Episode 33: An Introduction to the Essentials of Dog Grooming with Kelli Gilliss

Do you find the world of grooming can sometimes seem overwhelming? Did you know that dogs have different grooming needs based on their breed and coat type? Understanding what to expect in your dog’s grooming experience can help put your mind at ease to know you have chosen the right groomer!

In this Episode of the Muttz with Mannerz™ Canine Academy Podcast, host Corey McCusker is joined by Kelli Gillis, ICG, Certified Professional Groomer to discuss the essentials of dog grooming – including types of coats, what’s involved in a grooming session and more!

In this episode, Corey and Kelli cover:

  • Introducing Certified International Groomer and Canine Coach, Kelli Gilliss and a funny story on how Kelli got started.
  • The different breeds and coat types of dogs.
  • What a typical grooming session with Kelli involves.
  • Why groomers may use a high-velocity dryer, versus a traditional dryer.
  • The typical length of a grooming session and why it can vary by dog.
  • Specific techniques and tools that Kelli uses.
  • Some of Kelli’s most requested grooming cuts.
  • Common challenges for the dog and groomer, including the impact of mats.
  • How Kelli deals with a dog’s anxiety or fear in her practice.
  • The health and well-being benefits of regularly grooming your dog.
  • What owners can do at home to maintain their dog’s grooming and how they can prepare their dog for a visit to a groomer.
  • The most dreaded aspect of grooming . . . maintaining your dog’s nails.
  • Upcoming grooming workshops at Muttz with Mannerz™.

Resources:

To learn more about grooming at Muttz with Mannerz™ visit us at www.muttzwithmannerz.com

Here are some links to different grooming products we recommend at Ren’s Pets

Andis,Cordless Nail Grinder – 6 Speed
https://www.renspets.com/products/andis-cordless-nail-grinder-6-speed

Q,Plier Style Nail Trimmer with Stopper – Large
https://www.renspets.com/products/q-plier-style-nail-trimmer-with-stopper

Millers Forge,Double Row Undercoat Rake
https://www.renspets.com/products/millers-forge-double-row-undercoat-rake

Q,Flexi Sft Dbl Sided Brush Slicker Brush-Lrg
https://www.renspets.com/products/q-flexi-soft-double-sided-brush-slicker-brush-large

Q,Matts B Gone – 5 blade
https://www.renspets.com/products/q-matts-b-gone

Q,Greyhound Regular Pin Comb, Fine/Coarse – 6.5”
https://www.renspets.com/products/q-greyhound-regular-pin-comb-fine-coarse

Wahl,DeShedder – For Dogs
https://www.renspets.com/products/wahl-deshedder-for-dogs

Q,Soft Pin Slicker with Flat Back – Large
https://www.renspets.com/products/q-soft-pin-slicker-with-flat-back

Q,Universal Style Slicker Hard Pin – Large
https://www.renspets.com/products/q-universal-style-slicker-hard-pin

Special Guest – Kelli Gilliss, ICG, Certified Professional Groomer
Kelli brings an extensive background of dog training and behavior management to her work as a Certified International Groomer and Canine Coach. She is a graduate of Sheridan College Animal Health and Sciences and continues her education in Advanced Canine Nutrition and the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers. Kelli currently holds the position of Chair on ODGA which stands for Ontario Dog Grooming Association.

Her experience began in 1991 as a groomer and progressed to include multiple awards in the competitive grooming industry and titles in dog obedience. Her passion lends its expertise to handling difficult to manage animals in both her grooming and training platforms. She worked as an “in clinic” trained veterinary technician since 1998 and Kelli now explores and practices holistic veterinary care.

Kelli keeps a happy home with her two Australian Shepherds, furpups Maui, 10 ½ yrs and Crue 2 years old, her two children, Ella and Owen, and her husband, Steve.

Your Host:

Corey McCusker, Canine Coach
Corey’s passion for helping humans and dogs excel led her to take a leap of faith after 22 years working in the Financial Industry to leave her corporate job in 2006 and start two companies. Corey is a Coach at heart and works with business leaders and high-performance teams, but her true passion has always been canines. She now has created a career that supports both.

Corey founded Muttz with Mannerz in 2006. Her foundation of knowledge which includes being a Senior Manager, Dog Trainer, Vet Assistant, World Tour Lead, and Mental Performance Coach helped her to launch the Canine Academy. The purpose of the academy is to assist pet parents build the foundation for their pups to be with them for life.

Corey believes in giving back to the community. Over many years she has volunteered at the Toronto Humane Society and the OSPCA and is also proud to be an evaluator for St. John Ambulance Dog Therapy Program. She held the position of Director of Communications on the board for the Canadian Association for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives from 2017-2019. She has been active with Markham Fair and been a Team Captain and on the Executive for Stouffville Ladies Floor Hockey League for over 15 years.

Corey has made Stouffville her home for the last 18 years and shares it with Mike, her partner, two stepdaughters, Karla and Alison, and their two energetic kittens, Dino and Demi. Over the years Corey has been fortunate to be blessed to share her life with 6 wonderful canines, Tilley ( Miniature Dachshund), Tiny, Kira (Great Danes), Fred(Maltese), Charlie(Morkie), and Cleo(Miniature Poodle). Corey and Mike welcomed their new puppy, Skye, a rescue Muttz from Manitoba reserves into their home in June. 2021. They have big hopes for her and look forward to Skye filling their lives with joy and being an active member of Team Muttz.

Contact:

Muttz with Mannerz – https://muttzwithmannerz.com

Corey’s Email – corey@muttzwithmannerz.com

Join Corey each month for the Women and Dog Circle Free Meetups you can register here >> https://www.seewhatshecando.com/women-and-dogs-circle

 

To read a transcript of this episode click here

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