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What Is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

• Conformation judging (the main event, where dogs are evaluated against AKC breed standards)
• Masters Agility Championship (timed obstacle courses)
• Obedience and other specialty events

For professional groomers and aspiring groomers alike, Westminster is ground zero for seeing elite grooming executed live on the biggest stage.

Why Groomers Should Watch Westminster

Every year, thousands of groomers around the world tune in and here’s why you should too:

1. See Breed Standards Come to Life

Westminster dogs are judged against extremely specific AKC breed standards, not just how cute they are, but how true they are to an ideal. Watching these dogs perform helps groomers understand how coats are meant to flow, balance, and accentuate structure according to the standard.

Understanding these standards helps groomers:

• Make breed-appropriate grooming decisions.
• Communicate better with clients about style choices and maintenance.
• Break down why certain trims look better and score higher.

2. Learn Styling & Preparation Tips

World-class handlers and groomers prep dogs for months and the results are educational:

• How to shape silhouettes to breed standards.
• Techniques for coat texture, layering, feathering, and toplines.
• How to keep high-maintenance coats flawless under bright ring lights and long show days.

Watching the meticulous work behind the scenes (such as washing, stripping, clipping, brushing, & fluffing) provides real examples of professional workflow and attention to detail you can bring back to your salon or mobile route.

3. Expand Your Grooming Vocabulary

At Westminster, you’ll see terms and concepts you might only read about in books:

• Breed-specific trimming techniques
• Structured silhouette shaping
• Strategic drying and coat setting
• Handling for show presentation
• This deepens your practical knowledge and helps salon clients
• understand why particular techniques are used.

4. Track Trends in Grooming & Styling

While Westminster sticks to AKC standards, the world of grooming evolves.

Trends groomers should look for in 2026 include:
🔹 Skin-kind & eco-conscious products: products that are gentle, sustainable, and built for sensitive skin are becoming industry norms.
🔹 Groomers as health advocates: more professionals are positioning themselves as part of canine wellness, not just cosmetics.
🔹 Educational visibility: More than ever groomers are finding their voices online and becoming influencers.

What to Watch For

Whether you’re streaming from home or attending in person, here’s what to pay attention to:

• Conformation Ring Grooming
  • See how different coat types are prepared for the ring, from plush coats to sleek, short hair. Daily Paws
  • Notice subtle differences in trimming that highlight muscle structure, movement, and breed silhouette.
• Agility & Obedience EventsEven in agility, clean grooming affects performance: a mat-free, well-conditioned coat moves more efficiently and reflects quality care.
• How Handlers Present Dogs
  Handlers choose outfits, grooming prep, and final ring touches that complement the dog, a professional skill set groomers can learn from too.
• Grooming Tools & Products
  Watch what brands and techniques handlers and backstage groomers use, these are often ahead-of-trend tools that trickle down into everyday salons.
• How Westminster Affects Your Craft
  • Sharpen Your Eye: Seeing optimal grooming live teaches you the decisions top professionals make, from coat prep to show presentation.
  • Boost Confidence with Clients: When you can speak the language of breed standards and show examples from Westminster, clients trust your expertise more.
  • Inspire Your Own Work: From trimming patterns to coat conditioning, Westminster isn’t just a competition, it’s a masterclass in canine presentation.

Expand Career Opportunities

Understanding show grooming opens doors for:

• Show-style grooming services
• Breed-specific styling classes
• Backstage or entry grooming at events
• Social media content that positions you as an industry thought leader

How Westminster Works: Quick Breakdown

• Dogs compete within their breed first. Winners go on to group judging.
• The seven group winners compete for Best in Show.
• Grooming and presentation impact how judges view dogs in terms of health, structure, and adherence to standard.

Where to Watch & When

How Grooming Salons Can Build Loyalty, Attract New Clients, and Create a Strong Online Brand

Social media is one of the most powerful tools grooming salon owners have to retain loyal clients, attract new ones, and build a recognizable brand online when it is used with intention.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are constantly changing. New features, algorithms, and trends roll out regularly. Instead of chasing every update, successful salon owners focus on what does not change: their values, their expertise, and the experience they provide to pets and clients.

A busy neighborhood salon may use social media to educate pet parents on maintenance grooming, realistic timelines, and coat care between appointments. A private, one on one salon might highlight a calm environment, personalized care, and trust based relationships. Different approaches can all be successful as long as the message is clear and consistent.

Create Three Content Pillars for Your Grooming Salon

One of the most effective ways to create clarity on social media is by establishing three content pillars. These pillars define what you want your salon to be known for and help guide every post you create.

A mentor once shared this reminder: when you talk to everyone, you are talking to no one. Content pillars allow you to speak directly to the clients you want to attract. Common Content Pillars for Grooming Salons:

• Education
  • Coat care tips
  • Grooming frequency by breed
  • Matting prevention
  • What to expect during appointments
• Behind the Scenes
  • A day in the salon
  • Staff spotlights
  • Tool prep and safety practices
  • Working with nervous or senior pets
• Results and Community
  • Before and after photos
  • Client testimonials
  • Dog of the week
  • Local pets and partnerships

When your content fits within these pillars, your brand feels focused, trustworthy, and intentional. To know your audience and local community is best, when you are trying to talk to everyone, you are talking to no one.

Understanding who you are speaking to is just as important as knowing what to post. Your social media should reflect the clients walking through your doors, not a generic salon you see online. Consider your surrounding area, common breeds, and the needs of your pet parents. For example:

• A family focused salon may share puppy first groom education and desensitization tips
• A high volume salon may highlight efficiency, consistency, and seasonal deshedding services
• A boutique or private salon may focus on individualized care and low stress environments
• When your content mirrors your real clientele, it builds faster trust and stronger loyalty.
• Trends Can Help, but Timing Matters

Looking for Viral and Trends

Trends can be useful, but they should never be the foundation of your social media strategy. If you are seeing a trend repeatedly on your feed, you have likely missed its peak. Evergreen content will always outperform trend chasing over time, especially for service based businesses like grooming salons.

• Examples of Evergreen Content
• Educational posts
• Client success stories
• Before and after transformations
• FAQs and myth busting content
• These posts continue to provide value long after a trend fades.
• Be Authentic and Show Real Proof

Clients do not connect with perfection. They connect with people. Authenticity is what turns followers into loyal, long term clients. Showing real pets, real outcomes, and real experiences builds trust far more effectively than trying to mimic another salon’s online presence.

• High trust content includes:
• Before and after photos with permission
• Client testimonials and reviews
• Team highlights and milestones
• Honest conversations about challenges and growth
• Your story is your brand advantage.
• Visual Consistency Builds Recognition

Visual quality plays a major role in how your salon is perceived online. You do not need expensive equipment, but you do need intention. Consistent visuals help clients recognize your content instantly. Focus on:

• Good lighting, natural light when possible
• Clear, high quality images
• A consistent color palette
• Light branding such as logos, fonts, or watermarks
• Recognition builds familiarity, and familiarity builds confidence in your salon.

Social media does not have to be loud, trendy, or exhausting to be effective. When grooming salon owners focus on clarity, consistency, and authenticity, their online presence becomes an extension of the salon experience itself.

By defining what you want to be known for, speaking directly to your local audience, and showing real results, social media becomes a powerful tool to retain loyal clients, attract new ones, and grow a strong, recognizable grooming brand.

How Salon Owners Can Attract, Connect With, and Retain Top Industry Professionals

Hiring in the grooming industry has completely shifted, job boards alone are no longer enought to attract the high qaulity candiates you want to be seeing. Many of today’s best groomers are not actively job hunting, so how do you attract them to your business?

Social media has become one of the most effective tools for salon owners to attract talent, but only when it is used intentionally. Your social presence is often the first impression a potential employee has of your business. It should reflect not only what you do, but what it is like to work for you.

Social Media Is Your Digital Culture Preview

Before applying, candidates are asking important questions. Is this salon supportive? Is the environment healthy? Are expectations realistic? Do employees feel respected? Social media answers these questions before an interview ever happens.

A salon that regularly shares team wins, continuing education, and daily behind the scenes moments signals a culture of growth and professionalism. A salon that only posts finished grooms may attract clients, but not necessarily team members. Showing how you operate matters just as much as what you produce.

• Define Your Employer Brand Clearly
• Just like client facing content, hiring content needs clarity. A salon cannot attract every groomer and should not try to. You want someone who would fit into your teams culture.
• A mentor once shared a reminder that applies here as well. When you talk to everyone, you are talking to no one.
• Ask yourself what you want to be known for as an employer. Is it mentorship? Flexible schedules? Structured education? Work life balance? High volume experience?
• Your content should consistently reflect those values so the right candidates recognize themselves in your brand.
• Show the Real Work Environment

Top talent is looking for transparency.

Overly polished content or only stock imagery without context can feel unrealistic. Showing real moments builds trust and attracts professionals who align with your standards. Effective hiring content includes:

• A day in the life of your salon
• How dogs move through your workflow
• How new hires are trained and supported
• Team interactions and communication styles
• Cleanliness, safety, and organization standards
• These details help candidates self qualify before they ever apply.

Salons that attract strong talent often position themselves as educators and leaders within the industry. Sharing educational content signals professionalism and long term growth opportunities. Consider content such as:

• Grooming technique breakdowns
• Tool care and safety practices
• Coat type education
• Business insights and salon standards
• When groomers see your salon teaching, they see a place where learning is valued.
• Make It Easy to Apply and Easy to Ask Questions

Many potential candidates will not apply immediately.

They may follow quietly, watch your content, or send a casual message before taking the next step. Ensure your social media bios and posts clearly explain how to connect with you. Helpful details to share:

• A clear “We’re hiring” highlight or pinned post
• How to apply or reach out
• What level of experience you are seeking
• Whether mentorship or training is available
• Clarity reduces hesitation and increases qualified inquiries.
• Feature Your Team, Not Just Your Open Positions

One of the strongest recruiting tools you have is your current team. Featuring groomers, bathers, and support staff shows what growth looks like inside your salon and reinforces a sense of belonging. Content ideas include:

• Team spotlights and introductions
• Celebrating certifications or milestones
• Sharing career progression stories
• Highlighting continuing education or mentorship
• When candidates see people thriving, they imagine themselves there too.
• Consistency Builds Trust With Future Hires

You do not need to post “We’re hiring” every week. In fact, constant hiring posts can signal turnover. Instead, consistent culture driven content builds trust over time so that when a position does open, the right candidates are already paying attention. At the end of each caption, include a call to action to apply and join the team.

The goal is to build a team that aligns with your salon’s values, standards, and long term vision. When salon owners use social media to show culture, values, education, and support, they naturally attract professionals who want to grow, learn, and stay. The salons that succeed at hiring are not shouting louder. They are communicating more clearly.

By using social media intentionally, you do not just find talent. You attract the right talent.

For most salon owners, the year feels like a constant sprint. Phones ringing, schedules packed, dogs rotating through the day, and very little time to pause and evaluate what’s working and what’s not.

January is different.

It offers something many salon owners rarely have during peak season: time and breathing room. While the rest of the year often feels reactive, this month gives you the opportunity to be intentional about how your salon operates, not just how busy it is.

Why January Matters More Than You Think

January may be a slow season, so make it a strategic one.

This is the ideal time to step back and reset the foundation of your business before the calendar fills and the pace accelerates again. Small improvements made now can prevent stress, bottlenecks, and burnout when demand spikes later in the year.

Your January Salon Reset Checklist

Use this checklist to guide your January reset. You don’t need to complete everything in one day, even small progress creates meaningful impact.

Deep Clean & Sanitation

☐ Disinfect tubs, tables, floors, and kennel areas

☐ Clean and descale bathing systems and hoses

☐ Sanitize clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and combs

☐ Wash or replace towels, loops, mats, and aprons

☐ Check ventilation and dryer filters

Organization & Workspace Flow

☐ Reorganize grooming stations for efficiency

☐ Label drawers, bins, and storage areas

☐ Remove broken, outdated, or unused tools

☐ Restock shampoos, sprays, and consumables

☐ Ensure tools are stored consistently across stations

Workflow & Scheduling Review

☐ Review appointment lengths and realistic capacity

☐ Identify bottlenecks in check-in and check-out

☐ Evaluate no-show, late arrival, and cancellation policies

☐ Confirm clear daily task assignments for staff

☐ Adjust scheduling to reduce rushing and burnout

Standards, Safety & Expectations

☐ Review safety protocols and handling practices

☐ Refresh grooming standards and finish expectations

☐ Revisit cleaning checklists and daily close-down routines

☐ Confirm emergency procedures are posted and known

☐ Address any recurring issues from the previous year

Team & Business Reflection

☐ Ask staff what slows them down during busy days

☐ Identify systems that cause stress or confusion

☐ Set 1–3 operational goals for the year

☐ Plan education or training opportunities

☐ Schedule future check-ins to revisit these systems

Why This Reset Matters

A clean and organized salon directly impacts how your business runs.

When tools are easy to find, systems are clear, and spaces are maintained, your team works more efficiently and with less stress. That consistency improves the quality of your grooms and the experience your clients receive.

• This kind of reset helps:
• Improve day-to-day efficiency
• Reduce mental and physical fatigue
• Create consistency for staff and clients
• Set a positive tone for the year ahead

Think of this as preventative maintenance for your business, not just housekeeping.

Start the Year Prepared, Not Reactive

January gives you the space to make thoughtful decisions before the pace picks up again. The habits and systems you reinforce now will support your salon through your busiest months.

For more guidance on setting strong foundations through education, standards, and professional development, revisit the email we shared earlier this month and explore how Paragon supports salons year-round.

A strong year doesn’t start with being busy.
It starts with being prepared.

The holidays may feel like a whirlwind, but the slower months ahead don’t have to be. What you do right now can determine whether January and February bring steady bookings—or dreaded empty tables. With a few intentional moves, you can boost rebooking rates, increase add-on revenue, and strengthen client loyalty going into the new year.

Spotlight Your Add-On Service Menu

Most pet parents come in thinking “bath and haircut,” but they often aren’t aware of the extra services that can improve their dog’s comfort and your salon’s profitability.

Create a clear, easy-to-read Add-On Menu you can hand out in person and send digitally after the appointment. A simple menu makes it easier to educate clients and encourage upgrades—especially when you highlight winter-friendly or first-quarter specials such as:

• De-shedding packages

• Skin & coat conditioning treatments

• Breath-freshening or dental care products

• Pawdicure bundles with winter paw pad protection

• Between-groom bath discounts to maintain style

These small upsells add up fast during slow-season months.

Make Rebooking a Natural Part of Checkout

The single most effective way to keep your schedule full is to ask every client to rebook before they walk out the door. Create a couple of go-to scripts for different personalities—busy families, budget-minded owners, or high-maintenance coat types.

Tips that boost rebooking success:

• Offer rebooking every time, without exception.

• For in-demand stylists, pre-schedule several visits—or even the full year.

• In price-sensitive areas, consider small incentives like a mini-discount, a complimentary tooth brushing, or even a bag of treats for the pup.

Most pet parents value convenience and consistency more than savings, so make it easy for them to say “yes.”

Launch or Refresh a Loyalty Program

The transition from holiday rush to winter slowdown is the perfect time to roll out or update a customer rewards system. A well-designed program keeps clients returning regularly and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.

Consider:

• Follow-up messages that both check on satisfaction and offer loyalty perks

• Reactivation outreach for clients who haven’t visited in 8–12 weeks

• Email and social posts promoting winter specials or “slow-day incentives”

Staying visible in early Q1 helps smooth your schedule—and protects revenue.

Build a Strong Referral Network

Community partnerships can become a powerful year-round driver of new clients. Year-end is a great moment to nurture those relationships with a thoughtful note or small thank-you.

Consider building connections with:

• Veterinarians

• Trainers

• Pet-supply retailers

• Rescues and shelters

• Pet sitters

Provide each partner with a referral-ready welcome packet and look for ways to co-host events or cross-promote. The more you support their mission, the more they’ll champion yours.

Set the Stage for a Thriving 2026

By tightening your add-on offerings, rebooking habits, loyalty incentives, and referral systems, you can enter the New Year with momentum—not a slump.

Add Groom Techs to your team through industry-leading guided groomer training at ParagonPetSchool.com. To further hone skills, visit Paragon’s Groominar™ Network at Learn2GroomDogs.com to join a community of groomers and stream more than 1,000 video Groominars™ designed for every level of groomer.

Clocking speed is an excellent exercise to help you and your team during the holiday rush – and beyond. Practice makes perfect. Check out Melissa Verplank’s advice on how to get up to speed!

How To Improve Your Speed

We once asked a salon owner about her biggest challenge. The answer was simple – speed.

Most of her staff struggled to get even the simplest trims done in under an hour. That included bath, blow dry, and haircut. Even a basic #7F all trim on a smaller drop coated breed was daunting to some of them.

We walked in and saw a well-organized salon. It was bright. It was clean. The layout allowed for efficiency. The equipment was all top-notch.  Hmmm, we wondered. Why was turning a small to mid-sized dog such a challenge for them?

Then it hit us. There were hardly any clocks around. We only spotted one clock in the main room. It was a smaller digital wall clock set on military time. The owner of the salon was a career military gal who is now retired. I understand why she opted for that style of timekeeper, I’m just not so sure that style of timekeeping is the right one for a staff of non-military groomers.  Plus, when I was across the room, I could barely read it clearly. The clock was just too small!

If you want to be a successful groomer who can pay your bills while bringing customers back again and again – you need to embrace time.

• Watch the time.
• Track the time.
• Race against the time.

Everything we do with professional pet grooming involves time. You need to be highly aware of every hour, minute, and second. Ideally, a professional groomer should be able to turn a small- to medium-sized simple trim in an hour or less. That includes the bath, the dry, and the trim.

Click on the image to Download a FREE Time Chart

The first thing we suggested to this team was: GET CLOCKS! Nothing fancy, they just needed to be large enough to be easily seen from across the room. The simpler, the better. Every room in the salon needed one hung on the wall. By having a clock in every room, it makes it easy for the groomers to track their own time with just a quick glance. But clocks aren’t enough. Every person working on the pets needs to have a watch on, too.

For those individuals that are really looking to increase their speed, having a timer at their stations can be really beneficial. Before you can start timing yourself, it’s helpful to know what your starting point is.

Break the groom down into sections:

Bathing. Drying. Clipping the body. Trimming the feet. Rounding the feet. Scissoring the legs. Styling the head. If you don’t know how long it takes you to do each one of these items, you’ll never be able to improve upon your “best time.”

And it’s far easier to break it down into segments than to look at the dog as a whole. After all, who doesn’t want the opportunity to win at even one or two smaller segments than to get frustrated when they don’t hit the time goal with the overall trim?

Click Image to Download Speed and Efficiency Guide

Set Time Goals

Once you know how long it takes you to do each segment, you can set goals and objectives to beat your “best time.” Push yourself. Make a game out of it. The clock will be your score-keeper. Each time you gain even a few seconds, you’ve won a mini victory!  But you’ll never be able to do that unless you can easily watch the clock. Even with all the clock watching, always remember, speed and efficiency can never come at the sacrifice of quality or safety.

What are your time saving tricks? Jump over to the GroominarNetwork.com Facebook page and tell us.  You can even click here for a quick lesson in how to use the site.

FREE TIME SAVING LECTURE HANDOUT
FREE SPEED & EFFICIENCY GUIDE

Happy trimming,
~Melissa

Want to delve deeper for tips on surviving the Holiday Rush? Check out this roundup of links to our archive on the topic.

Highlights:

• Equipment – consider investing in the best but must maintain all very well
• Schedules – Organize schedules NOW! Get commitments from staff now! Commit to your manager now! Ask clients to come early! Can they come in a week or two before the busy weeks? To balance the load?
• Dress rehearsal! Work with the team to iron out any kinks and ‘who is doing what’ during busy weeks.
• Manage the Flow – If you don’t stagger your grooming client arrivals, consider doing this for the Holidays for traffic flow (people and pets) in and out of your facility and to mitigate log jams and extended wait times.
• Stock up on supplies and holiday extras
• Have a contingency plan for surprises; staff outagaes, power outages, water issues, dog or people injuries, etc. Plan for the worst, hope for the best!

Resources for Preparing for the Holiday Rush

• Plan Now for a Successful Holiday Dog Grooming Season
• Melissa’s Top 4 Tips for Getting Through the Holidays
• Improve Your Speed for the Holiday Rush
• Bubble Baths and the Holiday Grooming Rush
• Why Should I Schedule Holiday Appointments in September?
• Surviving the Holiday Rush
• Tips for Booking a Smooth Holiday Season

Do you enjoy learning something new? Figuring out how to do something easier. Faster. Give you a more satisfying result? Expand your knowledge base. Build your confidence.

Sure you do. We all love learning when it’s easy right? But most of the time learning takes work. Effort. And sometimes it’s difficult and confusing.

I mean – really learn. Absorb it. Get it. Can do it and achieve results you are happy with?

So, what’s the best way to learn?

There are lots of different learning methods, but most fall into two categories. Passive or active learning.

What’s the difference?

Passive learning is when communication is mostly one-way for the sole purpose of gathering information.

Active learning includes doing anything interactive with the content to enhance your understanding of the topic and/or skill.

Passive learning examples:

• Listening to a lecture
• Reading
• Audio visual
• Watching a demonstration
• Watching a video

Active learning examples:

• Group discussions
• Practice by doing
• Hands-on workshops
• Visualization
• Activities apply the new material
• Present the freshly learned material to others

Which is best? It depends on what you are doing and how you need to apply the information.

Not everyone learns at the same pace. Nor does one technique work the best for everyone. Learning is a personal effort. Your level of involvement combined with a variety of learning techniques will greatly influence your long-term results.

Think back to a time when you learned something.

I’m talking about a time when you were curious about something. You wanted to know more. You researched it. Maybe you watched a few videos on the topic. Talked to people. If it was a skill, you tested it and practiced it, right?

You thought about the topic a lot. You wondered how it related to you or how you could apply it in your life. As you explored, you uncovered more and more on the topic. Connections were made. Dots were joined. You discussed the topic with friends and co-workers. You strengthened your understanding even further.

When it comes to learning retention, hands-down active learning is far more effective than passive learning. However, both have their place in your learning toolbox. Personally, I like to use more passive methods of learning first to familiarize myself with a topic. However, I almost always tuck a bit of active learning into it to ensure I can recall the information more readily.

Active learning promotes a deep, understanding of a topic. For most people, this is how we learn the best. In an active learning environment, you are engaged, empowered, and excited to learn.

Active learning occurs through collaboration, discussion, critical thinking, problem-solving, and connecting new knowledge with your own world.

Passive learning is all around us. But it’s not the best way to truly understand a topic or test your skills.

8 Learning Methods to Turn Passive Learning into Active Learning

1. Highlighting & Write Comments

While reading, you can highlight, tab important passages, take notes, or write your own comments. When you do this, it becomes more of a two-way conversation in your head instead of passively reading the material.

2. Take Time to Question

After learning, take some time to think about how you can apply the information. Ask yourself questions to obtain the most out of what you just learned. Here are a few thoughts to get started with to help cement the learning in your own mind.

• “How could I apply this?”
• “What benefit would it give me?”
• “Why would it help me?”
• “What would it look like if done perfectly?”

3. Tracking Your Progress

When you are working on a new skill, break down the steps. Think about how you could follow you progress. Track you progress by simply jotting it down, use an app or create a spreadsheet to monitor your progress.

This is a great way to improve your speed, track your progress when mastering a new skill or learning a new breed, or ensure the effectiveness of new sales techniques. You could even make a game out of the learning.

4. Immediately Apply What You Learned

The sooner you can apply a new skill or technique, the better. Test it out while it is still fresh in your mind.

Studies show even within 20 minutes of learning something new, you will forget about 40% of the details! After 2 days, you will forget up to 70% of what you learned.

The saying, ‘Use it or lose it’ certainly applies when learning a new skill!

• If you have just listened to a lecture – Have an immediate follow-up discussion with your friends, co-workers or colleagues.
• If you have just read a book – Highlight the pages and make detailed notes. Discuss what you have just learned with others. Imagine yourself applying the skill successfully.
• If you have just watched a video – Make notes as you watch. Stop and listen to important points again. Or following along by DOING the skill as the teacher teaches.
• If you attend a dog show or grooming contest – Sit ringside. Focus on the best in the ring. Study what it looks like when done right. Take photos. Take detailed notes. Critically analyze how YOUR work or knowledge stacks up against what you are seeing.

5. Work with a Coach or a Mentor

Coaches or mentors can help you fast track your learning.

Why?

Because they give you instant feedback helping you improve your skills immediately. A great coach will help you take years off the learning process verse trying to learn on your own.

• Attend hands-on workshops and clinics
• Study firsthand with someone more skilled than yourself
• Train with a master
• Shadow a master as they work
• Work with a virtual mentor or coach

6. Create a Vision Board, Notebook or Collection

If the learning revolves around a skill, a technique or a thing – collect images of what it looks like when done correctly. Assemble the images into a grouping you have easy access to. Actively work on building your collection. As you add images, think about HOW the results were achieved and visualize yourself achieving similar results.

7. Test Yourself by Explaining

To find out if you have really absorbed the knowledge, explain it to someone else.

Go step-by-step. Describe the details of the lesson. Keep it streamlined and simple so whomever you are talking with can absorb correct information.

If you struggle anywhere, go back and review where there are gaps in your own understanding. Continue to share with others your new knowledge until you can explain the topic confidently and the listener understands clearly.

8. Validation

To verify you have positively progressed in your learning or mastered a skill, go for validation. How? There are many ways.

• Graduate from an established training program
• Earn promotions at work
• Aim for certification testing via recognized national organizations
• Enter grooming contests
• Exhibit at canine or feline conformation events

You need discipline and nerve to admit what you don’t understand. What you find hard to do.

Ignoring those things is the worst mistakes a learner can make. You’ll need a strong foundation before you move on to a more advanced level.

When you’re self-learning, you’ve got to go the extra step to gauge yourself. It’s the only way you can learn improve and develop faster. Validation is how you’ll find your strong and weak points, so you know what to focus on.

Learning a subject or skill takes time and effort. You will never thoroughly understand something if you only use passive learning.

By utilizing a few of the active learning method outlined above, you will create shortcuts to your own growth. Mix and match these methods based on the skill or subject you want to learn – or come up with other ways to retain new information.

By Team Paragon

If you’re ready for a fresh start in a career that offers flexibility, creativity, and real job satisfaction, professional dog grooming could be your perfect second act. Many people are discovering that grooming provides the freedom and fulfillment they’ve been seeking — without years of retraining or costly education.

1. Fast Training, Faster Transition

Unlike careers that require years of schooling, professional grooming skills can be learned in a matter of months through reputable training programs such as Paragon Pet School. Many second-career students start earning an income while still completing their coursework, making it a practical and efficient pivot.

2. Flexible Work That Fits Your Life

Groomers can work in salons, mobile vans, pet spas, or even from home-based studios. Whether you want part-time hours to balance with other commitments or the excitement of running your own business, grooming lets you tailor your schedule to your lifestyle.

3. Creative, Hands-On Work

Grooming is a beautiful blend of art and science. From sculpting a perfect poodle trim to safely de-shedding a husky, every day offers a chance to create transformations you can see and feel. For those leaving desk jobs, the hands-on, active nature of grooming is a refreshing change.

4. High Demand and Job Security

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth in the animal care and service industry between 2022 and 2032 — much faster than average. The surge in “designer” breeds like doodles, which require regular grooming, means a steady stream of repeat clients. In short: pets keep growing hair, and they’ll keep needing skilled groomers.

5. Recession-Proof Industry

The pet industry is unique in its resilience to economic recessions and downturns. In comparison to other consumer goods and services, the pet industry has held up remarkably well during recent market declines. Despite the financial crisis of 2008, the pet industry experienced a 5.1% growth in sales. During the more recent 2020 COVID-19 recession, sales of pet products and services continued to grow at a faster rate than the overall U.S. economy, with a 16.2% growth compared to 4.3%.

6. Emotional Rewards

Few careers allow you to directly improve a living being’s comfort and happiness. Groomers form long-term bonds with their furry clients and their owners. Many say that seeing a wagging tail or a happy pet parent is the best part of the job.

7. Scalable Earnings Potential

Entry-level groomers can expect to earn $30,000–$35,000 annually, with experienced groomers and salon owners earning $60,000+ depending on clientele and specialization. Adding skills like cat grooming, hand-stripping, or creative grooming can increase your rates and income.

8. A Career You Can Grow With

Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling part-time role or dreaming of owning your own grooming business, the skills you gain will serve you for years. Dog grooming isn’t just a job — it’s a lifelong trade.

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