Grooming Schools in Toronto, Ontario

There is a tremendous shortage of legitimate (government approved) grooming schools in Ontario. When I first conceptualized Woof & Shloof there were 20 schools in Ontario that offered Groomer training... Within the last year 18 of these schools were shut down by the government because they didn't meet certain standards. While this has created a huge gap in available groomers for hire, (and pains many grooming shop owners), I actually believe that this is a good thing.

If you look into it you'll quickly discover that there are no standards to becoming a groomer. One can literally go out and purchase some equipment and say that they're a groomer. Do a quick google search and discover the myriad of 'online groomer training' courses available.  I shouldn't need to convince you of the difference between an intensive 3 semesters of training with a master vs an online course.

One of the critical success factors of Woof & Shloof's grooming service is that we only hire experienced and certified groomers. This means that we're on the leading edge in terms of safety procedures, processes and care.

For those interested in becoming a groomer, here are the two schools in Ontario: B-Pro Grooming Academy & DogPort Academy of Dog Grooming.

Earning Respect in the Animal Kingdom

Our pets love to snuggle us, socialize with us and just ‘be’ with us. Yet when we call them to come they may not listen. Or when we ask them to stop barking they don’t. I believe that the reason for this is extremely simple... often our dogs love us but they don’t respect our authority.

So how do we earn this authority? The answer seems simple but it often requires a dramatic shift in our awareness and in our actions.

The king is the animal at the top of the food chain. He earns status by being the fastest, the strongest or the smartest. He earns respect by being compassionate and selfless.

My tip for gaining more authority over your dog is to reflect on how your dog perceives you.  Are you perceived as unwise because you never seem aware when unexpected guests are coming to the house? Are you viewed as weak because your dog can manipulate you or steal resources from you? Are you viewed as slow because you can’t seem to catch your dog? Are you viewed as neglectful because you don’t exercise your dog regularly, or don't feed him healthy food?

Your dog needs to see you as more than just his buddy. Your role is his parent and he expects you to provide him with protection and guidance. You’re committed to exercising his body and stretching his mind regularly. You bring home the bacon but you make him earn it. You set the rules around the house. You bring purpose to your dog’s life.

If you do all these things first then your relationship deepens, the love flows more freely, and the respect is rightfully earned.

Maydel found a tennis ball

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tjnBoo4u40&w=560&h=349]