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Why do grooming prices increase, and how can those changes actually benefit your dog?

Ever wonder why grooming prices go up and what you actually get for that extra cost? We pull back the curtain on professional dog grooming and show how training, specialty tools, and time on the table translate into safer, calmer visits and healthier dogs. From all-inclusive services that cover nails, paw pads, ears, eyes, and full brush-outs to the products you never see—like coat-specific shampoos and properly maintained blades—we explain what quality looks like when your pup is the client.

We also talk about culture behind the scenes. Our groomers are paid hourly, not on commission, which means they can slow down when a coat needs more work or an older dog needs breaks. That team model reduces stress for everyone, lets us match handlers to dogs when needed, and gives your pup consistent care across visits. We share why coat condition and time are the true drivers of price, how double coats and doodle textures change the workload, and why “cheap grooming” often turns into expensive fixes like mat shaves, nail injuries, or ear infections.

If you’re managing a budget, we’ve got practical advice: choose a cut that fits your life, align coat length with at-home brushing habits, and set a visit cadence that prevents matting before it starts. Shorter styles can stretch appointments; plush looks require more upkeep. We’ll work with your goals and your dog’s comfort to find that sweet spot, whether you’re caring for a high-maintenance doodle, a shedding double coat, or a beloved senior who needs extra gentleness.

Serving North Texas and beyond, we put humanity over vanity every day. If you value transparent pricing, skilled hands, and a calm salon that treats every dog like family, you’ll feel right at home. Subscribe, share this episode with a fellow pet parent, and leave a review to help more dogs find stress-free, professional care.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

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How Do I Choose The Perfect Puppy?

The tiniest paws can make the biggest change in your life, so let’s make that choice with clear eyes and a steady plan. We dig into what it really means to pick a puppy that fits your energy, schedule, and home, and we explain why the first year sets the tone for the next decade. From stroller-friendly lap dogs to trail-ready partners, we map lifestyle to breed traits, size, coat care, and temperament so you can stop guessing and start matching.

Shannon and Tanya bring a groomer’s lens to the decision most people make with their hearts. We talk working breeds versus companion breeds, boredom and behavior, and the truth behind those irresistible puppy photos. You’ll learn how to read adult breed realities, what mixed-breed signals often mean, and how small dogs and big dogs differ in cost, lifespan, and daily needs. We also get specific about the expenses people underestimate: spay or neuter, vaccines, grooming schedules, training, boarding during travel, and the senior-year curve that shows up when dogs hit double digits.

Ethical sourcing matters just as much as temperament. We share the one question to ask any breeder or rescue—can I see the puppies in person?—and how to evaluate husbandry, socialization, and living conditions without getting snowed by a sales pitch. If a seller won’t allow a visit before payment, that’s your sign to walk away. Whether you’re meeting a foster, vetting a kennel, or researching a niche breed, we give you a clear checklist to protect your wallet, your values, and your future dog.

Press play to feel confident about the choice you’re making for the next 10 to 15 years. If this guide helps, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s puppy shopping, and leave a quick review so more pet lovers can find us.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

What Grooming Goals Should You Set?

Muddy yards, surprise ice, and a pile of sweaters can do a number on your dog’s skin and coat. We’re kicking off the year by resetting what matters: realistic grooming goals that protect your dog’s comfort, prevent matting, and fit your actual life. We dig into why winter routines slip, how temperature swings dry the skin, and the simple changes that stop hidden hot spots before they start.

We break down breed-specific grooming intervals so you’re not guessing. Curly-coated dogs like doodles and poodles thrive on a four to six week cadence to prevent compacted coats, while many double-coated slick breeds, like Labradors and Chesapeake Bays, can stretch closer to 12 weeks with the right at-home care. We also talk about sweaters: cozy, yes, but they can trap moisture and friction, turning small tangles into painful mats. The fix isn’t complicated—it’s consistent, gentle maintenance that preserves the coat’s function and keeps the skin breathing.

The heart of our approach is one weekly ritual: a calm, intentional brush-out using the right tool for your dog’s coat. Slickers with appropriate tooth length reach through curls without tearing, while shedding blades gently lift undercoat on short, dense coats. We share how to teach your dog to settle on the floor, which areas to prioritize (ears, armpits, collar line, feet), and how to spot trouble before it becomes a vet bill. You’ll learn what not to do—no yanking through mats—and when to call a groomer for safe, humane help. Bonus: put that brushed-out fur to work as bird nesting material or a simple garden deterrent.

If you’re unsure which brush to buy, send us a photo and we’ll point you to the right tools. Our goal is simple: restore the coat, protect the skin, and build a routine you’ll actually keep. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a fellow pet parent, and leave a quick review so more dog lovers can find us. Ready to book or ask a question? Visit HoundTherapy.com or call 469-367-0009.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

A bather thrown onto the grooming table. A self-taught stylist searching for structure. An instructor who now teaches the patterns, patience, and empathy that build calm dogs and loyal clients. Alexis joins us to trace the real path from raw talent to reliable results, opening up about the habits that changed everything: repeatable technique, clear boundaries, and a commitment to “humanity over vanity.”

We unpack how a consistent workflow turns chaos into clarity—why a simple set of rules works across breeds, how hand scissoring improves with pattern-based practice, and what it takes to keep quality high when the day runs long. Alexis explains why she loves standard poodles, how she handles creative requests like mohawks responsibly, and why saying no can be an act of care when a style doesn’t match a coat type, maintenance schedule, or temperament.

The conversation goes deeper into mindset. Perfection is a myth on live animals, and chasing it can rattle confidence. Alexis shares how she sheds self-criticism, read stress signals, and built trust with nervous dogs through slower sessions and consistent handling. For aspiring groomers, we offer practical guidance on choosing a grooming school or salon: observe safety standards, ask about hands-on hours, and find mentors who pair skill with empathy. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll learn how realistic goals, home care, and steady rebooking lead to healthier coats and happier visits.

If this story leaves you inspired to elevate your grooming routine—or to start your career with purpose—tap follow, share with a friend who loves dogs, and leave a quick review so more pet lovers can find the show. Ready to book or tour the academy? Call 469-367-0009 or visit online.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

A senior Shih Tzu walks stressed, and walks out calm, clean, and comfortable—watched by a tearful owner who just needed a team that put care first. That moment sits at the center of our conversation with Samantha, whose journey from bather to groomer to instructor shows why humane handling and health-focused decisions define a true professional.

We share how “humanity over vanity” reshapes the daily grind: reading stress signals, working in pairs for safety, and styling to the dog’s limits rather than a perfect picture. Samantha opens up about the hardest shift—learning to teach by stepping back—and the patience it takes to let students make mistakes while keeping pets safe. You’ll hear how small, repeatable practices create big wins: a steady hold, a shorter session, clear roles, and a calm voice that slows the room down when a senior dog needs a different plan.

If you’re exploring a grooming career, we dig into the training path that actually works. Online lessons can cover tool care, anatomy, and safety basics, but true skill is tactile and timing-based, built through in-person reps with a coach at your shoulder. Samantha shares the early Rottweiler groom that sparked her confidence, the systems we use to build speed without losing welfare, and how mentoring turns strong groomers into thoughtful leaders. Along the way, we highlight why owners stay loyal when they see skin issues flagged early, mobility respected, and anxious dogs handled with empathy.

Come for the stories, stay for the blueprint: practical tips for new groomers, a real look at teaching in the salon, and a culture that keeps talent growing. If you believe grooming is part healthcare and part craft, you’ll find tools and encouragement here. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s grooming-curious, and leave a review with the one handling tip you wish you’d learned sooner.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

Is Your Puppy Company Ready For The Holidays?

The holidays don’t have to turn your living room into a zoo. We break down a humane, step-by-step playbook to keep your dog calm, guests comfortable, and memories photo-ready—from nail grinding and fresh coats to clear house rules that prevent door dashes, food theft, and accidental scratches. With years of grooming and behavior know-how, we walk through real-world solutions that work when the doorbell won’t stop ringing and the kitchen’s in full swing.

We start with stress signals most owners miss, then map out the home setup that changes everything: quiet zones with crates or bedrooms, posted rules for guests, and simple gear like gates, leashes, and place cots. You’ll hear how to protect a puppy’s schedule, when to invite your dog into the action, and when to give them a break. We also share a practical training plan you can run between toasts—short reps of sit, down, stay, and place—so your dog learns to greet politely and settle amid the bustle. For families with kids visiting, we outline a fast meet-and-greet script, kid-safe petting rules, and the non-negotiable moments to step in before excitement turns risky.

As the calendar flips, we prepare for New Year fireworks with a calm routine, early vet consults for meds if needed, and sound-dampening strategies that actually help. Our approach is simple: choose humanity over vanity, support the dog you have, and design the room so good choices are easy. By the end, you’ll know how to balance hospitality with safety, use the chaos to sharpen your training, and avoid the holiday horror story that lives in family photos for years. If these tips help, subscribe, share with a friend who hosts, and leave a quick review so more pet parents can have a calmer season.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

How Can I Prepare For Travel And Grooming?

Headed out of town with a dog who hates surprises? We share a practical roadmap for stress-free travel and boarding, blending pro grooming strategy with real-world safety tips so your pet arrives calm, clean, and comfortable. From airline fine print to harness choices that prevent escape, this conversation focuses on preparation that actually works when plans change and nerves spike.

We start by decoding air travel: how carrier dimensions vary by airline, why some carriers ban noticeable scents, and how to coordinate fasting windows and anxiety options with your vet. Then we pivot to the car, where hydration, movement, and secure leads matter most. Along the way, we cover the unglamorous but essential gear—wet wipes, trash bags, digital vaccine records—and map out smart pit stops so high-energy or nervous dogs can reset without risk.

Grooming can make or break a trip, so we get specific. Book a bath, brush, and blowout five to seven days before departure to reduce odor and shedding without stressing your dog the day before you leave. If you’re boarding, consider a short kennel cut to prevent matting when daily brushing is uncertain; or ask about brush-out services if you want to keep length. We also break down how to vet a boarding facility: insist on a clean walkthrough, clarify play policies, confirm exit baths, and leave written notes about behavior and meds. Elderly or vaccine-limited dogs may do better with vet-run boarding and less social contact.

Health prep is nonnegotiable. Beyond core vaccines, talk to your vet about regional risks like Lyme and ensure your records are accessible on the road. Pack a familiar item—pillow or toy—for comfort, and designate an emergency contact who can make decisions fast if you’re unreachable. Whether you choose a plane cabin, a cross-country drive, or a quiet kennel stay, choosing comfort over vanity and planning over guesswork will protect your dog and your trip. If this helped, subscribe, share with a fellow pet traveler, and leave a review so more pet parents can find expert guidance when it counts.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

Why Do Pet Daycares & Franchises Need A Grooming Consultant Before Expanding?

Thinking about adding grooming to your pet business but worried about cost, chaos, or culture drift? We unpack why grooming is not an add-on and how a consulting-first approach protects profit, safety, and sanity. With Shannon and Tanya from Hound Therapy, we trace the full journey from idea to execution: what owners miss, how to staff, what to buy, and how to keep the power dynamic healthy so one role never holds the whole operation hostage.

We get specific about cross-training and why your front desk should understand coat prep times, service menus, and realistic scheduling. You’ll hear how bathers, groomers, and reception support each other, sell add-ons ethically, and create consistent outcomes that clients love. We talk risk management inside the grooming room—intake assessments, drying policies, sanitation, drainage, ventilation—and why a written grooming handbook is non-negotiable. The result is a safer, calmer space that pets tolerate and teams can run without burnout.

Money matters get an honest look. We break down the pitfalls of a flat 50 percent commission off the top and explore compensation structures that align with throughput, rebook rates, safety, and client satisfaction. Then we walk through equipment essentials—tubs, high-velocity dryers, tables, clippers, blades, and coat-specific products—and how the right gear pays for itself in durability and finish quality. Even within a franchise, your grooming program can become the premium differentiator when you lead with training, protocols, and humanity over vanity.

If you’re ready to build grooming the professional way—clear pricing, clear roles, and clear safety—hit play, take notes, and send this to a fellow operator. Subscribe, leave a review to tell us what you want next, and share this with a pet pro who needs a blueprint.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

How Did Your Grooming Academy Start?

The leap from clippers to classrooms didn’t start as a dream. It started as a need. We kept meeting groomers with years of experience who were still missing core skills, and clients who expected consistent results without understanding the craft behind them. So we built a curriculum and a culture that treats grooming as a profession, not just a trade, and the difference shows up in safety, quality, and respect.

We walk through what standards really mean in a pet salon. Yes, AKC patterns shape our technique, but most dogs aren’t headed to a show ring. They’re seniors with sensitive skin, puppies learning table manners, or couch companions with busy owners. That’s why we teach judgment alongside scissors: when to modify a pattern, how to prioritize skin health over style, and how to balance client wishes with humane care. Standardized education raises the floor for salons everywhere—clear sanitation, behavior protocols, drying safety, tool choices—and gives groomers the language to explain pricing and set boundaries.

If you’ve ever thought grooming was just puppy cuddles, we lay out the truth. The job is physical, time-pressured, and often thankless. We talk about standing all day, handling difficult dogs with calm hands, and keeping your cool when clients minimize matting or training gaps. Professionalism is more than a smile; it’s clear intake, honest assessments, documented conditions, and the courage to say “not today” when safety is at risk. We share how we broke down our own muscle memory into teachable steps, created a flow that students can rely on, and built a pathway for new groomers to grow without picking up bad habits.

By the end, you’ll understand why education isn’t a luxury but the backbone of better salons, healthier pets, and sustainable careers. If you’re exploring grooming as a career or you’re a pet parent who wants the best care, this conversation offers a transparent look at the craft, the standards, and the human skills that make it work. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves dogs, and leave a review to tell us what topic you want next.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009

Send a text

Do You Approach Grooming Differently Depending On Their Coats?

Think your doodle doesn’t shed or your lab is low-maintenance? We peel back the layers of coat biology to show why looks deceive and what real grooming takes for curly, double, and short-coated pets. From prep to finish, we walk through the exact workflows that keep skin healthy and coats clean: line-brushing curly hair from wet to fully dry for an even cut, strategic de-shedding for undercoats that “blow” seasonally, and careful fold care and skincare routines for short-haired, wrinkle-faced breeds.

Shannon and Tanya share hands-on techniques that separate a quick tidy from a lasting, healthy groom. Learn why length on doodles demands frequent visits and daily home brushing, how force drying and rakes pull astonishing amounts of undercoat from German Shepherds, Huskies, Pomeranians, and Labs, and why even sleek cats can fill a bin when bathed and dried correctly. We explore common myths—like “non-shedding” coats—along with tool choices that prevent brush burn, manage stress, and protect the skin. Expect practical takeaways: realistic scheduling, at-home maintenance tips, and how to talk to your groomer about goals without compromising comfort.

You’ll also hear which breeds surprise us most, from cottony Westies to deceptively dense Wheatens, and why short coats need meticulous skincare rather than fewer appointments. Whether you’re a pet parent or a budding groomer, this is your roadmap to matching care plans to coat structure, not just appearance—so your pet looks great, feels better, and sheds less around the house. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest grooming myth—we might feature it next time.

To learn more about Hound Therapy visit:
https://www.HoundTherapy.com
Hound Therapy
3509 E Park Blvd.
Plano, TX
469-367-0009