If you are someone who prefers manual tasks over sitting in an office at a computer all day, you might have considered becoming a dog groomer. Dog groomers are responsible for maintaining a dog’s coat, skin, nails, ears and appearance whilst also ensuring the pet feels safe and comfortable.
As a dog groomer, you will need to have patience and a good understanding of canine behaviour. You will also need to be able to pay attention to detail whilst communicating well with pet owners.
Dog grooming can be a rewarding career with an opportunity to work for yourself and even carry out mobile appointments meaning you never stay in the same place for too long. This guide will provide you with the main routes to becoming a dog groomer.
What are the responsibilities of a dog groomer?
A dog groomer will bath, dry, brush and trim dog’s coats. Some dogs will have thick coats that may require the removal of knots. Other dogs may require certain styles or treatments for their coats.
Whilst this all sounds straightforward, you will be dealing with plenty of different breeds requiring different types of cuts and you will also have many different personalities. Some dogs could be nervous and it is important to be able to recognise signs of stress. Other dogs could be excitable and hard to keep still or you may have an elderly dog that is uncomfortable with grooming. It is important as a dog groomer, you recognise when a dog is stressed and know ways to work with the dog to build confidence and not make things worse.
On top of this, you will need to speak with the owners on a regular basis keeping them updated. You may have an owner who needs to brush their dog more often as they are getting seriously matted between appointments. You must be able to communicate this in a way that doesn’t offend them.
Becoming a dog groomer can also be physically demanding. Not only are you on your feet most of the day but you must also lift animals of all sizes from the bath to the drying area etc. You may also be bending in awkward positions which can be demanding on your back.
Whilst the job is demanding, the final result is always worth it!
Gaining experience with dogs
Before training, it can help to gain some experience with dogs as they are all different. You could volunteer at an animal shelter, help friends or family with their dogs or work within a grooming salon. Gaining experience will help you build confidence around different breeds and temperaments. If you are used to curly Cockapoos or Miniature Yorkshire Terriers, it can be quite a shock having to then deal with something big like a German Shepherd or Rottweiler. You don’t want to fear dogs and therefore building confidence is important.
Choosing your training
If you are looking to complete a course, look for something that covers areas such as:
- Anatomy of the dog
- Canine health
- Bathing and brushing
- Clipping (including different types of coats)
- Teeth, toes and beyond
All these points can be found in the online dog grooming level 3 course.
Handling dogs safely
One of the most important things as a groomer is to handle dogs safely. The most friendliest of dogs can bite and all dogs act differently under stressful circumstances. Training will teach you how to position and restrain dogs without causing pain and unnecessary distress.
Your working environment must also be clean with tools and surfaces being cleaned between dogs.
Different coat types
As with all jobs, you will get those moments where you can complete tasks quickly and think ‘that was better than I thought’. For example, Some dogs will have smooth thin coats and stand still for the majority of their appointment with you. Smaller dogs can sometimes be easier to groom too. Others however may have long, curly coats or thick double coats. These all require specialist techniques. Understanding a dog’s coat will help you choose the appropriate tools for the job which will allow you to work quicker.
Experience
Once you have completed some training, it would be worth working alongside a dog groomer. This could be voluntary or employed but would provide you with the skills you struggle to learn from just a textbook. It will help build confidence and you would gradually take on more responsibility.
Work for someone or begin your own business?
Once you have gained experience you could work in a grooming salon, veterinary practice, pet shop or other animal care business. If you are working for someone else, you won’t have to worry about aspects such as marketing, tax returns and insurance.
Others however may have ambitions to run their own business where they feel they will have greater flexibility. Business owners may look at their very own salon or a mobile van. Alternatively, they may want to branch out into pet sitting or dog walking too.
If you are going down this route, you will need to thing of the specialist equipment required such as grooming tables, dryers, clippers, blades, brushes and cleaning supplies. You will also need to consider insurance and business requirements.
Building a successful business
Being a dog groomer relies heavily on repeat customers and trust. Customers want to know that when they send their dog to be groomed, that they will be looked after and safe. Customers who are happy with the service will let others know and leave good reviews.
Another way to attract customers is by showcasing your work on social media. Potential customers want to see examples of work before sending their dogs in to be clipped. Therefore plenty of photos on your own website and social media help with encourage more people to try your services.
Overall, becoming a dog groomer is physically demanding, however many will choose this over other options due to the flexibility and possibilities for self-employment. Many people build highly successful grooming salons, mobile businesses or other ventures following training and never look back! To see a list of animal courses, please visit our animal care course page.
FAQs
What does a dog groomer do?
As a dog groomer, you are responsible for maintaining a dog’s coat, skin, nails, ears and appearance. Whilst doing so, the dog must feel safe and comfortable.
What skills will you need to become a dog groomer?
Patience is essential especially with dogs who are afraid. You will also need good attention to detail and communication. The job can be hard physically so you will need to be able to deal with busy environments and you will need to have a good understanding of canine behaviour.
Can I become a self-employed dog groomer?
You have several options of becoming self-employed after training to become a dog groomer. You could own your own salon, mobile washing van or branch out into other options such as pet sitting or dog walking.