09/23/2026
🐾 THERE'S TRAINING BEHIND THE TRIM ✂️
In the middle of this crazy doodle phase, every once in a while I get a purebred pup who lets me pull out some of my original breed-training skills — like handsome Cosmo the Scottish Terrier! 🖤
To complete my professional grooming training, I was required to perform 200 breed trims. Some of the most common were Westies, Scotties and Cockers, so getting one of these guys on my table always takes me back!
It's also a reminder that there's a lot more behind grooming than simply knowing how to shorten a coat.
My training taught me breed patterns, coat types, structure, prep work, sc******ng and blending — but over the years, experience has taught me something equally important: how to read the dog standing on my table.
I pay attention to body language. I want to know when a dog is nervous, overwhelmed, needs a break or is telling me they've simply had enough for today.
I believe in working with the dog, not pushing through stress just to achieve a perfect haircut. Sometimes we take a break. Sometimes we change our approach. And sometimes we decide today's groom is good enough and we'll try for a little more next time. ❤️
I'm also an open-door groomer. If you're nervous, curious about the process, or simply want to see how your dog does, you're welcome to stay and watch.
And here's something I think every dog owner should know:
Dog grooming is largely an unregulated industry.
There isn't one universal education or training requirement someone has to complete before calling themselves a groomer. Today, someone can watch a couple of YouTube videos, pick up a pair of clippers and start offering grooming services.
That doesn't automatically make someone a bad groomer — everyone has to start somewhere — but there's a BIG difference between learning how to use clippers and learning how to safely groom a living, moving animal.
Knowing proper tool handling, anatomy, skin and coat, body language, restraint, breed patterns and when not to push a dog matters. Without that knowledge and experience, accidents can happen.
That's why I encourage owners to ASK QUESTIONS. ❤️
Ask where your groomer learned. Ask about their experience. Ask how they handle nervous or difficult dogs. Ask about their experience with your breed. And don't be afraid to ask if you can watch.
There are many different paths into this industry, and every groomer develops their own strengths and specialties. Breed grooming and gentle, dog-focused handling are two parts of my education and experience that I'm extremely proud of.
After a whole lot of doodles 😂, I still get a little extra excited when I see a Westie, Scottie or Cocker on my schedule.
Because sometimes it's fun to dust off those breed-trim skills and remember just how much goes into the haircut behind the cute face. 🐾✂️❤️
Harrison's Doggie Spaw
There's more behind the trim than you might think.
