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.

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.

Episode 492: GroomPod 492 Grooming Senior Dogs

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 In this enlightening episode, Barbara and Susy tackle the critical issue of misinformation and outdated practices within pet grooming education.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stresses the importance of continuous education, revealing that even well-respected figures can inadvertently spread outdated or incorrect information.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.

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.

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.&nbsp; 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 491: GroomPod 491 Quality of Educators and Chronic and Acute Stress

Episode 490: The Science of Touch & Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide Welcome 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: <ul>
<li>
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. 
</li>
<li>
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. 
</li>
</ul>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.

Episode 490: The Science of Touch & Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide Welcome 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.

Episode 490: The Science of Touch &amp; Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide Welcome 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: <ul>
<li>
The Neuroscience of Touch &amp; 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. 
</li>
<li>
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. 
</li>
</ul>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.

Episode 490: GroomPod 490  The Science of Touch, and Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide

Muzzles, stress signals, and the moisturizing system every groomer should know The 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 grooming Susy 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 options Why keeping muzzles clean is essential How treats, a calm voice, and thoughtful preparation can make muzzling less stressful Safety tools and alternatives, including e-collars, towel wraps, and halters Why compassion and safety should work together—not compete Segment 2: Understanding moisturization and product ingredients Barbara 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

Muzzles, stress signals, and the moisturizing system every groomer should know The 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 grooming Susy 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 options Why keeping muzzles clean is essential How treats, a calm voice, and thoughtful preparation can make muzzling less stressful Safety tools and alternatives, including e-collars, towel wraps, and halters Why compassion and safety should work together—not compete Segment 2: Understanding moisturization and product ingredients Barbara 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

Episode 489: GroomPod 489 Muzzles and Moisturizing part 2

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.

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.

Episode 486: GroomPod 486 Difficult nail trims and Ozonated oils

This episode includes a discussion of yorkie grooming and some blade care, too.

Episode 307: GroomPod 307 Yorkie tips and Blade care

Susy gives her review of Groomexpo west 2021, Barbara pontificates about Head and Shoulders and other human medicated shampoos, and we discuss tips for grooming giant breeds. This episode is unedited.

Episode 306: GroomPod 306 *unedited* Groomexpo west 21, head and shoulders talk, and tips for Giant breeds

The Ladies discuss the different brush options.

Episode 305: GroomPod 305 All about Brushes

Providing exceptional customer service, DMDM Hydantoin, and Chrome coat vs The Maxx are food for thought in episode 304.

Episode 304: GroomPod 304 Exceptional customer service, DMDM Hydantoin, Chrome coat vs The Maxx

Can we demat humanely? What ingredients protect from heat and dematting damage, and learn about this cool Pannello brush/comb hybrid.

Episode 303: GroomPod 303 Humanity vs. vanity: dematting, ingredients that protect from heat, pannello comb/brush

The ladies discuss Scottie grooming tips, and learn the function of alpha hydroxy acids in the ingredient list.  Plus cooling tips for the summer heat.

The ladies discuss Scottie grooming tips, and learn the function of alpha hydroxy acids in the ingredient list. Plus cooling tips for the summer heat.

The ladies discuss Scottie grooming tips, and learn the function of alpha hydroxy acids in the ingredient list.&nbsp; Plus cooling tips for the summer heat.

Episode 302: GroomPod 302: Scottie grooming tips, alpha hydroxy acids, keeping cool in the heat

We discuss the mystery of dilution ratios and when we might choose not to give a bath.

Episode 301: GroomPod 301: Dilution ratios and when we choose not to bathe

The live 300th show, slightly edited and micelles.

Episode 300: GroomPod 300 live 19 the celebration and micelles

Unedited, warts and all! How and when to quit your job, Nitrosamines and starting your personal ingredient journey.

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