By: Sue Zecco
Dog grooming can be one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs in the world, but it does come with some challenges. The days you dream about at the salon with the pets you adore can come with stressful schedules, difficult appointments and lots of fur! Wahl Animal ELITE Educator Sue Zecco offers five tips for new and current groomers.
The first thing is to ALWAYS continue your studies, but be careful!
You shouldn’t just go to YouTube for your studies. Although you will find some very good informative videos there, you will also find unreliable care/advice, so be careful. If you’re just starting out, enrolling in a grooming school or subscribing to super styling sessions will give you a credible education to help you grow.
Tools and equipment are very important
There are various tools and equipment such as tables, crates, clippers, shears, shampooers, etc. which you will need for grooming. Exploring your options can help you make a decision, but I always try to work with companies that provide good customer service, like Wahl. I have tried clippers from most companies and have made Wahl my clipper of choice for over 25 years now.
When choosing your equipment, remember that grooming is hard on our bodies. High-quality products should be in your toolbox, like good trimmers and trimmers. Plus, a table and bathtub that are gentler on your body. Invest in tools that will help you maintain your health as much as possible. Electric tables save our backs, trimmers like Wahl are designed to be balanced and fit your hand more comfortably. When you buy a mower, try to imagine mowing all day, 5 days a week: will the mower tire your hand? Anti-fatigue mats, like PawMat, for you and the dogs will help make grooming more comfortable.
Don’t sell yourself short
Charge what you’re worth. Don’t make up prices, check what the going rate is in your area and charge accordingly. We do quality work here and are worth every penny we charge. Never put down other salons or groomers, even if they charge less than you. Pay attention to your own salon, including those in it and the customers. They are the ones who matter the most.
There is a book by Khris Berry called “Rosetta Bone, the Language of Dogs,” which I highly recommend to new groomers.
Sometimes being able to correctly read dogs the second they walk through your door is very important to an enjoyable grooming experience for you and the dogs. I definitely think it takes a lot of experience to get there, but this book will definitely open a lot of eyes and maybe keep you a little safer.
We hope these tips will encourage you and fill you with enthusiasm when it comes to your future as a groomer. We wish you good luck for the future and thank you for helping to keep all animals healthy, happy and beautiful!