When I decided to become a dog groomer, I never envisioned how much of my training and professional development would be online. I just assumed I could get some sort of entry level position at a grooming salon and learn what I needed to know, but that didn’t pan out. And with no dog grooming school where we lived at the time, my only choice was to look for classes online.
Truthfully, though, if it wasn’t for virtual learning, I don’t think I’d be working in the field today. My husband is in the military, so we move around fairly often. In fact, we had to pick up and move cross country just a few months into my online grooming course–it’s a good thing online education is flexible and completely portable!
Going Beyond the Basic Knowledge of Dog Grooming
My online training at Animal Behavior College (ABC) went without a hitch. If I had questions, the program manager team members were a great resource. I didn’t feel like I was going through the program alone.
What made me a little nervous was transitioning what I’d learned on the computer to the real world. Early in the process, I approached the local animal shelter to see if they could use some help and started volunteering there once a week.
That was amazing! I got experience bathing dogs, clipping nails, and doing a little trimming. It was awesome helping scruffy dogs feel better and transforming them into clean, presentable pooches. If you are trying to get experience, I would highly recommend offering to volunteer at a shelter or humane society. Those pups need you!
You could also make connections with a local groomer and see if you could do an apprenticeship or internship, even if it’s unpaid. No matter what career you’re interested in, apprenticeships and internships are invaluable.
I chose ABC for my online grooming training for one main reason: hands-on experience. There’s no way to master grooming just by watching videos, no matter how good they are.
The first part of ABC’s course is all online. When I finished that, I started my externship. My mentor was a groomer whose shop was close to the base where we lived at the time. This guy was hard core. His schedule was packed every day, and then on the weekends he traveled to dog shows and made big bucks preparing dogs for the ring.
I rode along with him a few times and met SO many groomers. I’m not so much interested in working in that world; there’s a lot of pressure. But it’s never a bad idea to make professional connections. And I learned so much just by watching everyone.
Never Stop Learning
I thought I’d finish my grooming program and be done with the learning portion of my career, but it turns out I love adding new grooming services for my clients and keeping up with the field. Also, ABC gives students lifetime access to their digital curriculum and videos, which helps me stay current.
I started my own mobile grooming business about four years ago. It lets me easily pick up and move to a new location when my husband gets transferred. And no matter where I go, there are always plenty of pet owners looking for a good groomer. It never takes me too long to build up a clientele through word of mouth.
I like to stay current, and online classes and videos help me do that. I took a short term pet massage course through ABC and was able to add that to my list of grooming services. Pet owners appreciate the calming effect it has; it’s comforting to dogs.
Now I find it fun to keep up with current trends and the latest spa offerings as a result of taking this additional course too. To be honest, some trendy treatments are pretty out there, but keeping up with trends online has allowed me to offer some really helpful options, like blueberry facials to remove tear stains and paw soaks to relieve cracked pads.
Advice to Future Dog Groomers
Online learning is a great way to launch your career, learn new skills, and stay current. ABC is dedicated to helping animal lovers start rewarding careers. I’ve never regretted my choice to go with an online program. Give ABC a call at 800-795-3294 and an admissions counselor will help you get the ball rolling!
