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FAQ's - How to become a Dog
Groomer
I highly recommend completing Nationally Accredited
courses
at
www.doggroomingaustralia.com.au Deborah
Ryan is the Director of Dog Grooming Australia. She has
been an English
Qualified Professional Stylist since 1990. She
has a City and Guilds Licentiateship Diploma in dog
grooming from the London Institute (one of the highest
English qualifications for dog grooming. Deborah has
been teaching grooming for 12years and has a Certificate
IV in Assessment and Workplace Training.
Along with
her skills, knowledge and passion for the grooming
industry she developed the Nationally Recognised
Grooming and Styling courses from the Beginner up to
Advanced Grooming.
I also recommend Christine Speerin's
www.thegroomingschool.com.au
& Jodie Graham's
www.groomersfriend.com.au dog grooming courses. Christine
& Jodie are
Certified Master Groomers, running dedicated grooming
schools. Debbie, Christine & Jodie compete annually in National Grooming
Competitions, keeping up to date with latest techniques
and participating amongst their peers. There are courses
to suit beginners or ones design to suit individual
needs.
There are other TAFE courses available, contact TAfFE or
PIAA Pet Industry Asssociation of Australia at
www.piaa.net.au
A friend told me if you want to be good at something eg:
tennis. You need to read about tennis, play tennis,
watch videos about tennis, watch the pros play tennis,
live and breathe tennis. The same can be applied to
grooming.
When I started I did a short course at a grooming
salon, which in retrospect wasn't very good but it got
me into a volunteer position with a very experienced
groomer.
I have done as many dog related courses that I could do;
I volunteered my labour in return for knowledge and
tools. Those days are gone with Occupational Health and
Safety and Insurance reasons.
I would however recommend volunteering your time at an
RSPCA shelter, Vet, Dog training club - there is
training involved in grooming, or anything pet related.
I would go to dog shows and see if you could find a
breeder who was prepared to train you to groom their
particular breed, be prepared to compensate them for
their time and knowledge. Remembering this is where
grooming started - from breeders.
I would post a letter and resume to all the groomers in
your area, with a follow up phone call to try and get a
job in a salon be it paid or not. Maybe even organise
your own insurance.
Challenge Dog Supplies in Brookvale, NSW have grooming
videos to purchase as do Groomers Friend at
www.groomersfriend.com.au
I would read as many dog books and dog grooming books
or magazines that you can get a hold of.
If you do any course that is not certified or accredited be very
careful to make sure you get what you pay for, some
courses are very over priced for the quality of training
offered, make sure you know what to expect. Check
whether the trainer has a Certificate IV in Training &
Work Place Assessment. Some places offer training but
use people as cheap labour instead. Check also that they
are a PIAA
member.
Own a dog that needs grooming and show photos or be able
to explain what condition your dog is kept in and how it
is groomed and treated.
I do not teach grooming myself for many reasons.
I hope this helps you get started,
Charmaine Bright
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