| The Heritage of Pet Grooming
by Madeline Bright Ogle
Excerpt Chapter 1, "The Heritage of Pet Grooming"
Book: From Problems to Profits
Copyright 1989, 1997 Madeline Bright Ogle, All Rights Reserved
Published here with the permission of the author.
Many reference materials attest to man's fondness of pets,
but no books trace the origins of pet grooming. However, there
are occasional references that shed light on the art of pet
grooming. Ferdinand Mery, authored The Dog (London, 1970). In
it, he established that dogs were first perceived as useful
to man as early as 4240 B.C. Mery mentions unusual religious
totems with dogs depicted in their sculpture. As centuries passed
the dog eventually became commonly accepted as a pet, and is
now considered "man's best friend."
In past centuries, pets have lived comfortably in the castles
of Kings and Queens. They have served as working dogs in the
marketplace and traveled with entertainment groups. Art from
the fourteenth through eighteenth century depicts small dogs
and cats near the footstools of ladies of the Court. In other
paintings small pets sit with their masters on lounges and chairs.
Another shows a young man standing next to his spaniel. Frequently,
the images depict larger breeds sitting on the floor next to
their masters.
The Elizabethan era reveals some the earliest historical evidence
of pet grooming activity. While the method of grooming is unclear,
the pets are clean and well-groomed. Perhaps groomers in the
marketplace cleaned them. One such grooming lithograph shows
a dog being sheared while sitting on a lady's lap. Women shearing
dogs is also the subject of etchings.
In 17th century France, the poodle was the official dog at
court. The era of King Louis XV of France reveals the first
official records of dog grooming parlors. Rare books of the
19th century mention dog grooming in Europe. The Book of the
Dog (Vero Shaw, 1879) refers to the existence of dog grooming
in England. Specific grooming recommendations such as washing,
grooming, and coat conditioning occur in Ashmont's Kennel Secrets,
(Boston, 1893). Pet groomers have a historical record of which
they can be proud.
Over the years, attitudes have been changing toward many animals.
Animals that provided carriage for thousands of years, such
as horses, mules, and camels, are now replaced by advanced developments
in transportation. Many of these animals have different uses
presently and maintain a special relationship with man. However,
none are move beloved as pets than dogs and cats. And what man
loves, he care for and protects.
I hope you appreciate and admire, our heritage as groomers.
You've chosen a field whose history shows it as both an occupation
and an art. Similarly, the practice of medicine provides a necessary
function for man's existence, yet the practice of medicine is
an art. Unless you know the history of your profession and the
revolutions taking place in your field, you are unlikely to
succeed. Too many of today's pet grooming salons are as outmoded
as a horse replaced by an automobile.
Our Dog Grooming Career Development package is the powerful tool
that will turn you into a successful, self-reliant pet care professional.
Whatever your goals are… |
