I Want to be a Dog Groomer

[LissG]

I REALLY want to become a dog groomer...does anyone here have any advice on how to go about getting started? I LOVE to pamper my dog and everyone else's lol! I'm in NJ-do I have to go to a school? Do I just ahve to go around begging for like an apprenticeship? Any advice is GREATLY appreciated!

[JanaeUlva]

I was a dog groomer for a while in my early twenties. It was fun! I went around to the different grooming shops and found one that would run an apprenticeship type thing.

[Freestep]

Are you SURE? I have trained a fair share of students, and most of them give it up within a couple years when they find out how hard it is on their back, wrists, hands, etc.

There are two ways to learn dog grooming: go to a dog grooming school, or apprentice under a seasoned professional. I did the latter, and I'm glad I did--I got much more hands-on training.

How old are you, if I may ask?

[LissG]

i just turned 25 and i'm SURE i want to do this!! i'm currently a dental assistant so i'm used to leaning over/bending down, being uncomfortable, being bit (lol), having wrist/hand cramps/pain...i'm completely expecting to be scratched, bit, yelled at my obcessive dog owners, etc....but i dunno i just love being around animals particularly dogs, i'm a very hard worker, nothing gets me down, i'm always smiling, i'm friendly, dogs LOVE me-even the viscious ones, i'm ok with being a mess and dirty at the end of the day. i'm motivated, i love pampering dogs-i volunteered at an animal shelter for about 6 years and on top of regular duties i used to give the dogs little paw/leg massages. i appreciate the advice! i think i'm going to go around to local groomers and see if they'd be willing to train me .

[JanaeUlva]

Originally Posted by LissG

i just turned 25 and i'm SURE i want to do this!! i'm currently a dental assistant so i'm used to leaning over/bending down, being uncomfortable, being bit (lol), having wrist/hand cramps/pain...i'm completely expecting to be scratched, bit, yelled at my obcessive dog owners, etc....but i dunno i just love being around animals particularly dogs, i'm a very hard worker, nothing gets me down, i'm always smiling, i'm friendly, dogs LOVE me-even the viscious ones, i'm ok with being a mess and dirty at the end of the day. i'm motivated, i love pampering dogs-i volunteered at an animal shelter for about 6 years and on top of regular duties i used to give the dogs little paw/leg massages. i appreciate the advice! i think i'm going to go around to local groomers and see if they'd be willing to train me .

With your enthusiasm I would hire you Emphasize time management - grooming and actually making money is understanding how to work the dogs in an order that allows one to be washed while another is drying and another one is being blown out and brushed and/or cut.

I thought the best part was learning to hand scissor - like fancy poodle cuts, terriers, etc. I considered buying a Standard Poodle just so I could practice hand scissoring Then I realized that was not the best reason to get a Poodle.

Good Luck!!

[LissG]

woooo thanks!! im good at multitasking/time management!

[JanaeUlva]

Originally Posted by LissG

woooo thanks!! im good at multitasking/time management!

Excellent! And as my supervisor sister says about job interviews - dont just say it, give examples of your time management skills!

[dogfaeries]

I've been grooming since I was 22 - that was 34 years ago!

If you can find a GOOD shop to apprentice with, then that's definitely the way to go. Grooming schools typically won't give you the hands on experience you need, especially learning scissoring skills.

I was lucky to apprentice with a shop that was run by a couple of guys that showed dogs. We had a groomer that showed standard poodles, so I learned a lot from her. The key is to find a shop that can actually groom! There are many shops out there that aren't very good.

[KZoppa]

Animal Behavior College has a groomers program you can look into. I believe you can also find groomers who are in your area who mentor grooming students and get in touch with them. Sometimes they'll accept an apprentice outside of ABC.

[VonKromeHaus]

I am a groomer. I love my job but some days..ICK. You can see the bad end of dog owners as well the ones that neglect etc.

I started under my grandma who was a Certified Master Groomer and then went to work for PetsMart and later Petco,then private shops now I am back at a private shop and love the environment.