Bendersky Jorge - From puppy cuts to best in show, DIY dog grooming: everything you need to know, step by step

FROM PUPPY CUTS
TO BEST IN SHOW

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
STEP BY STEP

JORGE
Bendersky
Foreword by Cesar Millan

2014 by Quarry Books

Text 2014 Jorge Bendersky

Photography 2014 Quarry Books

First published in the United States of America in 2014 by

Quarry Books, a member of

Quayside Publishing Group

100 Cummings Center

Suite 406-L

Beverly, Massachusetts 01915-6101

Telephone: (978) 282-9590

Fax: (978) 283-2742

www.quarrybooks.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by the producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

Digital edition published in 2014

eISBN: 978-1-61058-876-8

Digital edition: 978-1-61058-876-8
Softcover edition: 978-1-59253-888-1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Bendersky, Jorge.

DIY dog grooming, from puppy cuts to best in show : everything you need to know, step by step / Jorge Bendersky.

pages cm

Includes index.

1. Dogs--Grooming. I. Title. II. Title: Do it yourself dog grooming, from puppy cuts to best in show. III. Title: Dog grooming, from puppy cuts to best in show.

SF427.5.B46 2013

636.70887--dc23

2013038975

Cover and Book Design: Kathie Alexander

Cover Image: Marshall Boprey

Hair and Makeup: Dominic Pucciarello

Photography: Marshall Boprey, except pages ); and as otherwise indicated.

I dedicate this book to my wonderful mother and to all my siblings, who, for as long as I can remember, have always supported my passion, turned hobby, turned profession. To Nora Lucero, owner of Scherezade Kennels, who introduced me to the beauty of grooming dogs and the sport of showing and breeding dogs when I was a very young man. To Carol Smith, who gave me my first pair of scissors and who encouraged me to get my first job as a professional groomer. To Pila, my first dog and client; and to every wet nose and wagging tail I have met along the way that have continued to inspire my passion.

Wishing love and good hair for all,

Jorge

CHAPTER 1
Identification

CHAPTER 2
Tools

CHAPTER 3
Brushing

CHAPTER 4
Bathing Your Dog

CHAPTER 5
Trimming

CHAPTER 6
Solutions to Common Problems

CHAPTER 7
Picture Perfect

CHAPTER 8
Grooming Solutions from Your Pantry

Many dog lovers I know take responsible care of their pets and think they have everything coveredexercise, training, food and water, and regular visits to the vet. But one very important area that is easy for people to forget is grooming, especially if they have a nonshedding breed with shorter fur or a hypoallergenic dog with hair.

There are many reasons grooming your dog regularly is important. Change of climate may seem obvious, with dogs needing shorter cuts in summer and longer cuts but more frequent brushing in winter. But there are other reasons to groom your dog. Avoiding or removing matted hair or burrs is one example. Another important reason is that proper grooming is a vital part of flea and tick control.

Finally, because the grooming process involves close contact with your entire dog, it is a great way to detect skin problems, rashes, bumps, or other issues early on, when they are more easilyand more cheaplytreatable.

Despite all these important reasons, though, a lot of people do not get their dogs professionally groomed often enough, if at all. Maybe there arent any professional groomers located conveniently, or their dog may have fear or aggression issues that prevent them from being groomed. And, of course, there are always valid economic reasons. Some people just may not be able to afford a professional groomer.

If you learn how to properly bathe and groom your dog yourself, though, all of those reasons not to do it will disappear. You can groom your dog at home, on your schedule. Ideally, your dog wont be afraid if its you doing it, and once you have your grooming tools and supplies together, the expense of grooming your own dogs is minimal.

Of course, you also need a good teacher to show you how to do it, and in putting together this do-it-yourself guide, Jorge Bendersky, one of Manhattans most sought-after dog groomers, shares his years of expertise and love of teaching with you.

Ive met Jorge many times, particularly in connection with his rescue work through North Shore Animal League America, and he has the same instinctual approach to dogs that I do. In fact, we both describe working with dogs the same way, as a dancea partnership with a leader and a follower, built on trust. Like dance, working with our dogs involves consistency, practice, and learning in small steps. Most of all, though, its a lot of fun.

I can tell when watching Jorge do what he does that it isnt a job for him. Its fun, its a dance, and its joyful. I feel the same way when I work with dogs. He has also mastered the ability to project calm, assertive energy, which comes through in the pages of this book.

While you can make excuses not to take your dog to the groomer, you have no reason to make excuses for not doing it yourself any longer. DIY Dog Grooming, From Puppy Cuts to Best in Show is a comprehensive guide that covers the basics of hair, nail, ear, and paw care, as well as grooming styles and techniques, but Jorge doesnt stop with the basics. He covers the tools of the trade and how to bathe your dog and also includes simple grooming solutions that you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet. He also covers solutions to common dog problems that you wouldnt think about until you need to deal with them, like gum in the fur, fleas and ticks, and even what to do if your dog meets the wrong end of a skunk.

My fans know about my Exercise, Discipline, and then Affection, in that order fulfillment formula, but they often cant think of ways to show affection beyond food, treats, and petting. Grooming your dogs yourself is an incredible way to show affection while strengthening your bond and building trust with your dogs. Trust Jorge and hell show you how to groom your dogs right.

Cesar Millan
June 2013

In an ideal world, given the right information and experience, nobody would be able to groom your dog better than you. There will always be benefits to taking your dog to a professional groomer, but no matter how professional and caring your groomer is, he or she will never share that same special bond that you do with your best friendyour dog.