A leading groomer has urged those people thinking of taking it up as a profession to get proper training first...

“We try to get over the message of responsible grooming and urge everyone thinking of doing it professionally to get the relevant qualifications," said grooming consultant Diana North.

“It’s very difficult to stop anyone setting up a grooming business regardless of whether they’ve got the relevant qualifications or not but the more opportunities we get to educate people the better."

Diana, pictured above left, says that a visit to PATS Sandown in March would prove worthwhile for people interested in grooming.

“Exhibitions like PATS give groomers the opportunity to speak face-to-face with other groomers and those people in the pet trade considering taking it up as a profession,” said Diana.

Grooming expert Su Eld-Weaver, who will be representing Groom Team England at the World Championships in Barcelona in October, will be showing off her skills at PATS Sandown.

Su will be revealing to PATS visitors how to carry out a show trim as well as demonstrating her creative styling skills during the opening day of the exhibition (Tuesday, March 19). These demonstrations will be given on two different Standard Poodles.

On day two of PATS Sandown (Wednesday, March 20) the demonstrations will be given by Louisa Tandy, secretary of the English Groomers Group. Louisa will be using a clip and scissor technique on a Bedlington Terrier and the scissor technique on a Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles x Bichon Frise).

Commentaries will be provided by Diana North, who will offer guidance on City and Guilds qualifications as well as giving information about future grooming events.

There are many companies, who supply grooming products to the trade, exhibiting at PATS Sandown as well as taking part in the Grooming Workshops product displays.

These exhibitors include Phileas Dogg, Groomers, Dogs Trust Products, Animology, Collarways, H3D, 3P Enterprise, Hilton Herbs, Gor Pets, Pedigree Wholesale, Pet Revolution, PetLondon, Klyne & Klyne, The Company of Animals, Trixie and Beaphar, and many of them will be entering the New Products Showcase.

Tuesday, March 19
Su Eld-Weaver, Group Team England
10.00-12.00 Standard Poodle, show trim
13.00-15.00 Standard Poodle, creative styling
(These demonstrations will be given on two different dogs)

Wednesday, March 20
Louisa Tandy, English Groomers Group Secretary
10.00-12.00 Bedlington Terrier, clip and scissor technique
13.00-15.00 Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles x Bichon Frise), scissor technique

To register to visit PATS Sandown click here