Careers In Dog Grooming

Your duties that go along with dog grooming are:

1.Bathing/Washing
2.Brushing (Get Knots Out Of Fur)
3.Drying
4.Styling
5.Clipping nails
6.Cleaning Ears, Face and Toes
7Clipping Fur Styles
8.Brushing Teeth
9.Painting Nails/Adding Bows and Bandanas (you'd be surprised what people want done with their pets!)
10.De-shedding Treatment
and...gross but true
Expressing Anal Glands

That is just the basics of what is involved with careers in dog grooming. There are other types of services you could offer, but it would be best to stick to the basics when starting your career.

You start at the beginning of course! j/k. You want to get a basic business plan written down. Think about what kind of business you want, what services to offer, your business name, to go mobile or not, things along these lines.

Here's some things to consider when starting a career in the dog grooming field:

1) Do you want to work out of your home or have a mobile dog grooming unit? If working out of your home, make sure you have the space and quiet. If you want to get a mobile dog grooming unit, consider if you will have enough capital to purchase one. Used mobile units are the cheapest. This type of service will offer convenience to your customers, especially if you live in a more rural area.

2) Research what equipment and supplies you will need to start your dog grooming career. Make sure you know what the costs and recuring costs are.

3) Find out what zoning laws are in your area and what type of business permit you will need.

4) Figure out what type of advertising you will be doing. A lot of the cost of starting careers in dog grooming have to do with advertising and getting the word out.

5) Figure out your prices and services you are going to offer. Your costs should be low when first starting out.

6) Decide on a business name and logo. You can then order yourself some business cards and start handing them out when your ready.

You can buy all the equipment, supplies and advertising you can, but, without an education you will go no where. Sure, everyone has given their dogs a bath and clipped nails. But that's YOUR dog. Your customers are going to want to see some certification. You will also need to learn how to handle dogs appropriately and all the business aspects of running your business.

There are hands-on classes that you can take and there are online course. Both award you with a certificate upon completion BUT online ones are more affordable and accessible, in my opinion.

I have researched different online courses and found that this careers in dog grooming course is the best one I have found. It offers you dog grooming techniques and it helps you learn how to operate your own business.

When you start out, make sure that you act like a professional. But that doesn't mean you can't have fun. Wear appropriate clothing that is YOU. Make your business unique. That will attract customers and help them feel at ease. Show that you have the heart to be a great dog groomer.

Keep files on each client, record different things about them and their dogs. Always small talk with the customer, make them feel like they are important. The best form of advertising is "word of mouth" advertising. Returning customers are the key to careers in dog grooming.

Make sure that you also follow all safety precautions for your sake and the pooches sake. maintain a neat and tidy environment.

Offer discounts to loyal customers. Have a Grand Opening Special!

Lastly, continue learning through the years. Dog trends/styles change through the years just like people fashion. Make sure you're up to date with the industry. Subscribe to dog grooming magazines and attend dog shows. (Good place to get your name out there)