Stuff...lots of stuff
I was inspired to do this post when I saw on Jo Ann's blog her tack box laid out. I was so sorry to have missed her grooming seminar...and it was only 15 minutes away! It sounds like it was a super weekend for Sheltie and Collie folks.
When I was packing up Bunny and her gear heading out to the Poodle grooming seminar I looked in my cupboard and wondered what I should bring to groom a Poodle. We have products of all description collected over the years. Whatever product a handler was using at the time, whatever was the latest and the greatest. Not only do we have one bottle of a certain product, but we have multiples of things I haven't used in years. Penaud, Persian Hanna, Cindra products and enough hairspray to last a lifetime! I ended up taking a small plastic case with two scissors, two pin brushes, two combs and a slicker. A spray bottle of water with conditioner as well. That was all I ended up bringing with me, and honestly there wasn't anything I felt I was lacking. If I was going to a show, I'd have to up the ante and bring a bit more gear...
I smiled when I saw Alan Waterman's table full of products used to groom Poodles; it looked pretty similar to my collection in the cupboard, but with a few additions (which naturally I ran out to Sally's to pick up). Interesting was the fact he bathes his dogs in Palmolive, and if they are really greasy then it is Dawn dish soap. I have heard of this before, but have never tried it. So note to self...buy some dish soap for dogs. ha ha
Another difference is that with Poodles, they take the hairspray out after each show, and there is a product for that application (which I'll have to buy now as well).
Despite the extraordinary amount of products stockpiled; I feel I really don't use a lot of stuff. (Though I think my overseas friends might have a coronary looking at this!)
I looked in my tack box and laid out the things I reach for when grooming for show. Also I usually have three spray bottles at a show, one with water, one with conditioner (this varies depending on which dog I'm showing at the time) and one with Self Rinse. I think I'm missing baby powder and hair gel in this picture. 
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9 comments:
Almost the same stuff as you have - too much! ;o))
//Bente
Bunny looks great, yes a little short but the outline is all good, and I love the way her leg hair meets her shaved feet on both the front legs and back, and I love the way you've done her tail, it looks nice!!
The Carp seminar went extremely well. Now, all that stuff laid out on the table I don't use for every dog! Some of it is "use if needed" and/or colour related. Using the right tools is so important of course, so I let people try my scissors and brushes and feel the texture of my chalk, tungsten and the very light gel I use on the heads.
Like you (and everybody!) I have product and tools I've bought and haven't used much that just sit here. Note to self and anyone else....buy ONE and in a small size at that!!
I love going to different grooming seminars as you always learn something new that works for you, even if it's only one thing, it's worth it.
Not ready to take on a Poodle though! Good job!
Jo Ann
Fun question.
Like you, what is in my cupboard is not the same as what is in my tack box.
I have the same items in my cupboard that you have. I had to laugh – and then I thought, well, it only makes sense, we are talking to the same handlers and being influenced by the same peer group- so of course the cupboard looks the same.
In my tack box I have things for me, and things for the dogs. For example, I have a lint brush (for my clothes) and safety pins (also for my clothes- I always seem to loose a button at a show…. Hmmmmm maybe I should add a small sewing kit too).
I also have things that I don’t need all of the time, but heck, the box is big- so these items live there- such as alcohol wipes, a box of ear wipes I won at a show, quick stop, q-tips, aspirin, show leads and collars, and of course the brushes, combs and scissors. Yes, face chalk, powder, Kolestral too.
Then there are items that I like to use because they smell good, or (and this is important)- they smell like a “dog show” to me. When I started showing dogs in the 1980’s everyone used this one spray (I can’t even think of the name right now)- it doesn’t work very well, but sometimes I use it just because that is the smell of “dog shows” from my youth.
I also have a plastic tote box with towels, aprons, toys, balls, bowels, handy wipes, TP, paper towels, extra stockings, Bags, bags, and more bags (for poop).
It looks sure enough !
Sometimes it is easy to clear grasp ... Perhaps confusing :)
Sweet greetings from the Netherlands, Jan.
Bente- you are right...too much!
Thanks Jo Ann. I didn't photograph my tack box, because I need to clean the hair out of it! It also has extra things; for certain dogs, like you say. I just wanted to contrast what products I have (and have now bought more hairspray!!!) and what I really could get by with. And in fact, I use one thinner and one scissor more often than any others. The dark brown pin brush is my new favorite, and the universal slicker is always my stand by. But I couldn't go to a show without my chalk and the chalk prep. The same for the face chalk.
Cadie: I am packing for a show tonight...so you've given me some ideas! I also have tylenol and lipstick (for show photos!!!)in my tack box.
The Penaud was being sold at the Poodle seminar, and they were saying it was very hard to find. I thought...I should sell it on E-bay! I've got LOTS!!!
Jan- It is confusing, and mostly unneccessary. I always said our dogs won in spite of my grooming, not because of it!
I forgot the real secret..."winners spit". That's when you spit on your fingers and pull all the hair back on the backskull! It is priceless!
Oh Kim i am so sad.
I have nothing at all on my cupboard. Well i don't even have one.
Oh boy i sure need some more detailed instructions !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rui,
You don't need all this stuff...but I'm willing to send some home with you when you visit!
When I got my first sheltie and was doing some breed showing I was told about Brown Suggar for the sable dogs. I was never able to find it... but to this day (20 years later) my husband still walks into every drugstore/hair supply place with me and says "what was that stuff you are looking for?" hahaha and I say (AGAIN) "that was 20 years ago and I don't want it anymore!" Bless him!
PS it is very nice showing in England and Europe without so much grooming "stuff" needed! My grooming box/cabinet has gotten smaller and smaller and I threw everything out!
Wow -- that sure is a LOT of STUFF! It's amazing what can be collected over the years.
~Nat
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