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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☐ Remove broken, outdated, or unused tools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 Global Student Impact of Learn2Groom

At Paragon Pet Grooming School, education has always been about more than technique. It is about access. It is about confidence. And most importantly, it is about people.

Through a powerful partnership with LC’S Foundation, Paragon was able to extend one year of full access to the Learn2Groom platform to students who otherwise may never have had the opportunity to receive professional grooming education. What followed was something far greater than skills training. It was transformation.

This initiative did not just teach groomers how to groom. It empowered them to believe they belonged in the profession, equipped them with professional standards, and elevated the level of care they provide to pets and clients within their communities.

From Passion to Professional Confidence

For many students, Learn2Groom became the bridge between passion and mastery.

Across the board, participants reported a significant increase in confidence and clarity in their work. Structured lessons, expert demonstrations, and real world grooming scenarios helped groomers better understand coat types, handling techniques, breed standards, and safe tool use.

One student shared:

“I’ve gained more knowledge, more confidence, and a deeper understanding of proper grooming techniques. I’ve never been this good at grooming dogs before.”

That confidence did not stay behind the screen. Students began applying professional techniques immediately in their day to day grooming work, raising both the quality of grooms and the standard of care pets received in their regions.

Education That Goes Beyond the Groom

What makes Learn2Groom unique is its holistic approach.

Students did not just learn how to execute a groom. They learned why technique matters. Lessons covered hygiene, safe handling, styling, efficiency, and even the business and professionalism side of grooming. For many, this was their first exposure to grooming as a true career path rather than a job.

One participant reflected:

“Your lessons, demonstrations, and detailed guidance have significantly improved my grooming skills, from handling techniques to styling, hygiene, and customer care.”

This kind of education creates ripple effects. Better groomers, safer pets, stronger businesses, and more confident professionals who are proud of their craft.

The Power of Mentorship and Community

A defining element of this program was mentorship, particularly the leadership and generosity of LaTonya Smith, founder of LC’S Foundation.

Students repeatedly cited mentorship and personalized encouragement as a critical part of their success. Knowing someone believed in them enough to open the door to education made a lasting impression.

As one student shared:

“This experience has shaped my journey and elevated the quality of work I produce. I am honored to have been part of this community.”

Through Learn2Groom, students did not just gain access to videos. They gained access to a global grooming community that values education, integrity, and growth.

A Global Reach With Lasting Impact

The impact of this initiative spans borders and backgrounds.

Students from different countries, cultures, and career stages all shared a common outcome. Growth. Every participant cited a positive contribution to their grooming performance and professional clarity.

For many, this opportunity reaffirmed their passion for grooming and inspired them to continue learning, improving, and giving back to their communities.

Why This Matters

At its core, this program reflects what Paragon believes to be true.

When you invest in education, you invest in people.
When you empower groomers, you elevate animal welfare.
And when access is expanded, lives change.

The partnership between Paragon Pet Grooming School, Learn2Groom, and LC’S Foundation stands as a reminder that education, when shared generously, can create global impact one groomer at a time.

With deep gratitude to the students who shared their stories, and to the mentors who made this opportunity possible, we remain committed to building a more skilled, confident, and compassionate grooming community worldwide.

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.

Why Become a Dog Groomer in the Age of AI

Choosing a career path today comes with big questions, especially as automation and artificial intelligence change almost every industry. Many people are searching for careers that are meaningful, hands-on, and secure in the long-term.

For animal lovers, pet professionals, and anyone considering a career change, professional dog grooming stands out as one of the best future-proof careers available. Not only is dog grooming in high demand nationwide, it’s a career AI simply cannot replace. Learn why becoming a dog groomer is such a strategic, rewarding, and secure choice.

While AI can automate office tasks and online systems, grooming requires physical skill, animal handling, and emotional connection; qualities no technology can duplicate. Dog groomers must understand behavior, safely handle dogs of all sizes, identify coat and skin issues, style and trim with precision, and comfort nervous or anxious pets. These abilities are rooted in human intuition and hands-on training, making grooming a career AI simply cannot replace.

For those searching for creative careers with animals, professional grooming is exactly that.

The pet grooming industry is also growing rapidly. Search trends for “dog grooming jobs,” “professional grooming career,” and “pet grooming training near me” continue to rise as pet ownership increases. With pet spending at an all-time high, grooming considered an essential service, and a nationwide shortage of trained professionals, demand for groomers is higher than ever. Those entering the field are stepping into a career where skilled workers are needed across the country.

Beyond aesthetics, groomers make a meaningful impact on pet health. Grooming prevents matting, detects early skin issues, reduces discomfort, and supports long-term wellness. Pet parents are actively seeking certified groomers, gentle grooming services, and safe handling for anxious dogs, making proper training more important than ever. To begin your traning, visit here.

One of the most appealing aspects of grooming is the flexibility it offers. Students entering the industry discover multiple career paths, from salon or mobile grooming to at-home businesses, shop ownership, and even grooming education. Whether you’re looking for full-time work or a career that fits around your lifestyle, grooming offers options that grow with you. And with Paragon’s programs designed to build and advance your skills, you’re supported every step of the way.

Training and certification open these doors. Many new groomers begin by enrolling in a professional grooming program, gaining real-world skills under expert guidance. Paragon provides online grooming education, hands-on skill development, industry-recognized certification, mentorship from experienced groomers, and job placement support, preparing students for both employment and entrepreneurship.

While AI can support scheduling, communication, and learning, it will never replace the physical and human expertise required to safely and compassionately groom a dog. If you’re searching for how to become a dog groomer, dog grooming schools, or professional grooming certification, you’re in the right place. A secure future, creative career working with animals is not only possible, it begins with the right training.

Most of you with any experience under your belt in the United States have just completed Phase 1 of the Holiday Rush grooming marathon – Thanksgiving. Getting all those pooches ready for family and friends.

How did it go? Smooth as silk? Or would you like to make improvements as you move into Phase #2 – Christmas and Hanukkah?

Most of us are involved with the pet industry are here because the passion. We simply love working with the pets. However, even the most passionate groomer can feel the pressures of the holiday demands.

If you are one of those professionals who felt the pressures of the Thanksgiving crunch, take heart. It’s time to review what you did right — and areas that could use some improvement in the areas of time management in the grooming salon.

Here are My Top 10 Tips for Getting Through Your Day with Easy
#1. Mental Control
Stay focused. Pay close attention to what you are doing at all times. You’re working with live animals and sharp instruments. Chatter between your coworkers and pets breaks your focus. You lose time and you make mistakes when you don’t stay focused on the pet.

Always practice the three C’s; stay calm, stay cool, and stay collected. When you’re working with a pet you want to be friendly but aloof. You want to correct any undesirable action before it becomes a major problem. Frustration and anger have no place in a professional salon setting. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a break. Breath. Step back to the grooming table when you have regained your composure.

Work methodically with all pets. Don’t get flustered. Set an even and steady pace when it comes to handling, bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, and scissoring. Set time goals for every step of the grooming process and strive to achieve them.

#2. Invest in Yourself and Your Equipment
What is the condition of your equipment? Are you working with top-quality equipment?

It’s amazing how much time you can save when your equipment is in top condition. Or when you splurge on that new pair of blenders that cut like butter. Or you have a high velocity dryer that has plenty of punch. Oh, and all of your shears and blades have sharp edges on them — correct? There’s nothing more frustrating than working with dull and ineffective equipment when crunch time is on. Right now you’re in crunch time.

#3. Organization in the Salon
Do you have a smooth process for client check-in and checkout? If you’re computerized, is it easy to pull up client records in a flash? If you’re still working with a card file, are all the records pulled the pets that are scheduled for that day?

Most stylists in a salon setting find working in a minimum of three or four hour blocks of time can be highly advantageous to time management. The more you have to stop to check-in or checkout clients the more you lose your focus on the pet that is on the table. By working in blocks of time, you can check multiple pets in and out in tight windows of time when it comes to dealing with customers.

Do you have a method to track all the collars and leads that accompany the pets? This is no time to be looking for that lost collar or lead! Do you have a bright assortment of those pre-made? Do you have festive bandannas cut and ready to go on the dog?

#4 Mental & Nutritional Stamina
When the rush is on, you need to be at your peak — mentally, physically and nutritionally.

You’re not going to be at your peak if you’re not getting enough sleep. I know … I know. With all the demands between work, family and holiday festivities, slumber can be hard to come by. Normally, a professional groomer is so physically exhausted that when your head does hit the pillow — sleep comes easily. Just make sure you’re getting enough hours each night so you can perform at high levels the next day.

With the holidays upon us, most salons find themselves overrun with holiday treats from their clients. Be careful with this one. Personally I learned the hard way you are not good to feel your best if you consume all those goodies all day long!

I learned in my early 20s to pack healthy food options to keep me nourished all day long. I was mobile so in between every client by reward was to eat. If I had healthy options at my fingertips, it was easy to keep my energy level in high gear. In a salon setting, this might be a little bit more challenging. Still, eating healthy small amounts on a regular basis is the best way to keep you both mentally and physically content.

Pack a nutritional lunch plus snacks. (You know your days are to be long!) Or do a potluck between staff members. We’ve done this for years at the Paragon School of Pet Grooming with great success. The rule is: Healthy, quick food options only. No sweets. No desserts. Our clients do a great job with that. The potluck is set up so everybody can grab a quick bite in between dogs quickly and easily.

If you’re not a cook – have a stack of local takeout menus available. If they deliver – BONUS!

The holidays are a great time to really test your skills. We’ll find out quickly just how successful you are. If you have a full book and struggling to fit into just one more pet each day, you know you have arrived. Be thankful for creating a service that your customers desire. If you take care of them well — they’ll take care of you. That’s what successful customer service is all about!

Happy trimming!

~Melissa

Pet boarding and daycare facilities are trusted havens for pet parents who want the best care while they’re away. But many operators overlook a powerful way to increase revenue and client satisfaction: offering professional-level “spa style” bath & brush services.

Why Spa-Style Bath & Brush Services Belong in Your Facility

1. Upsell Potential
Spa Bath & brush is a natural add-on when pets are already on site. Owners love the convenience of picking up a clean, fresh-smelling dog after a stay or day of play.
2. High Margins
Consumables are inexpensive, and once your tubs and dryers are in place, bath & brush services yield attractive profit margins.
3. Customer Loyalty
When clients can get boarding, daycare, and grooming in one place, they have fewer reasons to look elsewhere.
4. Differentiation
Not every facility offers spa services. Promoting your integrated boarding-bath-brush services can set you apart in a competitive market.
5. Staff Development
Bath & brush roles create career paths for team members. Entry-level employees can grow into certified Groom Techs (professional bath and brush specialists with ears and nails capability) with the right training.

Laying the Foundation: Facility Setup

• Plumbing & Drainage: Ensure hot water access, proper drainage, and fur traps to keep pipes clear.
• Equipment: Hydraulic tubs, adjustable tables, and high-velocity dryers support safe, efficient handling.
• Ventilation: Adequate airflow keeps the grooming area comfortable for both staff and pets.
• Workflow Design: Arrange spaces in a logical sequence — wet zone → drying zone → finishing area — to maximize efficiency.
• Sanitation: Create routines for cleaning tubs, tools, and holding areas to maintain safety and professionalism.

Building the Team’s Skill

• Bathing techniques and product knowledge:  Handle proper washing and ensure product selection that matches coat type and skin problems.
• Drying techniques: Trained in use of high velocity drying techniques to produce healthy, fluffy finish on coat.
• Nails & Ears: Offer nail trimming, ear cleaning, and light tidying of paws to keep pets clean and healthy.
• Dematting Services: Dematting can be a lucrative add-on service performed by employees who are already trained in proper line brushing and coat management. Employees should also be trained how to avoid promoting matts through improper or incomplete drying.
• Shed Control Services: A trained, professional dog bather can perform a specialty bath-brush-dry session that reduces shedding and helps maintain both the coat and home cleanliness.

Hiring & Training

• Recruit individuals who love animals and thrive in hands-on work.
• Use Paragon’s Employer Resources to access sample job descriptions, interview questions, and recruiting tools.
• Enroll staff in Paragon’s Groom Tech program to build skills in bathing, brushing, drying, handling and customer service.
• Encourage continuing education and celebrate staff certifications to boost retention and showcase expertise to clients.
• Offer competitive pay and incentives for upselling add-on services.
• Build a positive team culture where employees want to stay.

Service Menu & Pricing

• Tiered Pricing by Size/Coat: Small, medium, large, and extra-large categories.
• Packages: Boarding + bath, daycare + brush, or “spa day” bundles.
• Add-Ons: Nail trims, ear cleaning, de-shedding treatments, premium shampoos, and dental hygiene are popular services that can build out your exit-bath profits when you staff for spa-services.

Marketing & Client Communication

• Introduce to Current Clients: Announce grooming as a new add-on at pickup, in emails, and with in-facility signage.
• Visuals Matter: Share before-and-after photos and happy client testimonials on social media.
• Bundle Deals: Promote “pick up clean” packages around holidays or peak boarding times.
• Front Desk Training: Equip your reception staff with scripts to suggest spa services at checkout. Ask every time!
• Credentials as Proof: Highlight your staff’s spa-level certifications (such as Professional Groom Tech) in marketing materials and conversations.

Financial Benefits & ROI

• Revenue Growth: Even 10 dogs per day at an average of $62.50 equals $625 daily, or ~$15,000 per month.
• Profit Margins: Consumables average $2.50–4 per pet, leaving plenty of room for labor and overhead.
• Payback Timeline: Many facilities recoup initial equipment investments in less than a year.
• Scalability: Once bath & brush succeeds, you may opt to expand into full grooming or grooming-only drop-off clients.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Next Steps

• Increase revenue with high-margin add-ons
• Delight customers with convenience and quality
• Create career opportunities for staff
• Differentiate your brand in a crowded market

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

There’s a secret to marketing your salon.  Do you want to know what it is?

If you have a reasonably busy salon and have been at this for a few years, you know the holidays mean crunch time. You’ll be grooming most of your regular clients in days instead of weeks. Do you have control of your schedule?

You may find yourself racing to juggle the demands of your business and your family. Keeping your customers happy is crucial to the health of your salon, but not at the expense of those you love. Don’t let the insanity of the holiday season put a damper on your festive mood.

I learned the hard way. Grooming super long hours up to 14 days straight before Christmas left me totally exhausted and spent. I was definitely a Scrooge throughout the entire holiday season. I knew I had to make a change when one Christmas I literally slept through the entire day.

Here are a few ideas from myself and my team of seasoned grooming pros to help you make the most of the holiday rush.

Be Prepared with Dispensable Products

Make sure all your supplies are stocked up and organized. The last thing you want is to run out of anything! Here is a shopping list to help you.

DOWNLOAD Holiday Rush List

Walk around your salon well ahead of the rush. Open doors, look in cabinets, and check drawers. You want to have everything stocked up and at your fingertips. There’s nothing better than doing a thorough walk-through and making a list of supplies you need.

Stick to Your Schedule

Plan out your days. Just prior to a major holiday, the demands on your schedule can quickly spiral out of control. Do you want to work your normal schedule or add on a few hours here or there? Some professionals add work days to their week to accommodate clients. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, make sure your best clients are pre-scheduled in premier slots in your appointment book. Ideally, it’s best to do this well before the holiday season hits.

Know your limitations. Know what your obligations are to your clients and family. Create a schedule that works for you – and then stick to it. It’s okay to say no.

Food Is Your Fuel

As tempting as it may be, surviving the holiday rush on the wonderful food gifts your clients bring is not the best option! Early in my career, I learned the hard way that cookies, candies, nuts, and other holiday treats can’t help you operate at peak performance.

Eat. Real. Food. If it comes from a window at a drive-through, it does not qualify as real food, in my book. Equally important, attempt to bypass any processed foods.

Prepare. Shop the perimeter of your grocery store. Focus on fresh foods. Take a day to prepare large batches of healthy food. Then pre-package it in individual servings. Freeze anything you can.

Cook ahead of time. Never tried batch cooking before? There are plenty of ideas on Pinterest and YouTube. Or simply double or triple your favorite recipes. Personally, my attitude is if I’m going to cook, I’m going to fill the grill, load up the oven or pull out my largest pot. It doesn’t take much more time to double or triple a recipe once you get started.

Make good choices. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fast and easy to eat. Juices and smoothies are great on-the-go items. Hard-boiled eggs are economical and easy. Sliced fruits, veggies, and lean proteins keep energy levels high. Drink plenty of water.

Know your options. If you don’t want to do the cooking yourself, stock up on menus from your favorite restaurants and choose healthier items that help you maintain a consistent energy flow throughout the day.

Train Your Clients

Some days you have time to visit with your clients. However, the holiday season is not one of them. Train them to respect your time – even if you are mobile. It’s your responsibility to make sure every pet gets your full attention and it’ll be hard to do that if you’re running behind all day.

There are ways to tactfully and politely remind them you have an extremely busy schedule. A big smile and a genuine thank you can go a long way when you need to keep moving.

Take Time to Breathe

The holidays are a special time. Not just for your family, friends, and your clients – but also for yourself. It’s important to reserve quality time for every part of your life.

Having grooming systems firmly in place allows you to be highly efficient. The more seasoned you are, the more likely you have mastered this technique. It comes in handy when your time is limited.

Essential oils can use helpful to energize yourself or slow yourself down. Some brands come up with blends or you can make your own. They can be diffused in the air, inhaled directly from their bottles, or added to bath water. Many oils can be applied directly to the skin.

Common oils for relaxation would be lavender, lemon, ylang-ylang, geranium, and frankincense. A few essential oils used to increase energy are peppermint, white fur, lemon, and basil. Many of the citrus based oils have the ability to uplift and de-stress.

Carve out a little special time for yourself. Maybe it’s a soothing bubble bath at the end of a long day. Some people love massages or manicures. Others enjoy sitting down for a few quiet minutes to decompress with a beverage of choice.

The holiday season can be magical – even if it is one of your busiest times. The best way to ward off being a Scrooge is to do some planning. Think about the upcoming weeks leading to the new year. Take control. Put pen to paper and plan your schedule. Know where the crunch times are and when you have a window of space.

A little bit of thought and planning can go a long way to make the holiday season both financially rewarding, personally enjoyable, and filled with blessings and gratitude.

Happy trimming!
Melissa

What do you do to get through the holidays? Jump on our Facebook page and share your best holiday survival tips with your Paragon family.

• Why is a formal education so important in the professional grooming industry?
  Formal education gives an individual a major head start in their new career. Jobs are plentiful in the field. Thriving salons and exceptional pet stylist know there is more to grooming a dog than just giving them a bath and a haircut. To become skilled, and proficient, takes dedication to mastering the craft. There is so much to learn – many people struggle with where to even start. Can groomers teach themselves? Sure. But it generally takes longer. My mission has always been to help people accelerate their careers as rapidly as possible. The hands-on, structured training program facilitates the most rapid training opportunity.
• How far has education come in the grooming industry over the years?
  We have seen strides in the education field for professional grooming. When I entered the field in the late 70s, there were very few schools, only a handful of books and a handful of trade shows around the country. That’s it. Since then, we have seen voluntary certification organizations form promoting education, skill enhancing workshops and testing. Tradeshows are flourishing. Successful stylists host private clinics around the country. GroomTeam USA has a system in place tracking our country’s leading competitive stylists. Videos created by industry leaders allow access to a wealth of information regardless of where someone lives. The Internet has had a huge impact on our industry like so many others. With just a few keystrokes you can find almost anything you might be looking for. One of the exciting things about professional grooming, there is always something new to learn.
• Are you satisfied with the overall level of education among professional groomers or is there room for improvement?
  There is always room for improvement. Unfortunately, I don’t believe education or continued education is valued as highly as it could be in our field. It always shocks me when I meet a groomer who’s been doing this for years but is attending some type of educational event for the very first time.
• What is the ideal way for a novice to gain a foundational education in pet grooming?
  Entering the grooming industry is easy. There are virtually no barriers to overcome since the industry is not regulated. Today, individuals have access to all wide variety of quality educational materials. Someone just needs the motivation, dedication and drive. The key is to look for quality educational material being produced by respected leaders in our field.
• How important is ongoing education for grooming professionals?
  Continued education is at the heart of all thriving individuals and businesses. Continuing education not only increases your skill set but it also builds confidence. Experience combined with education demonstrates you are motivated and driven to succeed. Focused on going education opens up to new possibilities, new knowledge and new skill areas. It’s fun. It’s exciting. In many cases, it allows you to network with others in your field.
• What are some of the most effective ways for groomers to continue their education?
  Start at where you are and build your skills up slowly. Build begin with a solid foundation starting with; canine (and feline) psychology, pet handling, basic anatomy, breed identification, combined with safety and sanitation. Next move into what I would consider core skills. Core skills that would include; learning about common grooming products, trimming nails, cleaning ears, bathing and drying, brushing, combing and dematting skills, and safe and effective equipment handling. Once the foundation in the core skills have been mastered, then branch out to easy haircuts moving into more advanced all trim styles and unusual breeds.
• What are some common misconceptions about groomer education? How would you dispel them?
  As the saying goes, you will only be as good as the instruction that you receive. Be careful. Do your research before you blindly jump in to any type of learning endeavor. Do Google searches on individuals to find out what their qualifications are. Check credentials, references and reviews before you invest time or money into any type learning.
• What is Paragon School of Grooming’s approach to groomer education?
  I am a self-taught groomer. But I understood the importance of education and mastering my trade. When I open Paragon, my goal was to shorten the learning curve for new individuals entering the field. Today, we teach the skills that took me years to master – and teach them in just a few months We focus on foundation in core skills in a structured setting. We simplify the task of grooming pets. By reducing the complex methods and techniques into easy to understand terms, we help individuals quickly master the skills necessary to groom any breed.
• How can Paragon’s GroominarNetwork  be a valuable resource for professional groomers?
  For less than the cost of one groom a month, members have access to our exclusive learning library. Currently we have over 1200 ‘how-to’ lessons from top pet stylists and leading industry experts. Our library is made up of a wide variety of topics related to the grooming industry. Whether our members are just starting out or are seasoned veterans, we have videos in our vast library that will inspire them and help them grow their careers These lessons are streamed on demand to any computer or mobile device with a high speed Internet connection.
• What does the future hold for Paragon, GroominarNetwork, and professional grooming education overall?
  The pet industry is an amazing field to get into. The opportunities for well-trained groomers and pet stylist is limitless. Helping people care for their pets is extremely rewarding. Being successful in this career is not a matter of luck. It is based on commitment and dedication. Education, skill enhancement and effective communication are the keys to a successful career. One of my greatest inspirations is to help others in their careers and to inspire them to greater heights. I am always looking for new opportunities to make learning easy and accessible to anybody who wants to apply themselves.

1) Skin & Coat: The First Line of Defense

• Use species-appropriate products and correct dilution to protect the skin barrier.
• Remove loose undercoat to improve air flow and reduce hotspots.
• Eliminate tangles and prevent matting, which can trap moisture, pull at the skin, and hide sores.
• Dry correctly for coat type, creating a clean, lifted coat that stays healthy longer.

2) Early Detection: A Second Set of Trained Eyes

• Lumps, bumps, or skin lesions
• Fleas, ticks, or evidence of mites
• Ear redness or odor, excessive discharge, or wax buildup
• Overgrown nails, cracked pads, or interdigital irritation
• Dental red flags (odor, tartar, gum inflammation)
• Groomers don’t diagnose—but they do refer. Catching concerns early can lead to faster veterinary care and better outcomes.

3) Ears, Nails, and Paws: Small Details, Big Comfort

• Nails: Overgrown nails alter posture and gait, stressing joints and ligaments. Regular trims restore natural alignment and comfort.
• Ears: Proper cleaning (and, where appropriate, trimming around the canal) improves air flow and helps reduce irritation.
• Paws/Pads: Trimming excess hair improves traction and hygiene; checking pads prevents cracks from going unnoticed.

4) Comfort, Behavior & Bonding

5) How Often Should A Pet Be Groomed?

• Short/smooth coats: Bath/brush every 6–12 weeks; nails and ear care as needed
• Double coats (shedding breeds): Every 4–8 weeks, or more – especially during seasonal sheds or in a deshedding program
• Curly/wool & doodle-type coats: Every 4–6 weeks to prevent matting
• Silky/drop coats: Every 4–6 weeks to maintain hygiene and shape

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Choosing—and Partnering With—a Pro

Responsible Pet Owner Checklist

By Melissa Verplank, CMG

It’s hard to think about “Next Year” when your grooming operation is preparing to go into Holiday Rush mode. However, it’s a great time to remember what you might leaving on the proverbial table besides fur. You can take steps to boost your business during the slow times by promoting add-ons, rebooking, and incentivizing repeat business through loyalty and referral programs. Prepare now and you can beat the January business blahs!

ADD-ON Service Menu

 If you went to a restaurant and the server did not hand you a menu, how would you know what to order? Pet grooming is very similar. Pet Parents know they’re coming to you to get their dog cleaned up, but they probably don’t know all the Add-On services that you offer. Add-Ons that could help them keep their pet looking and feeling great.

A well-organized Add-Ons menu makes it easy for the client to select a service. As a bonus, it also makes it very easy for you discuss optional Add-Ons such as de-shedding treatments, shampoo upgrades, skin conditioning treatments, tooth brushing, nail filing, or other add-ons.

Rebooking on the Spot

Offering to schedule an appointment at checkout is the best way to get a client to rebook and pre-book. Develop a couple different scripts and use the one that best fits the needs of that client. For best results, use the tips below.

• Ask every time. Think of fast-food chains. They ask you every time if you would like something else with your order – every time. When the client checks out, offer to rebook their next appointment to ensure their pet continues to look amazing.
• For the busy or in demand pet stylist, reschedule a number of appointments at once or book the entire year. This will guarantee the client will get the premiere dates they are looking for.
• In areas that are price sensitive, offer incentives. Maybe it’s a small discount off their next grooming if they book within six weeks or less. Or maybe you offer them free add-ons like tooth brushing or a spa package upgrade.  Better yet, offer something special for their pet such as a bag of cookies!  After all, they probably care more about what you are going to do to reward their pet, not necessarily the few bucks they will save.

Consider Creating a Loyalty Program

The Holiday visit is a great time to offer clients a “loyalty program” incentive for pre-booking future visits and/or referring their friends. If you haven’t developed a program, you can use the post-holiday lull to create a package for 2024 and then reach out to your customers to generate winter traffic.

• Connect with a Customer Experience Message

Whether you contact a recent client via phone, e-mail, text message, or through groomer software automation, you can take this opportunity to check on their satisfaction at the same time as offering a loyalty program incentive.

• Connect through Wake-Up Calls/Contacts

Actively call (or email, or message) clients that have not returned to the salon in 8-12 weeks. In this case, you may wish to offer them an incentive to schedule the next few grooms.

• E-mail Blasts and Social Media Posts

This is a great way to market incentive details to existing clients. If you are going into a slow day or week, offer an incentive to get clients in the door for those days. The key is to stay top-of-mind early in the year and schedule out as far as you are able.

Partner with Pet Professionals

Have you created a referral network to generate new clients for your business? If you have, the year-end is a great time to offer a thoughtful thank you note or gift.

If you need to expand your network, look for ways to connect with the following professionals in your area:

• vets
• pet supply businesses
• rescue organizations
• trainers
• pet sitters

Create or update a welcome package that your referral partners can hand out to potential clients. Participate in, support and cross-promote their events. They are more likely to refer and support you in return.

Put these strategies to work now for a thriving grooming operation in the New Year!

Need to add Groom Techs to your team through industry-leading guided groomer training? Start here. Want continuing education so you or your team can keep your skills sharp? Join Paragon’s Groominar Network™ and unlock a stream more than 1,200 video Groominars™ designed for every level of groomer.