Journal Staff
Luna is a pretty girl. And she knows it.
Sitting patiently for a manicure and coif in the latest style comes easily to the standard poodle, who isn’t above doing a little head-high prancing when done to show off her new look.
The Journal caught up to Luna and some of her pals recently at The Fox and Hound Canine Retreat.
The Bright’s Grove boarding facility and doggie daycare has two full-time stylists on staff - Christine Bryan and Julie Labelle - who groom an average eight to 10 dogs a day.
Some, like Luna, can take five hours for a full style and set.
“The key to good grooming is washing the hair first, blow-drying it, and then the brush and cut,” said owner Katie Chapman, who also helps out in the grooming room when things get really busy.
You can’t just pick up a pair of clippers and call yourself a professional dog groomer.
Ontario has six private institutions registered and approved to teach pet grooming under the Private Career College Act.
With names like Fluffy Paws and Pets Beautiful School of Styling, they offer training programs of six to 36 weeks, with tuition ranging from $4,200 to $7,200.
Professional dog groomers are also required to have one additional piece of accreditation - an up-to-date rabies shot.
