I'm starting a dog grooming course

[Poppy Peach]

  I'm really excited I' starting a dog grooming course and can't wait.  I'm living in Cornwall and it was really hard to find a course that was City and Guilds accredited but it was worth the search. I have a Westie called Poppy and she doesn't know it yet but she will be my model. If anyone can offer any tips on training and setting up a business please let me know

[*Nat*]

Hello and welcome  We have a couple of groomers on here who run their own business, good luck with the course 

[Izzie]

Hi and Welcome

Suz and Val are the ladies to speak too, best of luck with the course

[Val]

Hallo and Welcome
The advice I would offer is do not buy cheap not that good equipment will make you a better groomer LOL but the better the quality the longer life it will have.
Learn to handle scissors properly and learn to stand properly as grooming is VERY hard on your back and if you are not taught to handle scissors properly it can lead not only to a poor finish on the dog but will leave you with tendon trouble in your hand.

I live on the south coast as well Swanage Dorset take your course pass your exams and don't sell yourself cheap just to get business, if you are good the clients will come if you keep a high standard they will stay.
It is always worth doing an animal behaviour course just so you can learn to read dogs
Good Luck
Val

[SuzAndTheDiva]

I agree with Val - one thing to NEVER do is undersell yourself, and DONT listen to customers who say oh but so and so can do it for £20 - customers lie haha ( i know shocking or what!) mind some groomers ARE that cheap - but you just end up working twice as hard to make any money!

Im just about to close down my shop to have my baby, and planning to go back mobile a couple days a week once shes here 

oh and try watt-a-dog for a good dog grooming forum 

[xtine]

I agree - never undersell yourself but also be realistic.. I popped into our local dog shop that has a salon attached to get some Naturediet for Fritz.. on the wall was a list of services and prices.. £65 to clip a Fritz (standard schnauzer)  seriously!! I don't spend that on my own haircut!!!!

[SuzAndTheDiva]

I agree - never undersell yourself but also be realistic.. I popped into our local dog shop that has a salon attached to get some Naturediet for Fritz.. on the wall was a list of services and prices.. £65 to clip a Fritz (standard schnauzer)  seriously!! I don't spend that on my own haircut!!!!

Christine meant to say am putting my prices up hahahaha     

[xtine]

   

[*Nat*]

Bl**dy ell!!!!  I have never used a groomer so would have no idea how much it would cost.... out of interest Suz, how much does a Fritz cost if you don't mind me asking? 

[SuzAndTheDiva]

Christine gets a discount cos shes my friend  but for most dogs like Fritz - £40 up depending on when they last came and how well brushed they are!

[madaboutdogsclare]

Just thought I would say hello as I am a dog groomer in Hampshire and looking for others to chat to.  You will love your course I'm sure and if you have any questions these people seems to know their stuff but if I can help please do ask.

Clare