How to Remove Mats & Tangles in the Tub (with Bonus Mini Lesson)
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Why would you demat a severely matted dog? Isn’t just shaving it down and starting over easier? Highly respected pet stylist, Judy Hudson, hears this all the time. According to Judy, “Bald dogs don’t get groomed very often.” So true.
Judy didn’t start doing this technique just to impress her customers. Nope. She did it because she hated working on dirty dogs. It ended up working so well, she routinely utilizes this salvage technique in her daily grooms. Luckily, the majority of Judy’s clientele is very regular. She rarely has to resort to this technique to save a coat, but when she does, this is an ace card she can pull out.
Not every pet is a good candidate for this technique. The pet has to be cooperative. But more importantly, the owner has to appreciate it – and be willing to pay for it.
This is a fabulous time saving technique. Dematting a severely matted dog in the tub works brilliantly when done correctly. If you have water, shampoo and conditioner, are ready to do some wet brushing, and have a high velocity dryer to remove the tangles, you’re all set.
When Judy is done, the dog has been 75% to 80% dematted in the tub. It is relatively easy on the dog compared to traditional brush-out methods. By working on a wet coat, you also reduce coat damage and breakage. When done properly, it’s also very easy on the skin.
We do want to caution you, this is a very advanced technique. It is not for beginning groomers. You need to have very strong technical skills combined with excellent dog handling abilities before you attempt this technique in the tub.
If you think our Training Partners don’t work on challenging dogs – this lesson proves differently! This is real grooming just like you see every day in your salon.
BONUS:
Judy kicks this lesson off with a short mini lesson on pet handling. Although this dog does not get groomed very often, it is still very loved – and spoiled – at home. This combination can be an issue for professional pet groomers.
Judy gives you some great training tips at the start of the lesson. This quick obedience lesson helps Judy set the stage for more positive grooming experience.
Even though Judy did some basic obedience prior to grooming, this little dog continues to whine throughout the entire lesson. As she goes through the bathing and dematting process, Judy gives you tips on how to keep the whining from accelerating to a point of an unruly grooming candidate.
In this video you will learn:
- how to minimize discomfort.
- how to deal with a whiny dog.
- how to get the ears and face squeaky clean.
- how to brush while in the tub and not cause skin injuries.
- how to work with a high velocity dryer in the tub to remove mats.
Judy Hudson
Judy Hudson has been a life-long animal lover. She holds an associate degree in Veterinary Technology from Morehead State University. While working in a veterinarian clinic offering grooming, she quickly realized, the groomer was making way more money than she was – and having a lot more fun! She opted to start grooming instead of following her degree.
Judy started her grooming career on a shoestring and a prayer in 1990.
When the groomer where she worked walked out – Judy didn’t miss a beat. She stepped in and started grooming. Shortly after that, she discovered a local couple who were business owners and award-winning pet stylists. She began taking lessons from them which lead her to competitions and meeting other award-winning pet stylists.
In 1994 she started her own mobile grooming unit in an 18-foot used motor home. Today, she owns and operates a very polished and successful mobile business in the Nashville TN area, staying booked a year in advance.
She decided that if she was going to be a groomer, she wanted to be one of the best!
Within a few years, she realized learning about bred profile was a game changer while dipping her toe in the AKC conformation show ring. Being a quick learner, she finished her own Miniature Poodle to his Championship in short order. Next, she focused on becoming a certified master groomer. In 1998 Judy earned her National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) status through the National Dog Groomer Association of America. Currently Judy is a speaker, educator and Certifier for that organization.
Judy is an awarding winning pet stylist. She has multiple Best in Show and Best All-Around Groomer awards to her credit. She was a part of the GroomTeam USA’s Top 10 for 3 years; 2000, 2001, and 2003. In 2004 she earned a slot be on the elite GroomTeam USA’s Travel Team, representing the USA in World Team Competition in France the following year. She proudly earned a Gold Medal with her American Cocker Spaniel, helping the USA capture the Silver Team Medal.
In 2002, she was awarded the coveted Sybil Trophy for having the most harmonious relationship with her dogs. In 2004, she was nominated for the prestigious Cardinal Crystal American Groomer of the Year Award. 2011 was Awarded the Cardinal Crystal Grooming Contest Judge of the Year.
Judy is a sought-after and very popular industry speaker, demonstrator and contest grooming judge. She has traveled all over the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Australia and China.
Judy has teamed up with one of her long-time mentors and person friend, Christina Pawlosky to form The Grooming Professors, an online and personal training platform. They also host clinics, demonstrations, workshops and personal coaching at grooming shows and privately across the country. Plus, they offer individual training via Zoom by request. Together they have released their own shear line. In 2017 The Grooming Professors were the winners of the Barkleigh Honors Awards for Contribution of the Year and Vlog of the Year in 2017 and 2018.
Judy is a licensed Pet Tech® Instructor. She teaches small classes to pet owners and pet service professionals. She enjoys making a difference in pets’ lives by teaching the necessary emergency care and health information for dogs and cats.
When Judy is not working within the realms her grooming businesses, she is a Level V Skin Care Consultant with Rodan+Fields.
Judy and Chris can be reached at [email protected]
www.groomingprofessors.com
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