Again, maintenance is key: clean monthly, making sure the motor is free of hair and dirt. Some have changeable carbon brushes inside. If your dryer is blowing lukewarm or cold, it's probably time to send it out for an overhaul, including having those brushes replaced. Basic cleaning and brush replacement can be as low as $50.
Tables
Obviously you will need some kind of grooming table. While stationary tables are the tried-and-true, easy-to-pack staple, we have two words for you: electric table. If you do a lot of work with a larger dog, and can afford it, having a table you can raise and lower from floor to work-level will save wear and tear on dog and owner alike. Once you make the leap, you'll wonder how you ever did without one.
Another Way to Wash
Quite a few companies have come out with free-standing tubs that connect to any water source and drain, and they come in various shapes and sizes. If you're bathing your dog at home, it's often easier to have him step into your tub, rather than picking him up and into a raised tub. A smaller dog might be more intimidated in a floor tub, and therefore prefer something raised. The individual dog, and how often you're going to bathe, will determine the accommodations you're willing to make in your home.
For conformation exhibitors, the best investment for the road is a hydro-surge pump. This easily portable, lightweight pump allows you to add a small amount of water to the tub, then sits in the tub and recycles the soap and water right through the attached hose. Whether you're showing one dog or bathing several at home, this handy little innovation could save a lot of time and back trouble in the long run.
Replacement Costs and Payoffs
If you take care of your equipment, you won't have to replace much. The tool most likely to be replaced is your clipper. That's the one item people buy repeatedly due to high use and lack of care. Getting the right tools, and spending a few extra minutes on maintenance, will save you hours of frustration, and mean less time on the table for your dog.
Special thanks to professional groomer Suesan E. Watson, of Hoffman Estates, Ill., for her generous contribution to this article.
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