How to Become a Dog Groomer

If you have wondered how to become a dog groomer & wanted to explore a new career opportunity working with dogs you have certainly landed in the right place.

In recent years the dog grooming industry has continued to thrive and grow, presenting more opportunities than ever before for dog lovers and those looking for a job working with animals to enjoy a career with huge potential.  In the UK most households have a dog and these days it is not just the specific  breeds like poodles or bichon frise that need a haircut. These days it is easy to take your boxer or labrador for a bath and brush than attempt  it at home so the dog grooming industry now caters for all breeds in every shape and size. Furthermore, the more people own dogs the higher the demand for dog grooming services.   

Dog groomers work with a huge variety of dog breeds and the grooming process  involves bathing, brushing , clipping, scissoring and styling, nail clipping and ear cleaning to ensure the dogs leave you looking their best.  Spa treatments for dogs is also a growing industry and some salons offer pawdicures, blueberry facials, fragranced baths and spritzes, mud bath treatments for dogs with sensitive problem skin and a wide variety of pamper treatments are now available.  Courses that cover animal health care enables you to obtain knowledge on  understanding the overall health and well being of the animals in your care and the types of shampoos and products that will be suitable for particular dogs for instance with sensitive skin or other health concerns.

So, if you are considering becoming a dog groomer then our guide is designed to help you understand what it entails and what it takes to forge a career in this industry.

How do I get started learning how to become a dog groomer?

Becoming a dog groomer is not something that you can move into overnight. Dog grooming courses have been designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and techniques that you will need to secure your dream job. It is important to pick a well established and reputable school with qualified tutors and to make sure the course curriculum covers all you will need to know and that they have an adequate bank of model dogs so that the training is hands on and practical. This is essential to master the dog handling skills and the different styles and haircuts of all the different breeds.

The duration of the course is also important . Some schools offer 2 week courses but this is only a basic introductory course and you will not learn all the skills required in that amount of time. We offer a Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming course which is a 5 week course, and every day for 5 weeks is essential so that the student is competent and well equipped by the end of the course, and able to then get started straight away.

Any good school should offer a course in first aid and animal health as any would be groomer needs to have an understanding in this area before embarking on a career  as a dog groomer.

Once you are qualified there are many different paths you can follow. You could go on to work for a dog grooming salon or a reputable  chain such The Groom Rooms at Pets at Home.  Usually you would only be considered for a job if you have a qualification and have completed a dog grooming course and have the overall basic skills required.  

A large percentage of people go on to set up their own business and there  are many options. Setting up your own salon, working from home in a summer house or converted shed in the garden or from a converted garage which gives you the flexibility to work the hours that suit you without the commute to work. Others prefer to go mobile in a van.

This is not just a profession for the young as it is a popular choice for the more mature student looking for a change of career.  A course that offers help and guidance on setting up your own business is advantageous.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dog Groomer?

Becoming a dog groomer involves taking a number of routes into becoming qualified. Undertaking a course will take around five weeks might prove to be the faster option. With this  5-weeks grooming course, you will learn the relevant skills each day, turning you into a competent dog groomer. furthermore, these courses will also cover first aid and animal health as this will be required when moving into a career in dog grooming.

Is Dog Grooming right for me?

If you are looking for a career working with animals and you have a genuine love of dogs this could be the answer for you. It can be a  challenging but hugely rewarding  job. Good  customer service  and communication skills are essential as you will be required to liaise with customers and their pets. You will need to discuss styles and tailor haircuts to the customer's requirements. You will be  Interacting with the customers and their furry friends and a warm caring nature is important as customers will be leaving their pets  in your care and the dogs comfort, welfare and well being is all part of the service. Not only is a quality groom important but just as important is the service that you offer if you wish to excel in this industry.