Absolute Pawfection groomer and team member Sara!
Myke Ross has been grooming for 11 years, falling into the trade by what we would call fate. Previously owning several different businesses from a photo studio to two tattoo studios, business savvy Myke was asked by a friend who had recently taken over a grooming shop for some help on the paper side of things. As the shop continued to grow and the need for more help grew larger Myke decided to jump right in and start brushing dogs. He then decided to take things to the next level and learn how to groom. Along with taking classes Myke was able to learn the secrets of the trade through apprenticing under two seasoned groomers and one master groomer. It wasn’t long after the shops growing success that Myke was asked by another friend for his assistance in watching over the grooming shop she was working at while she was away. Within a year Myke was then managing the successful business himself. Four years later in May of 2012 Myke had made the decision to buy his first van and Absolute Pawfection was born. In March 2013 he purchased his second van fallowed by opening his first shop in Encinitas that fallowing May. A year later business was booming and the demand for more of Myke’s groomers grew higher. It was then time to open up his newest location in Sorrento Valley. He will be celebrating his 4 year anniversary this May with a fabulous party!
Absolute Pawfection fearless leader and owner, Myke Ross!
When deciding on a groomer what specific traits should they have and what are the top 3 questions to ask?
“I believe every groomer should be educated, currently there is no requirement in California to be certified as a dog groomer. I require all of my groomers to be certified or to have the goal to be certified. They should always be continuing their education including going to seminars and classes on a regular basis. The shop needs to be clean and airy, with nice people working there, and the grooming stations should be clean. Recommendations from friends are a great way to find a groomer, and you can also check out their online reviews. Also you should know how long they have been grooming for and if you can really tell they love what they do. Look at the shop you’re going to, the more professional shop, the more professional groomers you should be encountering.”
How often do you recommend to get your dog groomed and why?
“I recommend every 4-8 weeks, however 6 weeks is the most common. It really depends on the different breeds and also the different hair/fur condition.”
What’s your favorite part about your job?
“I love dogs! I live, sleep, and breathe everything dogs. Currently I have 5 rescue dogs at home that get to run in and out of the house all day. It really is like a dog park. It’s fantastic! I work all day with dogs and then get to come home to my dogs.”
Absolute Pawfection team member Clifton!
How do you soothe a dog’s grooming anxiety?
“I have an easy going demeanor. I do my best to stay calm, and I’m always talking to the dogs. People always laugh at me because I talk to them all day. I recommend having the dog groomed in the van if they don’t like noises, or going into the other room for less noisy distractions. I believe working one on one with a dog. It’s finished in a shorter amount of time and done better. I am pretty quick at what I do, and then it’s over with. I also do not force them into crazy yoga positions.”
Myke doing what he loves and does best!
How can I control my dog’s fur/shedding?
“You can bring them to me! This really depends on the dog and there are also different tools, not every tool is the same for each dog. The best grooming supplies/tools we actually use on ourselves for the dogs. You can find out how often you need to brush your dog by brushing them daily and checking for tangles. No tangles means a brushing is not needed that day”.
Absolute Pawfection team member Lorie!
Can I teach my dog to let me trim their nails?
“It’s not that hard to do, but if you attempt it yourself you should have all the required equipment and styptic powder. A groomer does have all the tools necessary and as other people have said, “Why would you want to do something most dogs don’t like to have done to them?” Just have someone else do it so they don’t associate that with you.”
Please share a funny/memorable grooming story.
“Often people don’t brush their dogs. I had a client bring in their dog that was completely matted. I had asked her if the dog was matted over the phone and she said no. When they arrived I could clearly see the dog was matted and stated, “I thought your dog was not matted.” She said, “Oh! Driving over the dog had its head out the window the whole time. That must be why she’s matted!” A woman called me while I was working on another dog saying it was 911 emergency and I must come immediately. She even offered to play triple the normal rate. She said her dog must have been in a fire because it smells like its coat was burning. I told her if her dog was on fire you need to rinse it off with a hose right away. She kept begging and insisting for me to come over, and I ended up giving the dog a $300 bath because her dog had been skunked!”
Thank you you to Myke and his happy, friendly, and loyal staff for welcoming us in, and allowing us to share Absolute Pawfection with you. We can't wait for that party in May! For more information please check out their website here.