SECAUCUS, N.J—The Hartz Mountain Corporation has launched a collection of eight ambidextrous, ergonomically-designed professional-quality dog grooming tools, plus a pedicure kit, to its Hartz Groomer’s Best brand.  Developed in collaboration with professional groomers, Hartz Groomer’s Best molded-rubber tool handles will fit any size hand, for maximum comfort and control, and help prevent hand fatigue and repetitive motion injury. Hartz Groomer’s Best will also take the guesswork out of product selection for consumers, with a streamlined, graphic on-pack system that defines each tool by three key grooming requirements; De-shed, De-tangle and De-flea, and four coat characteristics associated with various dog breeds; short, long, curly and heavy.

“In our ongoing dialogue with Hartz consumers, dog owners repeatedly expressed confusion at the breadth of grooming tools on the market, and anxiety regarding which to buy for their particular dog”, said Kimberly Cassar, senior director of marketing at The Hartz Mountain Corporation. “Since selecting the right tool for the specific grooming requirements of each dog’s breed and coat type is crucial, it became clear that a consumer needs gap existed. Now, Hartz Groomer’s Best has resolved this problem for dog owners, by providing a range of high-quality, efficacious tools and an easy-to-follow product selection system which allows them to select the right combination of tools for the individual grooming demands of their own breed of dog.”

To reinforce the unique grooming needs of various breeds, according to their four coat types, and facilitate easy consumer navigation of the Hartz Groomer’s Best grooming tool selection system, on-pack and at shelf, a photo of a representative breed of dog from each coat type guides the consumer to the right product.  For example, short-haired dog owners are invited to follow a Yellow Labrador, while a Bichon Frise is the graphic guide for curly-haired dogs, a Yorkshire Terrier for long-haired, and a German Shepherd for heavy coats.  Hartz Groomer’s Best grooming collection includes:


DE-SHED:
Hartz Groomer’s Best Rubber Brush – for short coat grooming 
The ultimate de-shedding tool for short and smooth coats, this tool is made with soft rubber numbs to effortlessly and gently remove loose hair.  This tool can also be used as a scrub brush, when bathing, to work the shampoo into the coat.

Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush – for the everyday maintenance of curly, long and heavy coats 
Highly effective for every day de-shedding, this brush contains fine bristles for removing loose hair and superfluous undercoat. 

Hartz Groomer’s Best Rake – to remove dead undercoat, for heavy coats
This rake penetrates thick fur to de-shed and remove undercoat, to effectively smooth hair and prevent matting.


DE-TANGLE:
Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush – for the everyday maintenance and finishing of curly, long and heavy coats
Two brushes, and two grooming actions, in one! On one side, stainless steal pins which remove lose hair and detangle the coat. On the other, nylon bristles to redistribute natural oils for a healthy and shiny coat.

Hartz Groomer’s Best Pin Brush - for the everyday maintenance of long and curly coats
Designed to aid in everyday maintenance, this brush easily removes loose hair and tangles. Bristles are covered with safety tips for gentle yet effective grooming.

Hartz Groomer’s Best Comb – for those hard-to-reach areas on long, curly and heavy coats
A gentle way to quickly detangle, the comb’s stainless steel pins penetrate the undercoat to effectively remove excess hair. The comb works especially well around the sensitive face and paw areas


DE-FLEA:
Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb - for flea removal on all four coat types
Designed with extremely fine teeth for maximum efficacy, this flea comb easily removes fleas, their eggs, and other debris. 


PEDICURE KIT:
Hartz Groomer’s Best Clipper and File - for at-home maintenance of animals in all four coat types
The ergonomic handle and unique angle of the clipper makes it easy to keep dogs’nails trimmed to a healthy and comfortable length. The file is used to remove sharp edges and leave nails smooth. 

Each new Hartz Groomer’s Best grooming tool is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. The new line will be available beginning in March 2010.