Reflections on my First Year in Business

College was a great start in learning how to groom. You work under the supervision of two experienced groomers and have three hours for each dog to make sure that the groom is ok. You learn techniques and important things like infection control and how to ensure your equipment is safe. However, much like learning to drive you really only learn how to groom when you finish initial training,

My grooms now take 90 minutes to 2 hours it depends on the dog, but also their needs. It is important for an elderly dog to be matt free and comfortable, but a welfare cut isn't as detailed and an elderly dog can't manage as long in the saloon.

There were staggering amounts of information not covered in the initial training. The groomer community on social media and even local groomers giving time to chat and support have filled in the gaps. An example of this is the blade driver. This piece of plastic helps the blade vibrate as you cut. Every cut wears the driver a little bit. In a busy saloon this needs changing every three - four months and for a business like mine every six months. If it is not changed the clippers get noisier and noisier (not liked by the dogs) and the cut can leave lines. This was never mentioned and there were days we were sent home early because "teaching" was complete for the day.

I am not blaming my tutors here as with ten and two years experience their tutelage was invaluable. I am just pointing out that continuous CPD is really important. With this in mind my goal for the next year is to complete further training. I will be using some of my regulars as case studies and working with an accredited training centre.

Due to rising costs and reflecting my increased skill level the prices of grooms will be going up £5. These increased prices are shown as from on my list of services on this website. Thank you to all my customers old and new for the past year.