GROOM CGQ_Issue3_Proof_rev2 | Page 31

ow el By K cie Br Creative grooming can mean many different things to different people. For some, it is an expression of creativity or a chance to do something new. For others, it may be great advertising or even a profitable service offered in addition to grooming. But, for every groomer, creative grooming should be about safety. The NAPCG strongly believes that animals, their safety, and their comfort should never be sacrificed for the sake of a groom and that animals deserve nothing but respect and compassion. Creative grooming, specifically coloring, should only be done by those who have been properly educated in the technique. Knowing which products are safe, and how to properly apply them are two common factors that must be considered before attempting a creative groom. Choosing the best products and techniques for the right pet can be tricky. Coat type, skin condition, personality, and even the pet’s living conditions must be taken into account. Different color mediums can and will yield various results for different coat types, even among the same breed. The safest products could cause a skin reaction in a pet with no history of skin conditions*. Understanding how all these factors interact with one another is key to safely and effectively adding that something extra to your grooms, especially when applying color. With so many factors affecting your creative groom, it may seem a bit intimidating or overwhelming, especially if you are new to creative. Not to worry, though, for the NAPCG was founded to help groomers better understand and market creative grooming. We provide a variety of ways to learn! The member forum is an excellent place for discussion and questions, which we believe is one of the best ways to learn! The NAPCG will be sponsoring seminars at several major trade shows all over the U.S. throughout the year, and we are currently developing instructional tools that will cover numerous creative topics. Check out the next issue of the magazine, our website, member forum, or the NAPCG Facebook page for updates! Through proper education, we can all help the world of creative grooming become more acceptable and continue to blossom! *It is up to you, as a professional groomer, to always perform a skin sensitivity test for each medium used.