Happy Hoodie - A Safe, Natural Way To Calm Your Pet During Grooming

The Happy Hoodie for pets was developed by Tracy Carmean and Toni Vernetti. Their combined experience of over 22 years in the grooming industry revealed the need for a humane, drug free way to make force drying a kinder, safer, and less stressful experience for pets, as well as saving time and frustration for the groomer.

These determined, committed animal lovers developed the Happy Hoodie which was then tested for over a year. Testing proved that the Happy Hoodie provided relief from the anxiety caused by the noise of high velocity dryers.

The simple premise that a dog's ears are sensitive and loud noises can hurt them, combined with a common sense approach to shield your dog from loud noises, resulted in the Happy Hoodie. The soft, expandable, lightweight, comfortable band is placed over a pet’s ears to provide protection from the loud noise and high-pressured air associated with force drying. The Happy Hoodie is easy to use and most pets do not try to remove it unlike cotton balls which they will shake out or towels which fall off. The Happy Hoodie offers a natural remedy for dog anxiety.

While initially designed for professional pet groomers, the Happy Hoodie is ideal for both the grooming shop and at home. It comes in two sizes to accommodate most breeds as well as cats.

When drying an animal, pets can become frightened, upset and anxious due to the deafening noise and high pressured air associated with the process. The Happy Hoodie muffles the painfully loud noise and keeps the high pressured air from getting into their ears and causing discomfort. The Happy Hoodie has an almost immediate calming effect on anxious dogs which greatly improves behavior! For both professional dog groomers and pet owners a calm pet makes for a safer environment and saves time and frustration with the grooming process. The calming effect of Happy Hoodie has even been helpful for nail trimming.

All pets differ in their sensitivity to noise. Many pets are frightened by the sound of the vacuum or become terror stricken and run away at the sound of thunder, fireworks, and gunfire. The Happy Hoodie can help to calm your pet in these situations and many others in the home.

To use, simply place the Happy Hoodie over the pet's head and onto its neck. Place the ears against the pet's head so that air cannot get into them and slide the band back over the top of the head to secure the ears in place. Adjust the width of the band to best fit the pet by folding over excess material once the band is on. It only takes a few seconds to put on and what a HUGE difference it makes. Remove the Happy Hoodie to dry the head, ears, and face. You will notice that the Happy Hoodie absorbs moisture, cutting drying time.

When using massage to calm an anxious pet, therapists focus on acupressure points around the back of the dog's neck. Dogs have acupressure points on top of the head between the ears that are touched to “calm the spirit”. We have all seen how relaxed a dog gets when their ears are massaged. Perhaps the Happy Hoodies snug fit stimulate these pressure points to add to the calming effect. Whatever the reason, this amazing, easy to use product is catching the eye of professional dog groomers everywhere. Posts on pet groomer websites rave about this exciting product and recommend it to other groomers. There is no better advertisement than word of mouth from a happy customer.

Cherrybrook is proud to offer the Happy Hoodie to professional groomers and pet owners to calm anxious dogs and make the drying process faster and less stressful for both the dog and the groomer!

Wood Wornall Counts on Chris Christensen

Why do winning dog handlers rely on Chris Christensen Products? Read the following letter from Professional Dog Handler Wood Wornall to find out.

I am a great believer in the old adage "it's a poor craftsman who blames his tools". I am also a firm believer in using equipment and shampoos that will make my job easier and the results better.

I was first introduced to Chris Christensen and his products many years ago. The first product that I used was his whitening shampoo. It was apparent to all of us that there was no product to compare to it. Then I sampled one of his pin brushes. My reaction was to throw out all the old brushes in my tack box and buy three more!! I am serious when I tell you that this is the same reaction we have had to all of Chris's products. From shampoos and conditioners to blow dryers, from stripping knives to thinning shears to brushes and combs.

I am not the hardest "sell" in my organization. Anyone who knows my daughter, Jenny, KNOWS we refer to her as the "queen of product". She is our biggest fan of Chris's products.

If you were to ask me why his products are superior, I can sum it up easily. Chris is a perfectionist. He is innovative and he listens to his costumers. His products are always the top of the line. If you have any suggestions, he and Eric are always willing to listen.

How refreshing is that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Wood Wornall

Chris Christensen Kool Dry Dryer

Chris Christensen Systems is proud to announce that they are the new manufacturer of the Kool Dry Dryer.

The tried and true Kool Dry Dryer and its loyal following of satisfied users is the ideal match to the Chris Christensen philosophy of providing high quality dog grooming products to dog show professionals and professional dog groomers.

Since its creation in 1978, the Kool Dry Dog Dryer has proven to be an engineering marvel. The versatility of the variable speeds, the durability of the polyethylene base, the efficiency of the motor all speak to its function as a reliable dryer for the dog professional.

With a power draw comparable to a standard hand held hair dryer, the Kool Dry will not cause circuit breakers to overload like many other dog dryers. In fact, this amazing dryer starts at 1 amp and peaks at 9.6 amps when at full speed. This important feature, combined with its light weight, make it perfect for dog shows, professional dog handlers and mobile grooming shops.

Because the Kool Dry does not add heat to the air, dogs and dog groomers alike, will not become overheated.

The design of the rust proof housing conceals sound absorbing foam and the most efficient motor on the market. The result of these high quality components is the quietest dryer in the industry.

This easy to maintain dryer allows for years of reliable, trouble-free use. This dryer does it all! Over 200 settings, from a silent puff of air to high velocity to blow water out of the dogs coat. Easy to use attachments and accessories, such as the Hold-A-Hose, provide great versatility when working with multiple breeds and coat types.

When asked about Cubic Feet per Minute, Lisa Christensen replies:
We just purchased the company Kool Dry and started manufacturing them June 1st. The previous owner of the company did not get actual lab testing on the CFM. The motor company that makes the motor does claim a CFM of 123 - but this is the motor all by itself, not in the casing and not pushing the air through a hose, which of course increases that number drastically. We are currently in the process of having a lab run all specs for us and I currently cannot answer your question other than to tell you that the Kool Dry Dryer is a variable speed from a small puff of air to extremely high velocity enough to blow out a Newfoundland. I know that without having the dryer right in front of you that this is a standard question, but I will say that at show sight when someone actually sees and feels the air velocity of the Kool Dry Dryer, this is never a question that arises.

The Effects of Saltwater on a Dogs Coat

Summer is the time when many people, and their dogs, vacation at the beach. In warmer climates, your dog may swim in the ocean regularly. Exercising in the water is a low impact activity that helps to improve your dog’s strength, range of motion and endurance.

If your dog has arthritis or is recovering from an injury or surgery, your veterinarian may recommend aquatic therapy in a heated salt water pool. The buoyancy of saltwater minimizes weight bearing stress to the joints while the healing properties of salt water go to work to relieve muscle soreness, injuries and skin ailments.

The benefits of saltwater for a dog’s physical health are well known, but, salt build-up can be detrimental for a dog’s coat. It can mat soft, wooly undercoats and dry the dog’s hair. Frequent bathing to reduce the amount of salt build-up can further dry out the coat.

Using Clean Start Clarifying Shampoo by Chris Christensen at least once a month should break down the salt build-up. Follow with a good conditioner to help keep the coat from drying out. After Bath Final Rinse Solution by Chris Christensen moisturizes and contains apple cider vinegar to lock the cuticle tight. In addition, daily use of Ice on Ice Leave in Detangler and Finishing Spray by Chris Christensen will form a protective barrier on the coat to hold in moisture and repel the salt from adhering to the coat.

A Chris Christensen T-Brush, available in 16mm and 27mm lengths, is recommended for mats and removal of the dead undercoat. The high quality T-Brush is uniquely shaped to be easy on the wrist.

Whether your dog surfs, swims or floats, you can minimize the impact of saltwater on his coat with these simple grooming products from Chris Christensen.

Christina Pawlosky introduces GroomerWorks Educational DVD Series

Christina Pawlosky introduces GroomerWorks Educational DVD Series – Poodle Grooming Now Available!

Westlake, OH January 7, 2008 – Christina Pawlosky is pleased to introduce her new GroomerWorks Educational DVD Series that has been designed to help you improve your dog grooming skills and help you become a better dog stylist.

Certified Master Groomer, Christina Pawlosky has earned a reputation for being on of America’s top grooming professionals. It has been my dream to share with others the tips, techniques and advice that I have learned over my 20 years of professional dog grooming. To be a complete dog stylist you must know how to make all dog breeds beautiful and enhance the appearance of each dog. Professional dog groomers must undergo training and ongoing education in order to continue to improve their artistic skill. The GroomerWorks Educational DVD Series is meant to be a source of the essentials of grooming and a convenient reference guide.

GroomerWorks focuses on breeds that require grooming the most frequently – Poodles, Bichon Frise, Terriers, and Spaniels. The Poodle remains the gold standard of grooming and one of the most popular breeds in America. For this reason, GroomerWorks is pleased to present the Poodle as the first DVD in the GroomerWorks Educational DVD Series.

Cherrybrook has been dedicated to bringing you the newest and most innovative dog show grooming and pet supply products, as well as the ones you’ve come to know and love. Cherrybrook is please to make Christina Pawlosky’s GroomerWorks Educational DVD Series available to its customers.

About GroomerWorks
GroomerWorks is Christina Pawlosky’s dog grooming education institution dedicated to help professional dog groomers improve their skills in grooming dogs. Our customers are professional dog groomers and dog grooming teaching schools. www.GroomerWorks.com, copyright 2008.

About Cherrybrook
Since its inception in 1969, Cherrybrook has been dedicated to carrying a full line of show dog, grooming and pet supplies. Cherrybrook offers its services via retail outlet, ecommerce, print catalogues and Mobile Dog Show Booths at leading Dog Shows. www.cherrybrook.com, copyright 2008

Preventing Urine Stains

Customers tell us about the horrible urine stains on the back of their dogs’ hind legs. We are often asked what products will help to remove the urine stains, and to prevent them in the future.

White on White Shampoo by Chris Christensen Systems gently brightens and enhances the natural color of the coat. It is safe to use on any color coat since it does not contain bleach or peroxide.

Once the initial urine stains are gone, use Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Finishing Spray to prevent further staining. Ice on Ice actually helps repel dust, dirt and urine! It works by creating a barrier on the coat to prevent any further urine stains from soaking into the cuticle. Used daily, Ice on Ice should help to prevent any further urine stains on the hind legs of the coat.

How to Use Chris Christensen Color Shampoos

There are several different shampoos formulated to bring out different colors in the coat by Chris Christensen Systems. One of the most frequent questions asked about them is, "Which one do I use?"

White on White is formulated to be used on all coats. It does not contain bleach or peroxide, and the optical brighteners will illuminate any color.

Gold on Gold is recommended for golden coats with darker colors intermixed, such as Belgian Tervurens, Yorkshire Terriers, and brindles.

Black on Black is for use on black or brown coats. It can also be used to deepen the color of red coats.

For salt and pepper coats, use Black on Black to deepen the dark parts of the coat, and White on White to bring out the silver strands. Apply White on White to white areas first, then Black on Black in the black areas.

What is a Mars Coat King?

Mars Coat Kings are multi-stripping-curry-combs. In other words, they can do just about anything when it comes to grooming! Regular stripping knives can only remove small amounts of fur at a time. But a Mars Coat King can strip large areas very quickly. A Mars Coat King quickly and easily removes loose hair, especially the undercoat. It also works well for dematting and detangling. Coat Kings leave hair full and healthy.

Mars Coat Kings are unique in design. They have curved, sharpened blades with rounded tips for safety, and are firmly attached to a smooth wooden handle which is very easy to hold and work with. They are perfect for use either right or left handed. Coat Kings are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit your needs.

Mars Coat King work with all breeds and coat types. They even work for cats and horses! Because of their versatility, many groomers have deemed Coat Kings indispensable. They give a show dog quality look without the extra work. Coat Kings save time, and the coat. Try one and see how much time you can save!

How to Use a Finishing Spray

A finishing spray is used before scissoring coat to a final finish. It is usually a silicone type of spray. Some sprays use natural silicone, while some are more of a synthetic type. Most groomers mix the finishing spray with water and put it in a fine mist spray bottle.

The purpose of a finishing spray is to seal moisture into each hair so a comb glides through more easily and lifts the coat more evenly. To make it work properly, you must have the right comb for the type of coat you are working with. This will help to lift the hair where you need it for scissoring.

Spritz a little finishing spray onto the coat. Comb it through by using long, even strokes going against the lay of the coat so the hair gets lifted to the desired height. . Shake the area you are working with to loosen the coat. Then scissor. Because of the quick time frame, the spray won’t hurt your scissors! The coat will be straighter and easier to comb through each time.

How to Clean Shears or Scissors

If you want to maintain the optimum performance of your scissors, follow these suggestions provided by Chris Christensen Systems, makers of professional grooming products. Start by oiling your scissors every day. Be sure to use oil formulated for shears, such as Chris Christensen's Oil Tube. It is extremely important to use only oil designed for shears. Never use electric clipper oil on shears or scissors!

Apply a few drops of oil to the screw head and tip. Then apply oil between the blades near the screw. Move the shears as if you were cutting with them. Use your finger to wipe a thin amount of oil on the nipper area to help dissolve any dirt and for added protection of the area. Take a cloth and wipe off any excess oil.

Make sure the scissors are set properly. The best way to check the tension is to hold the scissor by the thumb ring and let go of the finger ring. It should not drop. If your shears need adjustment, don’t over tighten the screw!

Do not throw or drop your scissors! This will damage the cutting edges and points. When not in use, be sure to store your scissors in a protective case, holster or pouch. By following these simple tips you can keep your scissors working like new!