For the serious type who do it for a living (financial reward!) as well as a love of dogs?

This article is derived from our own experience of dog grooming and training students for several years and also from the experiences of a leading and successful groomer involved in training the groomers of tomorrow. It is the combination of experience put into words - perhaps providing some "thoughts" for those who are about to contemplating treading the hallow path!

Whether you currently work with animals or not, dog grooming is an exciting career to pursue. The job itself requires first and foremost, a love of animals! Added to which you need dual skills of a great deal of patience and a firm but kind hand.

The successful groomer is a person with a passion for dogs, the ability to produce the skills and techniques on the grooming table, with the organisational disciplines of running a business either, on ones own, or employing suitably qualified staff.

In addition you will need the ability to promote your business, plus the know how of running a business financially which will include creating a pricing structure which is profitable to your business and as such earns you a living.

Then there is the "public relations" aspect. Never loose sight of the fact that animals to their owners are like children. "It" must be treated with the utmost tender loving care even if "it" has devoured half your hand in a moment of fury as you attempted to cut its nails! Not all cats or dogs behave in a demure manner, some can be positively foul - not that the owners would ever agree with you!

After drowning "it" in the bath the next worst sin is to allow "it" to escape from your premises before being returned to its owner. Therefore security of the highest level is essential if you want a peaceful life! You would be surprised at the ease at which a cat or dog can escape in a moment of human error. Recapture is testing even for an Olympic hurdler!

Many students are of the opinion that learning the art of dog grooming is but a few weeks tuition - indeed some are of the opinion that it can be mastered within days! Have no delusions there are lots of different aspects of the grooming job. Each of the many breeds that may come before you in the course of an average week will all have different grooming requirements, which you are expected to know and be able to discuss in full without any sneaky references to the "guide" book. Bathing, de-matting, styling, clipping, scissoring are just some of the skills involved, which you will need to know thoroughly.

Along with these services, many professional Groomer's offer additional services which will most likely include things such as nail clipping, ear care and the dreaded anal gland emptying!! Cat owners may descend upon you with their much-cherished longhaired Moggie sporting conker sized matts all over its body. Apart from the fact it has no intention of allowing you clipping these off without suffering a million lacerations from it revolving claws, one has to budget for the shock effect upon the customer when their long haired Persian of royal decent is returned looking as if it had spent the last ten years in a concentration camp!

No moggie ever looks its best after a close shave! So it is often a good idea to forewarn the owner when accepting the cat in for a de-matting, that this may involve a total clip and that as a result it might look a little different when they collect it!

Acquiring an in-depth knowledge of the vast array of equipment, which is on offer both in the way of tools and beautification products, is essential; there are numerous suppliers, not all of who have any serious degree of practical knowledge relating to the products they offer. So you need to do your research well and acquire your own knowledge at an early stage.

The use of a product which results in a snow white Bichon Frise being returned to its owner re-coloured black or with purple patches is unlikely to please or earn you extra brownie points in the "recommendation" stakes.

To become a professional groomer - taking financial reward for your work - you will need to have an "establishment" - your premises, or put another way a place of work. This may be "static" - you have dogs bought to you, or "mobile" namely you and your equipment visit the dogs!

In the case of a "static" situation, this may take the form of a room set aside in your house for the purposes of grooming. Not always to be recommended - remember grooming means hairs - millions of them, which no matter how careful you are in cleaning up they travel! Animal hairs clock up more air miles than all the world's air travellers! Your best clothing is a favourite resting place!

Another factor to bear in mind is that your business may grow and the neighbours just might object too you running a business from your private dwelling. Say for example you have a devout cat lover as a next-door neighbour. The fact that their cat spends the day suspended from the curtain rail whilst a group of cat loving dogs from next door cheer it on may step up any potential "anti" feelings!

A purpose built building in the garden could result in an involvement with your local Council to legitimise a business activity as well as aspects of planning, whilst both may be possible, both are likely to be costly in money and time and involve a lot of paperwork.

Alternative "premises" could involve you setting up either in a 'shop' environment, or from a rented room (from a vets or pet shop are popular options!) to an opulent High Street venue with a suitable sign "La tondeuse de chien!" (Dogs clipped here!)

Grooming from premises obviously has many advantages not least that all your equipment is in one place and you are not carting it around, but you will incur additional charges and expenses such as rent and business rates, plus other utility bills - water, heating, lighting, etc all of which have to be built into your charges if you are to cover your outgoings and earn a wage. When selecting premises of whatever nature factors such as car parking and access can also have an effect on the amount of custom you receive.

The "premises" whatever the chosen style, needs a bright cheerful and welcoming "Reception" area. From here you receive "Fido" or "Tom" with a warm welcome designed to calm the nerves of both owner and pet. Having booked it in, owner departed, then you can "disappear" into the unseen "heavy security" lock up area where upon the grooming is undertaken.

Equipment:
The first of the "major spending activities!

In order to ply your favoured business style you will need to get suitable equipment. Clearly this will be influenced by the type of business you intend following i.e. "Static" or "Mobile"

Irrespective of which you adopt, one principle to follow is to buy the best you can afford. Cheap products are unlikely to give you the essential reliability you need! Budget if not in the beginning - certainly at the earliest opportunity - to get a "back up" clipper and a "back up" set of your most regularly used blades. Any malfunction of either will result at best cause a sudden halt of you business, or worst still a half clipped client - which is definitely to be avoided!

Find a reliable supplier, mail order - preferably next day delivery for the busy groomer is the preferred choice. You don't want to spend half a day cruising round collecting essential materials. Cheap price are not always the bargains they are made to appear! So select carefully your supplier and develop a business relationship. As a guide grooming equipment has been divided into sections.

The Starting Kit!
Essential items in order to start a business - static or mobile. (The essential basics with an keen eye to economy at the start)

Clipper:

• A single speed would do - Andis are a good bet!

Blades:

• Start with the same make as the selected clipper.
• Size #10, general-purpose blade.
• Sizes #7, #5, #4 for the body.
• Sizes #40 use with various comb attachment.
• and 5/8th often needed.

Clippers and blades should be increased in numbers as soon as possible, breakages happen, and blades go blunt!

• Blade coolant: Keep blades cool.
• Blade oil: Essential.
• Blade wash: Clean and safeguards against infection.
• Brush.
• Coat King coat stripper: 20 blade.
• Comb: Sprats are good - fine and extra fine.
• Nail clippers: Millar's large and medium. Volute spring type for dewclaws.
• Stripper knives: Mikki - Fine and coarse.
• Dryer: In the interest of economy a hand held dryer, use with a hair dryer stand.
• Ear forceps.
• Ear cleaner.
• Grooming noose: Fits on control arm and use in the bath.
• Control arm/Holding frame: Fits on the table - noose fit on it.

Scissors:

• Roseline are good you will need.
• 4-inch blunt tipped.
• A good straight 6-inch.
• 5.25-inch thinning -single or double.

Shampoos:

• Kelco are excellent. The 3.8litre are the economic way to buy (makes 33 gallons) but if you are becoming over budget you can get the 354 bottles they make about 4 gallons!
  

Types:

• Tearless shampoo.
• Good general purpose.

Dispenser pump and some empty bottles.

Conditioners:

• Kelco again! - Leave in and wash out type. Try the de-matt and conditioner.

Grooming Table:

• Go for the biggest -after all dogs come in all sizes!
• 48-inch length will leave room for you tools as well as the dog.

Universal Slicka:

• Medium Tender care Slicka:
• Mat breaker: Imaginetic type.
• Wound powder - takes care of cuts!

First aid kit:

• Both animal and human to conform to Health & Safety Regulations.
• Business stationary.
• Client cards.
• Appointments Book.

Static Unit - Professional equipment list.
(A comprehensive list for the professional parlour)

Clipper:

• At least two machines - single or two speed - Andis are a good bet!

Blades:

• Start with the same make as the selected clipper.
• Have at least two set of each blade or even a third set!
• Size #10, the general purpose blade.
• Sizes #7F, #5F, #4F #3.75F for the body also same sizes in "skip tooth".
• Sizes #40 with attachments.
• #30, and 5/8th often needed.
• Clippers and blades should be increased in numbers as the business grows, Breakdowns happen, and blades go blunt!

Attachment Comb: A selection of sizes.

• Blade coolant.
• Blade oil.
• Blade wash.
• Brushes.
• Coat King coat stripper: 6/12/20 blade.

Comb:

• Sprats are good - fine and extra fine.
• The black greyhound metal comb.
• Nail clippers: Millar's large and medium. Volute spring type for dewclaws.
• Stripping knives: Mikki or Mars - Fine and coarse.
• Dryer: Tornado 93 - one of the best.
• Ear forceps.
• Ear cleaner.
• Grooming noose: Fits on control arm and use in the bath. Control arm/frame: Fits on the table - noose fit on it.
  

Scissors:

• Roseline are good you will need.
• 4-inch blunt tipped.
• A good straight 6-inch.
• 5.25-inch thinning -single or double.
• Good 7-inch.
• Good 8 or 8.25-inch.

Shampoos:

• Kelco are excellent. The 3.8litre are the economic way to buy. (makes 33 gallons)
• Get a selection especially…..
• Plum white
• Black star
• Ultra MD
• Ultra Red White
• Dr FL33
• Dr Aloe
• Puppy tears
• Filthy Animal

Dispenser pump and some empty bottles.

Conditioners:

• Kelco again!
• Cherry.
• Try the de-matt and conditioner.

Grooming Table:

• Portable folding. Go for the biggest -after all dogs come in all sizes!
• 48-inch length will leave room for you tools as well as the dog.

Universal Slicka:

• Medium Tender care Slicka.
• Mat breaker: Imaginetic.
• Wound powder: Takes care of cuts!

First aid kit:

• Both animal and human to conform to Health & Safety Regulations.
• Business stationary.
• Client cards.
• Appointments Book.

Advanced equipment List - money no object - I want the best!
(A list of the best equipment for a professional and hopefully busy salon probably in a major town or city)

Clipper:

• At least two probably three. Two speed machines -
• Aesculap are the best made but not everybody's choice.
• Andis are a good bet!

Blades:

• Start with the same make as the selected clipper.
• Have at least four/six sets of each blade!
• Size #10, the general purpose blade.
• Sizes #7F, #5F, #4F #3.75F for the body also same sizes in "skip tooth."
• Sizes #40, #30, and 5/8th often needed

Attachment Comb: A selection.

• Blade coolant.
• Blade oil.
• Blade wash.
• Brush.
• Coat King coat stripper: 6/12/16/20 blade.
• Combs: Sprats are good - fine and extra fine.
• Nail clippers: Millar's large and medium. Volute spring type for dewclaws.
• Coat stripper: Mars - Fine and coarse.
• Dryer: Cabin Artero stainless steel and a Tornado 93.
• Ear forceps.
• Ear cleaner.
• Grooming noose: Fits on control arm and use in the bath.
• Control arm/H frame: Fits on the table - noose fit on it.
  

Scissors:

• Roseline are good, you will need possibly two each of some.
• 4-inch blunt tipped
• A good straight 6-inch.
• 5.25-inch thinning -single or double.
• Good 7-inch.
• Good 8 or 8.25-inch.

Shampoos:

• Kelco are excellent. The 3.8litre are the economic way to buy (makes 33 gallons) Get a selection - but especially….. Plum white Black star Ultra MD Ultra Red White Dr FL33 Dr Aloe Puppy tears Filthy Animal

Dispenser pump and some empty bottles.

Conditioners:

• Kelco again! Cherry Try the de-matt and conditioner.

Grooming Table:

• Go for the biggest -after all dogs come in all sizes!
• 48-inch length will leave room for you tools as well as the dog

Universal Slicka.

• Medium Tender care Slicka.
• Mat breaker: - Imaginetic
• Wound powder: Takes care of cuts!

First aid kit:

• Both animal and human to conform to Health & Safety Regulations
• Business stationary
• Client cards
• Appointments Book

The Mobile Groomer:
Mobile: (Home visits)

• You travel to client's houses with your equipment and groom their dogs at their house. Owners often enjoy watching you groom their dog, and some dogs may benefit from staying in their own home environment. Things to consider here are the clients' facilities (washing a large dog in a small shower cubicle etc!) you would need to carry your equipment with you, so if you currently own a mini you may need to consider upsizing your vehicle!!

Mobile (Visit in own vehicle)

• You travel to customer's houses in a self contained mobile unit. Some customers like this idea as it means the dog doesn't have to be away from them for too long but at the same time; the amount of mess in their home is kept to absolute minimum!!
  These units often require access to a power point in the customers' house and the baths normally used, function on recycled water.

The mobile groomer therefore needs a suitable vehicle. No matter how carefully you pack your equipment some how a bicycle just won't cope. Motorbike and sidecar really isn't the done thing! Looks bad for the image when you arrive! Try to avoid the ex Post office vans because generally one can always see the remains of the Post Office stickers especially the "Parcel Force!" one

With mobile you do need to get a "round" established in the interests of petrol/diesel economy. A daily visits sheet, which involves London, Cardiff, and Manchester, apart from the physical strain, will hardly be profitable due to the time spent driving! (Unless of course you have set up a mileage charge in which case it may be more profitable than the grooming!)

A good local "round" involving driving distances of about 20/30 miles between 4/6 grooming sessions would be ideal with little more than 15 minutes between visits will be profitable, whereas two or three visits over say 60/90 miles will cause considerable time spent in the vehicle which are unlikely to be earning you any financial reward!

A vehicle - what ever its type will need to be carefully selected and custom fitted by professionals. Important factors will includes reliability - ideally it should start each the morning without a visit from the RAC! Good fuel economy essential. Head height of the vehicle should allow for your comfort in a full standing position. Trying to groom in a bending position can cause problems later in life!

The plumbing (for a bath) needs a bit of thought. Excess water may need to accompany you home as not all clients want the front patio rinsed, and you cannot guarantee to park over the council storm water drain every time!

The layout of the inside of the vehicle will be a personal thing save to say you want to economise on space, use wall areas for storage, and have all your gear accessible and organised. Do make sure equipment is well stored whilst in transit. It is embarrassing if on arrival the back of you vehicle is seen to be leaking purple soap suds, or you need a half hour break to re-organise before starting work!

Don't over look security, if an dreaded escape takes place, the sight of you sprinting down the street, may excite the neighbourhood, but it will wreck your reputation!

The Mobile Groomer's basic equipment (Similar list to the professional above, but choose product for ease of storage)

Clipper:

• At least two machines - single or two speed - Andis are a good bet!

Blades:

• Start with the same make as the selected clipper.
• Have at least two set of each blade or even a third set!
• Size #10, the general purpose blade.
• Sizes #7F, #5F, #4F #3.75F for the body also same sizes in "skip tooth"
• Sizes #40 with attachments.
• #30, and 5/8th often needed.

Clippers and blades should be increased in numbers as the business grows, breakdowns happen, and blades go blunt!

Attachment Comb: A selection of sizes.

• Blade coolant.
• Blade oil.
• Blade wash.
• Brushes.
• Coat King coat stripper: 6/12/20 blade.
• Comb: General purpose.
• Sprats are good - fine and extra fine
• The black greyhound metal comb.
• Nail clippers: Millar's large and medium. Volute spring type for dewclaws.
• Stripping knives: Mikki or Mars - Fine and coarse.
• Dryer: Select a wall mounted dryer with a good hose attachment.
• Ear forceps.
• Ear cleaner.
• Grooming noose: Fits on control arm and use in the bath.
• Control arm/frame: Fits on the table - noose fit on it.

Scissors:

• Roseline are good you will need….
• 4-inch blunt tipped.
• A good straight 6-inch.
• 5.25-inch thinning -single or double.
• Good 7-inch.
• Good 8 or 8.25-inch.

Shampoos:

• Kelco are excellent. The 3.8litre are the economic way to buy. (makes 33 gallons)
• Get a selection especially…..
• Plum white
• Black star
• Ultra MD
• Ultra Red White
• Dr FL33
• Dr Aloe
• Puppy tears
• Filthy Animal

Conditioners:

• Kelco again!
• Cherry.
• Try the de-matt and conditioner.

Grooming Table:

• Portable folding. Go for the biggest -after all dogs come in all sizes!
• 48-inch length will leave room for you tools as well as the dog.

Universal Slicka.

• Medium Tender care Slicka.
• Mat breaker: Imaginetic type.
• Wound powder: Takes care of cuts!

First aid kit:

• Both animal and human to conform to Health & Safety Regulations
• Business stationary
• Client cards
• Appointments Book

Presentation!

Your premise or your mode of vehicle, (or how you perform in a customer's home,) advertises you and from their appearances you may become "labelled" until you have acquired a "reputation for your grooming skills. Pulling up at a clients and disappearing into the back of a trailer or horse box will not inspire customer confidence. Powering up your Tornado 93 blaster and de-furnishing the clients living room will not fail to draw a stern rebuke! Greeting the customer on their arrival at your salon to collect "Horace" with the comment "Did you not pass each other - he left about 10 minutes ago!" will fail to amuse! A good reputation is important.

As well as the practical side of things, Groomers also need to have a good all round knowledge not only of the many dog breeds but also of the dog's anatomy and health.

Most Groomers come across parasites regularly so it is important to be able to identify them and to be able to know how to deal with them! Knowledge of suitable preventive medications and shampoos is useful. Cleanliness in your parlour and with your tools is most important. A mere murmur of any bugs or diseases will send customer fleeing!

As well as dealing with dogs, good people skills are a must when talking with clients, as is attention to detail in areas such as personal presentation and general organisation of your business. Set out clearly your terms of business, express yourself precisely and clearly so that your client has a clear understanding of the service you are offering and will provide.

Charges should be made clear and when ever possible given in writing at the time of agreeing the work. Hence the importance of some type of brochure - simple but stating your terms and conditions! An appointments system is important especially if you are operating as a mobile. Two appointments on the same day fifty miles apart with an hour's gap will do nothing for your "cool calm and collected" approach!

So how does one start to become a Groomer?
There are a number of different options when it comes to 'getting into' dog grooming as are now outlined below:-

Training at a private school:
There are a number of private fee paying training schools across the country that run intensive full or part time courses. These are normally run alongside a grooming parlour so you gain an insight into how a parlour runs. Most offer hands on experience from day 1.

Colleges:
These are normally held at agricultural type colleges and are also sometimes run alongside other types of training (animal care courses etc). Some are only day release so you need to consider the length of time you wish to spend on your initial basic training.

Serving an 'Apprenticeship' at a salon:
Some salons take on people with little or no experience of dog grooming as 'apprentices' or 'grooming assistants'. To start with most are taught the very basics of preparation of dogs, and salon management (Cleanliness etc). Over a number of months, most progress on to other more skilled areas of grooming such as clipping scissoring etc. Most employers like their staff to work towards a qualification.

Employed at a salon:
This involves working as an employee at an existing grooming parlour. This can be a good option for those looking to gain extra experience in a busy salon environment. Do a bit of research before you sign up after all it is better to work for Salon with a good reputation than one which is maybe not so highly regarded!

Getting Qualified!
Once you have received training and you are working either on your own or as part of a team in a grooming salon you will need to work for around 18 months as a Groomer to gain not only the experience, but also the confidence and the speed to enter yourself for the NPTC Advanced certificate in dog grooming (7750/3). This was formerly known as the City & Guilds 7750 in dog grooming.

The NPTC (the national proficiency test council) is part of the city & guilds group and look after qualifications in such sectors as floristry, agriculture and animal care.
Although currently you do not need to have any formal qualification to work as a Groomer, it is believed that legislation will one day come into force to ensure all Groomers are fully qualified and insured.

This is a two-part exam consisting of a theory paper and a 4 unit practical examination (2 units are mandatory and 1 of 2 optional units must be completed) you are expected to study for your theory and find suitable dogs for the practical (although some training centres do offer extra tuition and help in these areas)

The written exam consists of 35 questions covering a number of different areas:

• Grooming and styling techniques
• Handling and control
• General care of dogs
• Customer Care
• Health and safety at work
• Use and care of equipment
• First aid
• Diseases
• Legislation

The practical exam requires the candidate to reach a certain level on three separate breeds

You MUST do one breed from unit one, and one from unit two, and one from unit 3 or 4.

• Unit 1:
  (Spaniels) - English Cocker Spaniel or English Springer Spaniel.

• Unit 2:
  (Short legged terrier) - Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier or Sealyham Terrier

• Unit 3:
  (Poodles) - Toy or Miniature Poodle

• Unit 4:
  (long legged Terrier) Wire Haired Fox Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Belington Terrier or Miniature Schnauzer.

Please note: Once you have enrolled for your exams, the pet care trust send out guidelines that help to explain the process in greater detail.

There is also a further qualification (the BDGA higher dog grooming diploma) this is again, open to anybody working in the field who has completed the 7750/3 successfully in both the practical and written elements.

It requires the candidate to complete 2 written papers and 7 practical units. It is for experienced Groomers to prove their knowledge and skills in all areas of the grooming world!

Most Groomers who have been grooming for a number of years decide to undertake this exam to show that they have achieved a high standard of work. It can take a considerable amount of time to complete all the units. Again, same as the 7750/3, the qualification will only be awarded once all elements (both written and practical) are completed.

Good Advice!
Get adequate insurance to cover your business activities with suitable Public Liability. Talk to your Insurance broker or a reliable organisation such as maybe the NFU - they at least under stand animals and people running animal type business!

Attend diligently to the business side of your work, know your running costs, and know your profit margins. Keep good accounts. Have a business plan, and adhere to it.

Make sure you create personalised business stationary which portrays the professional aspects of your business. Letterheads, appointment cards, brochures, information sheet etc. Get them printed using good quality paper, or design your own on a computer. Ensure above all you create some printed "terms & conditions" for your business. Then make sure every customer see and reads them at the start of any business involvement.

Customer are all "saints" and totally delightful until something goes wrong in their mind or their interpretation of your services, then things can change and some customer become very "un-saintly!" To be able to refer to "terms & conditions" can help resolve a problem - not always but it's a start!

As you business grows an Accountant of reputable stature can and often is valuable, there are many legitimate tax benefits from running a business, which may well be to your advantage!

The Future Prospects! On the face of it as one views the situation currently the prospect for starting up a sound and professional cat and dog grooming business appears very promising. There seems to be an ever-increasing number of people who want their animals professionally groomed and are prepared to pay for it! There is still in most areas of the country an acute shortage of skilled and professionally trained groomers and if legislation is brought in to require qualifications - which seems increasingly likely - then the demand is bound to grow.

All of this emphasises the need for good professional tuition which frankly most folk are not going to achieve in less than a 30 day period - about the minimum time in order that you can master adequately all the many skill involved.

Websites for useful information

Tuition:
www.animalmagic.uk.net

Clipper and Product information:
www.peasridge.co.uk

Insurance:
www.nfumutual.co.uk/
People who insure animal type businesses

Pet Care Trust
www.petcare.org.uk
Pet care, education and training

Animal Care College
www.animalcarecollege.co.uk
Advice and care of animals at all levels

Vehicle conversation
www.sturdyfibreglass.co.uk
Professional installation of equipment

Web site design
Juic-e Works
Web design for your business