Dog scissors - touch ups

Every once in a while I come across a product that I absolutely love and just have to share.  So I am sharing my love for these little scissors today.  I bought these two years ago and have used them a lot.  For the price, they are amazingly sharp and precise.  I have used them to groom between toes, around eyes and nose and lots of other small places that need extra safety precautions.

I would recommend these for anyone with any breed; and would place them on my "essentials" list without a doubt.  With their rounded end, comfortable grip and small size they make tiny snips a breeze.  I've even used them to cut gum out of Elsa's paw that she picked up somewhere along one of our walks.

Long ago I had a pair of rounded tip scissors but they very quickly went in the trash once I acquired these little guys. 

The company also has a scissor trimming kit which looks like kinda cool.  I have not used it but for anyone wanting to do more trimming without an electric trimmer it could be a good alternative.   

So for those you would love a pair of i, sharp and safe scissors; these little babies just might do the trick.  

Grooming your poodle

Today is grooming day.  With the temperatures rising, Elsa needs a shave.  She is a Standard Poodle and needs to loose some fluff to accommodate the upcoming weather change.  Elsa is a very active girl so keeping too much coat on her makes her uncomfortable.  Poodles and poodle mixes come with a grooming warning.   "Extensive grooming" most pages state.  With the regular grooming requirements can come big cost.  But it doesn't have to cost a fortune.  I have been grooming for almost forty years and love to share my experience with others.

"I can't do that" is almost always the response I hear when I tell others that I groom myself.  I am here to tell you that "YES YOU CAN."  Yep, if you want to groom your poodle, you can do it.  Should everyone groom their own dog?  Nope.  But those who want to, should.  If you have no desire to DIY then you shouldn't.

From the big fluffy and extensive groom of a show poodle to the easy peasy shave down and everything in-between.  I've done it all and can switch it up, touch it up whenever I like.  That is a huge benefit to doing it yourself; touching up whenever you like.  

There are many other reasons why grooming yourself is great.  

• Bonding time.
• Trust building.
• Physical check up can be done regularly when grooming.
• Your dog does not become stressed by having to go to the groomers.
• Save literally thousands of $$$$$$$$$$

There is an initial expense of equipment; although you can do a great deal of grooming with very little equipment (which is thoroughly explained on both courses)  I groomed many poodles over the years with the bare minimum.  

Will your dog look amazing when you first dive into grooming?  Maybe, but chances are not.  It, like anything else you begin is a learning curve.  I have just started learning how to golf.  Am I great?  Nope.  

Grooming your own dog can be intimidating.  For this reason alone, I have created an in-between course.   Grooming in-between pro grooming visits can give you the confidence that you need to do full grooms.  

If you want to save a ton of money, want to groom your own dog, learn the ins and outs of maintenance, equipment and grooming techniques.  Take a look at my online courses listed above.  Oh.... and "YES YOU CAN," groom your own poodle.  In fact I know you can.  ;)

At Home Poodle Grooming Tools Webinar

Grooming Webinar Registration Link

I'm stoked this morning.  Today is the first of many Webinars that I will be doing on dogs.  

At Home Grooming Tools Webinar - I will be covering what you need as far as equipment to groom your poodle at home.  From the very basic equipment to doing full grooming yourself.  I've been grooming at home for 35 years.  Much of my grooming was done with the very bare minimum of equipment.  I will show you what you need to do in between grooms or just the touch up stuff.  When and if you are ready to do full grooms is up to you; but I will show you what you'll need.  

Like anything, at home grooming typically starts with just one toe dipping into the waters.  Once you get into it the sky is the limit as far as all the bells as whistles you get.  I'll show you the necessity equipment.  

There will be a Q&A session at the end of the webinar.  And Miss Elsa will be making one or more live appearances.  :) 

Please join Elsa and I at 5:00 pm PST today May 5th, May 12, May 19 or May 26 for this free At Home Poodle Grooming Equipment Webinar. 

Register for the webinar by clicking here.   

Hope to see you all there.  

Grooming the dog who doesn't want to be groomed.

                                 So much grooming with a full coated poodle puppy and the beach.

With brush in hand you approach your dog; they in turn and head for the hills.  Another fight is about to begin as you embark on the grooming that must be done.  Does your dog hate grooming?  Many dogs do for many different reasons.  Some hate the pulling and tugging that goes on; others may not like the idea of being made to stay in one spot and then some just hate anything to do with the whole touch thing.  So what are you to do?  It has to be done. 

Elsa hates to be brushed; she doesn't mind nails, ears or trimming but pull out the brush and she makes herself scarce.  I believe it is due to the fact that she had such a huge coat when she was young.  Lots and lots of brushing and mats, oh those wonderfully unavoidable mats.  Many nights were spent watching t.v. and combing mats.  The big hair was short lived and we are both much happier about it.  I hate spending our time together working on mats when we could just be having fun; and she is much happier not being tugged on. 

If you have a dog that hates all or a particular part of the grooming regime then you have work to do.  Of course you cannot make them love it; but you can most definitely create a tolerable scenario.  Treats, yummy, yummy treats is the way to happy grooming.  That and a calm, relaxed and enjoyable environment in which the grooming is done.  By starting over, breaking it all down to very small pieces of enjoyable grooming you can then build a new feeling around grooming.  Take the yummiest treats that you can think of, steak, chicken, jerky, cheese and break it into lots of pieces.  The pieces can be very small, just enough for your dog to know that they are eating something great. 

If your dog is really bad about grooming then start with just having the brush or nail clippers in hand and treat.  Then work on clipping one nail or brushing only once and treat.  Stay calm, this is suppose to be enjoyable.  Keep that "zen" thought in your head while you approach your task of creating a positive experience.  One brush, one treat, another brush, another treat, you get the idea.  Only move onto more brushing between treats once you have success.  When your dog is relaxing, then you can build.  Baby steps is the only way to undo what is already engrained as a negative.  If the negative is all about nail clipping then just work on holding your dog's paw and treating.  Once they are okay with that, then move onto touching a nail with the clippers, treats.  It could take weeks or months to get to their.  That's okay, take the time, it is worth it. 

Force a groom with physical restraint and you are going to create a big dislike for the activity.  The more a dog fights, the more you hold on which causes more fight in a dog.  It is a vicious circle of dread.  You hate it, your dog hates it, it's a lose, lose. 

Elsa still gets treats throughout a groom, although very few.  Both Luke and Elsa get a treat after having their nails done, why not?   Knowing they will get a treat creates a happy aura around something that they do not enjoy.  It's a win, win and that's what we are striving for. 

 

Just dogs.

                                    Penny, Elsa, Luke and I having a snugglefest. 

Just dogs with Sherri, "oh what do you do with dogs?"  Is a question I hear often.  I have shortened the answer due to the practice of offering up what I do.  I do dogs. 

I am:

- first and foremost a dog trainer.

- a dog photographer.

- a dog writer. 

Trainer

To elaborate a small bit.  I started my life in the conformation show ring at the age of 13 years young.  From there I went on to train with conventional training methods (choke collars).  In the mid 90s I discovered positive reinforcement training and never looked back. I have taught years of group obedience classes; then moved on to private in-home training where I was able to do more personalized behavior modification.  I am now offering email behavior consultations.  I love that I can help so many people with one on one assistance on their everyday to serious canine issues.  Giving people the tools to help make living with their dog a smooth one is about as good as it gets for me.  Being able to reach those in remote areas and help anywhere in the world is remarkable.  Help is just a click away. 

Canine behavior is by far my biggest passion; it is where my love of photographing dogs stemmed from. 

Photographer

 Specializing in action photography and the canine/human connection.  It started years ago when a camera was left in front of me.  It didn't take long to discover that I loved capturing the very essence of a dog.  I very quickly worked into many of the big dog magazines; having been in many, had feature photo spreads and covers.  But it is the private shoot that really charges me; capturing a dog for the person who loves it.  That or capturing the love between the two; the canine/human connection. 

Stopping  a moment in time; one that you might never see otherwise is as they say, priceless.

Writer

I needed more, I have a lot to say and writing seemed the way to do it.  I have been writing this blog for years, almost 7 years now.  Pretty crazy when I look back at the beginning.  So this blog gives me an outlet to share dogs with you all.  When I hear about new canine related things; I like to share them with you.  When my dogs and I experience new, weird, crazy and interesting things; I like to share them with you. 

After blogging for years I put my love of writing and photography together into my children's books.  The Luke and Elsa series.  If you have not seen or heard of them; check them out on my website books page.  I am currently working on book #3 in the series which will feature other dogs as well as Luke and Elsa. 

There is also my novel PBJ and me (which is on my book page of my website as well).  A book that came from a trip, an adventure that changed everything.  I had planned to do a cross country photography book with the trip but it quickly became much more than just pictures.  I am currently working on the sequel to this book which will hopefully be out soon. 

I also have a training/behavior book for the new puppy owner that is very near completion.  Stay tuned for the news on that one. 

But wait, there's more.

Canine behavior, photography and writing are my main work; the stuff that fills most of my days.  But there is more, I am working on some new treats which will hopefully be available soon.  There is also the canine related gear that I am working on.  Testing canine related products for lots of big dog companies.  Nutrition, grooming, grooming products, dog related human gear and the list goes on and on and on.

So what do I do?  Dogs, Just dogs with of course me, Sherri.  :) 

Maintenance

Today is maintenance day.  With the cooler weather upon us both Luke and Elsa will be keeping a bit more coat than they do throughout much of the year.  But they will still have their feet shaved clean regularly and their adorable faces.  I like a clean face, I like the cleanliness of it; having had an Airedale for years who sported the typical furry terrier face. (Messy, messy)  Luke grows a goatee now and again but gets it removed if it starts getting too dirty.  Not only is a clean shaven face easier to keep clean but it keeps all the hair away from their line of vision.  I cannot stand when dogs have hair in front of their eyes; just imagine how they feel when they cannot move it? 

My rule of thumb for hair in front of eyes is; if you cannot see your dogs entire eye by holding up their face right in front of your at eye level, trim it.  Not just the hair right in their eyes but over the top of their muzzle too.  It all gets in the way of seeing.  I have seen dogs who have full furry faces who are easily startled due to their lack of vision.  There have been times when I have held a client dogs face up and shown them where to cut after their dog didn't see the treat in front of him.  A full furry face might be cute but you need to create a clear path of vision for your dog.  Do not handicap them by limiting their visibility, either out front or peripherally. 

Feet will be next.  Clean feet is also done for several reasons.  First and most obviously to keep the dirt down.  It helps to limit the amount of dirt, mud and other crap that they collect on their feet and bring into the house.  It also helps to keep nasty pickies or stickers out of their feet.  If you have a dog with big furry feet; be sure to check the bottom of their feet and between toes daily.  A picky thing can get lodged between toes and work itself into the dogs foot causing a great deal of pain and problems.  Next, keeping the underfoot nice and trim helps with traction.  Luke slips easily with his loss of muscle mass so keeping the bottom of his feet clean is essential.  After the foot is nice and clean I will give it a good going over visually; making sure that there are no injuries or foreign bodies in there. 

While I am there I'll do nails.  Nails are done about every two weeks here.  A dogs nails should be short enough that they do not touch the ground when the dog is standing still.  But not so short that they cannot use them efficiently.  If you keep them up it is easy to see the little point that grows and either cut it or dremel it off.  Letting nails grow too long can create an altered gate on a dog as well as causing a dog pain just by walking.  Some nails may need trimming while others don't.  Elsa rarely needs her back nails trimmed as she has such power in that rear of hers that she wears them down on her own.  Typically her front two middle toes need more attention as they don't get as much impact. 

I will check their teeth and scrape any tartar that needs addressing.  With their constant access to chewing raw bones; tartar is not a huge problem.  But old dogs build up tartar much more quickly so need more attention.  After teeth will be ears which were just done a couple of weeks ago.  I pluck a small amount of hair out of their ears; enough to let the air in there.  If you pluck too much you open up the ear leaving it raw and ripe for infection.  Not enough plucking and you can create a problem as air cannot get into the ear.  So just enough to let the air in.  (This is obviously only for dogs who grow hair in their ears.)  Ears need more than plucking; even dogs with no hair in their need ear cleaning so have a look and clean out any muck in there.  Only clean as far as you can see, never dig further down in your dogs ear than you can see.  Be careful. 

Then comes the full body physical.  Everything is checked and noted for things to keep an eye on.  With Elsa, anything found is address more quickly as she is young and should not have any growth type things on her.  Luke on the other hand is old and has tons of bumps and lumps everywhere.  Any new ones are checked and we watch carefully.  Bumps of concerned are checked out by the vet. 

Maintenance is important; have you had a look lately?  So many people just leave it up to the groomer and never look or concern themselves with any of their dog's parts.  But you should know every inch of your dog, do you?








I have one of these Li'l pal brushes and it was a great puppy brush for Elsa.

What do I use?

People regularly ask me about the stuff that I use for Luke and Elsa.  Grooming equipment, food that I feed, training leashes, harnesses and collars.  I am always happy to share this information as I've been sifting through a lot of stuff over the years.  I  hate to see people waste money so when I can help out and share what I think to be useful I like to pass that onto you all.  I'm a gear junkie, I love canine stuff that makes living with dogs easier. 

I have my standard "go to" items and that can change on a daily or weekly basis depending on my mood and requirements for the day.  Even though I love gear I don't love I do not like complicated.  So my favorite things to use are simple, easy and useful.  I've picked up equipment before and just stared wondering how long it might take one to put this onto their dog.  Not all companies that make dogs stuff think before they put things out there for the public; that much is obvious.  There is a lot of stuff out there that is useless or just a plain waste of money.

Sometimes I change my mind on something if I find a new and improved item that someone has come up with.  New ideas, constant improvements to dog gear; I love when there are new things to try.   I like companies who are always improving on what they have and actually want to make good products for dogs. 

My prerequisite for being a favorite of mine is quality and usefulness.   Cost factors in, I want value; to get what I pay for not pay a ton of money for garbage.  Customer service is way up there for me; if I find out that a company does not stand behind their product or care about feedback then they slip way down on my list. 

You will notice some changes to my blog; to the right side is now a couple of lists of things that I recommend.  I have all of these products and use them.  I will keep adding to these lists as I find new things that I like.  If you have a question about any of the products please let me know.  If you'd like to see something that I don't yet have on there let me know.   I love feedback.

As far as purchasing items online, my go to is Amazon.  They have crazy fast service, even when I choose regular 5-7 day delivery I have been getting my stuff in a day or two.  Almost everything can be found on Amazon but if not I will link to where an item I like can be found.  Of course these items are just what I like to use, my opinion. 



This is the harness that Elsa is wearing in the photo above.