A new career in Dog Grooming

Looking for a new career with animals

When looking to start a new career, it is vital to start with something you enjoy and with an estimated 12 million dogs in the UK, the British population certainly love their dogs! When once dogs were left to roam our streets, they are now the most pampered pet in the UK with £10 billion spent on their care each year.  So it comes as no surprise that thousands of dedicated dog lovers are changing their career to encompass their passion for pets with many considering dog grooming as their next profession.

A dog groomer, canine beautician or pet stylists role is to make their canine clients look and feel great using techniques in bathing fur, scissoring hair, clipping coats and a perfume spritz for perfection.  This sentence hugely under estimates the high level of skill, patience and dedication these professionals hold and the training involved to become a dog groomer but we hope to change that through this article looking at a new career in dog grooming.

Unregulated Industry

Although the dog grooming is an unregulated industry, there is movement for self-regulation with organisations such as The Groomers Spotlight (www.thegroomerspotlight.co.uk) only promoting groomers who hold an Ofqual regulated level 3 diploma in dog grooming from Awarding Organisations such as City & Guilds or iPET Network.  Groomers that hold this level are viewed as fully qualified and have evidenced their knowledge.

Dog Grooming Training

When seeking dog grooming training to become a professional dog groomer, not only is getting a recognised qualification important but finding the right training centre is vital.  Training schools may offer the same qualification but delivery can be quite different and there are important points to consider when choosing where to train for your new career in dog grooming.

Are you confident around dogs of all shapes and sizes?

Grooming is physically hard work and you will need to groom a wide variety of breeds during your training.  During training you will meet all types and temperaments, just like a professional groomer and you will need to be calm and confident in your approach.

Are the tutors qualified dog groomers AND teachers?

It sounds obvious but passing on skills is a skill and teaching should be by someone who can prove both skill sets.  Being a great groomer doesn’t necessarily mean a great tutor who understands your learning style.

How big or small are the class sizes?

Some people learn best with one to one tuition and others have an enhanced experience by learning with peers and seeing different ways to do thing. Class size may also impact the cost of a course so this is worth considering.

What are the training environment and facilities like?

Knowing what to expect from the facilities on your first day will help put you at ease, but also a realistic expectation of the role.  It is highly recommended that you visit training establishments in person prior to parting with your payment, being able to compare the environments on offer will help you choose.

Does the dog grooming school have great reviews?

It is important to do your research and find out what other students thought of their experience.  A school that has great reviews is a must.  They will provide valuable insight into the course but also what a career in dog grooming is really like.

How many dogs will you groom during your dog grooming training?

The qualification will state how many dogs you will groom during your training or how long during the course you must work on practical skills but your training centre may far exceed this number, practice makes perfect!

Is there theory to support practical training?

Don’t let theory work put you off, taking time to write down your learning and have information to refer back to is very valuable when you become a qualified dog groomer and theory to support practical training is best practice.  You won’t remember or take in every little detail during a training day so your study should be backed up with wider knowledge about dogs, their behaviours and the dog grooming business.  Theory work maybe completed online or in a paper work book with support from your teacher.

How long is a dog grooming course?

How long a dog grooming course is can vary depending on what you want to achieve, but it should be compared in training hours, not the number of days attending a centre. If your training day is shorter, for example within school hours, you will expect to complete more days of training. Alternatively, if the days are longer there maybe less.

Are the training days flexible?

We all have life commitments and often training for a new career takes place around your current one.  Some training schools will have fixed training dates and may require you to take time off work to complete, others are flexible in their approach allowing you to work training around other commitments.

Is it worth travelling to the right dog grooming training school?

When deciding if it is worth travelling to the right training school, finances and time will be a consideration. A dog grooming course can be expensive so if you are parting with your money, make sure it’s the best. You may find that you have a great school on your doorstep but often you will need to travel to get the best tutors, training schools and qualifications.

Once qualified, can I get a job or start a business as a dog groomer?

Absolutely!  Your goal should be to get a job or start a business as a dog groomer.  Your training will prepare you to undertake the role and there are hundreds of employment opportunities advertised each day.  Many students go on to start their own businesses and some courses even teach you how to do this. Knowing your goals before you start training will help you choose the ideal course!

If you are considering a new career in dog grooming or even wanting to learn to correctly groom your own dogs, Four Paws Groom School can help.  With 5 star rated training academy’s in Cheshire, Shropshire & Herefordshire offering iPET Network qualifications, your dreams can become reality.  Four Paws Groom School also has a range of courses available covering wider canine industries. Find out more or book your course at www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk