Certified Master Groomer with 4 Decades of Experience

Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins started showing dogs when she was 21 years old, the year she also started teaching high school. Over the last four decades Jennifer has dabbled in dog showing and breeding and has owned, showed, and bred several breeds. She has owned, bred, or titled several Champions, including a Futurity winner, a Top Producer, and a Grand Champion - among them German Shepherds, American Cockers Spaniels, Standard and Miniature Poodles, Great Pyrenees, Belgian Tervuren, Shetland Sheepdog, a Pumi, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, and others, including Himalayan Cats. 

Jennifer has been a Certified Master Groomer since 1985. She has been professionally grooming, at least part-time, since 1981. But first and longest, Jennifer has been a teacher. She taught High School, Junior High, and as an adjunct college History Teacher, for the better part of three decades, including serving in administration as an Academic Dean (Asst Principal). Jennifer has Masters Degrees in History and the equivalent in Education. Her love for teaching is reflected in the passion with which she always engages her audiences. Jennifer loves to share fascinating dog history and science in her acclaimed seminars. You, too, can learn the inspiring story of the human-dog co-evolved relationship in our history. 

Jennifer's passion and mission is the well-being of all dogs . . . and to make sure all dogs get groomed correctly for their natural coat types. Jennifer reminds groomers everywhere that groomers are in the Coat Care and Coat Preservation business, not the Coat Destruction business. She has worked to help join and build a movement within the pet grooming industry to groom all dogs correctly for their natural coat type. Just because a dog is a pet and not a show dog does not mean that they deserve any less to have their coat understood and cared for in a way that protects the entire integumentary system (skin and hair of mammals) for their lifetime.

Her teaching love is history and science, and so it is with dog education. Her groundbreaking program, "The Encyclopedia of Dogs" surveys in a half day class all the up to date published science and academic research globally on all the extraordinary things we are learning about the dog. Our two species may be the only two truly "co-evolved" species on earth.This program isn't just for groomers, but anyone and everyone interested in dogs. Jennifer has presented this class to church groups, public library programs, and luncheon programs. This summary of all the fascinating research and discoveries about dogs has been called "truly life-changing" by attendees.

Through her most popular and widely acclaimed program on "The Fifteen Coat Types" Jennifer hopes to prompt a grooming industry-wide discussion on standardization of terminology and best practices, so we can better talk to each other and train future groomers; and to decide what is best practices in grooming for each coat type.  All groomers that care about dogs being groomed correctly for their natural coat type are encouraged to use these hashtags in their social media:

#GroomersAreInTheCoatCareBusinessNotTheCoatDestructionBusiness

#DogsNeedTheirNaturalCoatsToProtectThem

#StopTheShaveDowns . 

Jennifer is also known in other fields. A prominent victims rights activist and advocate for gun violence prevention and criminal justice reform after the murder of her sister Nancy Bishop Langert, her brother-in-law Richard, and their unborn child in Winnetka, Illinois in 1990, Jennifer was selected in 2010 for the Illinois Women's Institute of Leadership (IWIL), and has run for office. Jennifer was the National Program Director for Victims and Survivors for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. In what she describes as her proudest life achievement, she partnered with Marsy's Law to lead a successful six year, multi-million dollar statewide lobbying campaign to amend the Illinois Constitution for enforceable victims rights, which passed overwhelmingly in 2014 and is now Article 1, Section 8.1 of the Illinois Constitution #MarsysLaw.

After 45 years working in dogs at least part time, Jennifer began grooming full-time for the first time in 2014 when she opened Love Fur Dogs in Glencoe, Illinois as a sort of retirement project. By then, she knew enough about the grooming industry to be fully committed to doing it right. From years of dabbling in the dog show world, Jennifer had come to see correct coat care for every breed and coat type possible. Everything at Love Fur Dogs was modelled on Best Practices - always the best for her beloved dog and cat clients. Her reputation grew well and quickly. Just a year after she opened Love Fur Dogs, she was named Best Groomer in Chicagoland by Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Tribune. Love Fur Dogs is now being passed into the hands of her longest serving groomer, as Jennifer and Bill retire to Virginia. Jennifer still grooms some:  www.MasterGroomingByJennifer.com.

Jennifer's speaking, writing, and teaching career in the Grooming Industry has built a global audience. In addition to her ICMG Master Groomer certification, she is three times Barkleigh Honors nominated for her writing and speaking. Jennifer holds several other credentials such as the PGC (Professional Grooming Credential) from WPA (World Pet Association). She has won numerous other awards, including Best Groomer in Chicagoland from the Chicago Tribune in 2015. 

Jennifer's political, lobbying, media, and community organizing experience allowed her to develop passion in her advocacy. This was helpful when she founded the Illinois Professional Pet Groomers Association. Jennifer played a pivotal role in helping groomers to be defined as "essential" in Illinois during the pandemic. The national Hulu Network television program Small Business Revolution on Season Three featured Jennifer as the "Grooming Expert" in the "Shampooches" episode.

Jennifer started speaking at grooming conferences in 2015 to great reviews. Jennifer published her first "Groomers Guide To The 15 Coat Types" Poster in 2022, and released a new larger wall size expanded content edition in 2024. She will be releasing the book of the same title hopefully in mid- 2025. Jennifer is one of the few Certified Master Groomers in the USA who is also a Master’s Degree educated career teaching professional. The groomer who can teach . . . the Groomers Guide. 

Jennifer and her husband Bill Jenkins (College Professor/Author) live in Virginia along with their Australian Shepherds and Miniature Poodles. 

COMMENTS from groomers, friends, and attendees of Jennifer's Seminars:

"I am absolutely blown away! I just finished watching your 'Fur vs Hair' WorldGroom seminar and wow! I could literally watch you teach all day, you are literally the BEST teacher of any seminar I have ever seen! . . . You always go over and beyond with your explanation of things and teach it at every angle to make sure that you've done all you could with the time you have, to teach anyone and everyone watching.. . all because of your passion. I appreciate you for being you!"  (Kerri M.)

"This is the most important class for day to day work in our industry - it helps us have a foundation - thank you so much for putting in so much work to teach all of us!"  

"I attended your class at the Groom Expo (2024). I want to let you know that your class was the BEST class I attended all weekend and the one that I retained the most information from. You touched on some things that I was not aware of and the books you recommended are on my to read list. Thank you again for an amazing learning experience." (Nadia B)

"Your program gives groomers a sense of agency. It helps them understand that they are more than just barbers, they are part of the dogs' health care team." 

"Thank you for the wonderful class/ seminar today at the All American. I wish I had gone to grooming school under you!! I have learned more from you then I did at school. I am going to get my hands on everything I can from your site and whatever else. Thank you!" (Raimie Ann H.)  

"I was fortunate enough to take the 15 coat types certification course at Hershey last year (2022). This class was a true eye opener on how my grooming technique needed to be customized to the breed specific coat type as well as the multi-breed mixed coat types that we are frequently seeing in the salon. I highly recommend and apply these techniques on every dog and my clients have noticed and appreciate the improvements!" (Tiffany Tate-Croxford, CCE, Pink Poodle RVA)

"I just finished reading your article in the newest issue of Groomer To Groomer magazine. It was enthralling and educational, as well as inspirational. I am so lucky to know such a wonderful mind like yours." (Alyssia N.)

"I always learn so much from you!! Met you first at the 2022 Pet Pro Classic and am so glad you’re helping teach generations of groomers how to take care of their animals! #sciencerocks "(Jennifer M) 

Urban Pet Sitting and Dog Walking:  "We had a great time at the Groom Expo Hershey PA yesterday and learned so much from Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins in her class!"

"My name is Sarah and I'm a groomer of 10 years. I recently got hired on as Head Groomer. . .  Part of onboarding has been watching so many collaborations with many talented and respected groomers in our field. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the training you provided for 'Fur vs. Hair'! I always dedicate time to continued education, however, I have never been so intrigued by every sentence of a training before! I love all of the science-backed . . . research and resources you are giving groomers is going to change so many things in our industry. Thank you again, I appreciate all your hard work and you made my day!"

"I also wanted to tell you about my Lagotto that I started doing the traditional haircut on at your urging. For the first time since I started grooming her, she is almost completely mat free after doing what you recommended, and her dad is super happy!“ (Anna L.)

Re a photo of a Lagotto Romagnolo client: 

"On our way to letting her natural rustic curly coat do its thing! Mom was keeping her short because she kept getting matted. After taking the 15 Coat Types class, I learned Lagottos are supposed to be air dried to preserve their natural ringlets. Spoke to the owner, and she is on board. Second time in since starting and already noticed a HUGE difference in matting. On the plus side, less work because I don't have to dry her. Continued Education for the win!!!"   (Tiffany Schaefer) 

NOTE: Jennifer's Coat Types education often includes discussion about grooming the dogs correctly for their natural coat type not only looks, feels, and works better for the dog but is generally much less work for the groomer!

"Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, your article has been my grooming bible for my Lagotto girl. I share it all over my Lagotto groups as well!" (Allie D.)

"I followed Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins article for their grooming. Lagottos (at least the 4 that I do) hate the dryer and it was always a hassle trying to dry them. So air drying was a game changer. The dogs are even less stressed because of it!" (Michele M.)  

"You are truly an asset to our industry! You bring such a mass and wealth of knowledge that is . . . backed by science and research!" (Amber C.)

"Thanks too for such an informative day. Memorable. . .  your class has 'whet my appetite' for grooming these dogs (correctly)!" (Rebecca) 

"I have a 12 year old Beagle/Shih Tzu mix that I’ve had since he was a puppy (just imagine a hippie beagle). I’ve always given him a haircut with a guard comb, mostly on his long spots which are around his neck, chest and legs. I recently attended the 15 coats types seminar and found out he has a broken wire coat. I decided to test the process I learned of dealing with that coat type by using the Andis (fine tooth) de-shedding rake. Y’all, it looks like he’s had a haircut! The process was quicker, less stressful for him and SO MUCH EASIER. I can’t believe I’ve been doing his coat wrong for 12 years. This will be my go to from this moment on. I’m so glad I attended the seminar and will be buying the book!" (Melanie G.)

 (Evaluation from Hallie W after taking the 15 Coat Types class): "I have always taken into account the purpose of a dog breed and how its coat plays a role in its job (in my grooming) but (your class helped by) breaking it into groups and going into detail about each . . . (and) left little to no wiggle room in the way a coat type needs to be cared for. I loved how with the 15 coat type definitions I could easily go through my AKC guide book and color code each for a quick reference. . .  But the most important thing about the class is you have given me the skills to examine a coat and confidently identify it. The (poster) graphic explaining what coat types need, (for example) what ratio of oil, mineral, and collagen. . .(This) was so helpful I will use that daily. I will also take the purchase of shampoos and conditioners more seriously. . . I was unaware of coconut oil not being the best oil for the sebaceous zones! I will definitely be updating my (routine) for those areas. I (had previously) looked for the difference between carding and stripping (and) took a few pet grooming stripping classes but the best answer i got was ‘carding is with a carding knife and for shorter hairs’ but then a carding knife and stripping knife are the same . . (W)ow when you explained the only difference is the angle and amount of pull (finger hold, this) really clicked everything in place for me. The need to strip out wire coats and showing the depth of the root was very helpful. . . Now I will be moving for the longer lengths on every groom dog. . . The information about how dogs (hydrate their skin) using the hair shaft, along with the evidence of the undercoat taking over once the guard hairs are even with or cut with the under coat, might be enough to convince more people to stop shaving. The absence of the medulla in an undercoat hair is very interesting...I have been working on changing my pricing and online booking options to go more towards (using these) coat categories (as versus pricing by) size. By doing this I get a more accurately timed schedule and projected income reports. But most importantly it REMOVES the option for PDL (Fur-type coats) to be booked for a haircut." 

Alexis J: "On top of being a mama of 4, you all know my second love is Professional Dog grooming. This past weekend’s conference was a hit. Surrounded with other amazing & talented groomers, we met and welcomed to VA from IL, Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins who is a mastermind in the grooming community.  I am now officially a member in the Virginia Professional Pet Groomers Association! Thankful to be apart of an elite group that is in in the 'Coat preservation business, not the Coat Destruction business!' "

C.B., owner of an Illinois grooming salon- "Jennifer, you did so much for us (as the first President and founder of the Illinois Professional Pet Groomers Association) during the COVID shut down! You went to the Governor and you got us working again (more than a month earlier than other businesses were allowed to re-open.) I cannot be more appreciative of what you did for me personally and for my business. . . Nobody else even tried but you did, and I am very proud to say that you got this turned around for us. Believe me, I will be spreading the word in Illinois of what you did for all Illinois pet groomers."

"Jennifer Bishop Jenkins, who runs LoveFurDogs, a dog-grooming company in Chicago, is an impressive entrepreneur. (That’s why my team enlisted her as an industry expert in the upcoming season of Small Business Revolution – Main Street.). But as impressive as she is in business, she’s an even more remarkable human being. " (Amanda Brinkman, Small Business Revolution, Hulu Network www.amandabrinkman.com "What Jennifer Bishop Jenkins Can Teach Us All About Grace and Advocacy" 2018)
 

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO STOP SHAVING FUR-TYPE DOGS?

Dogs whose coat grows to a certain length and stops (like the hair on our arms as opposed to the hair on our heads which grows and grows until it is cut or it breaks) have a coat we like to call "Fur."

These dogs cannot get haircuts. (Think breeds like German Shepherd Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, etc. Some longer fur-type dogs such as Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, or Bernese Mountain Dogs can be trimmed under their bellies, behind their ears, on their feet and furnishings, but never on their upper torso.) 

In contrast, dogs whose hair grows and grows until it is cut or breaks (like the hair on our heads) we call "Hair" type dogs. These are commonly given haircuts at professional pet groomers. Breeds such as Poodles, Doodle mixes, Maltese, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Shih Tzu, etc., are hair-type haircut dogs. The difference between Fur dogs and Hair dogs is in the genetic programming built into their coats. 

Haircut dogs can be cut to preference usually without damage. There is new research information, that warns not to cut shorter than about an inch because of the dangers of sunlight reaching the skin. Langerhans cells, the dog's immune system, are killed or made cancerous by sunlight. It is critical to your pet's health that they maintain enough coat to keep sunlight from reaching their skin, especially on their upper torso. 

Fur type dogs cannot be cut, especially on their upper torso. Their shedding undercoat can be combed and brushed out. Some longer fur-type dogs can have feet, ears, tails, some furnishings lightly trimmed, but not so short that it is close to the undercoat. Top coat or guard hairs (primary hairs) must always be longer than the undercoat, and the jacket area (upper torso) cannot be cut at all, just de-shed. The pre-determined length genetics of their coat type destroys the ability of the delicate balance between guard hairs or top coat, and the insulating undercoat, which are not fully formed hairs. They grow on separate time schedules, and the outer topcoat or guard hairs are critical to maintain the dog's health and appearance. Undercoat will naturally come in and fall out many times in a year (shedding) which is your groomers job to help you remove. If the topcoat/guard hairs are cut, they may never come back and the undercoat will rage in excessive growth, making shedding worse. The topcoat keeps the undercoat in control. Remove it, or shorten it, and the problems you were trying to solve by cutting Fur will be made worse. 

#DogsNeedTheirNaturalCoatsToProtectThem  #StopTheShaveDowns

Coat genetics cannot easily be explained without some real education. Contact Jennifer by emailing GroomersGuide@gmail.com with questions. Or sign up for one of Jennifer's seminars!

Or just listen to the words of one of the world's top veterinarians, Dr. Jerry Klein of the American Kennel Club:

“Your dog’s (fur) coat actually acts as an insulator,” explains Dr. Jerry Klein, American Kennel Club chief veterinary officer. “Shaving that coat to reduce shedding or supposedly to keep the dog cool also eliminates that insulating layer of fur makes the dog susceptible to heat stroke and can result in improper hair growth and the possibility of follicle damage. A dog’s fur coat protects him from sunburn and decreases his risk of developing skin cancer. Shaving a double-coat can also do long-term damage. When it is shaved down to the skin, the undercoat hair will grow back faster, and sometimes will crowd out the slower-growing guard hairs. This can change the texture and color of a dog’s coat and make it appear patchy and unattractive.”