Grooming With Efficiency
The following article is based on a discussion on the Groomers’ List that occurred in March, 2000.
One inevitable topic of conversation amongst groomers is the matter of speed. Beyond the obvious “how many dogs do you groom per day” is how to obtain speed in order to groom more per day. Speed is not just being quick in what you do — speed is also gained by efficiency of movement. The less time spent needlessly, the more time available for the job at hand. Here are some ways groomers may gain efficiency at the grooming table.
Organization of tools
Having your tools organized so the least amount of time is spent looking for something is fundamental to efficient grooming. A shelf, pegboard, counter top or grooming cart within easy reach is vital. Using and returning a tool to its proper place cuts down on time wasted staring at a pile of tools or shuffling through blades. Some groomers color-code their blades; others use blade boxes with slots identified for each size. My own experience: tools with black handles tend to get lost in the visual field — bright colored plastic tape on these tools helps them stand out.
Get rid of clutter
By reducing the number of objects in your visual field you will more quickly spot the item you need when you need it. Tools and products you do not use at least once a week should be in a cupboard or drawer. Anticipate when you will need something special, keep it nearby for that job, then put it away again. Having too many objects to constantly scan decreases efficiency.
Systematic approach
Having a consistent method helps a lot. Most efficient groomers go through the same series of movements with each dog. You might do all the #10 blade work first, or all the feet. By being consistent in your movements from dog to dog, you are less likely to become distracted and lose your place.
Two or more clippers
Efficient groomers frequently report having two to four clippers within reach — one for body blades, another dedicated to a #10 blade is common. Others designate a clipper just for a #40 blade.
10″ shears & curved shears
Groomers often report a significant increase in speed when they start using 10″ shears — longer blades snip more hair per cut, reducing the cuts required. These larger shears can feel awkward at first, but with a little practice become comfortable. Curved shears can also reduce scissoring time; many groomers use curved shears for topknots, and reverse them for setting angulation and tuck-up.
Less pre-bath comb-out
Even though most of us were rigorously trained to do all the comb-out work before bathing, many groomers report becoming more efficient doing more work after the bath, on clean coats — especially with regularly groomed dogs and undercoated breeds. With advanced products and tools, much comb-out work can be done as you dry the dog, saving valuable time. Of course each groomer learns the hard way where this applies: large matted chunks must be broken up or removed before the dog is wet or they take forever to dry, and coat types differ.
Rough-out scissoring
Getting rid of excess length before bathing and drying can cut down groom time. Many groomers have less valuable scissors designated for this job. Rough-out can be done on a dog that is not combed out, and it also reduces combing time by breaking up tangles. The old model — brush and comb an overgrown coat thoroughly, bathe and blow dry the whole thing, then carefully scissor down — is just that: the OLD model. Why do all that work on length you are going to get rid of anyway? Get rid of some of that length and everything else will be accomplished faster, including your final scissoring.
Be your own efficiency expert
Observe yourself grooming for a day or two and identify where efficiency is lacking. Where is time being wasted? Be rigorous and critical if you want real results. Are you losing precious time staring at a pile of tools? Shuffling through drawers for one item? Are dull blades mixed in with the good ones? Are you picking up and putting down scissors way too many times? Is the phone ringing in the other room? Are you constantly interrupted? Are tools falling on the floor and getting lost in pet hair? Sometimes our inefficient practices become habits we cling to — we LIKE the way we do things. Increasing efficiency might mean being willing to change, and change is not always easy. The payoff, however, is time: time for an additional dog, a little more relationship with our clients, or maybe just work that is a little easier. Is it worth it?
Note from the author: think of this article as a work in progress. If you have efficient practices to share or experiences of becoming more efficient that might be of value for future development on this topic, contact me at bbird@azstarnet.com. Thanks and happy grooming! This article is the sole property of the author. You may copy it to share with a co-worker; any re-publication or reprinting for groups of people, however, should be cleared with the author.