The Grooming Table

by Working Smarter, Not Harder Dog grooming is one of those jobs people assume is “just cuddling dogs all day.”  When I decided to retrain just before Covid hit, I thought it would be fun to work with dogs as my career. Having been a horse owner for a few decades, I used to love clipping my horse every autumn. How different it actually is to be clipping out numerous dogs a day… It’s exhausting!  It’s also incredibly physical and demanding. Being a dog groomer is a skill that demands focus, patience, and resilience, day after day. This is where the problem can lie: day after day. I only planned to groom ten dogs a week, working three days a week. How soon my dog grooming business became full time, with sometimes double that amount of dogs to groom. This was not the plan, but booking in dogs on a schedule is something that happens very quietly over time.   Dog Grooming Burnout doesn’t usually arrive suddenly. Again, it creeps in disguised as tiredness, frustration, impatience and feeling totally overwhelmed. I have felt periods of this over the last few years and I knew I had to reduce the workload and take control.  Avoiding burnout isn’t about working longer hours or pushing through the exhaustion. It is also not being “proud” of being booked out for months ahead with no breaks. It’s about working smarter, not harder.  Burnout is not a personal failure  If you’re exhausted, it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for grooming. More often, it means your business is asking more from you than one human body can give. When systems, pricing, scheduling, or boundaries are off, burnout follows, even if you love the dogs and their owners.   Stop overbooking and start protecting your energy  Cramming in “just one more dog” is one of the fastest routes to exhaustion. Fewer, well spaced grooms allow you to work calmly, safely, and to a higher standard. Rushing doesn’t just drain you; the dogs feel it too. They feed off your energy and if you are frustrated and tired, they in turn will start to feel edgy and their non compliance will show on the table.  Price for sustainability, not survival  Your prices need to support your body and your future, not just cover today’s bills. Grooming is skilled, physical labour, and undercharging often leads to longer days, sore bodies, and resentment. Why do we worry about putting our prices up? Believe me, I wince when telling a client their groom has gone up by £5. But do you think Tesco’s wince when they put a fiver on a bottle of olive oil? It’s whether you choose to pay it. And that is exactly what your client needs to decide. I can categorically say that perhaps one client out of the hundred I see may raise an eyebrow on the price rise, but they pay it. Everybody else shows understanding.  With rising prices in all avenues of running a professional dog grooming business, you need to earn a decent living. The clue is in the word “professional” which is what you are and you need to be paid accordingly.  Give every groom the time it deserves  Build realistic groom times and stick to them. When you’re constantly running behind, stress compounds quickly. Clear timings protect your mental focus, your hands, and your confidence.  Review your booking system carefully. When you take time off, the weeks before and after can become overly busy, so it’s important to manage spacing in advance. Set the appointments yourself instead of allowing clients to choose what suits them best. For dogs on a regular grooming schedule, extending the groom by an extra week will not negatively impact the coat. Choose the right clients for you  Not every dog is the right fit, and that’s okay. Saying no to unsafe, highly stressed, or unsuitable dogs isn’t being difficult; it’s being professional. A business built around dogs that you can groom well and safely is far more sustainable. I decided a few years ago that I would not groom large dogs or those that weigh over 25kg. Battling with a dog that will not get in the bath, scratching me from my arms to my ankles, is not my idea of fun in my fifth decade of life. I will leave that to the younger generation of groomers or larger salons that have a team of staff to deal with very difficult cases.  Create routines to reduce mental load  Decision fatigue is real. Consistent routines for prep, bathing, drying, and finishing save energy and brain space. The fewer decisions you make each day, the calmer feeling you will bring to the table. I excelled at faffing, and my grooming would sometimes be unstructured. Maintaining a good routine when grooming dogs will lead to a calmer mind.  Organise the boring stuff  Admin, cleaning, laundry, ordering, and social media don’t need to happen every day. Again, keep a routine when it comes to these tasks and you will stop your job from bleeding into every corner of your life.   Schedule rest as a non-negotiable  Breaks aren’t a luxury. Hydration, food, and short pauses between dogs help prevent physical strain and emotional overload. At the start of the New Year, block out time off and do not book dogs in where your diary says off. I’ve done it with clients who have watched me book in dogs where the day states OFF just to accommodate them. And they say nothing but that actually speaks volumes!   Remember why “working smarter” matters  A calmer, well-supported groomer creates calmer dogs, better grooms, and a business that feels good to run. Burnout helps no one. Not you, not the dogs, and not your clients.  You don’t need to do more to be successful. You need to do what works, in a way that lets you keep going. Working smarter isn’t about slowing down either. It’s about building a grooming business that supports you for the long term, both mentally and physically.  I have slowly started to regain control of the business, which I created had turned into a bit of a monster. Over time, you will naturally lose dogs that pass away or clients relocate. I have tried hard to not replace them and to let the business scale down to a manageable level. What client wants to see a stressed out, sweaty, messy wreck when they bring their dog for a groom?  And I know I have sported that look over the years…  by Samantha Hobden In the spring of 2026, Samantha is launching a dog grooming mentor service. Please email: socialstable@gmail.com for more details about how she can help you build the best dog grooming business for you, your bank account and for your brain!

With the late Queen renowned for her love of Corgis, King Charles has been considered a terrier man with rescued Jack Russells running around his Highgrove estate. Queen Camilla’s beloved Jack Russell Beth sadly passed away with an untreatable tumour last autumn, so you would imagine perhaps another terrier would be introduced to the royal pack. But no! King Charles has fallen in love with a Crufts Best In Show winning breed: the tight curled Lagotto Romagnolo. According to sources, they share a common love of hunting for truffles, which the Logotto has the supreme nose for snuffling out this woodland delicacy. So what is known about this breed? The Lagotto Romagnolo is an ancient and unique dog breed with its origins in Italy dating back over two thousand years. This breed was deeply rooted to the Romagna region primarily as a water retriever. In the 19th century, the wetlands in the Romagna region started to be drained, the Lagotto’s role as a water retriever became less necessary. It was around this time that they were found to be useful truffle hunters, an activity that would define the breed’s future. The Lagotto Romagnolo’s keen sense of smell and natural ability to detect truffles underground made them invaluable to truffle hunters (and the King). This special talent continues to be the breed’s primary purpose today, especially in central Italy and parts of France. Over the last fifty years, the Lagotto has also become a beloved companion animal due to its friendly and affectionate nature. The breed is known for its curly, water-resistant coat and its intelligence, making it a versatile dog in both working and family environments. This curly dog’s increased presence in grooming salons reflects its popularity as a pet, as more owners embrace the responsibilities of caring for this special breed. Many owners request a pet curly coat cut, which would be similar to grooming a Cockapoo but this coat breed standard style is treating its double coat. They need to have minimum combing and brushing out to avoid damaging the coat and remove any mats or knots while damp. The head is left full with a heavy fringe and the bridge of the nose is traditionally left and not scissored clean. The King’s adoption of a Lagotto Romagnolo will no doubt boost the breed’s popularity, drawing attention to their unique qualities. Above all, these intelligent dogs will continue be known as a loyal and loving fun dog with a royal stamp of approval! Lagotto Romagnolo Stats: Lifespan: 15-17 years Weight: Around 13-16kg for males and between 11-14kg for females Height: Between 43-48cm for males, and between 41-46cm for females Colours: Coats come in solid off-white, white with brown or orange markings, orange roan, brown roan and brown Temperament: Alert, intelligent and lively. They need to use their brains with plenty of exercise. Image credits: PA, Kennel Club, BeatMedia & Wikipedia Commons

With the recent TikTok drama in the US celebrities, influencers and small businesses lost their accounts overnight with a blank screen praying for Trump to help! Working with students starting their new dog grooming businesses, I always preach the importance of having a website to promote their business and engage with new clients. When I pointed out that there was no personal ownership of your Facebook, Instagram or TikTok profiles and that accounts could be closed down overnight, it was always spoken in jest. I would never have envisaged that in 2025 we would be dealing with networks having potential shutdowns. Having your own website is yours and no one else’s. You have control over how it is presented and it is also a vital platform to engage with new clients. If you are still to be persuaded to step into your own World Wide Web home, here are some positives to consider: Professionalism and Credibility A website establishes your business as legitimate and professional. In today’s digital age, customers often expect businesses to have an online presence. It builds trust with potential clients, as they can easily find information about your services, pricing, and contact details. An audience can get a feel of who you are. Most dog owners feel they are dropping off their child when having them groomed so they can gain an insight into who you are through your website. In a recent YouGov Poll, 79% of Brits agree that a business with a well-designed website is more credible than a business with just a ‘shop window’ social media page. 59% added that they are more likely to repeat business with a well-designed or easy-to-use website, over one that isn’t. These are figures not to be ignored! Showcase Your Services Having a website provides a platform to highlight your grooming services, special packages, and any unique offerings (e.g., mobile grooming, spa treatments, etc.). By including photos of your work, customer testimonials, and before-and-after images this showcases your expertise to a wider audience and not solely through a social media platform. With SEO (search engine optimisation) you can attract clients that are in your region. “Dog Groomers Near Me” is the most searched term when a client is seeking this service. Google will pick your website over a social media page. Competitive Advantage Many dog grooming businesses already have websites. Without one, you risk losing potential clients to competitors who are more visible online. Remember not everyone has a social media profile. Retired Mrs Brown with her two Cavapoos is more likely to contact you through a website than via Instagram. A well designed website can help you differentiate your business and highlight what makes you unique. Marketing and Promotion A website serves as a central home for your marketing efforts. You can promote special offers, discounts, or loyalty programs to attract and retain customers. Most website hosting and building services have a blogging page which can be utilised to write about dog care tips or grooming advice. This can position you as an expert in your field and drive traffic to your site. Adaptability and Growth As your business grows, your website can evolve to include new services, online stores for pet products, or additional locations. It’s a scalable tool that can adapt to your business needs over time. In summary, a website is a critical tool for establishing your dog grooming business, attracting customers, and staying competitive in a growing industry. It’s an investment that can significantly impact your business’s success and growth. With some technical savvy, it is easy to build your website through web builders such as Squarespace, Go Daddy, Wix or WordPress. However, to create a sleek, professional website is sometimes best left to the experts. by Samantha Hobden

From Stable to the Show Ring! Stepping into the exhilarating world of horse showing as a newcomer can be boththrilling and daunting. As you prepare to highlight your horse’s talents and your ownskills in the arena, it’s essential to arm yourself with knowledge, plenty of patienceand work with a deep understanding of the bond between you and your horse.Learning the skills to show your horse can throw up challenges but also rewards bycompeting alongside fellow equestrians, laying the foundation for a fulfilling journeyin the world of horse showing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills, here are five toptips to help you begin: Know the Basics Before entering any competitions, ensure you and your horsehave a solid foundation in basic training. This includes groundwork, obedience toinstruction, and basic riding skills. Your horse should be comfortable with beinghandled, groomed, and tacked up in preparation for shows. Source information frombreed societies and their rulebooks about how horses or ponies should be turned outfor showing classes. Information online is in abundance, but opinions may vary. So,find an experienced competitor or trainer that gives solid and clear advice.Practice and Prepare: Consistent practice is key to success in horse showing.Spend time off season refining your riding skills and working on specific manoeuvresrequired for your chosen classes. Practice in different environments particularly incompany to help your horse become accustomed to the distractions and atmosphereof a show ring. Cantering in a ring with other horses can be an excitable party tomany inexperienced horses, so train them to be used to horses cantering in front,around and beside them. Choose the Right Classes: Decide which classes suit both you and your horse’sability and interest. If it is your first outing in the show ring choose a class that suitsyour level of experience and your horse’s ability, treating it as a training session. Usein hand classes for younger and green horses to gain experience in the show ring. Ifyou are still not sure which class to enter then head out to your local show and watchsome classes. Take note of how they perform, what they are wearing and how theyare turned out. Presentation Matters: Pay attention to your appearance and your horse’spresentation. Ensure both you and your horse are clean, well-groomed, and properlyturned out for class. Your turn out should be correct for the chosen class, so do yourresearch beforehand. Ensure tack is supple, clean and correctly fitted to the horse and not too fussy. Judges will be looking at the overall picture of nice turnout and a well-schooled horse. Seek Feedback and Learn: Take advantage of opportunities to learn and improve.Attend clinics, workshops, and lessons with experienced trainers or riders. Don’t beafraid to ask for feedback from judges or more experienced competitors after yourfirst few showing classes. Learning from both successes and mistakes will help yougrow as a rider and improve your performance in future shows. Remember, horse showing is as much about the journey and the bond you developwith your horse as it is about winning ribbons. Stay patient, stay positive, and most ofall have fun! Heathfield Agricultural Show is on Saturday 25th May 2024.

The new S/S 22 Equetech Collection is here, bringing together fabric innovation and beautiful design for the stylish equestrian. Choose from a range of stunning new additions, from waterproof outers to beat those sudden spring/summer showers, competition wear to wow the judges, and gorgeous summer style to enjoy in and out of the saddle. EQUETECH HYDRO RIDER LONG WATERPROOF COAT This long, stylish waterproof and windproof coat is perfect for dressage training, hacking out, dog walking and other equestrian pursuits. Made from a breathable lightweight shell with micro padded fill, this coat is ideal for all year round wear. Featuring reflective stripes to gussets for 360° visibility, double waterproof zip gussets to back, this coat has a two-layer storm flap that conceals a shorter, waisted easy-wear gilet style front with durable zip to front for simplicity and durability. Other design elements you’ll love include a concealed adjustable hood, inner storm cuffs, elastically elastic waist, two-way front pockets and internal zip pocket. Available up to a 3XL as standard. A timeless, heritage piece that you’ll return to time and time again, season upon season to come. RRP: £166.95 Sizes: XS – 3XL EQUETECH MENS WYATT COMPETITION JACKET Let’s Hear It For The Boys! This stylish men’s riding jacket has been designed in a new technical stretch fabric, with a durable finish and underarm ventilation eyelets for reliable airflow when you need it. Other features include a mesh-lined torso, unlined sleeves, double-vented back and hidden zip fastening with a sleek button to the front, faux chest pocket and two lower zip pockets to the front. This extremely low maintenance jacket is tailored to feel like your favourite blazer and is styled with a durable knitted Ponte fabric with 6% spandex for superb stretch and shape retention. Everything you need to keep you looking and feeling cool on competition day. RRP: £130.50 – £156.50 Sizes: 34 -46 EQUETECH ROSALIA COMPETITION SHIRT With rose gold dominating equestrian fashion, Equetech sprinkles this pretty metallic throughout their new collection. The Rosalia features a zip front detail with the brand’s iconic Equetech horse-bit pull in rose gold, rose gold embellishment to the back and unique raglan sleeves with mesh inserts that wrap flatteringly around the body, giving you the ultimate in on-trend stylish competition wear. (Shown in header image) RRP: £44.95 Sizes: XS – 3XL GET THE LOOK This summer, dive into the beautiful, flattering hue of lavender with some spring/summer riding staples you’ll love. The Equetech Active Extreme Short Sleeve Layer (RRP: £41.95 Sizes: S-XXL) features unique raglan sleeves with mesh inserts that wrap around the body, giving you ultimate comfort and breathability in the saddle to help you deliver your best performance! Team with the Equetech Thermic Gilet (RRP: £72.95 Sizes: S-XXL) for the perfect balance of comfort, design and function. The quilted panels are designed to flatter your silhouette, and it’s so lightweight you barely know you have it on! A timeless piece you will come back to time and time again. Features include two zipped outer pockets with Rose Gold zip pulls, thermal pocket linings, high neck style, curved back hem, faux down filling and Equetech badge to the left sleeve as worn. The Equetech Signature Riding Tights (RRP: £59.95 Sizes: XS -3XL) are signature by name and signature by design! Featuring all the elements you’ve come to love in the brand’s riding tight design; Technical 4-way stretch construction with compression and new for this season, Equetech contrast signature 3D sporty logo tape down the outer legs! Other features include horse-bit matt silicone grip seat and vented side panels to lower legs, ergonomic flat-lock seams to deliver a comfortable, chafe-free fit, wide comfort pull-on waistband with excellent shape retention and two thigh pockets (large enough for a smartphone). Perfect for training and leisure activities. And with matching hat silks also available (RRP: £16.95). www.equetech.com                            

Author of the hilarious best-seller ‘From Nags to Numbnuts’ Daniel Skinner (better known as Skint Dressage Daddy), has put pen to paper again with his humorous take on life with horses. With his horse mad family knee deep in expensive shavings, numerous blingy bridles and horse rugs that could clothe all the Queen’s horses, Stable Condition: How To Stay Sane With Horse People is a must-read for equestrian lovers and their long suffering family and friends. Horse owner Gilly recently reviewed this book for Haynet and gave us her thoughts: “With the gloomy winter months ahead, us horse owners need a laugh so I was more than happy to read Stable Condition and give it my review. Being a horse owner for many years, I totally could see the issues from my husband’s point of view and sympathised with the author’s views, although I have to fund my own horse… The book gave an honest insight into horse ownership in a humourous way and there were many times that I laughed out loud reading the book! The book would appeal to teenagers and adults who own or have owned horses in the past. It is also a good read for the family members too and to sympathise with the trials and tribulations horse ownership can bring. Overall I really enjoyed reading Stable Condition and would definitely recommend the book.“ So to get you through the next few wintery months of horse ownership, why not delve into Skint Dressage Daddy’s world and laugh at this fantastic but bonkers hobby that we all love! To purchase visit Amazon or Skint Dressage Daddy