APPLIED THEORY : the first volume of Simply the Best.
Introduction to Volume One: Applied Theory for Professional Grooming
The first volume of the "Simply the Best" manual is an essential work for anyone who wants to approach professional grooming. This first volume is designed to present in a detailed and clear manner the knowledge necessary for the groomer to operate skillfully and competently, addressing all the techniques of the grooming industry.
Is theory in grooming really important?
We understand that some may be tempted to skip the theoretical section and go straight to the breed information they need to cover the following day. However, we strongly recommend that you take the time to read this volume carefully. The concepts covered are extremely practical and fundamental to fully understanding the later sections on breeds. The numerous pictures accompanying the text are a great visual aid.
We firmly believe that Applied Theory for Professional Grooming is the most indispensable volume for every groomer. The contents are extensive and may not all be familiar, so it is an excellent resource for those seeking a comprehensive guide to professional grooming.

CONSULT THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS VOLUME
1. | Preface | ||
2. | Glossary | ||
3. | Origins and purposes of grooming | ||
4. | Integumentary apparatus | ||
4.1 | Skin structure | ||
4.2 | Life cycle and hair structure | ||
4.3 | The different types of hair | ||
4.4 | Fur wetsuit | ||
5. | The fur birth verses | ||
5.1 | Uniqueness of each subject | ||
5.2 | Pouring of hair birth in the perianal area | ||
6. | Anatomy of the dog | ||
6.1 | Nomenclature of body regions | ||
6.2 | Basic terminology in reference to anatomical planes | ||
6.3 | Measurements, proportions and angles in the dog | ||
6.4 | Grooming, a tool for adjusting the dog to the aesthetic model | ||
6.5 | Head structure | ||
6.6 | Body structure | ||
7. | Approach with and handling of the dog | ||
8. | Initial procedures of the grooming session | ||
8.1 | First client approach and assessment of the subject to be groomed | ||
8.2 | Ear cleaning | ||
8.3 | Cleaning periocular and muzzle folds | ||
8.4 | Nail cutting | ||
8.5 | The cleaning of the spaces between the plantar pads | ||
8.6 | Hygienic cleaning of the genital areas | ||
8.7 | Cleaning of the perianal glands | ||
9. | Bathing: hygiene and care for skin and hair | ||
9.1 | Purpose of the bath | ||
9.2 | Function of products | ||
9.3 | Bathroom methodology | ||
9.4 | Short, sparse hair | ||
9.5 | Medium hair: double coat/semi-long, silky and fringed, hard or rough | ||
9.6 | Long curly hair | ||
9.7 | Long smooth cascading hair | ||
9.8 | Wavy or rustic hair | ||
9.9 | Corded hair (see section on Poodles) | ||
9.10 | Naked dogs | ||
10. | Drying: techniques according to texture | ||
10.1 | Drying equipment | ||
10.2 | Short, sparse hair | ||
10.3 | Medium hair: double coat/semi-long, silky and fringed, hard or rough | ||
10.4 | Long curly hair | ||
10.5 | Long smooth cascading hair | ||
10.6 | Wavy or rustic hair | ||
10.7 | Fast drying technique by Paola Acco | ||
11 | Basic groomer tools: brushes and carders | ||
11.1 | The brushes | ||
11.2 | The carder | ||
11.3 | The use of the carder on various types of hair | ||
11.4 | The jointing of the hair | ||
11.5 | The jointing technique by Paola Acco | ||
11.6 | Dangerous points for carding/unclamping | ||
12. | Essential tool for the groomer: the comb | ||
12.1 | The comb | ||
12.2 | The comb handle | ||
12.3 | Use of the comb in the curly hair, following the direction of the direction of the hair direction | ||
12.4 | Comb movement in curly hair | ||
12.5 | Comb movement in the smooth hair | ||
13. | The clipper | ||
13.1 | The technical features of the clipper | ||
13.2 | The different types of clippers and their differences | ||
13.3 | The heads: measurements and systems compared | ||
13.4 | Shearing: premise | ||
13.5 | Handling and use of the clipper | ||
13.6 | Degree of clipper inclination | ||
13.7 | Technique of using the clipper | ||
13.8 | Using the clipper in the direction of the hair or against the hair | ||
13.9 | Specific use of the clipper on the ears | ||
13.10 | The elevations to be applied to the heads | ||
13.11 | Technique of using elevations | ||
13.12 | How to avoid making mistakes with the clipper | ||
13.13 | Dangerous points for shearing | ||
14. | The scissors | ||
14.1 | The structure of the scissors | ||
14.2 | Scissor measurement system | ||
14.3 | The Straight Scissors | ||
14.4 | The Curve Scissors | ||
14.5 | "Toothed" scissors: Thinners, Blenders, Super Blenders, Fluffers and Chunkers | ||
14.5.1 | Principle, functionality and purpose of "teeth" | ||
14.6 | Cutting percentages of the "toothed" scissors | ||
14.7 | The Double Toothed Scissors or Thinners | ||
14.8 | The Blenders scissors | ||
14.9 | Super Blenders scissors | ||
14.10 | Chunkers scissors | ||
14.11 | Fluffers scissors | ||
14.12 | Scissor cutting technique: premise | ||
14.13 | Handling and use of scissors | ||
14.14 | Scissor training exercises | ||
14.15 | Pre-bath roughing technique | ||
14.16 | Cutting techniques on different body areas | ||
14.17 | "Classic Technique" of Blenders scissors | ||
14.18 | "Finger Technique" with Blenders Scissors - Trunk | ||
14.19 | "Finger Technique" with Blenders Scissors - Head | ||
14.20 | "Comb Technique" with Blenders Scissors - Trunk | ||
14.21 | "Comb Technique" with Blenders Scissors - Head | ||
14.22 | Thinning technique with Thinners scissors | ||
14.23 | Trimming the edge of the ears with straight scissors | ||
14.24 | How to avoid making mistakes with scissors | ||
15. | Stripping on rough and woolly hair: instrumentation and general concepts for both | ||
15.1 | Stripping tools | ||
15.2 | Stripping knives | ||
15.3 | Stripping stick knives | ||
15.4 | Knives or "Palettes" from Carding | ||
15.5 | Pumice stones | ||
15.6 | The slaners | ||
15.7 | Stripping aids: thimbles, gloves, chalk, and powders | ||
15.8 | Stripping technique: premise | ||
15.9 | Grip and use of Stripping knives | ||
15.10 | Grip and use of Stripping pumice stones | ||
16. | Stripping techniques on the rough and hard coat | ||
16.1 | Stripping movement on the rough, hard coat | ||
16.2 | Practical application of Stripping on rough and hard hair | ||
16.3 | The importance of respecting the directions of hair birth in Stripping | ||
16.4 | "Zone Stripping" Technique | ||
16.5 | The Rolling Coat on the rough and tough coat | ||
16.6 | Trimming on rough and hard hair | ||
16.7 | Plucking on the rough, hard coat | ||
16.8 | Flatwork on the rough and hard coat | ||
16.9 | Sloughing on the rough, hard coat | ||
16.10 | Carding on the rough, hard coat | ||
16.11 | Total Stripping on the rough and hard coat | ||
16.12 | Stripping processing of various body regions | ||
16.13 | Situations in which Stripping is not recommended | ||
16.14 | Change of texture on subjects that have undergone several shearing processes | ||
16.15 | Pre or post Stripping bath on rough and hard hair | ||
17. | Stripping techniques on the woolly coat of the Spaniel type | ||
17.1 | Practical application of Stripping on the woolly coat of Spaniel type | ||
17.2 | Plucking on the woolly coat of Spaniel type. | ||
17.3 | Stripping with pumice stone on the woolly coat of Spaniel type | ||
17.4 | Stripping with Knives (sticks) on the woolly coat of Spaniel type | ||
17.5 | The slaning technique on the woolly coat of Spaniel type, with slaner | ||
17.6 | The slaning technique on woolly Spaniel-type hair, with elastic on the comb | ||
17.7 | Carding on the woolly coat of Spaniel type. | ||
17.8 | Trimming on woolly hair of Spaniel type. | ||
17.9 | Change of texture on subjects that have undergone several shearing processes | ||
17.10 | Pre or post Stripping bath on the woolly coat of Spaniel type | ||
18. | Other equipment needed by the groomer | ||
19. | Equipment maintenance | ||
19.1 | Maintenance of clippers | ||
19.2 | Head maintenance | ||
19.3 | Scissors maintenance | ||
19.4 | Maintenance of Stripping knives and slaners | ||
19.5 | Maintenance of various equipment | ||
20. | Occupational safety | ||
20.1 | Risks of workers | ||
20.2 | Personal protective equipment | ||
20.3 | First Aid Box | ||
21. | Major occupational diseases in the category | ||
22. | The basics of First Aid aimed at grooming animals | ||
22.1 | Main animal health issues that may arise in grooming and their management | ||
22.2 | First Aid Box for Animals | ||
23. | Hints of the main Zoonoses and Parasitology |
Chapter 1 - Preface
In the preface of Applied Theory for Professional Grooming, we explain the intentions behind writing this work.

Chapter 2 - Glossary

the text starts with a small glossary so that the terms usually used are clear to everyone.
Chapter 3
Purpose of Grooming
In the third chapter, we look at the purposes of grooming, which go beyond aesthetics and include functional and health aspects, both for the dog and its human cohabitants. If you are wondering how to groom your dog effectively and healthfully, this chapter provides all the answers.

Chapter 4

Anatomy of the Dog
The fourth chapter delves into the anatomy of the dog, describing in detail the skin, coat and its life cycle. Special attention is paid to the different types of coats. Understanding anatomy is essential for anyone who wants to improve their grooming techniques.
Chapter 5
The Birth Verse of Hair
The fifth chapter is devoted to the birth direction of the coat, an aspect so unique to each dog that it is comparable to the human fingerprint. The manual provides the tools needed to learn how to read and respect this particular element, which is essential for successful grooming.

Chapter 6

Basics of Anatomy
In the sixth chapter, the basics of dog anatomy are covered, including nomenclature of the various body areas and proportions. These basics are essential for working professionally and understanding advanced grooming techniques.
Chapter 7
Approach to the Dog
The seventh chapter provides guidelines on how to approach the dog, how to contain him, and how to position yourself in relation to him to perform different grooming tasks. Numerous supporting images facilitate understanding of the concepts.


Chapter 8
Subject Assessment and Initial Procedures
The eighth chapter covers the evaluation of the dog with its owner and describes initial procedures such as habituation to hygienic grooming and nail trimming. This section is ideal for those seeking professional grooming advice and wanting to learn more about grooming techniques.
Chapter 9
The Bathroom
In the ninth chapter, the bathing process is addressed, with a detailed analysis of the products to be used and application methods according to different coat types and hair lengths.

Chapter 10

Drying the Dog
The tenth chapter describes tools and techniques for drying the dog after bathing. Drying techniques vary according to coat type and are crucial in preparing the coat for subsequent grooming.
Chapter 11
Brushes and Carders
The eleventh chapter examines in detail brushes and carders, indispensable tools for any grooming. These are essential tools for professional grooming, and the manual thoroughly explains their use.

Chapter 12

The Comb
The twelfth chapter is devoted to the comb, described as the extension of the groomer's hand. Learn about the different types of combs and their ideal use for each type of texture and hair length.
Chapter 13
Clippers and Heads
The thirteenth chapter offers a technical description of clippers and heads, comparing the different features to help the groomer choose the most appropriate tool. Clippers are essential tools for professional grooming, and this chapter delves into their use and maintenance.

Chapter 14

The Scissors
The fourteenth chapter explores the use of grooming scissors, valuable tools for the groomer. Learn proper handling and cutting techniques, including scaling, with explanations supported by detailed images.
Chapter 15
Stripping Tools
The fifteenth chapter describes stripping equipment, an advanced grooming technique. The manual provides a comprehensive guide on the use of stripping tools, ensuring optimal results without damaging the dog's coat.

Chapter 16

Stripping for Hard Hair
The sixteenth chapter delves into stripping for hard-coated dogs, examining practical techniques and common problems. This section is ideal for those who want to master grooming for rough coats.
Chapter 17
Stripping for Spaniel Coats
The seventeenth chapter discusses stripping for Spaniel-type coats, with a detailed analysis of slaning techniques. These techniques are fundamental to the professional grooming of dogs with Spaniel coats.


Chapter 18
Other Grooming Tools
The eighteenth chapter examines other useful tools in a grooming business, describing their functions and variations. Knowing the right tools will enable you to optimize spending and improve the quality of work.
Chapter 19
Maintenance of Tools
The nineteenth chapter is devoted to tool maintenance, which is essential to maintain high efficiency and durability. Good maintenance of grooming tools is essential to ensure high-quality service.


Chapter 20
Occupational Safety
The twentieth chapter addresses workplace safety, analyzing the risks of the profession and systems to prevent them. Following safety practices is crucial to preventing accidents and protecting the groomer's health.
Chapter 21
Pathologies of the Groomer
The twenty-first chapter discusses disorders and diseases related to the grooming profession, offering tips on how to minimize physical stress. Knowing about grooming-related ailments will help you prevent health problems and work more safely.

Chapter 22

Health Emergencies
The twenty-second chapter describes how to handle dog health emergencies, providing guidance on how to give first aid while waiting for the veterinarian. Being prepared for health emergencies is a critical skill for any professional groomer.
Chapter 23
Zoonoses and Parasites
The twenty-third chapter discusses zoonoses and parasites that can affect dogs and cats, and that can be transmitted to humans. This section offers valuable information to protect the health of dogs and their owners.
