So you want to be a Groomer

Pet grooming can be a rewarding career. Your artistic abilities, creativity and nurturing nature find an outlet.
Many types of grooming are available for you to explore- grooming instructor, show dog groomer, elite stylist,
mobile groomer and veterinary or boarding kennel groomer to mention a few.
 
There are even contests for those groomers with a competitive nature and the skills to excel. As an example,
GroomTeam U.S.A. sponsors national competitions, sending their top point earners as a team to compete abroad!

Make no mistake about it- grooming is hard work! You must learn pet anatomy, well over 100 breed patterns,
pet body language, pesticides and complex product structures. Also the mechanics of your equipment such as
clippers and blades and the proper use of the many types of shears. Pets are not always happy or easy to deal with-
you'll clean up their mess and often come home tired and sore at times. Yet the pride of accomplishing well done work can make all these intricacies seem trivial.

Your income, just like any other job can depend on your skill, location and the groom shops pay structure.
I believe a person must be crazy about pets or they may find that grooming is not what they expected it to be.
In my opinion this is a career, not simply a job.

A person can become a groomer through different avenues. Classroom schooling is not required but if you can
afford it, there are many good schools throughout the country. A local groomer may take on an apprentice,
starting you as a receptionist or bather. Some larger pet supply businesses have their own school and will trade time (1 or 2 years contracted work). You can even take correspondence courses. No matter how you learn, it's how you apply this knowledge that will make you stand out in this field.

Becoming proficient in this field takes time. There are many things such as scissoring and developing an eye for balance
that can only be developed with time. Just like the pets you will work on, everyone is an individual with different
capabilities, styles and personalities that will be expressed in their work.

I've had a wonderful time and met many wonderful pets and their owners. Some of my favorites have been the difficult pets. I've cried with the owners when their beloved pet passes away. I grab the puppies to coo over on their first visit.
I worry when a client moves away, that their precious baby won't be happy with another groomer. I marvel at the things I still learn after all these years. It may be silly, but that's what grooming is to me. Perhaps it will be for you too.

 Carol is a Nationally Certified Master Groomer,
 certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.
 A pet groomer since 1993, she attained National Certification in 2002.
 To visit her website, click http://www.carolsbows.com
 Here you will find her selection of dog bows, dog collar charms
and more articles on care for your pet.

Home-Show Bows-Classic Ribbon Bows-Tulle Bows-Dog Collar Charms
Pet Jewelry-About Our Bows-About Us-Contact Us-Order+Shipping Info
Owners Pet Pics-Articles-Privacy Policy-Links
Site Map