There are many styles of brush to choose from and the right one depends on your pet’s coat type and condition. Here is the low down on the different types of dog brushes:

Slicker Brush
This brush has fine metal prongs set at an angle. A slicker is used to remove dead undercoat and aid in detangling. A soft slicker brush is best on puppies and short coated breeds. A heavy or firm slicker is best on dense coats that are wavy, curly or straight. A slicker should not be used on short haired and fine coated breeds such as Boxers or Great Danes. Slicker brushes come in a number of sizes and shapes. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or force when using a slicker brush as the prongs can cause skin irritation resulting in brush burn.

Pin Brush
These brushes have long rounded metal pins that minimize scratching and potential skin irritation. Pin Brushes are traditionally used on longer coated breeds or dogs whose coats are in good condition because the rounded pins result in less hair breakage. The length of the pin should be long enough to reach the skin in order to de-shed. The pins can be made of Stainless steel, brass- which has antistatic properties, or wood, for the gentlest of brushing experiences. The longer the coat, the longer the pin should be.

Bristle Brush
The bristle brush can be used for both short or long coated breeds that have no undercoat. The bristles can be natural or nylon. It provides a gentle brushing experience but is not a good brush for de-shedding or detangling. It is best for distributing the oils throughout the hair shaft and polishing, or shining, the coat.

Curry Mitt
This rubber mitt comes in various sizes and is used for fine coated or shorthaired dogs. Rubber Curry Mitts are also used in the tub as a shampoo brush for almost all coat types. They are at getting loose fur out of the coat quickly and most dogs’ love how they feel on their skin.

Hound Glove
This mitt has little nubs or bristles and is designed to give short or sleek coated breeds the once over. Similar to the Curry Mitt, the hound glove provides a nice massage.

Cherrybrook has many different styles and sizes the above brushes and our associates will be happy to help you choose the perfect one for your pet.

REMEMBER: Never brush a dry dog, a coat conditioner or spray will make the brushing experience easier and protect the coat.

Some dogs just do not like having their nails clipped. No matter how many treats or calming supplements you give them they will kick and fuss. Using traditional nail clippers on a wiggly, frightened dog is stressful and dangerous for the dog and the groomer. A better solution is to use a nail grinder to smooth and shape the nail. The nail grinders I have tried are either too heavy, not powerful enough, too expensive, or the dog and I both end up wrapped in the cord.

Oster has perfected the nail grinder with a safety guard! Others have tried, but the Oster Gentle Paws is the superior safe nail trimmer. Featuring a two speed, professional motor, removable safety guard and auto stop safety, the Gentle Paw gently files your pet’s nails quickly and easily.

The lightweight battery operated motor is surprisingly powerful – up to 5 times faster than the competition. The high speed rotates at 15,000 rpm and the low speed at 7,500 rpm to trim all breeds of dogs and cats. Gentle Paws comes with a coarse stone, two coarse bands and one fine band. The 60 grit coarse stone is a long lasting, finishing stone ideal for multiple dog households and large breeds. The 60 grit coarse band is for quickly grinding down nails. The 100 grit fine band is for smoothing and finishing the nail.

The Gentle Paws Safety Guard has 4 differently sized holes to safely hold the nail while trimming. Simply insert the pets nail into the properly sized hole and begin trimming. The safety guard is easily removed and cleaned.

Visit www.cherrybrook.com today to order the only safety guard nail grinder with the trusted Oster name – Gentle Paws! The name says it all.

Other than the primary function of styling and matt removal, brushing the coat serves several other important purposes such as cleaning and massaging the skin, and stimulating the release of beneficial oil. Brushing the hair cleans the hair shaft, follicle and skin by removing trapped scales, dirt and oils. Brushing also distributes the Sebum coating, lubricating and protecting the hair shaft; resulting in a healthy glow, more flexible hair and a healthy coat. Because Sebum protects and moisturizes, regular brushing results in hair that is healthier, more manageable and easier to style.

The proper brush to use depends upon your pet’s coat type and we have a dog brush for every coat type at Cherrybrook.

Regardless of coat type or the brush you use, one important adage to remember is “Never brush a dry dog”. We recommend using a coat spray or conditioner first. This helps the brush glide smoothly through the coat and helps add elasticity and strength to the coat while brushing to prevent coat breakage. This is especially true for longer coated breeds or pets that have tangles or matts. Visit Cherrybrook to find the correct coat spray for your grooming needs.

Please join us as Eric Salas reveals the Grooming Secrets of the Pro’s at Groom Expo on Thursday September 17, 2009 from 7-9 pm.

Don’t miss the special appearance by Chris Christensen!

At last! The one individual who can make every problem go away…well, almost every problem.

Eric Salas, the renowned groomer/handler from the west coast has combined his talents with Chris Christensen’s impeccable grooming tools and products.

In Eric’s seminar you will learn, in great detail, the prerequisites of attaining the ‘winning’ groom and attitude of a best in show dog. Learn how to properly use tools to get the best results based on what they are intended to do. He will demonstrate how to shorten drying time, reducing your overall styling time. Eric will illustrate scissor and blending techniques without creating unwanted lines and scissor marks. The bottom line is…Eric’s techniques can, and will, make you a better stylist and save you money in the long run.

All seminar attendees will receive a $25.00 coupon redeemable for Chris Christensen products at the Cherrybrook booth.

Time is running out! Pre-register now!

The Groom Expo Grooming Show in Hershey Pennsylvania is September 17 - 20, 2009. Register now at www.GroomExpo.com. Also, feel free to come and talk with Eric and Chris at the Cherrybrook booth where additional demonstrations will be done daily.

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!

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 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.

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 – 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

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.