The GroomPod

In this conversation, Barbara discusses her journey into the world of botanicals, particularly in the context of cosmetics and pet grooming. She highlights the differences between traditional uses of botanicals and their actual efficacy, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence. The discussion also covers popular Korean botanicals, their benefits, and the significance of contact time and concentration in achieving desired effects. The conversation concludes with key takeaways regarding the use of botanicals in grooming products and the need for more rigorous research in the field.

Susy and Barbara start with what's new: how to deal with suds in a recirculating tub, and why they both swear by Eqyss detangling products. Then comes the main topic, grooming senior dogs. They cover the signs of aging, from vision and hearing loss to arthritis and bad teeth. They also share ways to keep older dogs comfortable in the tub, while drying, and on the table, plus when to bring in a vet groomer.Watch on YouTube, and join us on Patreon or donate at our website to support the show.

Are you navigating the complexities of the pet grooming industry? In this enlightening episode, Barbara and Susy tackle the critical issue of misinformation and outdated practices within pet grooming education. Discover why the very foundation of grooming knowledge may be built on shaky ground and what you can do to ensure you’re getting the most accurate and up-to-date information.Barbara passionately argues that many educators in the grooming field may not be equipped with the latest scientific knowledge about grooming products and techniques. She stresses the importance of continuous education, revealing that even well-respected figures can inadvertently spread outdated or incorrect information. You’ll hear how this lack of updated knowledge can affect groomers and their clients, leading to potential mishaps in grooming practices.Then Susy and Barbara discuss the critical differences between acute and chronic stress in the grooming industry.  In this conversation, Barbara and Susy discuss the challenges of managing stress in the grooming industry, emphasizing the lack of break rooms and support systems for groomers. They explore the chronic stress that arises from staff conflicts, scheduling issues, and the emotional toll of the job, especially during busy seasons. The discussion highlights the importance of self-care, conflict resolution, and practical strategies to manage stress effectively in the salon environment.

Episode 490: The Science of Touch & Accelerated Hydrogen PeroxideWelcome back to The Groom Pod! In Episode 490, we are diving into a mix of advanced canine neuroscience and practical salon safety.Whether you are trying to understand why certain dogs climb the walls when the clippers come out or looking to upgrade your salon sanitization game, we've got you covered.What's on This Episode: The Neuroscience of Touch & Reactive Dogs: Ever wonder why some dogs completely lose their patience on the table while others breeze through? Susy breaks down somatosensory processing, how mechanoreceptors (Pacinian and Meissner corpuscles) react to vibration, and why low-frequency clippers can feel like crawling bugs to a sensitive dog's nervous system. Learn how confident, firm pressure and proper tool maintenance can change your handling game. Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP): Barbara takes us back to the classroom to answer a listener question from our Facebook group. We compare the chemistries of traditional salon disinfectants—bleach, quats, and AHP—breaking down what accelerated hydrogen peroxide actually is and how it keeps your grooming van or shop safe and clean. Tune in, grab your favorite grooming stool, and let’s talk shop!Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join our community on Facebook to drop your own grooming questions for future episodes.

Muzzles, stress signals, and the moisturizing system every groomer should knowThe safest groomers are not the ones who “power through” a difficult dog—they’re the ones who know when to muzzle, when to back off, and when a behavior problem may actually be pain in disguise. In this episode of The GroomPod, Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird share practical, real-world guidance on dog safety, behavior, muzzle use, and coat and skin care.Segment 1: Muzzles, behavior, and safer groomingSusy and Barbara break down the decision-making behind muzzle use, from recognizing subtle warning signs to choosing the right restraint without turning grooming into a battle.Susy explains her philosophy that a dog’s experience matters as much as the finished groom. She discusses her preferred safety setup, including table supports, head tethering, multiple points of connection, and documenting what works for each dog.Barbara adds her experienced perspective on canine behavior, describing the signals she watches for—including stiffening, growling, lip curling, changes in the ears or eyes, and nervous tail wagging. Together, they explore why some dogs may need a muzzle before they ever attempt to bite and how pain, dental problems, masses, hip issues, and stress can all appear as “bad behavior.”You’ll also learn about:Traditional nylon, silicone, basket, cone, and alternative muzzle optionsWhy keeping muzzles clean is essentialHow treats, a calm voice, and thoughtful preparation can make muzzling less stressfulSafety tools and alternatives, including e-collars, towel wraps, and haltersWhy compassion and safety should work together—not competeSegment 2: Understanding moisturization and product ingredientsBarbara then continues her moisturizing deep dive, explaining why moisturization is a complete system rather than the result of a single ingredient.She breaks down the roles of humectants, emollients, occlusives, and film formers, then examines real product labels to show how groomers can identify a well-rounded formula. She also discusses ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, betaine, and quaternium-98, along with the ways lightweight conditioning systems can support both skin and coat.Whether you groom high-needs dogs, work with skin-challenged pets, or want to understand ingredient lists beyond marketing claims, this episode is packed with practical insight. Tune in for essential advice on safer handling, healthier coats, and making more informed grooming decisions.Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: U8YHZD7RQFIOEARS

Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird discuss the importance of understanding puppy learning timelines in relation to grooming. They explore how to match grooming sessions to a puppy's developmental stage.  The discussion transitions into Part 1 of the science of moisturization in grooming, highlighting the role of humectants, emollients, and occlusives in maintaining skin health. 

In this episode of The Groom Pod, hosts Susy and Barbara welcome Michelle Knowles, a well-known figure in the grooming industry. They discuss Michelle's journey into grooming, the concept of holistic grooming, the importance of kindness within the grooming community, and the misuse of antibiotics. The conversation also covers the benefits of ozonated oils and personal experiences with veterinary care, emphasizing the need for effective treatments for skin issues in pets. In this engaging conversation, Michelle Knowles discusses various aspects of the grooming industry, including the use of sulfates and silicones, the impact of marketing on perceptions of grooming products, and the importance of building relationships with veterinarians. She emphasizes the need for education and knowledge sharing within the grooming community, as well as the potential of AI to enhance practices in the industry. The discussion also touches on the future of technology in grooming and the importance of kindness towards dogs.TakeawaysMichelle Knowles shares her early experiences in grooming.Holistic grooming encompasses the entire well-being of the dog.Kindness and support among groomers is essential for a healthy community.Antibiotics are often misused in veterinary care.Ozonated oils can be effective treatments for skin issues.Personal experiences with vets highlight the importance of connection.Groomers should be aware of the ingredients in their products.Formulating treatments requires understanding skin and dosage.Sulfur can be a game-changer for skin treatments.Research and education are key in the grooming industry. Sulfates can be effective for cleaning, but gentler options are preferred.Marketing often undermines the intelligence of groomers.Education and knowledge sharing are crucial in the grooming industry.Building relationships with veterinarians can enhance grooming practices.AI is a valuable tool that can improve efficiency in grooming.Natural remedies can be effective and should be explored.Groomers should be respected as knowledgeable professionals.Understanding product ingredients is essential for effective grooming.The future of grooming will involve more technology and AI integration.Kindness towards dogs should be a priority in grooming practices.

In this episode of The GroomPod, Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird discuss various challenges faced in dog grooming, particularly focusing on nail trimming anxiety in dogs. They explore the psychological aspects of grooming, the importance of understanding a dog's history and behavior, and share practical tips for making the grooming experience more comfortable for both the dog and the groomer. The conversation also introduces the topic of ozonated oils in grooming practices. In this conversation, Barbara discusses the resurgence of ozonated oils as a natural alternative to antibiotics in veterinary medicine. She explains their historical use, the science behind their healing properties, and their potential to combat antimicrobial resistance. The discussion highlights practical applications for pet care and the importance of revisiting these traditional remedies in light of modern health challenges.

Unlock the secrets behind canine behavior and grooming chemistry in this enlightening episode of The GroomPod! Co-hosts Susy the Groomer and Barbara Bird dive deep into the fascinating world of dog behavior with expert insights from Kim Brophy's LEGS model, a framework that transforms how you understand your furry clients' actions on the grooming table. Whether you're a seasoned groomer or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that will revolutionize your approach to handling dogs.Then Bbird's classroom gives us a look into Quats and Polyquats.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the pet grooming industry or dog lovers eager to understand their pets better. Tune in and transform your grooming game today! Perfect for those looking to deepen their knowledge or refine their skills in canine behavior and grooming chemistry.

In this episode, Susy and Barbara explore the crucial role of perceived value in grooming businesses, covering how presentation, environment, and communication influence client perceptions and willingness to pay. They also delve into the environmental impact of microplastics in grooming products, offering insights into ingredients and ecological concerns.Topics:Perceived value in grooming servicesImpact of shop environment and presentationClient communication and trust-buildingMicroplastics in grooming products and environmental concernsBranding, uniforms, and shop aestheticsUse of social media and visual brandingRebooking and customer retention strategiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Perceived Value in Grooming04:52 Impact of Van and Environment on Perceived Value26:29 How Presentation Influences Client Perception30:15 The First 10 Seconds: Visual and Sensory Cues34:13 Using Branding and Decor to Signal Quality43:08 Enhancing Client Experience During Intake47:42 The Power of Communication and Storytelling50:06 Social Media and Client Engagement52:25 Microplastics in Grooming Products and Environmental Impact01:00:03 Understanding Polymers and Ingredients in Grooming Products01:08:03 Biodegradability and Environmental Concerns resourcesBest Shot Pet Products - https://bestshotpet.comPrecision Sharp Shears - https://precisionsharp.comGroomore Software - https://groomore.comShowseason - https://showseasongrooming.com guest linksInstagram - https://instagram.com/susyscottInstagram - https://instagram.com/barbarabird