Kenny of House of Wolves on Mastering Grooming with Passion and Purpose
From humble beginnings to becoming a sought-after grooming educator, Kenny Leakan’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and artistry. As the founder of House of Wolves Dog Grooming in Kentucky and a Doglyness ambassador, Kenny is a self-taught groomer who has spent over 15 years mastering his craft. His unique approach to grooming blends technical skill with creative expression, and his commitment to education has taken him across the US and internationally, teaching workshops and inspiring groomers of all levels.
In this interview, Kenny shares his unconventional path into grooming, the philosophy that drives his work, and the lessons he's learned from working with animals. We also discuss industry myths, the evolution of pet grooming, and why he trusts Doglyness products in his daily routine. Whether you're an aspiring groomer or a pet owner looking for insight into the art of dog grooming, Kenny’s story is sure to leave you inspired.
Can you tell us about your journey into the world of grooming? What inspired you to become a self-taught groomer?
The start of my journey in the world of grooming started when I was 21 years old by accident. At the time, I was basically homeless and needed a job to help support myself and get my life together. I’ve always loved animals from the time I was a little boy roaming around fields, catching crickets and grasshoppers, playing with all the stray dogs and cats I could find. As a person who’s never really had much family. Animals have always been my comfort and solace and provided solitude for my darkest of days.
I became a dog bather at a very small shop with just myself and the owner, and he taught me how to master the art of bathing, which took me about two years before I could even begin to learn how to use scissors or clippers. From there, I have worked in different salon settings, watching other more experienced groomers to help me build my own skills. I’ve never had any formal training or schooling for dog grooming, just as some musicians play by ear. I play by eye.
How did the name “House of Wolves” come about, and what does it mean to you?
The name, House Of Wolves is a reference to a song by my favorite musical artist, Bring Me The Horizon. What House Of Wolves means to me is just a small annotation and representation of my aesthetics and personality, which I use to help harness a unique inspirational energy for others looking to do the same.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from working with pets that has had a lasting impact on you, both professionally and personally?
One lesson that I’ve learned from working with animals is the ever-evolving compassion that I have, not just for the pretty grooms that I do on well-bred specimens, but by using the same love and energy toward misfit, unwanted or neglected animals. All animals, great and small, have thoughts of their very own, and when I look into their eyes, it’s almost I can hear exactly what they’re thinking.
Do you have a philosophy or guiding principle that drives your approach to grooming and working with pets?
My philosophy and guiding principle that drives my approach to grooming is to always be inspired and to always put the power from that inspiration into the skills that I produce.
You’ve taught grooming techniques worldwide. What’s the most valuable thing you share with other groomers?
The most valuable thing that I teach and share with other groomers and one thing that I was taught that really stuck with me is that there are many ways to create “artwork“ and that there is no one surefire way to produce this artwork. There are many correct ways to groom. There are many incorrect ways to groom. What I like to do is to be inspired by the things that catch my eye and melt them all together to make my very own style and inspirational point of view for grooming.
As a self-taught groomer yourself, what advice would you give to aspiring groomers who may lack access to formal education or resources?
it’s important to always research the type of style that you feel speaks to you, whether or not it’s a breed-specific trim, Asian-style grooming or a simple pet trim. You don’t have to go to grooming school to be ambitious and have the drive to become a great groomer. It is very important to continue education wherever and however you can, with the means that you have.
With over 15 years in the industry, what’s one grooming myth you’d like to debunk for pet owners or fellow groomers?
One simple myth I can debunk for pet owners or fellow groomers alike, as I’ve stated before, is that there’s no one correct way to groom, and every dog you groom is different from the last. Dogs are like fingerprints. They are all unique and will all look different.
What challenges did you face as a self-taught groomer, and how did you overcome them?
Some challenges that I’ve faced as a self-taught groomer are being looked down on by other “seasoned” groomers. The political and catty drama that can be consuming. Another challenge is as simple as the region/geography of where you live. I have found the more inner city I am, the nicer the grooms tend to be. But that’s not always true, it’s just a general observation.
How do you see the grooming industry evolving, and what role do you hope to play in its growth?
The grooming industry is ever-evolving with new tools and products that help you achieve more efficient and better grooms. My role in the grooming industry is simple: I wish to inspire others and set their heart ablaze with the same love that I have for grooming.
What trends or changes in the grooming industry excite you most right now?
One of the most exciting changes in the grooming industry is the evolving approach to holistic care and using products that are safer for the animals, which lineup with my ethics as well.
If you could change one thing about the grooming industry, what would it be and why?
I could change one thing about the grooming industry, I would make sure that every groomer, great and small, felt that their worth was immeasurable. I think that the grooming industry, like most artistic industries, is full of creatives, and this can be a very good thing, but it is also important to remember that too much of anything can be harmful.
Why do you choose Doglyness products for your grooming routine, and how have they improved the grooming experience for you and the dogs you care for?
I use Doglyness for my everyday grooming routine, and it has improved not only the quality of my grooms but also the quality of the pets’ lives. No harsh chemicals, no overstimulating perfumes and a solid chemical foundation that thoroughly cleans from the tip of the hair to the base of the skin in the most natural, healthy way imaginable. I cannot imagine using any other shampoo for the remainder of my time on earth. I simply love Doglyness.
What’s one tool or product, besides Doglyness, that you absolutely cannot live without in your grooming kit?
One tool that I can’t live without, other than Doglyness, is my Wahl clippers. They just fit my needs, and they’re also so fun to flip.
How do you balance the art and technical skills required in grooming to create your signature look?
One way, I balance the art and technical skill required in my grooms is again to always be inspired not just by other groomers but other artists. A lot of people ask me who my favorite groomer is, and for me although I love many groomers, I am mostly inspired by the music I listen to. That’s what gives me my drive for the grooms that I produce.
What’s next for you and House of Wolves?
2025 has a lot of domestic classes that I will be teaching throughout the year to help inspire others to become great. I am always looking to travel anywhere around the world to share my knowledge as well as my passion with others.
Any final words of encouragement for our readers who are passionate about grooming and pet care?
As a final word of encouragement for our readers, it’s important to always know that it is best to be like yourself. When you are truly yourself, that is how you inspire others to want to be like you.
