Dog grooming in America
Dog grooming in America has been shaped by several influential figures who have made significant contributions to the industry. Here are some notable dog groomer legends and insights into why their legacies are essential for contemporary groomers:
Pam Lauritzen, PDS, ICPG, MPS, ISCC Meritus
Pam Lauritzen is a leader and pioneer in the pet styling industry for over 50 years. Pam has authored numerous articles and served as a field editor for Groom & Board magazine. She was the first "Certified Master Groomer" and Certifier worldwide. Pam is currently the founder and President of the ISCC. She is known as an accomplished pet stylist, judge, lecturer, author, and trade show manager. She focuses on research and development of new pet styling techniques to enhance speed, quality, and productivity for professional pet stylists.
Teri Demarino
Teri is a veteran of the pet styling industry with nearly thirty years of experience running a successful salon in South Florida. A multiple Best in Show winner, she has been part of three GroomTeam USA Gold Medal teams and is currently on the Board of Directors. Teri is a sought-after speaker and judge at events globally, and she has written for various industry publications. She played a key role in founding the California Professional Pet Groomers Association and the Professional Pet Groomers & Stylists Alliance, contributing to industry standards. Teri has received numerous awards, including the Cardinal Crystal Grooming Achievement Awards and Barkleigh Honors. She specializes in teaching grooming techniques, salon management, and safety practices. Now based in Southern California, Teri continues to groom in her private salon.
John Nash
John Nash was the founder of the Nash Academy of Animal Arts, a pet grooming school that teaches pet care professionals. Nash began developing the academy's curriculum in 1978 to standardize pet care training. The Nash Academy is now known for its leadership and innovation in the pet care education industry.
Sam Kohl
Sam Kohl has been involved in the pet industry since 1949. He served on the boards of various organizations, including the National Association of the Pet Industry and the American Dog Groomers Guild. Kohl was a judge at the first national dog grooming contest in the U.S. and represented the grooming industry on the NYC Board of Education Animal Advisory Commission. In 1987, he founded AARONCO Pet Products, where he published books on grooming and developed innovative tools for groomers.
Liz Paul
Known for her grooming innovations and teaching, she made significant strides in breed-specific grooming techniques. Learning from Paul’s methods encourages groomers to appreciate the nuances of different breeds, enhancing their ability to meet client expectations. Liz was iconic and a true innovator; her poodle trim the “DESI” will remain one of the best.
There are many that have groomed before us that should not be forgotten and have forever bettered our industry, here are a few others: Jerry Schinberg, Lynne Carver, Gina Sutton, Kathy Rose.
Why We Need to Learn from These Legends
- Skill Development: Their techniques and philosophies provide invaluable insights that can help new groomers refine their craft and enhance their technical abilities.
- Professional Standards: Legends like Dimarino emphasize the importance of ethical practices, which are crucial for maintaining a professional reputation and fostering client trust.
- Creativity and Innovation: Icons like Paul inspire groomers to embrace creativity, pushing the boundaries of traditional grooming and allowing for personalized pet care.
- Community and Networking: The emphasis on competitions and education encourages collaboration and networking among groomers, fostering a supportive community that benefits everyone.
- Ongoing Education: Legends like Lauritzen will go down in history for the betterment of our industry. Their dedication to learning and teaching highlights the importance of continuous education, ensuring groomers stay current with trends, techniques, and industry standards.
By studying the contributions of these grooming legends, today’s groomers can gain insights that enhance their skills, uphold professional standards, and elevate the overall grooming experience for pets and their owners.
