The pet care industry is booming – more than 6,000 Melburnians share their home with a furry friend. As dog ownership rises, so does the demand for high-quality services, especially grooming, which plays an essential role in a dog’s health and well-being (as well as keeping them looking and smelling their best)!
It’s no wonder that more and more people are looking to make their love of dogs a rewarding and fun career. You might have seen that we’re offering a new dog grooming course in Melbourne, but in this blog, we want to give you a bit more general information about becoming a dog groomer, so you know exactly what you’re in for.
So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I get into dog grooming?”, this is for you!
There’s so much more to dog grooming than keeping your pup looking trim (although that’s definitely something we do too). To be a successful dog groomer, you also need to understand dogs, learn their silly ways and help keep them calm and happy. If you’re not good with dogs, even if you’re great with clippers, dog grooming won’t be for you.
A dog groomer can also check your pooch for irregularities and conditions you might want to check with a vet. Because groomers are so hands-on, especially when washing and clipping, they can pick up lumps and bumps or skin conditions quickly.
A good dog groomer will also have experience grooming specific breeds and in-depth knowledge about different coat types, textures and lengths. After all, what a Cockapoo needs varies significantly from a Schnauzer!
Whilst job-specific training is essential, there are several other skills you need to be a great dog groomer.
You’re going to be around pups a lot, so it’s important that you love spending time with them. Many dogs that pass through your salon will be happy and excited to spend time in a new location with new people. But some pups will be timid or even scared of new experiences. Understanding canine body language and being patient with pups that need a little extra encouragement are essential.
Dog grooming is very precise work and it’s important that you’re a detail-oriented person. Whether that’s looking out for skin irregularities, checking in on a nervous pooch or ensuring a teddy bear cut is completely even, you need to be precise.
Of course, dog grooming is a lot of fun, but it’s also hard work. You’re on your feet most of the day, working with sometimes heavy pups, and constantly moving around. It’s important to have lots of energy (and snacks)!
Canine communication is crucial, but so is effective communication with the owner. A big part of being a good groomer is managing owner expectations and wishes. There are lots of things owners can do to get the dog cut they want and it all starts with an open conversation.
Has their dog had a cut they didn’t like in the past? Is there something new about the pooch? Any illnesses? And no, not all cuts are appropriate for all dogs and coat types, so you need to communicate this clearly with the owner so they’re aware.
In Melbourne, you don’t legally need a qualification to be a groomer, but it’s certainly recommended. There are several benefits to attending an extensive dog grooming course, especially one like ours that’s hands-on from the get-go.
Employers definitely prefer candidates with a recognised qualification. It ensures they’ve learned the basics and have a real love for dogs. Those with a qualification from The Dog Dazzlers also have real-life experience working with different breeds in a busy dog grooming facility, so they know what hard work looks like!
Would you prefer to leave your pup in the hands of someone who’s been trained by experts or someone just starting out? Exactly.
Showing you have experience and have learned all the essentials of dog grooming and canine behaviour will put any client at ease. Whether you want to start your own dog grooming business or be employed, creating strong relationships with clients is essential.
When you learn at The Dog Dazzlers, you get the best of both worlds: expert teaching and plenty of time to practice. We’ll train you to trim different coat types, use the correct shampoos on different pups, identify health issues and master safe doggy handling. It’s a lot more in-depth than what on-the-job training provides.
If you’re unsure about committing to a dog grooming course straight away, then there are a couple of things you can do to see if it’s the right career for you.
A great way to be around pups more is to volunteer at a shelter, pet store or grooming salon. This gives you the hands-on experience of dealing with different breeds, sizes and temperaments. If you find it fun and rewarding, you can then enrol in a dog grooming course in Melbourne and learn even more!
There are several dog grooming classes in Melbourne, but it’s important you choose one that prioritises practical experience. Lots of courses focus on theory and don’t actually allow participants to groom dogs!
At The Dog Dazzlers, our specially designed course concentrates on real experiences in our grooming salon. Our expert teachers focus on hands-on learning in small groups, so you get regular feedback and support – all whilst learning to groom real pups from day one. In just four weeks, you’ll be ready for employment and full of knowledge about the dog grooming industry.
If you want a career change, to improve your skills and be around more dogs, then our 4-week dog grooming course in Melbourne is perfect. You’ll learn everything you need to know in a supportive, busy and fun environment and leave with all the skills you need to work as a successful dog groomer. We’re also offering a dog daycare attendant course, for those wishing to spend time with pups but away from the salon setting. Get in touch with the team at The Dog Dazzlers for more information about our fun and fully hands-on courses!
Based in Burwood, our purpose built facility provides pups with all their daycare and grooming needs – find out more now:
If you’d like to book your furbaby in for a groom, please give us a call on 03 9808 3289, or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
All existing clients can book in below, and new clients can register their dogs for daycare.
If you have any questions, please call us on 03 9808 3289.
