Saving Time on a Contest Poodle Trim (Part 1 of 8-Part Series: Trimming Cuffs and Initial Blocking)
To watch the full video, either Login or Explore Membership today!
In this lesson, Pina shows you how to quickly block in a dog using guard combs. Whether you are in the competition ring, certification test site, or working on a dog in your own salon – guard combs will save you lots of time.
Saving time allows you to focus on the details that could put you in the ribbons or earn you a high-scoring grade. If you don’t have time to work on those finer details, you’ll never get the beautiful, plush finish you want.
Join Pina as she works with Joshua Morales, NCMG. He recently entered into competition styling and has begun taking his grooming to a whole new level. In this video, Pina grooms one side of the pet before turning the shears over to Josh. As she works, she explains each step of the grooming process to help Josh (and you) get amazing results.
Between sections, Pina lets Josh duplicate her work on the opposite side. We kept our cameras keep rolling to catch Pina’s amazing coaching as it happened. This ring-side coaching lesson allows you to get more details on the advanced concepts she’s teaching.
If you are struggling to perfect higher-end trims on a Poodle under tight timelines, this lesson is definitely for you.
In this lesson, you will learn:
- how to block in quickly with guard combs.
- how to establish parallel lines on the rear legs.
- how to establish balance.
- how to establish symmetry.
- The proper time to start dusting the coat.
Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich
Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich immigrated from The Ukraine in 1989. She realized her passion as a Pet Stylist while working part-time as a bather. In the earlier part of her career Irina worked as a Pet Stylist at some of the most high-end grooming salons in New York.
Looking to improve her skills & expand her horizons, Irina entered the world of Competitive Grooming in 2006. In her competitive career Irina has won multiple BIS & Best All Around Groomer awards. She is a two-time recipient of the Lynne Carver Award for the most Best All Around Groomer wins in 2008 & 2010. Irina was also honored to win the Liz Paul Memorial Award for the most Best in Show wins in 2010. She is the winner of the Winner’s Circle Jackpot 2011 where she won $32,500 for grooming Lucas, her champion American Cocker Spaniel. In 2013 she was the winner of another Jackpot & in 2017 she won The World Dog Show’s World Champion Award.
Irina was a member of GroomTeam USA from 2008 through 2013. She competed in the World Championships for the United States in 2009, 2011, & 2013 helping the U.S. team bring home a Silver & two Golds.
Currently, Irina is a national & international judge & lecturer as well as an ambassador for Artero. Irina was awarded the Cardinal Crystal Award for Judge of the Year 2014 & the Barkleigh Honors Award for Up & Coming Speaker of the Year 2014. She has also been nominated for multiple Cardinal Crystal & Barkleigh awards in 2015.
Irina is a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) with the National Dog Groomers of America. She is also a Certifier for their company.
Dedicated to improving the industry, Irina teaches at Merryfield School of Pet Grooming in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She travels the world educating through conferences and seminars. She is also an integral part of Artero’s Jornadas events in Spain and the USA.
Irina is associated with Kiyara Poodles, owned by Michael Lamb and Bill Jividen Jr.. Kiyara is a top breeder of miniature poodles in the United States. She is also associated with Kerryfield Kennels, owned by Virginia Harding & Krizma Kennels owned by Lois Grier, top breeders of Kerry Blue Terriers. With these kennels, Irina has bred and co-owned numerous champion Poodles and Kerry Blue Terriers.
Irina is co-owner of a high-end styling salon in Oakland Park, Florida: Päsh the Canine Boudoir. It is here where she is most often found grooming the amazing show dogs that are her passion.
Asian Fusion Pet Styling (Part 1 of 3-Part Series: The Body)
Asian Fusion Pet Styling (Part 2 of 3-Part Series: The Legs, Feet, and Tail)
Asian Fusion Pet Styling (Part 3 of 3-Part Series: The Head and Ears)