Class Descriptions

Schedule

Registration 

Participate in Canada's first in person grooming competition since 2019, is easy!

Simply fill out the registration form, and we will be in touch.

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Please note, spaces are limited and are sold as first come, first serve basis.

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If you do not wish to participate in the competitions, but would like to attend as a spectator and cheer on your favourite groomer, purchase tickets www.canadianpetexpo.ca

Awards

Judges

Marnie Mathison is the General Manager of Ontario’s premiere and Canada’s longest running grooming school, Pets Beautiful School of Styling. Her passion for teaching and desire to enhance the pet styling industry motivated her to test her skills in the competition ring. Upon doing so Marnie has multiple placements in Canada and United States, earning her the front cover of Groomer to Groomer Magazine in 2006 for her win in the Winner’s Circle in California. She has also been awarded the prestigious opportunity to compete with Groom Team Canada representing her Country alongside some of the World’s best groomers. In 2005, Marnie placed 2nd on her Wheaten Terrier in France with Canada placing 4th overall. In 2007, Marnie was awarded a 4th placement on her Standard Poodle in Italy and again in 2009 Marnie had the privilege of proudly representing Canada in Germany with Canada placing 6th in the World.

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A combination of cash & prizes to be awarded

First Timer​

One Placement per class-TBA

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Novice

1st- TBA

2nd- TBA

3rd- TBA

Intermediate

1st- TBA

2nd- TBA

3rd- TBA

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Open

1st- TBA

2nd- TBA

3rd- TBA

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Competition Rules

Competition level division

OPEN: Open to all competitors. Recommended for groomers with advanced styling skills, previous successful competition experience and professional conformation show exhibitors and/or certifiers with expert styling skills.

INTERMEDIATE: Competitors who have not won 2 Best in Show or 2 Best All-Around groomer title from any division OR three first placements from the Intermediate division at a live grooming competition show.  Recommended for groomers with Intermediate styling skills or conformation show ring exhibitors (Have groomed and handled a breed to champion) and/or certifiers with Intermediate styling skills

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NOVICE: Competitors who have not won 2 Best in Show or 2 Best All-Around groomer title from any division OR three first placements from the entry division at live grooming competition shows.  Recommended for groomers who have never competed and/or possess novice -grooming skills.  Handlers, conformation show exhibitors, certifiers and grooming instructors are not permitted to compete in the Novice Division.   This does not apply to new handlers who have not handled a breed to championship. 

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FIRST TIMER: A special award in each class, dedicated to competitors who have never competed in live grooming competitions prior to registration.

Grooming Equipment
Competitors must provide all of their own equipment, including the grooming table, grooming arm and safety loop.

• Flame devices are not permitted in the competition ring, the prep area or the bathing and drying area.

• Hair dryers are not permitted in the competition ring unless stated

• Holding crates are not permitted in the competition ring.

• Personal grooming tables and equipment must be removed from the ring after each class unless stated otherwise by the show promoter.

• A few tables are available to be  reserved in advance 

Strictly Prohibited in the Competition Ring

• Use of cell phones or any devices other that for recording live during the online competition

• Any background noise such as radios, televisions, people or pets

• Smoking in the competition ring.

• Standing on the grooming tables.

• Coaching by anyone, at any time, during the competition, including any breaks.

• Visual or written grooming instructions.

Professional Image and Conduct
Competitors must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Using unprofessional language, attitude and body language will be considered unprofessional conduct.

Conversations During the Competition
Competitors must refrain from conversing with others during the competition. Conversations between contestants may be distraction to other competitors and judges. 

Professional Styling Station
Competitors must maintain a safe and organized styling station for the competition dog at all times during the contest. Open scissors left on the table, for example, will be considered a safety issue for the competition dog and will be considered as unsafe working conditions.

Professional Handling
Competitor must practice safe and gentle handling when applying technical skills, such as brushing and hand stripping. Aggressively holding the skin on the dog and/or aggressive brushing techniques would be considered unsafe handling.

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• Competitors must not leave the competition dog unattended on the grooming table. A dog jumping or falling off the grooming table will be considered unsafe handling.

• Competitors must take care not to adjust the safety loop too high or attach the safety loop incorrectly and place the pet in danger. Adjusting the safety loop too high or too low in an unsafe manner.

Professional Technical Skills Application
Competitors must apply technical skills with safety. Clipper burns, nicks and/or cuts that are discovered on the dog during the judging procedures will be considered unsafe technical application. Competitor may be disqualified from the class if his/her competition dog is injured by unsafe technical skills.

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Class Eligibility

This class is open to first time, novice, intermediate and advanced groomer

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Prizes Awarded
1st, 2nd and 3rd, in each division. First Timer in each class

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Techniques allowed
Clipping
Scissoring
Thinning
Handstripping
Hand plucking
Carding

***Terriers may be clippered or handstripped

Time Frame

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• Any Purebred

upto 17" 1.75 hours

17.1"-23" 2 hours

over 23.1" 2.25 hours

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• Clipper class (at least 50% of time must be spent using clippers

Upto 17" 1 hour

17.1-23 " 1.25 hours

over 23" 1.50 hours

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• Poodle

11” and under: 1.5 hours  

11.1”-17”: 1.75 hours

17.1”-23”: 2.0 hours

23.1” and over: 2.25 hours.​

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• Salon Freestyle

Upto and including 17":1.75 hours

Over 17" 2 hours​

• Any Purebred

upto 17" 1.75 hours

17.1"-23" 2 hours

over 23.1" 2.25 hours

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 Judging Considerations

• Overall finish

• Degree of difficulty

• Handling of animal

• Overall change in appearance

• Style to suit dogs personality and structure

• Techniques that enabled the best outcome for the dogs coat type and starting condition

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Warnings and Disqualifications
Competitors will receive a warning for:

·         Inappropriate language and attitude

·         Skin abrasions such as clipper burns, nicks or cuts.

·         Handstripping, plucking, dematting in a non-compassionate manner

·         Dog left unattended on grooming table

·         Dog jumping or falling off grooming table 

·         Rough handling of dog

·         Unsafe working conditions

·         Unsafe handling of animal under your care

·         Lifting of dog by tail strictly prohibited

·         Use of cell phones, radios and headsets

·         Standing on grooming tables

·         Standing on chairs to groom

·         Coaching by anyone, at any time during the competition

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A second warning may result in disqualification. All judges decisions are final.

Refunds

Any changes to your entry must be completed no later than 10 days prior to the event in writing.  Refunds are at the discretion of L.E.T.S Groom Show.  In the event of forced closure, due to government lockdown, event limitations or other reasons due to COVID19 restrictions, a full refund will be issued within 5 business days.

Professional Styling Station
Competitors must maintain a safe and organized styling station for the competition dog at all times during the contest. Open scissors left on the table, for example, will be considered a safety issue for the competition dog and will be considered as unsafe working conditions.

 

COMPLETE LIST OF RULES COMING