Lea Manor Sports Centre in Luton, Bedfordshire was the setting for yet another successful Grooming For A Living Roadshow organised and sponsored by DeZynaDog writes Rachael White.

Approximately 200 delegates enjoyed a full and interesting day of specialist grooming demonstrations. Advice from HIA on Insurance, information from the Pet Care Trust - Groomers and Kennel section, representation from the Tattoo Register and last but not least a price survey for professional grooming services.

The event was an extremely friendly gathering of professional groomers, students and enthusiasts from all over the country. We were keen to see as much as possible and ask questions galore. I’m sure nobody was bored, as so many demonstrations took place throughout the day which included the Russian Black Terrier with lots of coat sculptured to perfection by the knowledgeable Tom Rigby.

Zoe Duffy from Look North, a past groomer of the year, creatively scissored a Miniature Poodle offering vast information on preparation, choosing quality scissors and using dedicated coat care products for improved results.

The Newfoundland was demonstrated by Carol Stuckey. This demonstration was particularly useful for professionals wishing to take on large dogs, but unsure of how to deal with them in the salon. Not only did Carol show us un-faltering presentation of her specialised breed she showed how to handle these large dogs with care and consideration.

The Bichon Frise feature was a favourite with Pauline Johns giving a talented demonstration appropriate for both show presentation and pet companions. Pauline and her gorgeous dogs made this table extremely popular.

A captive audience watched and listened to Linda Forsyth with her delightful Miniature Schnauzers. She gave a most informative programme on both clipping the pet and hand stripping for show. Valuable information was offered on stripping tools, choosing scissors and thinners and correct use and care of them.

A beautifully behaved team of Golden Retrievers surrounded Charmaine Ennis-Whelan who sat on the floor and instructed us in the care of these splendid dogs. These dogs were a tribute to this young lady. Her presentation was excellent and included the correct use of the Coat King. She also talked on a dedicated easy pricing guide for Groomers which she has newly developed.

Achieving essential effects for your customers and City & Guilds required styling was conducted with good results by Lesley Wall, demonstrating a pet clipped West Highland White Terrier. Any client would have been proud to have taken him home.

Peter Ensell, Groomer of the Year 2003, along with two delightful Kerry Blue Terriers with dissimilar coat types mesmerised his audience. With his undoubted talent and skill he sculptured this pair into stunning and head turning examples of the breed. His demonstration as always educated delegates on superb award winning scissor techniques to achieve that X factor finish.

Coats of a totally different nature were displayed and explained by the informative Lesley Cook.
"The Pulis" amazed many of the Groomers. Lesley answered questions and put the record straight for us groomers on this specialised, unusual breed not often seen in the salon (not mine anyway).

Another breed not generally seen in the salon is the uncommon Grand and Petit Bassetts Griffons Vendeens. Highly acknowledged authority Vivien Phillips demonstrated and answered grooming queries on this interesting dog, which appears to be quite a character with a delightful temperament.

The DeZynaDog team were on hand with an amazing selection of merchandise to help and assist delegates with choosing and caring for equipment and getting the best from specialised grooming products. All delegates received a neat information pack, including a fact sheet on Lymes disease, a certificate of attendance to display in their grooming room, and a questionnaire on their opinion of the day’s events. Some had attended previous events organised by DeZynaDog, but the questionnaires revealed all delegates would support future events and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Looking forward to attending Manchester 5th February 2006. See you all there!