Sue Oliver Dog Grooming Studio

05/09/2026

We're excited to be heading to Groom Fest on tomorrow Sunday 6th September 2026 at The Kennel Club Building, CV8 2LZ.
If you're coming along, we'd love you to stop by and say hello. It's always a pleasure to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people and chat about all things dog grooming.
Whether you're thinking about starting your grooming journey, looking to develop your skills, exploring qualifications, or simply want to know more about ICMG courses and training, we're always happy to help.
Come and find the Sue Oliver Dog Grooming / ICMG team for friendly advice, support and plenty of grooming conversation. Along with great products to purchase.
We can't wait to see you there!

02/09/2026

We're excited to be heading to Groom Fest on Sunday 6th September 2026 at The Kennel Club Building, CV8 2LZ.
If you're coming along, we'd love you to stop by and say hello. It's always a pleasure to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people and chat about all things dog grooming.
Whether you're thinking about starting your grooming journey, looking to develop your skills, exploring qualifications, or simply want to know more about ICMG courses and training, we're always happy to help.
Come and find the Sue Oliver Dog Grooming / ICMG team for friendly advice, support and plenty of grooming conversation.
We can't wait to see you there!

30/08/2026

✨ De-shedding ✨
A proper de-shed isn’t just about removing loose hair — it’s about improving coat health, skin condition, and overall comfort for the dog.
🪮 Before:
Heavy undercoat build-up, trapped loose hair, reduced airflow to the skin.
✂️ After:
Dead coat removed, natural shine restored, and the coat can breathe properly again.
For groomers (and future groomers 👀), remember:
✔️ De-shedding is a process, not just a quick brush
✔️ Prep work matters — thorough bathing and drying helps release the coat
✔️ The right tools make all the difference (and protect coat quality)
✔️ Always work with the coat, not against it
A good de-shed = a healthier, happier dog 🐾

27/08/2026

🐶✂️ **Professional Grooming is Where Knowledge Meets Skill** ✂️🐶

Whether you're just starting your grooming journey or looking to sharpen your skills, understanding the fundamentals can make all the difference.

🛁 **Bathing and De-shedding**
• Brush before bathing to remove loose hair and help prevent tangles.
• Use conditioner where appropriate to assist with coat management and mat removal.

💨 **Drying is Key**
• Always dry the coat thoroughly before clipping or sc******ng.
• A clean, dry, straight coat helps achieve a more precise and even finish.

✂️ **Master Your Trimming**
• Pay close attention to paws and sensitive areas.
• Use the correct blade length and technique to ensure a safe and professional groom.

🐶 **Handling Nervous or Challenging Dogs**
• Patience and calm handling are essential.
• Shorter sessions and understanding canine behaviour can help build trust and confidence.

📋 **The Reverse Cheat Sheet**
Many groomers choose reverse clipping to achieve a closer finish. Common blade equivalents include:

• #10 blade forward = reverse
• forward = reverse
• forward = #3¾ reverse
• forward = #5/8 reverse

Reverse clipping is a personal choice, but understanding the options allows you to choose the technique that best suits the dog and the desired finish.

✨ **Grooming is More Than a Job**

It is about improving a dog's health, comfort, and wellbeing while building your own confidence and professional skills.

At **Sue Oliver Dog Grooming**, we are passionate about sharing knowledge and helping groomers develop the skills they need to succeed.

🐾

25/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bvvhpw4HW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

📣LOOK AT THIS AMAZING LIST OF TRADE STANDS!!📣
🛒SHOP TILL YOU DROP!!🛒
Sunday 6th September 📅❤️🧡💚💙
To register click below:
https://groomfest.co.uk/groomfest-2026-registration/
Seminars are looking amazing as always 🔥🔥 📅❤️🧡💚💙
To book your place visit:
https://enlighten-1.sumupstore.com/products
🐩🐕🐈🐈

24/08/2026

There are countless ways to transform poodles into a show-stopping beauty! Whether you're looking for a classic clip or a stylish trim, Sue Oliver Dog Grooming has got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our grooming courses and services and let your poodle groom shine! 🐾💖
While we strive for perfection, please keep in mind that most standard pet grooms may vary from the images you see online. Each dog is unique and we work to bring out the best in every furry friend. Contact us for more information and book your grooming course today! 🐩✂️

21/08/2026

🐾🛁 The Importance of Skin Knowledge in Grooming 🛁🐾
As groomers, we do more than just style coats—we’re constantly evaluating the skin and hair of the dogs we care for. Understanding skin and coat structure helps us provide the very best grooming and overall wellbeing.
✨ Did you know?
🐶 Skin is the largest organ in the body and has many important jobs:
✔️ Preventing dehydration
✔️ Acting as a barrier against foreign agents
✔️ Insulating against heat and cold
But here’s the key difference: dog skin is far more fragile than human skin. The thicker a dog’s natural coat, the more delicate their skin tends to be. That’s why hair plays such a vital role—it protects the skin and serves as the body’s first line of defence against infection.
🔎 Beneath the surface, skin is always working: the bottom layer (dermis) grows new cells that move upward through the epidermis before shedding off. The skin has three major layers:
1️⃣ Epidermis
2️⃣ Dermis
3️⃣ Subcutis
As groomers, we’re often the first to notice changes or issues with a dog’s skin. This makes our knowledge and care absolutely essential. 🐕💛

18/08/2026

🐶☀️ **Summer is Here and Understanding the Coat is More Important Than Ever** ☀️🐶

As temperatures rise and dogs spend more time outdoors, their coats face different challenges. Dirt, dust, grass seeds, pollen, salt water and increased shedding can all have an impact on both the coat and the skin underneath.

For professional groomers, summer is the perfect reminder to **look beyond the haircut and really understand the coat in front of you.**

Correct grooming techniques are essential for:

✔ Supporting healthy skin and coat
✔ Managing shedding and seasonal coat changes
✔ Preventing painful matting and trapped debris
✔ Improving comfort, movement and air circulation
✔ Spotting skin problems or parasites early

Every coat is different, and understanding coat type, coat condition and skin health allows groomers to make the best decisions for every dog that comes through the salon door.

If you are a groomer, or thinking about becoming one, developing your knowledge of coat structure, skin health and professional grooming techniques can make a real difference to the comfort and wellbeing of the dogs in your care.

**At Sue Oliver Dog Grooming, we are passionate about sharing that knowledge through our professional grooming courses and training.**

Because better knowledge means better grooms and happier, healthier dogs. 🐕💚

14/08/2026

# # # Groomers Get Up Close and Personal with Ticks

One of the things professional groomers often spot during a groom is a tick hiding beneath the coat.

Dogs that enjoy countryside walks, woodland adventures, long grass, or even local parks can pick up ticks without their owners ever noticing. When we are working hands-on through the coat, they can sometimes be found in places that are easily missed at home.

Finding a tick can raise an interesting question for groomers.

**Would you remove it, or would you contact the owner and ask them to deal with it or seek veterinary advice?**

There is often a range of opinions and salon policies on this subject, and what one groomer is comfortable doing may differ from another.

As professionals, it is important that we recognise what we have found, understand the potential risks ticks can pose, and communicate clearly with owners.

We would love to hear your thoughts.

**If you found a tick during a groom, what would your salon policy be? Remove it, or refer back to the owner?**

09/08/2026

✂️🐾 Groomer Self-Care: It’s Not Just About the Dog!
As part of your ICMG journey — and your everyday grooming life — don’t forget that your body matters too. One of the most common repetitive strain injuries in our industry is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
💡 The big muscles that control your fingers and hands? They actually live in your forearms and elbows! These muscles pull tendons through the narrow carpal tunnel in your wrist. Overuse, poor angles, and tension can cause irritation, leading to CTS — a painful inflammation involving nerves, tendons, ligaments, and even blood vessels.
🚨 Watch for signs like:
Thumb or hand weakness
Wrist irritation (especially on the palm side)
Inner arm spasms or chronic tightness
✨ Prevention is key:
Learn to use your scissors with correct mechanics
Stretch regularly
Adjust your tools and posture to avoid repetitive strain
Being a great groomer means taking care of your dogs and yourself. Your hands are your tools — protect them! 💪🖐️