The Dog Groomer's Dilemma

From the moment I began my career as a dog groomer at just 16 years old, I could never have imagined that this craft and my passion for dog care would become my life’s purpose.

Recently, as I celebrated 35 incredible years in this industry, I’ve felt an ever-growing desire to seek new tools and opportunities to share the knowledge, insights, and experiences that have shaped me into the groomer, handler, and mentor I am today.

At the same time, I’ve been driven to challenge the Status Quo that many of our fellow professionals accept without question, pushing for progress and innovation in our field.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing some of the world’s most remarkable dogs—some with multimillion-dollar show careers.

My time as a top show dog handler has continually driven me to explore new horizons and pursue innovative solutions, ensuring a competitive edge for my highly demanding clients while maintaining my leading position in the field. 

In addition to my hands-on experience, I have published two books and  white papers on dog-human interaction and the emotional connection. nutrition and coat care.

I also hold four patents in canine care and cosmetology, reflecting my ongoing commitment to advancing the field through creativity and innovation.

I’ve always believed that excellence is not a fixed destination but a continuous flow—a process of learning, adapting, and striving to elevate ourselves and our craft. This philosophy led me to develop the concept of the Free Flow of Excellence, which I introduced in a previous blog.

Today, I want to take that idea even further by channeling this commitment into a blog and podcast titled The Dog Groomer’s Dilemma.

This blog is about more than just dog grooming—it’s about embracing a mindset of constant questioning, observation, creative thinking, and pioneering innovation.

Through The Dog Groomer’s Dilemma, I aim to inspire each of you to look beyond the surface, challenge the norms, and approach your work with curiosity and critical thinking.

The Dog Groomer’s Dilemma is a space where critical thinking meets creativity, where groomers are encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and embrace doubt as a tool for discovery.

René Descartes captured the essence of this approach in his famous statement, “I doubt, I think, therefore I am.” By doubting, we engage in thoughtful reflection, and through reflection, we achieve clarity and progress.

This blog invites you to embrace that same mindset of exploration and curiosity, transforming challenges into opportunities to grow, innovate, and redefine excellence in grooming.

Recognizing the dilemmas we face not as obstacles but as catalysts for learning is the first step toward elevating our craft to its fullest potential.

Dog grooming is a forever-expanding field with enormous potential—an opportunity that many groomers have yet to fully embrace.

The grooming profession sits uniquely at the heart of the pet care industry, providing an unparalleled platform to enhance not only a dog’s appearance but also their overall well-being. It’s a field that holds the power to shape the future of pet care in ways many have yet to imagine.

Take nothing for granted. Question everything. Embrace curiosity, and let innovation guide the way forward. 

Sasha.