Housing Crisis

The domestic animal "Rescue Movement" of this past decade is unprecedented!  It is the childhood dream of many, come true.  Never before have so many had such a common, powerful manifestation of compassion and action toward domestic animals.
There's almost no such thing as "buying" a pet these days.  They're either rescued or adopted.  There's such power in those terms.  They reflect the compassionate intentions of the heart as opposed to the selfish desire to possess things.
We are encouraged as a society to "adopt" rather than purchase from breeders, because there are so many "homeless", abandoned, throw-away pets that would otherwise be destroyed or become stray nuisances. 
The term "dog pound" is obsolete.  We now have "shelters".  More and more city and county shelters, formerly known as dog pounds, are committing to "no-kill" policies.  These shelters keep animals and care for them until a home is found for them rather than euthanizing them to decrease population, make space or cut expenses.  Many people in local communities now form "rescue groups" where they either house homeless animals themselves or sponsor them on a web site or at local adoption events to find homes for them.  If they don't have a facility to house multiple animals, volunteers "foster" care for them in their own homes until suitable permanent homes are found.  
In case you've not yet noticed, many have assigned human concepts to companion animals, equating their importance with ours.  
A childhood dream come true.........
But there are issues....
The one I'd like to call attention to in this article is that of the housing crisis within the pet parent community.  Along with the rescue movement, a couple of other phenomena have arisen - animal hoarding, and designer breeding.  Without exhausting detail about these phenomena, one problem they create is a horribly irresponsible reputation for domestic animals in general. This creates a housing crisis for pet parents.
Many, many rented and leased homes do not allow pets.  Why?  Because of the reputation pushed to the front of the headlines of the filth, abuse and general irresponsibility of many animal owners - the most visible of which are hoarders and breeders.  Now these are not the only offenders!  Many average "pet owners" just do not know how to take care of animals inside a house or an apartment.  Because there are no real legal requirements to pet ownership, there are no standards or guidelines, nor is there a stable, consistent education system for pet owners.
As a groomer I've seen some horrendous things!  I've wanted to report so many people to animal services! (And I have!)  But its not always that easy for animal services to take any action because technically... when the pet owner brings the animal in for grooming, they ARE being responsible at that moment, and so there's no offense occurring..... 
These are the people that make it almost impossible for good, educated, responsible people to have pets in their family.  
More and more apartment complexes are leasing to pet owners simply because they have to!  Everyone has a pet now!  But they limit the number of pets you can have, they limit the size of pet you can have - making it exceptionally difficult to place larger breeds into good homes, and now  they've incorporated (an amazingly standardized) "breed list" excluding certain breeds from complexes, homes or even entire communities.
Its amazing how something restricting can become so easily standardize yet no one can offer standardized basic pet parent responsibility education!
Here's the thing.... If society is going to continue to "push" for pet adoption, then adopters have to have a place to live too! We're never going to change every idiot or prevent them from being stupid OR irresponsible.  So why not just open up the lease, allow pets without so many restrictions, but require the pet parents to have successfully completed a class?  Add a page to the lease making the pet parent responsible for regular professional cleaning?  Require inspections every six months?  Incorporate pet deposits into monthly payments?  I mean, I get it!  Pets can destroy things!  Pets can smell really bad!  But what we're looking for here is responsibility, not perfection.  Yes!  My dog, in a moment of puppy-hood ignorance, ripped the carpet to shreds!  I'll pay for it! Yes! The kitten I found by the dumpster "sprayed" skunk-funk on the wall before I could get it spayed!  I'll pay for someone to come get rid of the odor!  Yes!  My dog is massively huge, but LOOK!  He has a "Good Citizenship Certificate" from a professional trainer!  
And why is there not "pet insurance"???!
There's insurance for everything else.  My complex requires me to have 'renters insurance'...  Why not generalized personal pet insurance that covers destruction, where ever you live?  The insurance companies could ensure that clients have had classes for the pet as well as the pet parent.  But if there should be an "oops" along the way, notta problem - insurance covers the repairs!
We've come so far, and done what was once considered impossible....  We can change this too!  
As non-homeowners we are a majority these days!  Where there is need, there are solutions.  When the system will not make room for responsible citizens, responsible citizens sneak........  just sayin.......
But there is a better way........  LET'S FIND IT.

Trimming Dog's Nails 101.3

It's an Issue

Referencing the .1 & .2 articles about tools, styles and methods - Of course other people have different, successful ways of trimming nails.  Can you successfully use their way?  Great!  Do it!  That's all we want - a successful, stress-free nail trim.  Of course some can very easily use cheap dollar store nail trimmers.  Absolutely some can just grab a paw up and snip away with no incident.  Can you?  Are you still looking for that magic trick?  Read on....

Pet Groomer 911 is not grooming school.  It's for the 911 cases.  We assume here that there is an "issue" and you're seeking resolution.  That's what these suggestions are all about.

The Problem

Why does a dog (most commonly a dog, but any animal...) seem so resistant or downright scared of having their nails trimmed?  As mentioned before, the paws are one of the three most sensitive parts of their body.  They do not have "hands"...  The control we humans have over our environment is largely due to the fact that we have hands.  If anything goes wrong, we use our hands.  Think about it....  An animal (except other primates) cannot do this. 
Our second sense of control is our ability to speak, to communicate precisely. 

Imagine yourself in China, or some other country where you do not speak the native language.  Imagine your arms in casts and hands taped because of some injury, so that only your nails stuck out, but your fingers couldn't move.  Now imagine yourself at a local doctors office.  You see a bunch of instruments on a tray but you have no idea what's going on.  The doctor picks up something that looks like an small electric saw and turns toward your hands...  What do you do?  If you talk, no one understands you.  If you try to push him away, you are restrained.  You cannot grab his hand to stop him because your hands are taped.  At this point you genuinely begin to feel a sense of vulnerability and dread.  You seem hysterical to the doctor and his staff....  But really, you're just confused and scared because nothing is familiar to you and you feel threatened.....

Now add another element to this scenario - This is your second visit to this doctor.  The first visit was horrible!  While you thought they were probably trying to help you, they were hurting you in ways you could not make them understand.  So this time, you're afraid before you ever walk in the door.  You start to resist before they can even do anything.  Yes they are only trying to help you, but you can't tell them that they're using too much pressure, or they're cutting too close to your skin, or that position only makes the pain worse....  Everything you do, every sound you make only makes you seem like a problem patient!  So it becomes a traumatic event.

This is nail trimming thru your dog's eyes.

When is it not traumatic?  When everyone is speaking the same language, and the doctor is exceptionally aware and caring.

The Other Problem

The animal is not the only "problem" in nail trimming.  The person trimming the nails is actually the one responsible for how your dog reacts.  Again, if that first experience was not good, chances are every time after that is only going to escalate into greater intolerance.

There are good doctors and bad doctors, good teachers and bad teachers, good mechanics and bad mechanics, good hair stylists and bad hair stylists, good groomers and bad groomers.  This is not to judge anyone's character.... this is just to point out what is actually very obvious!!!  Some people were meant to be in the profession they are in - Some were NOT!

My personal exposé  on "the grooming industry" may or may not be forthcoming, but for our purposes here and now, suffice it to say that "all groomers are NOT created equal"!  Many are not trained well, or trained correctly.  Many, even after extensive and sufficient training, never really get it and should not be in a grooming environment.  Many are very good technical groomers but do not actually know a damn thing about dogs.  And MOST know nothing about dog psychology, or that there even is such a thing.  And in the 21st century that is a very, very sad thing....!  

I can't count the times I stood and tried to mind my own business while some new kid struggled with some poor victim trying to trim their nails.  Most of those times I just couldn't take it anymore and walked over and said, "Let me try".  Immediately the dog calms down and I trim the nails relatively easily.  Like magic.....

How Can You Do That?!

I not only understand, but I acknowledge the psyche behind the paw.  I am skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, aware. I was born to do this.  This is why, in spite of all this wonderful information on the blog, I still offer services.  It takes time for some to grasp the awareness that is involved in working peacefully and successfully with animals.  

Environment
I cannot stand a noisy grooming salon!
That may sound bitchy, but I learned from the best, and their salon reflected that!
It is very possible to have a relatively quiet salon, with no incessant barking. That constant, mind numbing barking that most salons "accept" as normal, is all due to lack of control and chaotic energy in the building.  It is NOT normal, nor is it necessary.
All that energy is affecting the dogs like crazy!  It makes them more anxious, more excitable, less cooperative and less safe.
This is another reason why some private, one on one therapy outside the salon environment is often very beneficial.  It helps the animal learn about the groom without all the chaos and fear from other animals and bad groomers that 'the one or two good groomers' in the room have no control over.  A calm, peaceful, zen environment does wonders for anxious animals.  They are so sensitive that they respond much more readily than people do!
In the meantime, the dog's nails need trimming!  Call me.

Be sure to follow up with each installment to get the entire course.

And always remember, I make house calls locally if you need personal instructions or demonstrations for the family or groups.  Visit the website for info on fees and scheduling.

www.petgroomer911.com

Be sure to share, re-post and otherwise whore these sites out every chance you get.  We appreciate it!!!

Trimming Dog's Nails 101.2

(Note: The photos in this post have been lost. Without images it is very difficult to understand these methods. My sincerest apologies! I will try to replace them as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience!)

Mechanics
Stability, stability, stability...!
What makes your dog freak out is in-stability!
In the Mechanics section I'm gonna show you how to create stability for a nail trim.

The Hold
I cannot tell you how many times I've watched in horror as a so-called professional attempted to trim a dog's nails, because they had no idea what they were doing!!!!!!!!!!! (YES, that many exclamations!)


The first mistake is the way they hold the dog.  Or better yet, the fact that they don't hold the dog!  They just grab the paw.  Very unstable...

Notice how this little guy above has ears back and is pulling away...
Notice how the groomer is NOT holding the dog or the actual nail... This is like trying to catch a fly with nail clippers and just cut off one wing...  Unless you're Mr Miyagi, there will be blood!

First hold the dog correctly...

Start with the BACK paws.  
This takes a bit of the drama away for the dog, they can't see what you're doing and so they don't have as big a reason to be confrontational or resistant.
The groomer is snuggly beside the dog, facing the opposite direction. The 'non-clipping arm' is holding the body of the dog securely, just like tucking a news paper under the armpit.  If this dog decides to travel, all the groomer has to do is squeeze their arm to their body and the dog isn't going anywhere, nor can the dog interfere with the clipping. You'll want to get both rear paws at this time. 

While you're in this hold, you have the option to pull the outer front paw off the table, (or floor), and let it bend naturally at the joints exposing the nails to clip them.

Now either switch sides or turn the dog so that you are both facing the same way.  Same hold - tuck him under your armpit like a newspaper.  Lift the paw in a natural bend at the joints.
You can do both front paws in this hold instead of bending the outer front paw back while trimming the back paws.  Whatever is more comfortable and less stressful. 

The Nail
Now notice to the right how the groomer is holding the entire paw securely, with the index finger pushing the toe forward.  This index finger is both a brace for the nail to hold it steady as well as a guide for the blades of the clippers.  This prevents cutting wildly at the nail or chasing the nail.  It offers precision, which takes away stress, which creates calm, which creates security and stability for the dog... (magic...)                     

Hold that nail!!!  Remember, the fingers serve as a guide for the clipper blades to prevent you from cutting wildly or from aiming too deeply.


Joints
In all these photos notice the bending positions the dog's legs.  They are properly bent at the joints in a very natural posture, not pulled out to the side or lifted too high against the natural bend of the joint.  Unnatural bending is PAINFUL.  Not to mention the fact that dogs can get muscle cramps too...  Try it on yourself and see how it feels.... !      

Be sure to follow up with each installment to get the entire course.
And always remember, I make house calls locally if you need personal instructions or demonstrations for the family or groups.  Visit the website for info on fees and scheduling.
www.petgroomer911.com  
Be sure to share, re-post and otherwise spread these sites every chance you get.  We appreciate it!

                                                                                            

Trimming Dog's Nails 101.1

Introduction to Dog Nail Trimming
Well upon a quick google it's easy to see that there are a plethora of sites giving instructions on how to trim a dog's nails.  Many include the exact same simple diagram.
If after scouring these sites and examining the diagram you felt confident enough, and indeed you've attempted a nail trim with your dog, and you still end up here, it probably means you've discovered its not as easy as it seems.
In perusing a few of these sites myself, it seems the authors are attempting to make it real simple for ya.  Not a bad idea.  Yet you still end up here... "here" meaning you're still searching for more info or better detail as to why its so difficult... still looking for some "trick" or magic wisdom as to how groomers often make it look so easy.
It has been my experience as a veteran groomer that there is indeed a bit more to it than the mechanics and a jar of Quick Stop.  
There is the psyche behind the paw you're holding.
The whole gist of Pet Groomer 911 is to fill this information gap and help you thru these mysterious yet vitally necessary regions of pet parenting.  I help you get in touch with the psyche behind the paw...
The paw is one of the three most highly sensitive parts of a dogs body!
Knowledge may be power, but if you don't know how to use it, it's worthless or even dangerous.
So here's the 911 on dog nail trimming:

Tools
Yes, having a jar of Quick Stop is advisable. 
"But where do I get it???"
You google it.  You order it.  It comes in the post.

Choosing the correct nail trimmers is also a big deal.  I've tried a few different ones in my day and here are my best choices: 

Here on the left are "cat" nail trimmers and these are the wisest ones to use for pups and smaller dogs.  They're very small, but very sharp and effective.  You want to use a sturdy pair, meaning don't get some cheap, lightweight pair at the dollar store.  Your personal groomer may suggest a dollar store pair, but they are professionals.  You are not.  Get the sturdy ones.  Are you looking for "tricks" and Magic Wisdom...? Then trust me, it matters.



These on the right are "dog" nail trimmers.  Again, these are sturdy, no bells or whistles and plenty sharp.  They come in 3 different sizes.  If you have anything bigger than a Maltese you want to use the large ones.  Again, stability is very important and lightweight tools work against you in subtle ways that all these other sites don't know enough to tell you about.


Sharpness is also very import.  If you get a new, sturdy pair such as the ones I've suggested, sharpness will not be an issue.  If you get a cheap pair, or used pair, it may be an issue.  Imagine those times when you try to cut a tomato with a dull knife.... Get the picture?  It rips, smashes and tears....

DO NOT try to use a Dremel or Pedipaws to learn with!!!
As stated earlier, there's more to it than just the mechanics, or the tools.
I've only met one person in the ocean of pet parents and professional groomers who gave one ounce of merit to the Pedipaws.  Don't waste your money.  It's pitched as way to get around the difficulty of nail trimming, but it's not.  You still have the same issues to deal with using a Pedipaws as you do with conventional nail trimmers - the psyche behind the paw....

Be sure to follow up with each installment to get the entire course.
And always remember, I make house calls locally if you need personal instructions or demonstrations for the family or groups.  Visit the website for info on fees and scheduling.
www.petgroomer911.com  
Be sure to share, re-post and otherwise spread these sites every chance you get.  We appreciate it!

Ego Dogs

There's much to be learned about the ego from dogs.  I wonder if dogs haven't been created just for that purpose - to be THE teachers about ego...?
When considering issues of behavior and our relationship with our dog, one mirrors or reflects the other.
If your dog is out of control, chances are your own ego is too.  If your ego is outta control, chances are your dog is too...
Now for the 'stumble-uponner', ego here is not a reference to arrogance or conceitedness, it is simply the part of the mind that is not spirit.
There has to be genuine willingness to explore the causes and roots of these issues in order to achieve real, lasting results.
The effort it takes to get your dog to a balanced state of control, when done correctly, will also balance your ego.
When done incorrectly, it will only  cause more confusion and greater frustration.I don't know if anyone is a big enough fan/follower of Cesar Milan to notice that he has quite naturally drifted into being a "speaker" for awareness, for people!  Not dog training!  People....  Because as I've noticed and said all along, Cesar's Way (no pun intended *that's the name of one of his books*)  of "rehabilitating dogs, training people" is pure awareness teaching!  I don't think even he realized that until recent years.  But he's done it for so long now that its painfully obvious - you can't "train" your dog to be something you yourself are not.  What you want your dog to be is in DIRECT correlation to who you are, how you think, how you behave, how you re-act.... That's who your dog becomes.  Cesar calls it "dog psychology".  And he's precisely correct.  Your dog begins to develop it's own order, its own way of life... Based on how she thinks she needs to behave in order to survive your ignorance!
This is exactly the relationship scenario between the mind and the soul of humanity.  The ego and the awareness... one is clueless so the other takes over and leads/controls life.  
That's not how its supposed to be.
A lot of times (most of the time!) this disorder amounts to "bad behavior" on the part of your dog.  And this is because the communication gap is ginormous!  You are speaking two different languages.
But the clincher here is that you don't even realize that your dog has a language and is speaking at all!  
Observe your dog.
Listen to your dog.
See yourself...
If you need help, call a professional (me)!

Heat

Whether you're in Florida as we are or elsewhere in this world, chances are the weather gets hot at some point during the year.
Here's you're homework assignment:  The next time you're out walking your dog, bend down and touch the ground you are both walking on.  Keep your hand there for a count of 30.
Whatever you felt in this experiment is what your dog feels on all four paws - for a count of... till we get home!

Grass? Not so bad!
Concrete? Probably hot!
Asphalt???  Are you freaking kidding me!?

Yet look around the average Petsmart parking lot and whatta ya see...?  
A LOT of stupid people! 
As a groomer, do you know that I've had to shave asphalt nuggets out of dogs paw pads??  Mmhmmm! Yep!

Ok, dogs feet are a bit tougher than our feet or hands, but that's only because they're on them constantly thru out their lives.  Many non-urbanized civilizations, (like in the rain forest or Afrika or some remote islands), have much tuffer feet as well for the same reason.  They never wear shoes.  But that doesn't mean their feet have no feeling.

As a matter of fact, as the point of contact with the earth (grounding), a dog's feet are one of the most physically sensitive parts of their body. This is also why most dogs are hypersensitive about nail trimming.  Those paws represent their means of freedom.  Threaten that, and dogs kinda freak out.  

So realize when you're out with your dog that her feet do not belong on burning hot asphalt for any longer than it takes to get from door to door.  A constant, steady walk is manageable, but don't be stupid - don't take your dog for granted just because he can't speak to you in plain english.  If your two year old child were barefoot on that same pavement, you'd soon know to pick them up because their feet were on fire!  What makes you think your dog is impervious to asphalt.......???