Dog Grooming students enjoy masterclass by Julie Harris, on the Anatomical Kind Hands Tour

Last weekend we were delighted to welcome Julie Harris to the college for a full day's dog grooming masterclass as part of her Anatomical Kind Hands Tour. Over 40 attendees, all professional groomers, learned about her grooming philosophy to build confidence with table handling. Julie revealed seven of her favourite grooming 'secrets' to help raise standards and create potential for dog grooming businesses. In the afternoon, Julie was joined by a guest groomer, Helen Kirby for a practical demonstration in Asian fusion. 

Attendees were full of enthusiasm for everything they had learned throughout the day and commented that it was great to be able to get some classroom time with Julie and to have the opportunity to meet other dog grooming professionals. 

Julie started her career at an early age working in a kennel. Her love of working with dogs began despite her parents' reservations. Since then, her career has included teaching others in various settings, including a commercial business, a college or trainee groomers for her own business, Julie Harris Groomer, based in St. Leonards. She said, "I can honestly tell you that in all my years of teaching, not one of my students has failed their exams. My ability to share my knowledge with more trainee groomers has been a long-held desire, and technology now makes this possible." 

Julie aims to help raise industry standards in this unregulated industry and tells us that it is important to check your groomer is qualified. As a result of her passion for dog safety, she co-founded the Groomers Spotlight (groomerspotlight.com) to celebrate fully qualified groomers and the art of professional dog grooming. The Groomers Spotlight aims to champion and promote groomers who have achieved a Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming. 

In 2020 Julie Harris Education was formed with Jo Hargreaves, former Head of Marketing at Groomers Limited, to continue the education of groomers. Julie says, "I hope by sharing my knowledge we continue to raise grooming industry standards, gaining appreciation and awareness of the skills involved ensuring animals are handled and cared for safely, whilst being made to look and feel fabulous too!"