FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Dog Groomers Bring National  Training
to Jacksonville for the First Time

A mother-daughter team of dog groomers will host a two-day event by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) at their Jacksonville business, Green Dog Spa, on April 29-30, 2018,

The event will be the first time that NDGAA has offered training in Northeast Florida.

“NDGAA has been the authority on dog grooming for over 45 years, and offers training all over the country,” explains Erica Benson, the owner of Green Dog Spa, located off Baymeadows Road on Jacksonville’s Southside. “Until now, we’ve had to travel to other cities for their workshops.”

Ms. Benson is one of the few Master Groomers in North Florida certified by NDGAA. She also is certified by American Kennel Club (AKC) Salon Safety standards, and keeps her staff and herself updated on CPR for dogs.

“There are no safety state or local requirements, but we feel it is essential, not only to groomers to elevate their skills, but to dog owners, who can feel confident that their pet is in safe hands with a certified groomer.”

Grooming has become widely recognized by dog owners as adding to the enjoyment of their pets, and in recent years to the general public, as well, through the popularity of televised competitions such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, at which dogs are judged on obedience, agility and “conformation” – how well the dog’s appearance conforms to the AKC standards for the breed. In addition, there are many local dog shows that lead up to Westminster, and many AKC dog sports that can become family fun activities.

“The truth is,” Erica says, “every dog wants a job, and our passion is to help him find it.”

On the first day of the workshop, participants will observe a team of experts groom four different breeds. On Monday, the participants will bring their own dogs. Certifiers from NDGAA will critique and grade the participants’ work, and give a written exam. Those who pass will be awarded NDGAA certification in that particular group.

Erica Benson grew up in the business. Her mother, Lynn Lamoureux, has been in the dog grooming industry for 42 years, and presently own Sunland Acres, a dog boarding facility in St. Johns County.

Erica and Lynn work with many dogs, not just show dogs. “Most of the dogs we get in our salons are pets, including mixed breeds,” Erica says. “Their owners just want their dog to look and feel good on a day-to-day basis, and have a trim that suits their lifestyle.”

In addition, they volunteer their services to groom rescue dogs and dogs in the “K9s for Warriors” program. “It’s a way to give back, and great practice for new groomers,” Erica adds.

For more information on Green Dog Spa, Sunland Acres, the National Dog Groomers Association of America, or the NDGAA workshop on April 29-30, please contact Erica Benson at (904) 553-5727.