client base and as a result decided to open her own business. I couldn't bear to part with her so we decided the best solution was to have her work at our location while operating her own business. So, on November 1, 2012 Laurie @ Howlers became a reality.

We at Little Shop are very excited for Laurie and are so happy to have her remain as part of our team in a new capacity. We fully trust and recommend Laurie's abilities. She works great with the dogs and really has an eye for style, not to mention the adorable bows she has for the girls! If you are looking for a Saturday appointment (as we are often booked months in advance) or can't get into the shop for your appointment as quickly as you'd like, we suggest giving her a try. Here are some pets she has groomed recently.

She can be reached on the phone at (203) 535-0790 or find and like her on facebook. Laurie is a hard worker and has taught me to again, never judge a book by it's cover! Congratulations Laurie, and best of luck to you! Looking forward to the future!

"How do I find a groomer that's right for me and my pet?"

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:07:45 +0100

Shopping around for a new groomer? Have a pet for the first time and not sure what to look for? Finding a pet groomer can be a very daunting task. It's as important as finding a hair stylist and a daycare all in one. We've listed some questions as to how to find a groomer that fits your life and your standards.

- How long have they been grooming? Do they own their own business, if so how long has it been in existence? Knowing how much experience the stylist has and their track record is important. Accidents do happen but should not be common and handled safely and professionally. Ask what the Dalton's procedures are for accidents or emergency situations. Is the staff CPR certified? Do not be afraid to ask the stylist about any concerns you may have.
- Do they have a website where you can get a feel for what they offer? How about tours? Is there any part of the grooming process that is hidden? While you will most likely not be able to stay with your pet as they are getting groomed, being able to watch from viewing areas help allay any fears you may have. Some pets do not settle down if the parents are nearby, so if the groomer asks you to step out of view do not be alarmed. A successful grooming takes two, the groomer and the pet, and they need to cooperate with each other. Some pets will not connect with the stylist if they know their parent is nearby so it may be better to have the parent not be in the immediate vicinity until the pet becomes accustomed to working with the groomer.
- Do they offer referrals? Do they have vet referrals? Has your vet heard of them? Word of mouth is the best form of advertising. Ask your friends, neighbors, and pets you meet on the street where they go for grooming to help gather different information.
- Is the groomer certified or licensed? Member of any professional organizations? What is their pet grooming resume? Pet grooming is not a licensed industry but there are national organizations that offer higher education options. Being a member of pet related organizations shows an attempt at staying connected to the pet community though be sure to match up your experience with the physical salon location as membership does not guarantee those standards being carried out. Does the groomer/salon attend continuing education seminars? Dog shows? Other pet related safety seminars? As in any professional industry tools are always changing, techniques are advancing and evolving, trim styles experience trends just as human hairstyles do, does the salon stay on top of all this information and how?
- Is the facility clean? Is the staff educated, helpful and pet friendly? Working with animals is a dirty job so expect some flying fur when you visit a potential salon, however smells and excessive dust or clutter is not appropriate or professional. Lighting is essential for a safe and good hairstyle, make sure the grooming area is well lit and ventilated.
- Will they allow you to stay while your pet is groomed? As mentioned above, this may not work for every pet, but most pets can be groomed while their parents watch. There are some things a parent can do to help with the grooming. Let the groomer instruct your pet as to whether to sit or stand, etc. The pet needs to obey the groomer not the parent while being worked on. In fact talking to the pet is discouraged while being groomed at any point. Talking with the staff or stylists is fine, and helps to calm the pets nerves because if mom or dad is comfortable enough to talk with the groomer then they must be ok. If the parent talks to the pet then they are going to get excited, start to wiggle, and want to get to their parents.
- How long is the pet in the salon? This is a matter of personal preference. Some people need the pet to be cared for while they are at work all day, others prefer their pet to be in the salon for as little time as possible. Find a salon that fits your flexibility or lack thereof. Some salons have all the pets check in between a certain time each morning, then usually around lunchtime start sending the first pets home. Other salons operate more like human hair salons where the pet is brought in at a specific appointment time, done straight through and then picked up at a time designated at drop off.

We hope these questions will help you find a groomer/salon that fits you and your pets' life. Begin with asking friends and other pet professionals, then be sure to visit and speak with the salons you have narrowed it down to. Finally make an appointment at the salon of your choice and see how your experience is with them. While it can be unnerving to try a salon for the first time doing your research will hopefully weed out any bad experiences. Ideally you find a salon without too much bouncing around for your pet's sake as they thrive with routine and regularity. Lastly, the more faith you have in the pet professionals you use, the more likely your pets are going to be comfortable when using their services.

As always, feel free to call, email or stop in to our salon any time with questions you may have, we are happy to help! Good luck in your search!

"But mooommm, I don't want to get groomed!!"

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:33:00 +0100

If you have ever had a pet that does not like being groomed you know what I'm talking about. Often times our first reaction is to avoid what we consider undue stress. However if you own a breed that requires regular grooming, extended time between appointments only makes matters worse. Think back to a time when you didn't go to the dentist for your regular cleaning only to find out months later that there was now a cavity. The process you originally dreaded (which wasn't that bad to begin with), was now compounded and much more uncomfortable procedures had to be used. The same is true with grooming.

Pets who are unfamiliar with the grooming process fear the unknown. Pets like routine, so the more routine grooming becomes the easier it is for them to handle. It may take some time to rehabilitate a pet who is very nervous for grooming. Once they begin to trust us as stylists, then they are able to let go of some of the fear and tenseness and sometimes even grow to enjoy the process. We all know how good it feels to shower at the end of a dirty day imagine how much better it feels if it's been a month since your last shower! Pets enjoy being clean and feeling fresh. Plus they love all the attention they get when their fur is soft and they smell good.

We have had several pets who have rehabilitated at our shop. Most often they come to us at their wit's end, not knowing what next step to take as many previous salons have asked them not to return. Grooming a pet who is uncooperative is time consuming as well as risky. Trying to trim a moving target, especially one trying to bite you, is not easy. At Little Shop we invite the pet and owner to come into the shop just to say hello. Depending on the level of the pet's timidness, we may completely ignore them and let them just be an observer while we talk with the owner. This takes the pressure off the pet and helps them take in the scene without thinking they have to defend themselves.

The pet controls the speed at which we advance, to push them before they are ready can compromise the foundation we are attempting to build. We invite the pet and parent to come to our salon at least once a week, slowly working up to the point where the pet feels comfortable with us walking them through the salon without their parent. Next we put them on the table and receive lots of treats and no grooming. It is a success just to have the dog on the table. Eventually we work up to the point where the pet can be fully groomed and the pet is comfortable enough to get through the grooming process without too much distress and eventually even enjoying it.

This does require quite a commitment from the pet's parents, but considering grooming is a process many pets will have to experience their entire lives it is important to help them tolerate it. Other options include in home grooming, mobile grooming, or sedated/anesthetized grooming. The latter I recommend only be done at a vet's office in case there are any reactions to the sedative/anesthetic, a medical professional is nearby to help with any possible problems. Little Shop will not groom sedated or anesthetized pets, nor do we sedate pets while in our care. There are natural remedies, the most common being Rescue Remedy, which we are comfortable with if the pet parent administers before the grooming in the hopes it will calm their nerves a bit. In the end, as responsible pet owners we need to help our pets understand that grooming is a positive experience. Help them learn to trust and love their stylists. Routine and regularity are essential so find a salon you're both happy with and stick with it, preferably on a regularly scheduled appointment. We will be blogging about how to find the groomer that is a good fit for you. Come back and visit soon! Happy grooming!

Hurricane Sandy survivors!

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:33:31 +0100

If you and your pet have been displaced by Sandy, we would like to offer our self serve facilities to you this Sunday from 12-4pm free of charge to bathe and blowdry your pet. We hope this will make sleeping at someone else's home or a shelter a little easier. No need to make an appointment, just come on down, we will be there. We look forward to giving back to our community as best we can and hope to find you settled soon. Please tell your family and friends who are in need.

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:44:22 +0100

Welcome to our Open House Festival!!!! We look forward to being able to let our fur down a little and have some fun with our friends and their pets. There is a lot planned tomorrow, here is our schedule...remember we are dog people so everything is a little flexible. :)

1:00
Rescue Roundup Grooming Competition @ Little Shop of Howlers
   - local groomers will be giving homeless pets a much needed makeover in the hopes that they will go to their forever homes clean and happy.

1:30
Agility Demo with the Paws N Effect Superstars @ Big Paws (Paws N Effects larger indoor space, we will have signs posted)
   - interested in seeing what agility is? Come watch as the "pros" show us how it's done. Its a great thing to see the bond between owner and pet...and also to see how sometimes dogs remind us how they have a mind of their own!

1:45
Rescue Roundup ends and judging begins

2:00
Rescue Roundup awards ceremony @ Little Shop
   - see what lucky groomer has given their rescue pet the best makeover and takes home the jackpot!
Try Agility with your dog @ Big Paws
   - this is the chance to see how much fun you and your dog can have while learning agility. Just for fun, there will be instructors on the course to assist.

2:30
Tricks Demo with Karen and Hailey @ Big Paws
   - you can't teach an old dog new tricks is a lie! We'll show you differently.

2:45
Fun games for your kids, 2 legged or 4! @ Little Shop
   - compete for prizes and bragging rights, interactive pet games that will help build good life skills between you and your dog. Bringing the kids along? Great! We've got lots of fun for them too, including a treasure hunt and a pet grooming relay race.

3:00
Teach Your Dog a Trick class, free! @ Big Paws
   - After watching Karen and Hailey wow you with their antics, let them teach you how to do the same with your fine canine.

3:30
Pet Pro Round Table Q&A @ Little Paws
   - Ask us anything! Want to know how to fix that annoying habit your pet has picked up lately? What's the best food to feed your dogs? What kind of brush is best for your pet's particular coat? Why do dogs do that? Any question is fair game, our professional panel of pet trainers, groomers, rescue workers, and therapy dog owners are happy to help!

Check out our vendors in Little Paws and please thank them for supporting our Open House Festival. They have some great items for sale. We will also have a treasure hunt

There will also be a professional photographer on site. Stephanie Anestis will be taking pet and family relaxed portraits throughout the afternoon. Once she is booked up, don't dismay, we hope to have another session featuring her skills in the near future. Or you can always book an appointment with her by visiting her website. www.StephanieAnestis.com
(she took pics of my 2 kids and 4 dogs...amazing, absolutely amazing, I highly recommend her!)

Friendly leashed pets are always welcome! We ask that you use a standard leash instead of a retractable leash as there will be lots of action going on and keeping your pets close to you is for your own safety. Thank you for your cooperation and we cannot wait to party hearty with you all!

My sincerest apologies...

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:14:36 +0100

As you can see, I have been very lax on updating my blog...here are my following list of excuses: my computer decided to put itself down, I do not have internet at the shop, I attended 3 grooming competitions and was a speaker at one trade show since my last post, I went on vacation, I was tired, I had to play with my attention hungry dogs, I had to work.....hhmmmm, I'm sure I could think of some more things, but I feel sufficiently justified in my mind. ;) I apologize for my respite and am back in the blogging saddle again! I will be rewriting my last blog post as you can see that was cut off and not saved correctly, that's when I knew my computer was having issues.

Anyway, I am so glad to be back and we have our Open House Festival tomorrow!!! Yay! I hope to see you ALL there. We will have a lot of fun for sure...I will be posting a schedule in about 5 minutes if you care to wait and see what we have in store.

Also, I hope you have all fared well through Sandy. Little Shop would like to offer our self serve facilities free of charge for any pets displaced by the storm tomorrow 12-4pm. We are hoping at least having a clean pet will make staying at someone else's home or a shelter a little bit easier. No need for an appointment, just come on by for a freshening up.

Thank you for being so patient with our blog, we love to connect with you all and hear back from you. It helps to press on during the busy times. :) We truly do have the best customers in the world. I am always thankful for that.

See you tomorrow!!