 MOVING ON TO ADVANCED GROOMING
.........The eighteen items above... plus
19) Mars Coarse Slant Stripping Knife
20) Mars Fine Slant Stripping Knife
21) Stripping Stone - these are cheap and I haven't shown you how to use it yet... but will next time.
22) Dremmel for trimming and filing nails in one step
23) Grooming Arm Tool Caddy
24) Ear & Muzzle Scissor
Supplies Break-Down:
Clippers
Oster A-5 Clippers with #10 blade (a must-have blade) $127.99
Oster A-5 Two Speed Clippers with #10 blade $138.29
http://www.pet-expo.com/oster.htm
*** Cordless clippers available too. They are nice but heavier than electric ones and therefore easier to drop and more tiring on the hand to use. Also, if you drop a corded pair of clippers you can often catch them by the cord before they hit the floor or at least break the fall. You can also help prevent dropping them by hanging the cord around your neck.
Oster Blades - you can get by with a #10 only for awhile. But as your dog's coat changes and your grooming skills and preferences change you'll want a #7F, a #15, and possibly a #40. Before buying blades you should shop around b/c they frequently go on sale at different places from time to time. Go to www.mysimon.com and search for best price there: search "oster clipper blades". Groomers Choice has decent pricing... http://www.groomerschoice.com/blades-oster.html Andis blades are nice too but the numbering system is a bit different, so make sure what you’re getting before you order.
Slicker Brush - You should have at least a Universal, but might want to get a mini too. I have several and use them all for different parts of the body. Here’s a link for these, but these are easy to find locally. You'd want the "Standard Universal, not the Deluxe... too large. And you might want a Mini which isn't listed on this page but are available at most pet supply dealers. Just scroll down this page til you come to them....
http://www.groomersmall.com/accessories_combs.htm
Metal Comb @ NE Serum - A Must Have - but you can get these locally too for little dinero. This one's only about 2.99 I think. These are imitation "Greyhound Type" combs (no idea why they're called that). But here's a link to the cheaper version I use.
http://www.neserum.com/ProductDisplay.jsp?collection=TP906-z The real Greyhound combs (harder to bend and anit-static coated) can be found at Greyhoundcomb.com for about $33 but they will last much longer..
As for scissors - there are very inexpensive alternatives that you can buy to get you started... just look at New England Serum.... or PetSmart.com (like $10 to $20). These might get you by if your dog hasn't much heavy coat.. Plus, if you are buying other stuff like a table and clippers... you may want to wait awhile before making the other larger investments....
Straight Scissors - Dubl Duck Ultra Gold 88 Shears 6.5" - scroll down - second item on page. $72.80 A much better price than I paid locally. But I'd buy them again. After going through pair after pair of scissors through the years.... the moment I held these and handled them I knew they'd be tough and last a long time. The grooming site recommends a cheaper pair, but those have a straight finger rest instead of curved. I like the curved finger rest that this pair has. I also like the brushed/matte finish over a scissor with a highly polished finish. http://www.pet-expo.com/grmequip.htm#scissors
A Cheaper Scissor Alternative... The Stilleto 6.5" Scissor for $50. The reason I prefer a brushed finish to the shiny/polished finish) is because I often groom outdoors; but even indoors the glare annoying... just learned this from experience... but will work nicely for you too if you don't mind the shine.
Kwik Stop Nail Styptic Powder - for the occasion when you might cut a nail a bit too short. It also useful because it can be used to stop bleeding on small cuts or scratches....scroll down to the fourth item on this page.... http://www.pet-expo.com/frame3.htm
Moving on to luxury items:
Grooming Table With Detachable Arm - Tables with built in arms are just not versatile enough. I often move my arm around depending on which part of the dog I'm working on or which side of the table I want to work on. Also the built-in arms can become weak. - Here's one at Groomers Choice.com for $83.50 (24x36) I groom up to 70lb dogs on mine (which is this size) but they do have a larger one if you prefer (24x48) for 93.50. This is an economy table but holds up well. http://www.mall.com/index.cfm?Vendor=groomerschoice&track=wt&engine=findwhat
Or do it yourself for about half the price - or less (if you're a handy type)... just look here for step by step instructions. http://home.earthlink.net/~calabria/table2.htm or http://home.earthlink.net/~calabria/table1.htm - two ways to make a table yourself for very little cost.
Grooming Arm - Need a 36" minimum or a 48" - which can be adjusted down to be shorter. By General Cage 36" is $25.65 and 48" is $27.10 (includes table clamp) plus $6.25 s/h http://www.dresslersdog.com/groom11.html
... The same brand is $24.95 and $25.60 at New England Serum - but they don't show s/h cost. None of these shown has the "easy tighten" clamp knobs. http://www.neserum.com/index.jsp Direct link doesn't work - just do search for grooming arm.
Thinning Scissors - the 44/20 Tapers - $99.00..... $99 but well worth it and will last and last. Jan Martin recommends them on her grooming site too.
http://www.neserum.com/ProductDisplay.jsp?collection=ZT44200-z&sku=ZT44200
Mars Coat King - 20 blade (was $47 when I bought it - now reduced to $41) This is technically a "mat splitter" but sold in the US as stripping tool - aka "cheater's version of a stripping tool". Should be used gently like a comb to pull out undercoat, the fuzz. Once you start seeing hard hair it's time to move to another spot or stop altogether as overuse can make the coat look badly. For show dogs or a “show look”, I recommend sticking with the old method of stripping. http://www.groomersmall.com/coat_kings.htm
Mars Stripping Knives - ($18.75 each) I don't use them often but am so glad to have them when I need them. I recommend the 328-Med, 329-Coarse, and the 330-Fine. If you only buy one, get the 328-Med.
http://www.groomersmall.com/acc_knives.htm
Bath Tub Restraint - suction cup for tile in tub - "Stay N Wash" scroll down to sixth item on this page. I also like the outdoor hose pet bathing adapter also shown on this page... "Pet Shower Power".
http://www.pet-expo.com/frame3.htm
Grooming Smock - I like the hip length with two front pockets, short sleeves, and (zip) front. Longer ones get in my way. Snap fronts allow some hair in. Heres a link with color and pattern alternatives. Patterned ones cost a little bit more. http://www.groomerschoice.com/dsc-grooming-wear-jacket.html
MatBreaker - I have this and its great for the occasional tangled ears. If you keep your dog combed regularly you probably won't need this... but may eventually, depending on how much hair he has. It's the second item listed on this page. The Greyhound Combs I mentioned are here too.
http://www.groomersmall.com/accessories_combs.htm
Pet Nail File - $2.99 at The Ferrett Store - this one is V-Shaped and easy to use.
http://www.ferretstore.com/mf-847c.html
Grooming Caddy - (a luxury item) $44.95 attaches to Grooming Arm - holds all sorts of supplies
http://www.sharpwright.com/ord-grooming-arms-caddy.html
Grooming Tack Box - there are a number of very expensive specialty items out there, but I've found a tool box suits my needs just fine - go to Sears or Home Depot for this one - mine cost $18 and isn't close to full yet.
Ear & Muzzle/Nose Scissor - (another luxury) - has rounded tips to prevent accidental pokes when working around face and eyes. http://www.neserum.com/ProductDisplay.jsp?collection=TS303231-z&sku=TS303231
I’ve gathered these links over time and provide them in order to save you some time searching for good prices. I wish I had a dollar for every non-useful piece of grooming equipment I’ve bought over the years. Please feel free to email me if you have trouble finding something you need or have any questions in general.
Shannon Farese: spfarese@yahoo.com
ESRA member and volunteer |
