The Dangerous Trend That’s Hurting Our Industry

When Did Grooming Become a Joke?

I’m disheartened. Truly.

Once again, social media has taken something that should be professional, ethical, and rooted in care, and turned it into a spectacle. The viral video of a Yorkie being blasted with an HV dryer is not just upsetting, it’s damaging.

Let me be clear when I say that The Whole Pet Grooming Academy does not support, condone, or teach this kind of behavior.

Yet, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen these kinds of reckless grooming videos making the rounds. It’s happening more and more—people using animals as props for entertainment, all while claiming to be “groomers.” And with no official governing body to step in, pet owners now think this is what grooming looks like.

Professional grooming is about skill, care, and respect for the animals we work with. It is not about forcing pets into distress for a few laughs or viral views.

But here’s the harsh truth: the more these videos circulate, the more damage they do. They undermine our industry, make real professionals look bad, and worst of all, they encourage pet owners to try these dangerous techniques at home.

Smarten Up!

If you’re in this profession, act like it. What you post, what you share, and what you encourage matters. If you’re willing to exploit an animal’s fear for social media clout, then you don’t belong in this industry.

At WPGA, we stand for higher standards. We stand for education, ethics, and respect for the pets in our care. And I hope I never see any of our students or alumni engaging in, sharing, or supporting this kind of nonsense.

It’s time to stop being silent. It’s time to call this out for what it is, harmful, unethical, and a disgrace to the grooming profession.

We must do better. We will do better.