Dog groomers, how to get started?

[HeatherAnn]

I'm 19 and currently doing my A levels but I'm finding that it's not for me. Only took me 18 months to work this out

I've been looking for jobs but as usual my search always turns animally and I'm seriously considering taking up dog grooming.

I've done some work experience: a full week 9-5 in a grooming parlour and some experience in a boarding kennels with a groom room attached, so I know it's hard graft and I'm not put off.

A college very local to me is offering an animal care apprenticeship and one of the options is dog grooming so I was considering going for it. I email a couple of groomers last night, so what next?

I've also had a look at City and Guilds but have NO idea how it works

I've searched the forum but I'm still a bit stuck about how to get started.

Any advice?

 

[PucciNPoni]

Hi Heatherann - don't worry about your confusion re C&G - even those who are part way thru it are confused by the process C&G keep chaning the requirements and the names for things. But it IS a very good process to do.

First suggestion would be to go to a good reputable hands on course. Many are thirty days long and will be fairly comprehensive. Then try to find someone to take you on as an apprentice groomer. Pets At Home would be perhaps be a good starting point provided that they have an experienced groomer on board that can help you develop your skills. Small private grooming salons might also do that, but try to find one that has a C&G qualified groomer. I know it sounds cheeky in this economy but they are out there.

Highly suggest not trying to open your own business - it can be soul destroying working on your own unless you're particularly antisocial

Oh, and get a free subscription of Total Grooming Magazine...loads of information in there on a every other month basis.

 

[HeatherAnn]

Thanks for the advice
My main concern is that the college qualification won't be good enough, but I was thinking that I could start with that, save a bit of money and pay for a more valuable course that will get me further.

How did you get into dog grooming Pucci?

 

[PucciNPoni]

Having had lots of previous experience (worked as a vet tech in the US, worked on horse showing yards, even groomed llamas....) I did a course at Scotgroom, and keep going back even now, ten years on for top up training days and exam preparation.

good luck