Deirdre Daunt Walsh RANA LM from Cullencastle Grooming Studio and Fun Paws Agility Club, Tramore Co. Waterford.

Being a founder member of IPDGA , I was delighted to be a participant at the IPDGA Trip to Tipp with the wonderful Julie Harris at Clonmel Park Hotel.  Many thanks to IPDGA committee for organising this event, along with George from Mullinahone Co.op Pet Grooming Supplies.

Morning AM
We started off with a demonstration on a lovely Westie with Julie.  She showed us how to create a pet trim on a Westie, with greater detail on the art of sculpting the legs, the tail and the renowned roundy fluffy even head with those piercing eyes.  The techniques of creating the blending on different areas on the body without those dreaded scissor/ clip marks which we all endeavour not to create every day in our salons.  She welcomed the many questions which related to equipment, pricing, customer service and also to value ourselves as professionals.  Her practical approach and her knowledge of grooming in the modern day shop was really appreciated by us all. 

Afternoon PM
Julie Harris   Skin and Coat
I was particularly interested in this area, because I have personally always believed that each professional groomer should have a good understanding of the development of a healthy dogs coat and skin.
The seminar was complex with a Powerpoint of 104 pages it’s aims were to give you an understanding of healthy coat, skin and the many different diseases and conditions that effect the skin and hair. What causes dogs to itch, and how regular grooming can be the key to a health immune system.
Deeper analysis of the skin and hair types in dogs and how human’s skin and hair differ so much from dogs. See picture

Human Skin – Acid pH 5.5  Dogs Skin Neutral pH 7 -7,4
As groomers we can’t diagnose skin problems but should have an understanding that their pet’s skin or hair is not normal. Understand as many skin and hair conditions as possible will give us a support to helping these dogs and we can offer a better service and treatment to the pets we see every day.
Since environmental allergen are absorbed through the skin, weekly washing or daily brushing can rid the dogs coat of allergens. Brushing will stimulate the skin and increase blood flow, open the pores and quicker removal of toxins, which will minimize inflammation.

We as groomers are important to a dogs well being.
​No matter how much time we spend on a dogs coat with products, we can’t grow coat but we endeavour to provide a service to help maintain the skin so that a healthy coat can grow.
This seminar was brilliant thanks to Julie Harris and advise every groomer to  get their hands on this report, download, read it, ingest it and keep it as reference in your salons.
Anatomy is her next seminar and please IPDGA bring her back i will sign up straight away.
Many thanks to reading this and happy grooming to you all.
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Deirdre Daunt Walsh - RANA LM