Episode Transcript
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Joy Blue (00:11):
Welcome to Here We Are.
The podcast where we celebratethe beauty of being a nerd by
learning about nerdy things fromfellow nerds.
I'm your host, Joy Blue.
Today, I've got another greathuman for y'all to meet.
A few weeks ago, I called alocal dog grimmer to see about
getting our two Pyrenees labmixed dogs de shedded, because
(00:32):
it is definitely summer and wow.
They have lots of hair.
I expected the usualtransactional phone exchange and
found myself utterly surprisedat the snap connection I made
with the human on the other endof my call.
I knew then and there that thishuman needed to be featured on
Here We Are.
Not only for her smarts, but forher care and kindness.
(00:52):
So without further ado here'sOtter Aggio to talk with us all
about dog grooming:
Otter Aggio (00:58):
my name is Otter.
It's Otter, like the animal.
I am a dog groomer withextensive backgrounds in like
veterinary and stuff like that.
And I'm a doer of all things, Ialways say.
I'm a musician.
I'm a nerd of all types.
So that's about it.
Joy Blue (01:14):
We love nerds here.
The whole point of this podcastis to talk about nerds with
nerds.
Otter Aggio (01:20):
I love it.
Joy Blue (01:21):
Okay, so I met you last week or the week before
because I have two pyrenees labmixed dogs who are very fluffy
and I called your grooming.
Do you call it a salon?
Otter Aggio (01:35):
It's salon because it's our only brick and mortar
salon, and then the owners havethree other mobile units.
Joy Blue (01:42):
That's sweet.
You are within walking distanceof my house.
What's your salon called,
Otter Aggio (01:47):
It's called"What a Wonderful Woof."
Joy Blue (01:49):
Which is so punny and part of the reason I called you
Otter Aggio (01:54):
So I actually interviewed 18 places before
finding them.
Joy Blue (01:59):
Really?
Otter Aggio (02:00):
And I found them through an Instagram ad, which
is funny cause I was like givingup and I was like, maybe
grooming is not my industryanymore, when I go into school
again.
I believe it was fate findingthem, and they're just awesome
people, so it was really cool
Joy Blue (02:15):
That's amazing.
Otter Aggio (02:16):
and the name was what got me too.
Joy Blue (02:18):
Well, yeah, I mean, I hang out with people that do
puns, so we're doing prettygood.
How did you get started with doggrooming?
Do you do cats too?
Do you do all animals?
Otter Aggio (02:30):
I've always loved cats.
My mom and dad were separated,so I grew up going back and
forth on a farm.
Joy Blue (02:36):
Uhhuh.
Otter Aggio (02:36):
So I grew up just like loving animals and I always
thought I was gonna be a vet.
Because I grew up like nabbingcats and like messing with
horses and doing stuff Ishouldn't.
One time I brought a babyraccoon home and my mom was
like, that's not a cat.
My mom was like, that's not acat.
And I was like, okay,
Joy Blue (02:52):
That's a
Otter Aggio (02:52):
I like him now.
I like him now.
So he is mine, but.
Joy Blue (02:57):
Yeah.
Wow.
How'd that go for you?
Otter Aggio (02:59):
my mom was so mad.
She was like, get that outtayour hand.
I was like, okay.
Well, but I always lovedanimals.
And so I started college and Iwas like being a vet's just not
plausible when I'm on my ownright now, like I'm.
I'm just gonna go into chemistrycuz I got this crazy scholarship
to the school.
I'm going to quit everything,just do chemistry.
(03:19):
I hated it.
I hated it so bad.
And so I started vet tech rightbefore the pandemic.
And I hated that more.
Because the things you learn andthe things you see and the
people you see in that field,there's either people who are
amazing people, and they justhave these hearts of gold, and
they're meant to do that, butthey're getting underpaid and
undervalued and they see thingsthey shouldn't and they just,
(03:43):
you just watch their heartsbreak and they wither away, and
it's it's so sad because Ialways say, no one really knows
this, but veterinarian is thehighest rate of suicide in the
Joy Blue (03:52):
Oh, wow.
Otter Aggio (03:53):
That field and it really goes unchecked.
And people in this field justnot getting the help they need
at all and it's terrible.
Or you see people who reallyshouldn't be in that field and
they're the problem and youcan't fight it cuz it's your
job.
So I quit while I was ahead andI started bathing dogs as soon
as I lost my well paying job anddropped outta school at the end
(04:16):
of 2020 a friend of mine waslike, well, we're getting, I was
singing at this place that hadjust reopened for an outdoor
show, and she was like, well, weneed bathers at this place.
And I was like, cool, I'll startbathing dogs.
I love doing that.
Joy Blue (04:30):
Seems fun.
Otter Aggio (04:31):
And then the owner of that shop ended up really
liking how I was with them andmy diligence and she was like, I
do an apprenticeship program.
Do you wanna be an apprentice?
So I did that and she does likeaesthetician based
apprenticeships, which is reallycool.
She's a really good teacher.
Joy Blue (04:50):
Can you define that?
Otter Aggio (04:52):
It's like we did adjacent to learning just the
styling and like the handling ofdog grooming.
She also taught, C P Rcertification, which you're
supposed to have, animalhandling, enrichment and
skincare.
Joy Blue (05:04):
Wow.
Otter Aggio (05:05):
So things that are like for specific types of dogs,
like we constantly were thesalon that took all the old
geriatrics.
Any dogs that have skincare thatjust end up getting treated for
allergies
Joy Blue (05:17):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (05:18):
there's.
No knowledge of it in theveterinary world, that's
extensive.
Joy Blue (05:23):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (05:24):
If you have a person, anybody who's listening,
who's into dog grooming, Irecommend Dr.
Faver.
That's where we did ouresthetician based learning, cuz
he's amazing.
That just really sparked myinterest.
And when I graduated I was therefor a while.
And no hate to the salon.
They were good people and it wasawesome that I was moving an
(05:44):
hour away getting married and Iwas like, well, what am I gonna
do?
I'm screwed now.
I'm gonna go find another salon.
Nothing's gonna meet mystandards cuz there's so much
malpractice.
Joy Blue (05:54):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (05:55):
and then I found, what a wonderful woof.
And I'm the only one in there.
I like being one-on-one with thedogs, no distractions.
It makes them more comfortable.
Joy Blue (06:05):
Yeah.
Is this something that lightsyou up inside?
Otter Aggio (06:10):
yes, and it was because of my first time seeing
competition.
Joy Blue (06:14):
What do you mean?
Otter Aggio (06:15):
I've seen dog shows before.
I'm not gonna go into mycontroversial view on the ethics
of breeding cuz I don't reallybelieve in breeding.
But that's a whole conversationfor another time.
And I also am a lot stricterthan most people with my ethics.
But when it comes to like dogshows, I never really agreed too
much or found joy in them.
I was like, oh yeah, the dogsare cool and they're agile,
(06:35):
they're having fun, they're wellbred, but what did it take to
get there?
Joy Blue (06:39):
Right.
Otter Aggio (06:40):
But the dog grooming world is a whole
different story.
And going to my first show atAll American in Schaumburg, my
first year of being anapprentice was life changing.
It was so awesome to see peoplewho believe in like the
enrichment of grooming and notcontinuing unless the dog's
comfortable.
(07:00):
They have all these seminars andthen you see the actual show
happening and the creativitybehind this is like mind
boggling.
bichons I started doing creativeon the side.
I did my now husband's threerescue bichons and I dyed them
different colors.
Joy Blue (07:15):
That's so fun.
Otter Aggio (07:17):
with cherry blossoms on her, and ever since
then I was like, if I can justcontinue to groom and make these
dogs happy and then maybe dosomething creative here and
there, I have both outlets then.
Joy Blue (07:29):
That is so interesting.
Otter Aggio (07:31):
Isn't it cool?
Joy Blue (07:33):
You keep hitting on, there's just, there's so many
things I wanna talk about.
You keep hitting on like yourvalues in grooming.
Tell me more about enrichment.
Tell me about like yourapproach.
How did you get there?
How do you become in tune withthe dog or the animal getting
groomed?
Otter Aggio (07:52):
I've met people who have that feeling with the dogs
and even when they're at theirworst, the dogs are still
present with them.
But I've also met people who, asmuch as they want to be that for
animals, they unfortunately justcan't.
I feel like it is something thatlike, I hate to say it like, oh,
you're born with it.
You're not born with it.
If you're nice to animals, I'msure they'll be great and
(08:14):
there's skills you definitelyhave to learn.
You can definitely tell,especially a seasoned groomer.
Like an unseasoned groomer,because there are things you see
and things you can expect thatlike people always say, oh, do
you muzzle dogs?
Do you deal with dogs that bite?
And personally, I've never, everturned a dog away because of
(08:35):
biting or, Mal behavior becauselike me, it's learning, okay,
are they comfortable with this?
Are they in pain?
Are they frustrated?
Are they, too tired?
Are they too hungry, are too,something different about them
today from the last X amount oftimes I've seen them.
Like it's reading those signsand knowing.
That's why I'm so adamant aboutpeople having one particular
(08:58):
groomer.
Maybe it takes a few to findthat one particular groomer that
your dog is comfortable with andknows, and I'll never take
offense if I'm not that groomerfor your dog.
But once you get a groomer thatyour dog is comfortable with and
your dog understands and knowsit is so important, we are the
first line of defense beforevets.
We can know when something iswrong.
(09:18):
I've had a friend, a colleaguefrom my last place find out for
them that the dog had a tumorbecause she's he's never been
sensitive for this before.
You might need to go take him
Joy Blue (09:28):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (09:29):
And it was so early on, it was way better than it
could have been, but
Joy Blue (09:34):
That's so interesting.
Otter Aggio (09:36):
I right, because we see them more than the vets do.
Who can shell out a vet billevery two months?
You see your groomer every,depending on the dog, month to
three, four months.
Joy Blue (09:49):
That's so interesting.
I know with humans it's calledbeing an empath, where you can
be in tune with I'm assuming itwould be called the same thing.
I mean, I feel that with myanimals.
Like when I go to a party, ifthere's a pet there, I am in the
corner with the pet and peoplecan come talk to me for sure.
But like I'm the one thatconnects with the animals.
(10:10):
I feel like most of my life I'vebeen able to intuit what the
animal's trying to say.
And most often I'm right.
Can I do that with human babies?
No.
Can I do that with dogs?
Yes.
Otter Aggio (10:24):
I don't understand babies.
I never know what they want fromme.
Joy Blue (10:27):
Same.
Same.
Otter Aggio (10:29):
Animals.
I'm just like, I know exactlywhat you need.
Babies.
Joy Blue (10:33):
I'm the same.
I think about dog grooming and Ithink about the intimacy that
you are experiencing with theanimal.
And that makes me think of likethe intimacy that we have as
humans.
When we all come together at atable and we eat together.
Like you are.
Otter Aggio (10:49):
very vulnerable.
Joy Blue (10:51):
Yeah, and what I heard you say earlier was like you're
in tune with the feelings of thedog, and I love how you said
like you can help them bepresent with you the whole time.
Dogs experience anxiety too.
Like I disassociate.
Of course dogs would probablydisassociate because it is an
intimate experience.
Otter Aggio (11:10):
And sometimes you don't know.
They obviously can't speakEnglish.
They don't know what to say toyou, but if you know how they're
communicating with youotherwise, you can understand
what they need in a sense,sometimes.
Joy Blue (11:23):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (11:24):
I'll have dogs who come in shaking like a leaf, and
then by the time they leave,they're like I don't wanna come
out in the lobby by you, mom.
I wanna stay back here with her.
Because it's like eventuallywhen you learn, Hey, this needs
to happen, obviously.
Sometimes I do have to usemethods of, I hate saying force
cuz I'd never be like, oh, getover here.
(11:44):
We gotta do this.
Because force is such like a, ithas a bad connotation, but like
sometimes you have to hold thedog's leg and be like, Hey, this
needs to happen for your healthbuddy.
As much as you can fight meright now, it's gotta happen.
And then I let them smellwhatever I'm doing.
I introduce every item to them.
It's sometimes it'll take alittle bit longer, but I'll warn
mom and dad of that.
Joy Blue (12:03):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (12:04):
I tell the owners right away, Hey, this is not
gonna be a fast process ifthey're scared.
This is not gonna be a fastprocess if they're, in pain or
whatever.
I deal with geriatrics all thetime.
That's what I like to do.
I always joke, I like thecrusty, dusty, angry ones.
But, They're my favorite.
They always got like lumps andoozes and boozes, and I always
(12:24):
say they probably feel a hundredtimes better after.
And you see it.
Like their demeanor changes andI don't know, I just like being
able to, help them in a way thatthey don't know they need and
they can't do for themselves.
They're domesticated animals.
They don't have that senseanymore.
Joy Blue (12:39):
Right.
That's such a gift though.
Otter Aggio (12:43):
Oh, I appreciate that.
Joy Blue (12:44):
Like I, I hear what you're saying.
And essentially what you'redoing is creating a safe space
for existence in the presence ofunknowns.
Like what you're doing iscreating a safe basis, a safe
platform, a foundation, for arelationship.
(13:06):
So like I'm so curious to seehow my dogs interact with you
and what your feedback is on mydogs.
Selfishly just tell meeverything.
Otter Aggio (13:14):
I'm so excited.
I wanna be like, oh yeah, I'mlike a dog mind reader, but I'm
not like,
Joy Blue (13:19):
No, but you see patterns.
Otter Aggio (13:21):
yeah.
And that's the why it's soimportant to have one person,
because I.
Once that person knows, itbecomes a smoother process no
matter what.
So even if your dog is anxiousabout it, and sometimes dogs
will just continue to beanxious.
I can't win everybody over onthe first try.
But it's that consistency, thosepatterns.
That's how dog psychology works.
It's patterns.
(13:41):
It's how you teach your dog atrick.
Obviously you do it 60 timesbefore they get it right the
first time.
Joy Blue (13:46):
I mean, same.
I'm all about patterns too.
If you feed me, I'll probably dosomething.
Otter Aggio (13:49):
If you feed me, I'll come back.
I always tell my husband, that'show he got me.
Joy Blue (13:53):
It's really not that hard.
Feed me.
Otter Aggio (13:55):
husband.
Exactly.
My husband's like a Europeanmix, but he is Italian and he's
like a really good cook.
And I always joke cause we werefriends for years and one time I
called him, I always knew thatwe liked each other, whatever.
And I called him crying.
I was like, I'm having a badday.
He came over and he made me foodand he stayed the night.
He never left.
Joy Blue (14:14):
Yep.
Otter Aggio (14:15):
Never left.
We have been together since, andI always joke, you started
feeding me.
So I just, I'm like a stray cat.
Joy Blue (14:21):
Yep.
Back on topic.
When a dog comes into you, whatis your process?
What do you assess?
How do you know what to do?
How do you approach it?
What do you start with?
What's just the basics of thephysicality of grooming?
Otter Aggio (14:41):
I think there are fundamentals you just have the
process of the protocol.
Of Hey, introduce yourself tothe dog, see how they're
reacting to you.
And sometimes dog owners willjust be like, here's dog.
Take and then leave.
Cuz they have a note in thesystem or whatever, and I'm
like, okay, cool.
They don't know me.
But cool because I'm fairly newthere, I'm like four or five
(15:01):
months.
So I've been introducing myselfto every single dog and saying,
Hey, this is, he might benervous.
I'm new.
They've seen so-and-so for solong.
And now I'm a new person forthem, might be a little bit
scary
Joy Blue (15:14):
Sure.
Otter Aggio (15:15):
and I always am transparent.
I think that's the biggest partof it is just transparency is
like, Hey, I'm doing this rightnow.
I'll be with you in one second.
And then I'll come out there andI'll introduce myself to the dog
and I'll tell them, Hey, maybethey're just nervous about X, Y,
Z.
Have they been groomed multipletimes in the past.
What's their experience likeusually?
Do you know anything about whatthey're sensitive of?
(15:36):
And I told mom and dad, we cando this, that, and the third.
And I like being able to havethat kind of profile on them.
Cuz I have a lot of cases inwhich mom and dad, oh, the dog's
fine.
The dog is not fine.
And you can always tell who's anervous parent, who's really
worried about being a good petparent and who's not.
And obviously there are somemoral battles I have with people
(15:56):
who are not good pet parentsbecause, you see it.
But in my experience, I alwayssee the nervous ones come and be
like, ah, he had a sore on hisleft leg three months ago.
He gets nervous around men withblonde hair, and it's okay,
cool.
He's allergic to wheat.
I'm like, ok, no treats cool.
(16:18):
You can always tell.
So you watch them come in,especially first time pet
parents and they're like, Idon't know exactly how this
works.
And I'm like, it's okay.
I got you.
I got you.
And it's so funny to watch themlike be that nervous coming in,
obviously I don't want them tobe that nervous, but leaving and
they're like, oh my God, he didgreat.
Cool.
I didn't know he would do great.
(16:39):
And it's like, He was fine.
he he didn't bite me.
He bites me at home and I'mlike, they know what they can
get away with, with mom and dad.
They, if you're sitting therecuddling them one second and the
next second you're pluckingsomething out between their
eyeballs, they're gonna try toget their teeth on you because
you're mom and dad, if they comethere and I pluck their
eyeballs, well, I don't sayeyeballs,
Joy Blue (16:58):
Pluck their eyeballs.
Otter Aggio (17:00):
buggies every single time and.
They get used to it.
They know I'm the one that doesthat.
They don't associate it with momand dad, so they're like, what
are you doing in my face?
And it's and so people arealways so nervous and they're
like, well, I don't think helikes that and I don't think he
likes this.
Well, if it's a process, andthen he comes in, we'll
introduce it, and once herealizes, Hey, that wasn't so
(17:22):
bad.
I got a treat at the end of it,she gave me a ball.
We ran around until I was tired,like, Then they'll usually have
a better time than they did withmom and dad at home, putting
them on their back and trying toclip their nails.
Joy Blue (17:34):
Sure.
Otter Aggio (17:35):
So
Joy Blue (17:35):
Yeah, that makes sense.
So once you're done with theinitial assessment with the
humans, you take the dog to theback, what do you do then?
Otter Aggio (17:46):
that's the cool part about our salon.
There's no back,
Joy Blue (17:49):
There's no back.
Otter Aggio (17:50):
so there's no back.
The lobby is very cute.
It's Like little waiting area,but we have a mid-section wall
that's just about like up hereto me, to the wall.
And then the door is like here,I wanna say like up to my, for
listening up to my chin.
So I can see over the door.
It's a big like door that openshinged.
(18:10):
And then we have the desk thatfaces the outside
Joy Blue (18:14):
Mm-hmm.
Otter Aggio (18:15):
And you can see the whole facility.
It's like a suite.
Joy Blue (18:17):
That's really cool.
Otter Aggio (18:19):
So it's just my table, my grooming station, and
then the big tub in the back.
And I do have four kennels fordogs overlapping cuz we don't
like, non-family dogsinteracting out of, safety.
Joy Blue (18:33):
Yep.
Otter Aggio (18:33):
But other than that, you can see everything,
you know, and
Joy Blue (18:37):
That's really cool.
Otter Aggio (18:38):
I always tell mom and dad if they wanna stay, if
they think it'll make, there's acouple dogs I have that do worse
if their parents aren't there.
And it usually, for smaller dogsonly takes an hour and a half.
Joy Blue (18:48):
sure.
Otter Aggio (18:49):
So if they feel more comfortable being there and
knowing what's going on,especially after having bad
experiences somewhere else I'mall for it.
Joy Blue (18:57):
That's so interesting.
Not gonna lie.
One of my A D H D rabbit holesthat I go down on the interwebs
is definitely dog groomingvideos.
I've seen so many of them andthey're so intricate and
fascinating.
My favorite are the D shedBlowouts with Double Coat Dogs.
Makes me so excited.
(19:17):
Also, a little jealous that youget to blow my dogs out.
Otter Aggio (19:20):
it's a fun process, but I will say the cleanup is
not fun.
Joy Blue (19:24):
I believe it.
Otter Aggio (19:26):
You find hair in places, hair should not be.
Joy Blue (19:29):
Y No, no thanks.
Otter Aggio (19:31):
Do you know what hair spliners are?
Joy Blue (19:34):
No.
What are hairs?
Oh gosh.
Do they like get
Otter Aggio (19:36):
They go under, so I got my insides of my elbows
waxed Because they just getimplanted in
Joy Blue (19:43):
ah,
Otter Aggio (19:44):
they're itchy for days.
Joy Blue (19:46):
I mean, I know that hair, like in the dryer, like
hair weaves itself into things.
But it does that to your skin.
Otter Aggio (19:55):
For short hairs.
Yeah, because they're sharp.
It hurts.
Joy Blue (19:58):
Bless you.
And your workplace hazards.
Otter Aggio (20:02):
I always say I don't have a glamorous job, but
the dogs leave lookingglamorous.
That's all I can ask for.
Joy Blue (20:08):
What is your favorite kind of dog to groom?
Otter Aggio (20:11):
Ooh, this is a good question.
I'm working on a standardpoodle.
To compete with.
So I love I'm trying to doContinental on her, but we'll
see.
Joy Blue (20:20):
What does that mean?
Otter Aggio (20:22):
It's like a specific type of cut.
Have you ever seen the poodleson like the fifties girls
dresses,
Joy Blue (20:27):
Yeah,
Otter Aggio (20:27):
skirts, that that cut?
Yeah.
With the big Yeah.
And then the chess piece.
Yeah, Tufty poodles.
And
Joy Blue (20:36):
That's continental.
Okay.
Otter Aggio (20:38):
I really like blowouts too,
Joy Blue (20:40):
Fascinating.
How do you approach matts?
Otter Aggio (20:45):
So this is a very controversial topic in the
grooming industry, matsspecifically are for me.
I won't tolerate, I will shaveyour dog unless it's a double
coated dog.
And say, Hey, it's just not anoption.
I'm not gonna sit here and cutoff your dog's circulation and
try to pull at this mat anddemat it with a blade.
(21:07):
He's not comfortable.
I'm not gonna create more of anuncomfortable process for him.
He's probably alreadyuncomfortable with how much
circulation he's losing frombeing matted now if it's
Joy Blue (21:16):
so Matt's cutoff circulation.
Otter Aggio (21:18):
The closer they are to the skin, the more
circulation the dog loses.
Joy Blue (21:22):
Because the hair is pulling at the skin.
Otter Aggio (21:24):
it's tightening.
Yeah.
So when mats are created, theyintertwine with each other, so
the hair gets more and morepushed down, more and more
condensed.
Those hairs are being pulledtogether by the other hairs.
Joy Blue (21:35):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (21:36):
so they're pulling at the skin at every moment,
every way that they move.
They get itchy.
They can get hematomas on theirears from it,
Joy Blue (21:44):
what's a hematoma?
Otter Aggio (21:45):
blood vessels bursting,
Joy Blue (21:48):
Ooh,
Otter Aggio (21:48):
and it can get really bad in their ears.
Joy Blue (21:51):
that's scary.
Otter Aggio (21:52):
Yeah, it's a health risk.
It really is.
And then people are like, oh, Idon't want my dog matted.
I've had a couple people beinglike, pelted, matted dogs.
And they're like, can you justlike wash and blow dry them and
then send them home And I'lldeal with it at home.
And I'm like,
Joy Blue (22:08):
You're not dealing with it at home.
Otter Aggio (22:09):
I'm not washing and dry unless it's gonna get more
mad at.
Joy Blue (22:12):
Right.
Otter Aggio (22:13):
So either you accept what I'm gonna have to do
or I can't provide you anyservice.
You
Joy Blue (22:20):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (22:21):
unfortunate, but I've had some moral cases where
I've called my husband afterseeing how the owners are with
the dog at some points and beinglike, do I just lose my job
right now and take this doghome?
He is happier with me than withhis owners.
And that's happened,
Joy Blue (22:40):
That's scary.
Otter Aggio (22:41):
You see neglect cases, we unfortunately can't
report anything because they arecaring for their animal by
taking them into grooming.
Joy Blue (22:50):
Wow.
Otter Aggio (22:51):
it is what it is.
You have a moral debate a lot,but.
Joy Blue (22:55):
Yeah.
Wow.
So in the rabbit holes, I'vegone down on the internet,
there's all kinds of differentdog brushes.
What do each of them do?
Otter Aggio (23:09):
Everyone's different.
I can't say I'm an expert on anyof this.
I have learned a lot working inthe industry for a couple years
now, but like I, every dog has adifferent type of brush that's
needed, and every groomer has apreference.
Joy Blue (23:24):
Interesting
Otter Aggio (23:25):
So I like the art Arterio.
When you look for a longerpinned brush, that's for like
fluffier dogs and we'll get downto the knots and anything that's
curl or fluffy like a shitzu orpoodle.
I like art Arterio brushes.
They have de matting brushesthat I would, there are certain
levels of matting that I wouldsay this is safe to get out.
(23:47):
This is not.
Joy Blue (23:48):
Sure.
Otter Aggio (23:49):
If the dog is super uncomfortable, I'm not gonna
continue, but I don't think anyform of aesthetics is worth the
dog's discomfort
Joy Blue (23:56):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (23:57):
because
Joy Blue (23:58):
seems like a pretty solid value line.
Otter Aggio (24:01):
that's it.
I don't care what you think.
I can't put the perfect style ona dog.
I'm not the best creativegroomer out there.
I'm not the most detailedperson, but I'm sure gonna make
your dog feel better
Joy Blue (24:13):
Yeah,
Otter Aggio (24:14):
and comfortable,
Joy Blue (24:15):
right.
Otter Aggio (24:15):
And for brushes wise, I'll use a dematting comb
on something small on a say youget like a Berniese mountain dog
who has like a small mat behindtheir ear.
You don't wanna just shave achunk outta their ear, like
something like that.
But I know groomers who willjust run that through a whole
dog.
there's different brushes fordouble coated dogs too.
People will use the zoom groomsa lot,
Joy Blue (24:36):
I don't know what
Otter Aggio (24:37):
like a big rubber brush
Joy Blue (24:39):
Oh,
Otter Aggio (24:39):
it pulls short-haired de shedding dogs,
hair, and it's really safe,super good.
Joy Blue (24:46):
Okay.
Otter Aggio (24:46):
I would advise against a furminator.
Joy Blue (24:51):
Okay.
Otter Aggio (24:52):
A lot of people use furminators.
It's very common, very popularbecause it is a blade, so it is
going to cut a double coateddog's hair no matter what
intensity you're using it at.
So you are still damaging thefollicle, even if you're not
doing a lot of damage.
I would just continue with arubber brush of some sort.
It might take a little moreelbow grease, but
Joy Blue (25:13):
Okay.
Otter Aggio (25:13):
better by them.
Joy Blue (25:15):
All right.
Otter Aggio (25:16):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (25:16):
The more you know.
Otter Aggio (25:17):
Yeah.
That's just, my opinion and alot of people do a lot of weird
things.
Joy Blue (25:22):
What's one thing you wish people knew about grooming
or think something that they getwrong?
Otter Aggio (25:29):
It's a lot more work than people think.
Like you get people, I had, oh,I used to work three or four
jobs at a time when I was inschool.
Cause I supported my mom and I.
18, 19 years old, I'm doing allthis stuff.
I worked a serving job at a barand I will never forget this cuz
he is one of my friends.
(25:49):
And he goes, so you're agrooming apprentice?
And I was like, yeah.
He goes, so you just shave dogsall day?
And I was like, yeah.
And he was like, isn't thateasy?
Don't, doesn't it only take 20,30 minutes?
Cause then you're just like,zip.
And they're done.
And I'm like, no, not at all.
There's, There's a wholeprocess, but yeah.
(26:11):
Okay.
And he was like, it should, itmust be so fun.
So many people have the stigmathat it must be so fun.
You just play with puppies allday.
I'm getting beat up by puppiesall day.
A lot of them don't know wheretheir limbs are.
I could show you my arms.
They look terrible.
Joy Blue (26:27):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (26:28):
And I'm okay with that and it's a part of the job,
but people are like, oh, it mustbe so fun.
Yeah, there are parts that areso fun.
I love getting to make myclients happy, but sometimes
it's really difficult, strenuousbody-wise, and sometimes it's
mentally strenuous.
Cause sometimes I'm halfwaythrough a groom.
I'm like, I don't know what I'msupposed to do right now.
(26:50):
This dog is too stressed out.
This dog is this dog is that.
And it gets hard
Joy Blue (26:55):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (26:56):
because people are like, oh, you just played with
dogs a day.
You get to go home.
No, it's, I am, I'm personally,I have a lot of mental struggles
and I have quite a, an array ofdiagnoses.
And one of the things that Istruggle with the most is
getting overstimulated.
Joy Blue (27:12):
Yeah, same.
Otter Aggio (27:14):
And being in an environment where sometimes you
can't turn off the barking, youcan't turn off the fan, the blow
dryer, your hand is burningbecause you're uncomfortable
you're overstimulated by thehair being around you.
You feel gross, you feel wet,you feel sometimes you have to
literally get inside the tubwith the dog sometimes to keep
them in there and calm themdown, and it's just not a fun
(27:36):
environment for anybody who'sneuro divergent.
Joy Blue (27:39):
Yep.
Otter Aggio (27:39):
And you don't see any comfort for that.
A lot of times I'm very gratefulfor my bosses.
They're wonderful people aboutthat kind of thing.
Joy Blue (27:45):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (27:47):
They're so sweet.
So I'm very grateful for that.
But a lot of people think thatit's a lot easier than it is and
it's not.
Joy Blue (27:54):
Yeah.
It's physical, emotional,mental, all the things.
That's amazing.
What a gift you have, and also aburden as is any job.
Otter Aggio (28:05):
Yep.
Joy Blue (28:06):
you so much for coming on and sharing about and I'm so
excited to meet you in personand see what happens with my
dogs.
Otter Aggio (28:14):
I'm so excited.
I can't wait to meet them.
Joy Blue (28:19):
so Here We Are.
This was such a fun andeducational episode.
I loved getting to learn aboutgrooming from Otter.
She did an amazing job Deshedding our dogs and even
recommended an awesome undercoatbrush that my dogs hate, yet I
love.
It is so satisfying to let thatundercoat fly in the air.
(28:40):
I am so grateful for what you doand who you are, Otter.
Thanks again for your time.
If you've got a flavor of nerdthat you want me to celebrate, I
would love to hear all about it.
So go ahead and email me atherewearethepodcast@gmail.com
and tell me everything.
I love taking time to sit andmake space for nerd to be
celebrated.
(29:01):
If you really liked this podcastand want to financially support
what I'm doing head on over topatreon.com search for Here We
Are The Podcast and sign up forone of the many beautifully
written support tiers that I'mvery proud of.
So until next time, don't forgetthat curiosity wins and the
world needs more nerds.
Bye.
Welcome to Here We Are.
The podcast where we celebratethe beauty of being a nerd by
learning about nerdy things fromfellow nerds.
I'm your host, Joy Blue.
Today, I've got another greathuman for y'all to meet.
A few weeks ago, I called alocal dog grimmer to see about
getting our two Pyrenees labmixed dogs de shedded, because
(00:32):
it is definitely summer and wow.
They have lots of hair.
I expected the usualtransactional phone exchange and
found myself utterly surprisedat the snap connection I made
with the human on the other endof my call.
I knew then and there that thishuman needed to be featured on
Here We Are.
Not only for her smarts, but forher care and kindness.
(00:52):
So without further ado here'sOtter Aggio to talk with us all
about dog grooming:
Otter Aggio (00:58):
my name is Otter.
It's Otter, like the animal.
I am a dog groomer withextensive backgrounds in like
veterinary and stuff like that.
And I'm a doer of all things, Ialways say.
I'm a musician.
I'm a nerd of all types.
So that's about it.
Joy Blue (01:14):
We love nerds here.
The whole point of this podcastis to talk about nerds with
nerds.
Otter Aggio (01:20):
I love it.
Joy Blue (01:21):
Okay, so I met you last week or the week before
because I have two pyrenees labmixed dogs who are very fluffy
and I called your grooming.
Do you call it a salon?
Otter Aggio (01:35):
It's salon because it's our only brick and mortar
salon, and then the owners havethree other mobile units.
Joy Blue (01:42):
That's sweet.
You are within walking distanceof my house.
What's your salon called,
Otter Aggio (01:47):
It's called"What a Wonderful Woof."
Joy Blue (01:49):
Which is so punny and part of the reason I called you
Otter Aggio (01:54):
So I actually interviewed 18 places before
finding them.
Joy Blue (01:59):
Really?
Otter Aggio (02:00):
And I found them through an Instagram ad, which
is funny cause I was like givingup and I was like, maybe
grooming is not my industryanymore, when I go into school
again.
I believe it was fate findingthem, and they're just awesome
people, so it was really cool
Joy Blue (02:15):
That's amazing.
Otter Aggio (02:16):
and the name was what got me too.
Joy Blue (02:18):
Well, yeah, I mean, I hang out with people that do
puns, so we're doing prettygood.
How did you get started with doggrooming?
Do you do cats too?
Do you do all animals?
Otter Aggio (02:30):
I've always loved cats.
My mom and dad were separated,so I grew up going back and
forth on a farm.
Joy Blue (02:36):
Uhhuh.
Otter Aggio (02:36):
So I grew up just like loving animals and I always
thought I was gonna be a vet.
Because I grew up like nabbingcats and like messing with
horses and doing stuff Ishouldn't.
One time I brought a babyraccoon home and my mom was
like, that's not a cat.
My mom was like, that's not acat.
And I was like, okay,
Joy Blue (02:52):
That's a
Otter Aggio (02:52):
I like him now.
I like him now.
So he is mine, but.
Joy Blue (02:57):
Yeah.
Wow.
How'd that go for you?
Otter Aggio (02:59):
my mom was so mad.
She was like, get that outtayour hand.
I was like, okay.
Well, but I always lovedanimals.
And so I started college and Iwas like being a vet's just not
plausible when I'm on my ownright now, like I'm.
I'm just gonna go into chemistrycuz I got this crazy scholarship
to the school.
I'm going to quit everything,just do chemistry.
(03:19):
I hated it.
I hated it so bad.
And so I started vet tech rightbefore the pandemic.
And I hated that more.
Because the things you learn andthe things you see and the
people you see in that field,there's either people who are
amazing people, and they justhave these hearts of gold, and
they're meant to do that, butthey're getting underpaid and
undervalued and they see thingsthey shouldn't and they just,
(03:43):
you just watch their heartsbreak and they wither away, and
it's it's so sad because Ialways say, no one really knows
this, but veterinarian is thehighest rate of suicide in the
Joy Blue (03:52):
Oh, wow.
Otter Aggio (03:53):
That field and it really goes unchecked.
And people in this field justnot getting the help they need
at all and it's terrible.
Or you see people who reallyshouldn't be in that field and
they're the problem and youcan't fight it cuz it's your
job.
So I quit while I was ahead andI started bathing dogs as soon
as I lost my well paying job anddropped outta school at the end
(04:16):
of 2020 a friend of mine waslike, well, we're getting, I was
singing at this place that hadjust reopened for an outdoor
show, and she was like, well, weneed bathers at this place.
And I was like, cool, I'll startbathing dogs.
I love doing that.
Joy Blue (04:30):
Seems fun.
Otter Aggio (04:31):
And then the owner of that shop ended up really
liking how I was with them andmy diligence and she was like, I
do an apprenticeship program.
Do you wanna be an apprentice?
So I did that and she does likeaesthetician based
apprenticeships, which is reallycool.
She's a really good teacher.
Joy Blue (04:50):
Can you define that?
Otter Aggio (04:52):
It's like we did adjacent to learning just the
styling and like the handling ofdog grooming.
She also taught, C P Rcertification, which you're
supposed to have, animalhandling, enrichment and
skincare.
Joy Blue (05:04):
Wow.
Otter Aggio (05:05):
So things that are like for specific types of dogs,
like we constantly were thesalon that took all the old
geriatrics.
Any dogs that have skincare thatjust end up getting treated for
allergies
Joy Blue (05:17):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (05:18):
there's.
No knowledge of it in theveterinary world, that's
extensive.
Joy Blue (05:23):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (05:24):
If you have a person, anybody who's listening,
who's into dog grooming, Irecommend Dr.
Faver.
That's where we did ouresthetician based learning, cuz
he's amazing.
That just really sparked myinterest.
And when I graduated I was therefor a while.
And no hate to the salon.
They were good people and it wasawesome that I was moving an
(05:44):
hour away getting married and Iwas like, well, what am I gonna
do?
I'm screwed now.
I'm gonna go find another salon.
Nothing's gonna meet mystandards cuz there's so much
malpractice.
Joy Blue (05:54):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (05:55):
and then I found, what a wonderful woof.
And I'm the only one in there.
I like being one-on-one with thedogs, no distractions.
It makes them more comfortable.
Joy Blue (06:05):
Yeah.
Is this something that lightsyou up inside?
Otter Aggio (06:10):
yes, and it was because of my first time seeing
competition.
Joy Blue (06:14):
What do you mean?
Otter Aggio (06:15):
I've seen dog shows before.
I'm not gonna go into mycontroversial view on the ethics
of breeding cuz I don't reallybelieve in breeding.
But that's a whole conversationfor another time.
And I also am a lot stricterthan most people with my ethics.
But when it comes to like dogshows, I never really agreed too
much or found joy in them.
I was like, oh yeah, the dogsare cool and they're agile,
(06:35):
they're having fun, they're wellbred, but what did it take to
get there?
Joy Blue (06:39):
Right.
Otter Aggio (06:40):
But the dog grooming world is a whole
different story.
And going to my first show atAll American in Schaumburg, my
first year of being anapprentice was life changing.
It was so awesome to see peoplewho believe in like the
enrichment of grooming and notcontinuing unless the dog's
comfortable.
(07:00):
They have all these seminars andthen you see the actual show
happening and the creativitybehind this is like mind
boggling.
bichons I started doing creativeon the side.
I did my now husband's threerescue bichons and I dyed them
different colors.
Joy Blue (07:15):
That's so fun.
Otter Aggio (07:17):
with cherry blossoms on her, and ever since
then I was like, if I can justcontinue to groom and make these
dogs happy and then maybe dosomething creative here and
there, I have both outlets then.
Joy Blue (07:29):
That is so interesting.
Otter Aggio (07:31):
Isn't it cool?
Joy Blue (07:33):
You keep hitting on, there's just, there's so many
things I wanna talk about.
You keep hitting on like yourvalues in grooming.
Tell me more about enrichment.
Tell me about like yourapproach.
How did you get there?
How do you become in tune withthe dog or the animal getting
groomed?
Otter Aggio (07:52):
I've met people who have that feeling with the dogs
and even when they're at theirworst, the dogs are still
present with them.
But I've also met people who, asmuch as they want to be that for
animals, they unfortunately justcan't.
I feel like it is something thatlike, I hate to say it like, oh,
you're born with it.
You're not born with it.
If you're nice to animals, I'msure they'll be great and
(08:14):
there's skills you definitelyhave to learn.
You can definitely tell,especially a seasoned groomer.
Like an unseasoned groomer,because there are things you see
and things you can expect thatlike people always say, oh, do
you muzzle dogs?
Do you deal with dogs that bite?
And personally, I've never, everturned a dog away because of
(08:35):
biting or, Mal behavior becauselike me, it's learning, okay,
are they comfortable with this?
Are they in pain?
Are they frustrated?
Are they, too tired?
Are they too hungry, are too,something different about them
today from the last X amount oftimes I've seen them.
Like it's reading those signsand knowing.
That's why I'm so adamant aboutpeople having one particular
(08:58):
groomer.
Maybe it takes a few to findthat one particular groomer that
your dog is comfortable with andknows, and I'll never take
offense if I'm not that groomerfor your dog.
But once you get a groomer thatyour dog is comfortable with and
your dog understands and knowsit is so important, we are the
first line of defense beforevets.
We can know when something iswrong.
(09:18):
I've had a friend, a colleaguefrom my last place find out for
them that the dog had a tumorbecause she's he's never been
sensitive for this before.
You might need to go take him
Joy Blue (09:28):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (09:29):
And it was so early on, it was way better than it
could have been, but
Joy Blue (09:34):
That's so interesting.
Otter Aggio (09:36):
I right, because we see them more than the vets do.
Who can shell out a vet billevery two months?
You see your groomer every,depending on the dog, month to
three, four months.
Joy Blue (09:49):
That's so interesting.
I know with humans it's calledbeing an empath, where you can
be in tune with I'm assuming itwould be called the same thing.
I mean, I feel that with myanimals.
Like when I go to a party, ifthere's a pet there, I am in the
corner with the pet and peoplecan come talk to me for sure.
But like I'm the one thatconnects with the animals.
(10:10):
I feel like most of my life I'vebeen able to intuit what the
animal's trying to say.
And most often I'm right.
Can I do that with human babies?
No.
Can I do that with dogs?
Yes.
Otter Aggio (10:24):
I don't understand babies.
I never know what they want fromme.
Joy Blue (10:27):
Same.
Same.
Otter Aggio (10:29):
Animals.
I'm just like, I know exactlywhat you need.
Babies.
Joy Blue (10:33):
I'm the same.
I think about dog grooming and Ithink about the intimacy that
you are experiencing with theanimal.
And that makes me think of likethe intimacy that we have as
humans.
When we all come together at atable and we eat together.
Like you are.
Otter Aggio (10:49):
very vulnerable.
Joy Blue (10:51):
Yeah, and what I heard you say earlier was like you're
in tune with the feelings of thedog, and I love how you said
like you can help them bepresent with you the whole time.
Dogs experience anxiety too.
Like I disassociate.
Of course dogs would probablydisassociate because it is an
intimate experience.
Otter Aggio (11:10):
And sometimes you don't know.
They obviously can't speakEnglish.
They don't know what to say toyou, but if you know how they're
communicating with youotherwise, you can understand
what they need in a sense,sometimes.
Joy Blue (11:23):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (11:24):
I'll have dogs who come in shaking like a leaf, and
then by the time they leave,they're like I don't wanna come
out in the lobby by you, mom.
I wanna stay back here with her.
Because it's like eventuallywhen you learn, Hey, this needs
to happen, obviously.
Sometimes I do have to usemethods of, I hate saying force
cuz I'd never be like, oh, getover here.
(11:44):
We gotta do this.
Because force is such like a, ithas a bad connotation, but like
sometimes you have to hold thedog's leg and be like, Hey, this
needs to happen for your healthbuddy.
As much as you can fight meright now, it's gotta happen.
And then I let them smellwhatever I'm doing.
I introduce every item to them.
It's sometimes it'll take alittle bit longer, but I'll warn
mom and dad of that.
Joy Blue (12:03):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (12:04):
I tell the owners right away, Hey, this is not
gonna be a fast process ifthey're scared.
This is not gonna be a fastprocess if they're, in pain or
whatever.
I deal with geriatrics all thetime.
That's what I like to do.
I always joke, I like thecrusty, dusty, angry ones.
But, They're my favorite.
They always got like lumps andoozes and boozes, and I always
(12:24):
say they probably feel a hundredtimes better after.
And you see it.
Like their demeanor changes andI don't know, I just like being
able to, help them in a way thatthey don't know they need and
they can't do for themselves.
They're domesticated animals.
They don't have that senseanymore.
Joy Blue (12:39):
Right.
That's such a gift though.
Otter Aggio (12:43):
Oh, I appreciate that.
Joy Blue (12:44):
Like I, I hear what you're saying.
And essentially what you'redoing is creating a safe space
for existence in the presence ofunknowns.
Like what you're doing iscreating a safe basis, a safe
platform, a foundation, for arelationship.
(13:06):
So like I'm so curious to seehow my dogs interact with you
and what your feedback is on mydogs.
Selfishly just tell meeverything.
Otter Aggio (13:14):
I'm so excited.
I wanna be like, oh yeah, I'mlike a dog mind reader, but I'm
not like,
Joy Blue (13:19):
No, but you see patterns.
Otter Aggio (13:21):
yeah.
And that's the why it's soimportant to have one person,
because I.
Once that person knows, itbecomes a smoother process no
matter what.
So even if your dog is anxiousabout it, and sometimes dogs
will just continue to beanxious.
I can't win everybody over onthe first try.
But it's that consistency, thosepatterns.
That's how dog psychology works.
It's patterns.
(13:41):
It's how you teach your dog atrick.
Obviously you do it 60 timesbefore they get it right the
first time.
Joy Blue (13:46):
I mean, same.
I'm all about patterns too.
If you feed me, I'll probably dosomething.
Otter Aggio (13:49):
If you feed me, I'll come back.
I always tell my husband, that'show he got me.
Joy Blue (13:53):
It's really not that hard.
Feed me.
Otter Aggio (13:55):
husband.
Exactly.
My husband's like a Europeanmix, but he is Italian and he's
like a really good cook.
And I always joke cause we werefriends for years and one time I
called him, I always knew thatwe liked each other, whatever.
And I called him crying.
I was like, I'm having a badday.
He came over and he made me foodand he stayed the night.
He never left.
Joy Blue (14:14):
Yep.
Otter Aggio (14:15):
Never left.
We have been together since, andI always joke, you started
feeding me.
So I just, I'm like a stray cat.
Joy Blue (14:21):
Yep.
Back on topic.
When a dog comes into you, whatis your process?
What do you assess?
How do you know what to do?
How do you approach it?
What do you start with?
What's just the basics of thephysicality of grooming?
Otter Aggio (14:41):
I think there are fundamentals you just have the
process of the protocol.
Of Hey, introduce yourself tothe dog, see how they're
reacting to you.
And sometimes dog owners willjust be like, here's dog.
Take and then leave.
Cuz they have a note in thesystem or whatever, and I'm
like, okay, cool.
They don't know me.
But cool because I'm fairly newthere, I'm like four or five
(15:01):
months.
So I've been introducing myselfto every single dog and saying,
Hey, this is, he might benervous.
I'm new.
They've seen so-and-so for solong.
And now I'm a new person forthem, might be a little bit
scary
Joy Blue (15:14):
Sure.
Otter Aggio (15:15):
and I always am transparent.
I think that's the biggest partof it is just transparency is
like, Hey, I'm doing this rightnow.
I'll be with you in one second.
And then I'll come out there andI'll introduce myself to the dog
and I'll tell them, Hey, maybethey're just nervous about X, Y,
Z.
Have they been groomed multipletimes in the past.
What's their experience likeusually?
Do you know anything about whatthey're sensitive of?
(15:36):
And I told mom and dad, we cando this, that, and the third.
And I like being able to havethat kind of profile on them.
Cuz I have a lot of cases inwhich mom and dad, oh, the dog's
fine.
The dog is not fine.
And you can always tell who's anervous parent, who's really
worried about being a good petparent and who's not.
And obviously there are somemoral battles I have with people
(15:56):
who are not good pet parentsbecause, you see it.
But in my experience, I alwayssee the nervous ones come and be
like, ah, he had a sore on hisleft leg three months ago.
He gets nervous around men withblonde hair, and it's okay,
cool.
He's allergic to wheat.
I'm like, ok, no treats cool.
(16:18):
You can always tell.
So you watch them come in,especially first time pet
parents and they're like, Idon't know exactly how this
works.
And I'm like, it's okay.
I got you.
I got you.
And it's so funny to watch themlike be that nervous coming in,
obviously I don't want them tobe that nervous, but leaving and
they're like, oh my God, he didgreat.
Cool.
I didn't know he would do great.
(16:39):
And it's like, He was fine.
he he didn't bite me.
He bites me at home and I'mlike, they know what they can
get away with, with mom and dad.
They, if you're sitting therecuddling them one second and the
next second you're pluckingsomething out between their
eyeballs, they're gonna try toget their teeth on you because
you're mom and dad, if they comethere and I pluck their
eyeballs, well, I don't sayeyeballs,
Joy Blue (16:58):
Pluck their eyeballs.
Otter Aggio (17:00):
buggies every single time and.
They get used to it.
They know I'm the one that doesthat.
They don't associate it with momand dad, so they're like, what
are you doing in my face?
And it's and so people arealways so nervous and they're
like, well, I don't think helikes that and I don't think he
likes this.
Well, if it's a process, andthen he comes in, we'll
introduce it, and once herealizes, Hey, that wasn't so
(17:22):
bad.
I got a treat at the end of it,she gave me a ball.
We ran around until I was tired,like, Then they'll usually have
a better time than they did withmom and dad at home, putting
them on their back and trying toclip their nails.
Joy Blue (17:34):
Sure.
Otter Aggio (17:35):
So
Joy Blue (17:35):
Yeah, that makes sense.
So once you're done with theinitial assessment with the
humans, you take the dog to theback, what do you do then?
Otter Aggio (17:46):
that's the cool part about our salon.
There's no back,
Joy Blue (17:49):
There's no back.
Otter Aggio (17:50):
so there's no back.
The lobby is very cute.
It's Like little waiting area,but we have a mid-section wall
that's just about like up hereto me, to the wall.
And then the door is like here,I wanna say like up to my, for
listening up to my chin.
So I can see over the door.
It's a big like door that openshinged.
(18:10):
And then we have the desk thatfaces the outside
Joy Blue (18:14):
Mm-hmm.
Otter Aggio (18:15):
And you can see the whole facility.
It's like a suite.
Joy Blue (18:17):
That's really cool.
Otter Aggio (18:19):
So it's just my table, my grooming station, and
then the big tub in the back.
And I do have four kennels fordogs overlapping cuz we don't
like, non-family dogsinteracting out of, safety.
Joy Blue (18:33):
Yep.
Otter Aggio (18:33):
But other than that, you can see everything,
you know, and
Joy Blue (18:37):
That's really cool.
Otter Aggio (18:38):
I always tell mom and dad if they wanna stay, if
they think it'll make, there's acouple dogs I have that do worse
if their parents aren't there.
And it usually, for smaller dogsonly takes an hour and a half.
Joy Blue (18:48):
sure.
Otter Aggio (18:49):
So if they feel more comfortable being there and
knowing what's going on,especially after having bad
experiences somewhere else I'mall for it.
Joy Blue (18:57):
That's so interesting.
Not gonna lie.
One of my A D H D rabbit holesthat I go down on the interwebs
is definitely dog groomingvideos.
I've seen so many of them andthey're so intricate and
fascinating.
My favorite are the D shedBlowouts with Double Coat Dogs.
Makes me so excited.
(19:17):
Also, a little jealous that youget to blow my dogs out.
Otter Aggio (19:20):
it's a fun process, but I will say the cleanup is
not fun.
Joy Blue (19:24):
I believe it.
Otter Aggio (19:26):
You find hair in places, hair should not be.
Joy Blue (19:29):
Y No, no thanks.
Otter Aggio (19:31):
Do you know what hair spliners are?
Joy Blue (19:34):
No.
What are hairs?
Oh gosh.
Do they like get
Otter Aggio (19:36):
They go under, so I got my insides of my elbows
waxed Because they just getimplanted in
Joy Blue (19:43):
ah,
Otter Aggio (19:44):
they're itchy for days.
Joy Blue (19:46):
I mean, I know that hair, like in the dryer, like
hair weaves itself into things.
But it does that to your skin.
Otter Aggio (19:55):
For short hairs.
Yeah, because they're sharp.
It hurts.
Joy Blue (19:58):
Bless you.
And your workplace hazards.
Otter Aggio (20:02):
I always say I don't have a glamorous job, but
the dogs leave lookingglamorous.
That's all I can ask for.
Joy Blue (20:08):
What is your favorite kind of dog to groom?
Otter Aggio (20:11):
Ooh, this is a good question.
I'm working on a standardpoodle.
To compete with.
So I love I'm trying to doContinental on her, but we'll
see.
Joy Blue (20:20):
What does that mean?
Otter Aggio (20:22):
It's like a specific type of cut.
Have you ever seen the poodleson like the fifties girls
dresses,
Joy Blue (20:27):
Yeah,
Otter Aggio (20:27):
skirts, that that cut?
Yeah.
With the big Yeah.
And then the chess piece.
Yeah, Tufty poodles.
And
Joy Blue (20:36):
That's continental.
Okay.
Otter Aggio (20:38):
I really like blowouts too,
Joy Blue (20:40):
Fascinating.
How do you approach matts?
Otter Aggio (20:45):
So this is a very controversial topic in the
grooming industry, matsspecifically are for me.
I won't tolerate, I will shaveyour dog unless it's a double
coated dog.
And say, Hey, it's just not anoption.
I'm not gonna sit here and cutoff your dog's circulation and
try to pull at this mat anddemat it with a blade.
(21:07):
He's not comfortable.
I'm not gonna create more of anuncomfortable process for him.
He's probably alreadyuncomfortable with how much
circulation he's losing frombeing matted now if it's
Joy Blue (21:16):
so Matt's cutoff circulation.
Otter Aggio (21:18):
The closer they are to the skin, the more
circulation the dog loses.
Joy Blue (21:22):
Because the hair is pulling at the skin.
Otter Aggio (21:24):
it's tightening.
Yeah.
So when mats are created, theyintertwine with each other, so
the hair gets more and morepushed down, more and more
condensed.
Those hairs are being pulledtogether by the other hairs.
Joy Blue (21:35):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (21:36):
so they're pulling at the skin at every moment,
every way that they move.
They get itchy.
They can get hematomas on theirears from it,
Joy Blue (21:44):
what's a hematoma?
Otter Aggio (21:45):
blood vessels bursting,
Joy Blue (21:48):
Ooh,
Otter Aggio (21:48):
and it can get really bad in their ears.
Joy Blue (21:51):
that's scary.
Otter Aggio (21:52):
Yeah, it's a health risk.
It really is.
And then people are like, oh, Idon't want my dog matted.
I've had a couple people beinglike, pelted, matted dogs.
And they're like, can you justlike wash and blow dry them and
then send them home And I'lldeal with it at home.
And I'm like,
Joy Blue (22:08):
You're not dealing with it at home.
Otter Aggio (22:09):
I'm not washing and dry unless it's gonna get more
mad at.
Joy Blue (22:12):
Right.
Otter Aggio (22:13):
So either you accept what I'm gonna have to do
or I can't provide you anyservice.
You
Joy Blue (22:20):
Interesting.
Otter Aggio (22:21):
unfortunate, but I've had some moral cases where
I've called my husband afterseeing how the owners are with
the dog at some points and beinglike, do I just lose my job
right now and take this doghome?
He is happier with me than withhis owners.
And that's happened,
Joy Blue (22:40):
That's scary.
Otter Aggio (22:41):
You see neglect cases, we unfortunately can't
report anything because they arecaring for their animal by
taking them into grooming.
Joy Blue (22:50):
Wow.
Otter Aggio (22:51):
it is what it is.
You have a moral debate a lot,but.
Joy Blue (22:55):
Yeah.
Wow.
So in the rabbit holes, I'vegone down on the internet,
there's all kinds of differentdog brushes.
What do each of them do?
Otter Aggio (23:09):
Everyone's different.
I can't say I'm an expert on anyof this.
I have learned a lot working inthe industry for a couple years
now, but like I, every dog has adifferent type of brush that's
needed, and every groomer has apreference.
Joy Blue (23:24):
Interesting
Otter Aggio (23:25):
So I like the art Arterio.
When you look for a longerpinned brush, that's for like
fluffier dogs and we'll get downto the knots and anything that's
curl or fluffy like a shitzu orpoodle.
I like art Arterio brushes.
They have de matting brushesthat I would, there are certain
levels of matting that I wouldsay this is safe to get out.
(23:47):
This is not.
Joy Blue (23:48):
Sure.
Otter Aggio (23:49):
If the dog is super uncomfortable, I'm not gonna
continue, but I don't think anyform of aesthetics is worth the
dog's discomfort
Joy Blue (23:56):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (23:57):
because
Joy Blue (23:58):
seems like a pretty solid value line.
Otter Aggio (24:01):
that's it.
I don't care what you think.
I can't put the perfect style ona dog.
I'm not the best creativegroomer out there.
I'm not the most detailedperson, but I'm sure gonna make
your dog feel better
Joy Blue (24:13):
Yeah,
Otter Aggio (24:14):
and comfortable,
Joy Blue (24:15):
right.
Otter Aggio (24:15):
And for brushes wise, I'll use a dematting comb
on something small on a say youget like a Berniese mountain dog
who has like a small mat behindtheir ear.
You don't wanna just shave achunk outta their ear, like
something like that.
But I know groomers who willjust run that through a whole
dog.
there's different brushes fordouble coated dogs too.
People will use the zoom groomsa lot,
Joy Blue (24:36):
I don't know what
Otter Aggio (24:37):
like a big rubber brush
Joy Blue (24:39):
Oh,
Otter Aggio (24:39):
it pulls short-haired de shedding dogs,
hair, and it's really safe,super good.
Joy Blue (24:46):
Okay.
Otter Aggio (24:46):
I would advise against a furminator.
Joy Blue (24:51):
Okay.
Otter Aggio (24:52):
A lot of people use furminators.
It's very common, very popularbecause it is a blade, so it is
going to cut a double coateddog's hair no matter what
intensity you're using it at.
So you are still damaging thefollicle, even if you're not
doing a lot of damage.
I would just continue with arubber brush of some sort.
It might take a little moreelbow grease, but
Joy Blue (25:13):
Okay.
Otter Aggio (25:13):
better by them.
Joy Blue (25:15):
All right.
Otter Aggio (25:16):
Yeah.
Joy Blue (25:16):
The more you know.
Otter Aggio (25:17):
Yeah.
That's just, my opinion and alot of people do a lot of weird
things.
Joy Blue (25:22):
What's one thing you wish people knew about grooming
or think something that they getwrong?
Otter Aggio (25:29):
It's a lot more work than people think.
Like you get people, I had, oh,I used to work three or four
jobs at a time when I was inschool.
Cause I supported my mom and I.
18, 19 years old, I'm doing allthis stuff.
I worked a serving job at a barand I will never forget this cuz
he is one of my friends.
(25:49):
And he goes, so you're agrooming apprentice?
And I was like, yeah.
He goes, so you just shave dogsall day?
And I was like, yeah.
And he was like, isn't thateasy?
Don't, doesn't it only take 20,30 minutes?
Cause then you're just like,zip.
And they're done.
And I'm like, no, not at all.
There's, There's a wholeprocess, but yeah.
(26:11):
Okay.
And he was like, it should, itmust be so fun.
So many people have the stigmathat it must be so fun.
You just play with puppies allday.
I'm getting beat up by puppiesall day.
A lot of them don't know wheretheir limbs are.
I could show you my arms.
They look terrible.
Joy Blue (26:27):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (26:28):
And I'm okay with that and it's a part of the job,
but people are like, oh, it mustbe so fun.
Yeah, there are parts that areso fun.
I love getting to make myclients happy, but sometimes
it's really difficult, strenuousbody-wise, and sometimes it's
mentally strenuous.
Cause sometimes I'm halfwaythrough a groom.
I'm like, I don't know what I'msupposed to do right now.
(26:50):
This dog is too stressed out.
This dog is this dog is that.
And it gets hard
Joy Blue (26:55):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (26:56):
because people are like, oh, you just played with
dogs a day.
You get to go home.
No, it's, I am, I'm personally,I have a lot of mental struggles
and I have quite a, an array ofdiagnoses.
And one of the things that Istruggle with the most is
getting overstimulated.
Joy Blue (27:12):
Yeah, same.
Otter Aggio (27:14):
And being in an environment where sometimes you
can't turn off the barking, youcan't turn off the fan, the blow
dryer, your hand is burningbecause you're uncomfortable
you're overstimulated by thehair being around you.
You feel gross, you feel wet,you feel sometimes you have to
literally get inside the tubwith the dog sometimes to keep
them in there and calm themdown, and it's just not a fun
(27:36):
environment for anybody who'sneuro divergent.
Joy Blue (27:39):
Yep.
Otter Aggio (27:39):
And you don't see any comfort for that.
A lot of times I'm very gratefulfor my bosses.
They're wonderful people aboutthat kind of thing.
Joy Blue (27:45):
Yeah.
Otter Aggio (27:47):
They're so sweet.
So I'm very grateful for that.
But a lot of people think thatit's a lot easier than it is and
it's not.
Joy Blue (27:54):
Yeah.
It's physical, emotional,mental, all the things.
That's amazing.
What a gift you have, and also aburden as is any job.
Otter Aggio (28:05):
Yep.
Joy Blue (28:06):
you so much for coming on and sharing about and I'm so
excited to meet you in personand see what happens with my
dogs.
Otter Aggio (28:14):
I'm so excited.
I can't wait to meet them.
Joy Blue (28:19):
so Here We Are.
This was such a fun andeducational episode.
I loved getting to learn aboutgrooming from Otter.
She did an amazing job Deshedding our dogs and even
recommended an awesome undercoatbrush that my dogs hate, yet I
love.
It is so satisfying to let thatundercoat fly in the air.
(28:40):
I am so grateful for what you doand who you are, Otter.
Thanks again for your time.
If you've got a flavor of nerdthat you want me to celebrate, I
would love to hear all about it.
So go ahead and email me atherewearethepodcast@gmail.com
and tell me everything.
I love taking time to sit andmake space for nerd to be
celebrated.
(29:01):
If you really liked this podcastand want to financially support
what I'm doing head on over topatreon.com search for Here We
Are The Podcast and sign up forone of the many beautifully
written support tiers that I'mvery proud of.
So until next time, don't forgetthat curiosity wins and the
world needs more nerds.
Bye.
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