Tricks of the trade...

[BeyondBlessed]

I have never competed in a grooming competition, so I have no clue what the rules are. I would think that a TRUE test would be to see who could turn out the best result with the least amount of tools.

In mobile, it stinks to carry a lot of equipment with you. Versatility gets to be second nature. Once, I forgot that I had left my shears at the sharpeners so I had to finish the outline with just blades. The client ooh-ed and aw-ed. I left dumb-founded and feeling pretty good about it.

What uses have you found for tools other than what they were intended? (Blending, de-matting, etc...)

Aside from nail trimmers, a dryer, and clippers, which 4 pieces of equipment could you complete, say... a teddybear clip on a shih tzu? I'd want my curved shears, a greyhound comb, a 10 and a large 5/8 blade.

I can't wait to hear how skilled you all are!

[RevWind]

I use my mosers to blend and do butt and side trims on, say, Goldens, or Auss. Shepherds. If the dog (and you) are steady enough, it puts out a really nice, round trim.

[diamienono]

I can do a standard poodle in 30 minutes with just a popcicle stick lol

[BeyondBlessed]

I can do a standard poodle in 30 minutes with just a popcicle stick lol

(Teeheehee)

Lisa, that IS impressive.

I want you on my team if there is ever a "Groomer Survivor" Series.

[stacie-gotg]

That was a good one Di. I think in general most gromers ony need 3 things to do a groom. Its the skilled groomer that can use many uses of equipment to blend and shape a dog. That is the reason for the need for thinners and Coat Kings etc. It is the tools that we use that provide a safe and fast outcome.

[hairdevil]

I can do a standard poodle in 30 minutes with just a popcicle stick lol

you must do that while you're typing also!!! 700 plus posts! it must be slow where you are!

[ejmj30]

This is so funny, I was just imagining going into a grooming competition with nothing but a comb, a pair of clippers and a 10 blade....aside from something to do face/feet/tail with (40 blade). Otherwise using just the clippers to shape the dog. I wonder if anyone would do it? I've got to master scissoring, then maybe I'll give it a whirl.

[RevWind]

In theory, you can shape bichons and poodles with clippers and a clipper vac. I've sorta tried a few times, but getting the dog to hold PERFECTLY still is near impossible to get the job done.

[mustluvdogs1]

How Bout This?

That is lol w/ tears funny!!~!!!I can see a tv show groomer-survivor w/ huge matted dogs ....endless BIG dogs..tools? no electricity on the island..justna comb found on the beach. an old trunk with use your imagination...and a pond. Sun drying only...who wins? Or a competition in hotel w/electricity, table etc. but only abrush of choice (LES POOCH 4me) and one clipperw/blade, one pair of scissors, thinning or otherwise..are twin thins allowed? GO!BIG fluffed white poodle. Clipper vac has contests kinda like that but w/ cv and whatever ya need on fluffed an ready dog.

[diamienono]

you must do that while you're typing also!!! 700 plus posts! it must be slow where you are!

yeah, I am slow right now. I just went mobile in Oct. and missed getting into the phone book. That is how I mastered my popcicle stick grooming. I type with my toes while grooming. My mom always said I had monkey toes.

[Arrooh]

Very funny

I can do a standard poodle in 30 minutes with just a popcicle stick lol

I have to say I really lol d as in laughed right out loud.

I"ve certainly not had something with me and faked it. But I more feel the real skill is making the dog look very good in a reasonable amount of time. So if 5 blades, scissors of long, short, thinniers, mars coat king, stripping knife, matt breaker and what have you help get the dog looking better in even perhaps a shorter amount of time or trouble, there in lies the skills.

[toomuchfunbnme]

Scissors, brush and comb. I had lots of practice scissoring on my 5 snuggly shi babies. BTW I think I read another post on the following topic. Exactly what do you mean when you say "Teddy Bear" clip. Just kiddin. LOL!

[BeyondBlessed]

I have to say I really lol d as in laughed right out loud.

I"ve certainly not had something with me and faked it. But I more feel the real skill is making the dog look very good in a reasonable amount of time. So if 5 blades, scissors of long, short, thinniers, mars coat king, stripping knife, matt breaker and what have you help get the dog looking better in even perhaps a shorter amount of time or trouble, there in lies the skills.

Aww...I groom a leisurely 4 or 5 a day mobile so that I can take the time to do it right with whatever it takes to get the best possible result. I'm just having some fun with this post. I really WOULD like to see a competition like that, though. Heck, after my scissor fiasco, I think I'd be a contender.