Dog Grooming Hints

by Barboni

There are plenty of convenient options when searching for dog grooming courses: Either to become an accredited groomer, or to take care of your dog and your friend’s dogs. You can watch DVD’s about proper technique and practice on your own dog, take a classroom based course under the watchful eyes of an instructor, or take one of the many complete and affordable online courses that will give you the qualifications you need to open up your own grooming center.

What you choose will be a matter of personal preference, intended outcome and budget. Instructional videos are cheap and easy to come by. Classroom courses are time-consuming and generally not always affordable for everyone. Online courses are convenient and cost-effective; yet some of us need a classroom setting, while others thrive working in their own environment.

The format that works best for you, while giving you the end result you need is what you should choose. Most videos can be found on YouTube, while finding the right dog grooming courses for your needs can prove a little more difficult.

First of all make sure if you’re going to invest money in an online or classroom based dog grooming courses that you’re going to end up being a certified groomer capable of opening your own business, or able to work for a grooming shop.

Second make sure that you have the time to complete the course in the allotted time frame. This will obviously be more imperative with classroom courses, but online coursework may give you a time deadline to complete your studies as well.

Third do your research. Ask questions on dog grooming forums, around town, etc. to make sure you’re making the right choice and that the course has a good background of success. You want to read both the good and bad testimonials to form an educated opinion about what school/course is right for you.

by Dog Groom UK

There has been an explosion of interest in dog grooming courses. This is because grooming is an in demand occupation. However, it involves much more schooling than many people would be inclined to believe. This career path involves the proper training, experience, and drive to succeed. Dogs are not simply animals; they are beloved family members to many, and the care given to them cannot be substandard.

Dog grooming courses are the first step toward becoming a successful, professional dog groomer. There are many different programs that vary area by area. Some of these programs are more hands-on and are in a traditional classroom setting while others can be taken online. All of the programs, however, have been established to teach potential groomers all of the necessary knowledge. Each dog has a set of unique grooming techniques that work best for their breed. Owners also have their own opinions, and it is important to learn how to balance the two to provide an excellent end result.

Experience in this field is a must, and dog grooming courses are the best way to begin gaining that experience. Many schools provide dogs to begin learning on. This is not a task to be taken lightly, as their owners are still expecting a presentable result. These classes are just as important as cosmetology classes are for a hair dresser. Groomers need to have confidence, professionalism, and produce great grooming results.

A sample curriculum of dog grooming courses includes the following:
Tool Usage
Bathing
Anal Glands
Nail trimming
Skin Issues
Scissor and Clipper Technique
Breed Profiles
Dental Care
Business Procedures
Proper Animal Control and Handling

This list of dog grooming courses is not all inclusive and could vary from school to school. The above class samples do provide a basic outline to prepare anyone interested in these dog grooming courses, but a specific list can be acquired from the program chosen.

It is important to be prepared for this type of school. Grooming tools such as clippers, scissors, nail trimmers, and gloves are vital to grooming. Some dog grooming courses will include these tools in their tuition. However, each participant must ask if their specific program will provide these necessities in order to come to class prepared. Dog grooming courses will go over the use of each specific tool, and potential groomers need to have those tools present to achieve proficiency in their use.

There are many venues which provide dog grooming, and business classes are available in some programs so that participants can learn how to properly manage a business if they branch off into their own operation. This can be a profitable career path, but dog grooming courses are vital to success. Gaining the proper knowledge from professionals who are or have been in the business will provide a good basis for becoming a successful groomer. In a competitive job market, these courses will give participants a “leg up” on the competition, making them “a cut above the rest”!

Working in a kennel and working with a dog groomer has not only given me a greater appreciation for what dogs really need in the way of personal hygiene and “styling”, but also a greater appreciation for what groomers are required to do to keep our dogs healthy AND happy.

A good groomer has to know more than how to give baths, clip nails and trim hair:

1) They should be a dog lover AND something of a dog expert.

2) They must have an ability to work with potentially difficult dogs who are distressed, uncomfortable and unhappy.

3) Unless they are a breed-specific groomer (for example, specializing in Poodles), they need to understand the grooming requirements (nails, coat AND what works best for the particular breed, at the time of year) of a variety of breeds (not all dog fur is alike).

4) They need a basic grasp of dog anatomy, so they don’t accidentally injure a dog while moving them around to trim and clip.

5) They need to have a basic understanding of the skin conditions common to dogs, and the types of shampoos for treating and preventing problems.

6) If you have special requirements, (for example, if you want a puppy-cut for a dog that isn’t going to be shown), they should honor your request.

7) They must have the patience of several saints.

So how do you find the perfect groomer for you and your dog?

As with any other service, get references. Talk to friends, talk to local rescue groups, talk to your vet. Don’t just ask about how they rated cost and the end result, ask about how the dog interacted with the groomer when they were dropped off and picked up.

When you find one or two groomers you think might fit the bill, call and ask to speak to the person who will be actually working with your dog – especially if you have a potentially difficult dog (coat-wise or temperament-wise). If you have any concerns about the skill-set listed above – ask. Ask about their training and or experience – experience is crucial. In particular, ask about their experience with the breed or breed-cross you have. If you like what you hear, ask them for additional references, and call them!

Don’t just consider a grooming salon or the salons in pet super-stores. If you use a kennel regularly, they may have a good groomer. And consider getting your dog groomed when you leave your dog for any length of time – especially if the dog needs a bit of work, the job can be divided over several days, so there is less stress.

When you bring your dog in, don’t be surprised if the groomer recommends more work than you originally intended to have done – often owner’s don’t realize that their dog’s nails and coat needed attention.

Even if you are pleased with the results of your first visit, don’t assume everything went well. When your dog comes home from their first groom, especially if your dog needed an extensive trim or long nails done, give them a thorough examination – there should be no nicks or cuts, and they shouldn’t be suddenly shy of having their paws handled (the nails may have been “quicked”, the equivalent of having your nails trimmed into the “pink).

Having “assisted” in several difficult groomings, I have a new appreciation for what groomers do – I don’t believe that a six-week correspondence course or corporate training is sufficient. Groomers deal with stressed, often uncooperative dogs, and they need to know how to keep those dogs calm and comfortable, as well giving your dog a bath and a trim.