Joey Blogs: Ep. 11 -- Cut!

June 20, 2009

This was my quick sniff ... what I do best. I love this kind of pressure and would have whooped anyone if I was in it. Grooming instruction is what I have done at Nash since 1979 and being in front of a camera," for get about it." In my other life, I have been on stage and on camera with the Pope, the President and every major recording act on planet earth and that's no lie, but that is a story for another reality show. It was tough for the groomers to get comfortable in front of the camera and even Danielle who won the challenge was just okay at best.

The Bichon challenge, now that was different, they all did great. Lisa's dog was by far the best, I don't care what that guest judge said, I've judged too many dogs in my life to give in. Between Huber and Danielle it was very close, but I felt that Huber had a better scissor and better profile on what was the most difficult coat in the challenge.

Great job, Danielle and I meant what I said about making me proud that you are part of my industry. Well next week is grooming bowl Saturday starting at 8PM with a special highlights episode before the main event at 9PM e/p.

May the best groomer win!

Joey Villani
www.joeyvillani.com

Comments

[Samantha]

I think for a challage you should get englesh bulldogs and have the groomers clean out the folds

[K9 Care]

Hey Joey, Great challenge for the quick sniff this week! Being on camera isn't as easy as it looks!! Danielle was the most at ease with doing the nails and getting her technique across. My only question is this: Why clip the nails? I have been going to AKC shows for 35 years and all of these dogs - from the large breeds to the toys all have their nails ground off short. I have had small dogs all my life (Bostons) and always did their nails with a clipper. 7 years ago I rescued a female pitbull and I began to use a Dremel on her nails because she hated the sound of the clipper and would flinch while being trimmed. I do trim a small amount of the nail with the clipper but prefer to grind it back to make a smooth finish on the nail. At the shows, I have seen numerous Rotties and other large breeds with really short nails due to grinding. Wouldn't it be easier & safer for pet owners to grind their dogs nails (if they were more comfortable with this technique) so they wouldn't quick the dog? Could you or Xavier address this question for all of us?
The only things you need to be careful with is heating the nail up with too much pressure on the Dremel stone, getting too close to the pad, and watching for the vein in the black nails.

I really can't wait to see Lisa & Huber face off next week. I thought at the beginning of the season it would come down to the two of them and that Danielle would be there close to the finish. They all have learned a lot over the past several weeks! Joey, I commend you, Doc Halligan, and Xavier for all of your dedication to the world of dogs and all of the insight that you 3 have given to the television audience. Your toughest job lies ahead, choosing Groomer Of The Year. Good luck to Lisa and Huber, they are going to need it!! Best wishes Judges, you have a VERY tough choice ahead!! Carol.

[Kate & Zena]

Ha ha, I'm glad you feel so comfortable in front of the lens, Joey. I sure am not! My speech impediment comes back with a vengeance whenever I have to do speeches. Heaven knows what I would be like in front of a camera!

I thought the nail clipping video was a good Quick Sniff challenge. It was very informative. I would trim Zena's toenails at home but she requires two people and it's easier, quicker and safer to get it done at the vet. She has to have them trimmed while she's in a horse position!

I can't wait to see next week's episode! I can't wait to see the "special highlights" (aka outtakes)!

[Marie]

I did notice that the dogs knew how to be groomed and stacked - the contestants probably liked not having to worry about the dog reacting. If they werent too nervous to notice. So of course, the lighting...
Danielle got a better leg up than help with the grooming challenge as I do not think she would have been the ultimate winner but she will get priceless exposure. MHO.

[Leesa G.]

Are Dremels, pedi-paws etc. not allowed in GHI competition or are none of the groomers picked just not using them for some reason? Just curious.

[Stephanie Siberian]

I think you made the right decision. Huber had a really difficult dog but he looked great after the groom, especially the head. It had a great expression and Huber really captured that. I agree that the front paws could have been trimmed down a little more.

[Joey Villani]

I personally like nail clippers over a grinder.I think for the non professional a grinder is safer. The groomers had tool provided and tools that they had themselves so yes they were allowed to use grinders.

[Cindy]

Joey I love you to death and I think you are a fantastic judge but in this episode I have to strongly agree with the guest judge. I didn't like how Lisa had left the rear bare in that area and it stands out way too much and just flat isn't attractive at all. By showing the skin and making it so much different then the rest of the coat just made your eyes draw to that area which isn't the most desirable area to be drawn too. I had a Bichon until we lost her last year to old age and in fact her Daddy was a Westminster champion for several years and I would have died if a groomer had done that to her.

[Leesa G.]

Thank you Joey for taking time to answer my question! I prefer to cut with a clipper but smooth them out with a small peti-buffer. Is there anything that is against rules for the competitors? Or anything the judges strongly approve or disapprove?

[Joey Villani]

We want them to do what ever they know how. But it must be safe to the pet and groomer.

[Joey Villani]

Cindy,
If you look in the show ring today you will see a lot of Bichons with a rear like that.

[Leesa G.]

Thanks Joey! Just gathering info for next year when hopefully you will be judging me!

[Joyce Villani-Clark]

Hi Joey! Now that the last show is coming up I am soooo sad. I am your biggest fan at work and at home. Will you have reruns? I can't wait to see who wins! Groomer Has It is a great show and I hope it stays on for a very long time. That's it babe!

[Marie]

I cant tell you all how much I have enjoyed the show - and these blogs and other extras. I dont "do" web extras - for any media - I can barely get through the mainstream event - TV show, magazine, whatever - but this is my exception. I am looking forward to the Finale - but more so to the recap-outtake show. Almost more.

[Joey Villani]

Thank you Joyce. How is that FLA weather

[Jean Honsinger]

Hey Joey I posted a couple of pics of me in the show off your groom form on the boards here under the topic starter “I am soo good” and I was wondering if you had an opinion on which one you like more. Since you asked for opinions on your photos. I posted it to get the thoughts from some of the other groomers I have been chatting with and I'm asking for yours too. Check it out and let me know which you like best. :) There are a lot of cool grooming pics from everyone that has been posted this season and I think if all the judges haven’t got the chance to check them out you might want to. Hope you get the chance to look at all the talent and read about what has been going on in the corner of the boards. LOL
Looking forward to the finale tonight :) thanks for the whole experience you judges brought this year to the boards had a lot of fun reading your guys thoughts too on the show.