Level 2 and 3 Dog Grooming students at the College of West Anglia’s (CWA) Wisbech campus welcomed an external industry expert this week, as specialist breeder Shirley Barrett from Barold Kennels in Lincolnshire delivered a master class on Spinone specific grooming.
Shirley Barrett of Barold Italian Spinone, is a renowned breeder of Italian Spinone. An ancient Italian hunting breed known for its distinctive wiry coat, gentle temperament and working heritage. She brought two of her own dogs to the session; nine-month-old puppy Brew and three-year-old Peg. Giving learners the opportunity to observe coat texture at different life stages, understand how grooming techniques evolve and learn which are best for the breed.
During the visit, Shirley demonstrated professional methods and explained how correct turnout enhances both coat condition and pigmentation. Students also learned about the history of the Spinoni, the importance of using appropriate tools, and common mistakes that can permanently alter coat quality if incorrect equipment is used.
This workshop also directly supported learners in preparation for their hand-stripping practical assessment, allowing them to observe correct technique, coat preparation, and breed presentation in line with exam standards. Shirley also covered the business side of the industry, including realistic pricing for specialist grooming services and how to communicate the value of skilled, time intensive techniques to clients.
Shirley said, “It has been my pleasure to attend CWA’s Dog Grooming department for three years now. It has allowed me to show off this rare breed from Italy and encourage budding groomers to understand its origins. At the same time, I have enjoyed seeing new students learn what I believe is a dying skill of Hand Stripping wire hair dogs. A well-trained groomer can literally transform a dog from a pig’s ear to a silk purse; many an owner wouldn’t even recognise their own dog.
The Dog Grooming industry is only a tiny part of the world of dogs, as qualified professional groomers are often undervalued and misunderstood as to the level of training that has been undertaken. I hope that my dogs and I can go some ways to support the students as they continue to strive for excellence and become award-winning groomers.
The Italian Spinoni is a dog for you, me but not for everyone. This could be said for all breeds and a well-trained groomer can help steer prospective dog owners in the right direction.”
Hannah Tester, Lecturer and Course Director of Level 2 and Level 3 Dog Grooming added: “Having specialists like Shirley visit our learners is invaluable. It gives them the opportunity to see true breed-specific grooming in practice, understand the importance of correct technique, and learn how the wrong equipment can affect coat quality. Sessions like this can bridge the gap between theory and industry, helping our students build both technical confidence and professional standards.”