Pantops Pet Salon

Pantops Pet Salon & Spa
Charlottesville's Professional Dog Grooming

It's what we do -- it's all we do.

(434) 293-2424
Fax: (434) 293-8231
504 Pantops Shopping Center
Charlottesville, VA 22911

Archive for October, 2006

The Border Collie

Tuesday, October 17th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Basics
Country of origin: England
Group: Herding
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Grooming: Brush at home weekly
Height: 18-22”
Weight: 35-55 lbs.
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #4, October

AKC Rank 2006:  56

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Flea Season and Flea Control - Updated 2/20/07

Tuesday, October 17th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

In the fourth newsletter, I expressed my concern about using chemicals on our pets as a preventive measure and whether currently available treatments would prove safe over time.  During Lizzie’s last check-up with Dr. Marty Betts, we discussed this topic and he assured me that the product Frontline was proven to be safe and after further research, I concur.  Claims by the manufacturer state that it is even safe to use on sensitive puppies and kittens over 8 weeks of age as well as on nursing mothers.  That is quite a statement and it has held up since 1996 when it was established.

Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #4, 7 and 8 Read the rest of this entry »

Breeds We Don’t Do — The Rottweiler

Tuesday, October 17th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #4, October 

There are several breeds that we don’t groom including Rottweilers, Chows, and Siberian Huskies.  I did not make the decision to deny these dogs arbitrarily.  In fact, I groomed all breeds for a full 25 years (even groomed cats too).  It was a difficult decision—saying no to a customer means I don’t make the money, a situation I couldn’t afford when I was starting my family.  I’m in the business to groom dogs so why would I say “no” to these dogs–not just an impossible individual dog, but entire breeds?  Why, after 25 years did I finally say, “That’s enough!  I quit!”

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Dog Whispering - Leashes

Tuesday, October 17th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Archived from “The Paw Report:”  Issue #4, October
In the last issue, I explained the time commitment Caesar Millan suggests for daily training—a 45 minute walk in the morning followed by basic obedience sessions.  Keep in mind that the walk he describes is brisk and the lead is kept short with the collar high on the neck—no harnesses or lengthy leads there!

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The Pomeranian

Tuesday, October 17th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Country of Origin: Germany

Group: Toy

Lifespan: 16-18 years

Height: 7-12 inches

Weight: 3-7 lbs

Color: All solid colors as well as parti-colors

AKC Rank 2006:  14

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The West Highland Terrier (Westie)

Friday, October 6th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Basics:
Country of Origin:
Scotland
Group: Terrier
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Height: 11 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 15-22 lbs
Color: White

AKC Rank 2006:  33

Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #9, March.

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The Labrador Retriever

Friday, October 6th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Basics
Country of Origin: Newfoundland – England
Group: Sporting
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 65-80 lbs (male), 55-70 lbs (female)
Color: Black, yellow, chocolate

AKC Rank 2006:  1

Archieved from “The Paw Report:” Issue #6, December

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The Pet Salon and Spa Library

Wednesday, October 4th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Click the “Library” link in the bar above.  Once there, all of our articles can be accessed by catagory or via the search to your right or in the archive section.  You can learn more about our grooming process, training, health, and more.  We even have a section of breed profiles including examples of their hairstyles.  Every month we produce a copy of “The Paw Report” whose essential articles are archived here.  If you would like to read the full version of one of our previous newsletters (or subscribe for future newsletters), please email us (information@pantopspetsalon.com) and we will send it to you. 

Communication is key for us so we very much encourage you to utilize the blog ability to comment, question, and suggest anything that’s on your mind so our library can continually evolve and be something both enlightening and entertaining for you!

Below you will find permanent articles that include our central Q&A area as well as an explanation of our newsletter, “The Paw Report,” and how to use our online appointments feature.  Our most recent articles will be posted under these. 

Time Commitment

Wednesday, October 4th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

I’ve now seen over 25 of Cesar Millan’s shows and am still fascinated by his skillful handling of each situation.  I’d like to comment on a different aspect of his presentation throughout our newsletters.  He does explain that all the nuances of his technique are based on three points of emphasis:  exercise, discipline, and then affection (in that order).  The main thing I noticed when he is making a correction is the time involved on the part of the owner.  First, there must be a 45 minute walk daily—without exception.  This is followed by consistent behavior modification at every breech of good behavior.

Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #2, July

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The Shih Tzu

Wednesday, October 4th, 2006 by Mike Cronk

Basics
Country of origin:

Tibet/China

Group:
Toy

Lifespan:
10-12 years

Height:
11 inches

Weight:
9-16 lbs

AKC Rank 2006:  9
Archived from “The Paw Report:” Issue #3, September

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