{"id":886,"date":"2020-06-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.daysmart.com\/pet\/blog\/dog-grooming-competitions\/"},"modified":"2024-12-24T13:03:44","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T13:03:44","slug":"dog-grooming-competitions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daysmart.com\/pet\/blog\/dog-grooming-competitions\/","title":{"rendered":"How Groomers Can Prepare For Dog Grooming Competitions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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While most dog groomers are familiar with classic <\/span>\u201cBest in Show\u201d<\/a> events like Westminster, dog grooming competitions are less well-known in the industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

Classic dog shows are full of poised pups judged on their adherence to breed regulations. However, grooming competitions put a greater emphasis on criteria like balance, structure, and finish of the dog\u2019s coat. The dog\u2019s bone structure and profile still play a role, but the quality of the grooming is paramount.<\/span><\/p>\n

For dog groomers who are passionate about continuing their education, these competitions are the best way to build skills and develop a community of other dog groomers who are as passionate about the dog grooming world as they are.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Tammy<\/p>\n

Tammy Siert holds multiple roles within the dog grooming world. She\u2019s a Certified Master Dog Groomer, a Small Animal Education Team for <\/span>Andis<\/span><\/a>, grooming competition judge, and Secretary of <\/span>Groom Team USA<\/span><\/a>. She says,<\/span> \u201c<\/span>Most groomers don\u2019t know there are grooming competitions. They may hear about a trade show via social media. They come to a trade show for education and then see this grooming show going on on the sidelines and some of them want to know more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Macie<\/p>\n

Macie Pisa of <\/span>The Laundro<\/span>mutt<\/span><\/a> in Buffalo, NY and a new member of Groom Team, USA says, \u201c<\/span>As I groomed dogs, I wanted to learn more. The easiest way to get certified is to go to shows.\u201d <\/span>Both Macie and Tammy hold leadership positions on Groom Team, USA which Tammy describes as the \u201c<\/span>Olympics of the dog grooming world. If you want to get an industry job or sponsorships, you need to do this. It\u2019s like getting an M.A.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tammy says she started competing in 1994. She\u2019d been grooming for a year and a \u00bd and her mentor encouraged her. She won Best All-Around Groomer and Best Scissored Poodle at the All American Grooming Show and she was hooked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Macie<\/p>\n

Macie also caught the competing bug from her first competition. Macie says, \u201cI <\/span>started competing to up my education and won 2<\/span>nd<\/span> place the first time and that set the bug. I\u2019d been working part-time for the city shelter and competed with a Goldendoodle mix. He got adopted at that show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>In this article, you\u2019ll learn what goes into entering a dog grooming competition. From finding a competition and registering, to choosing a dog and understanding the judges\u2019 expectations, there\u2019s a lot that goes into it.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Let\u2019s start with an overview of the preparation.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Preparation for a Dog Grooming Competition<\/b><\/h2>\n

To participate in a dog grooming competition, groomers often spent months preparing because you\u2019ll want to practice the cut and style you intend to compete with on your chosen dog before the event. The hair will also need time to grow back out. More on finding an appropriate dog for you in a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tammy says, \u201cA lot of the judging is about fixing the breed standard. Does the dog have beautiful hair and bone structure? Is it well-behaved? Can it stand on a grooming table for long periods of time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She says that the grooming can take around 2 hours and another 30 minutes for judging. Tammy also notes how <\/span>grooming competitions are divided into three levels:<\/span><\/p>\n