By: Sue Zecco
For those who’ve chosen pet grooming as your profession, continued training is among the most essential facets of success and happiness.
I keep in mind being that younger groomer going to my first commerce present; speaking to individuals with the identical love and pursuits as me and being blown away at my first seminar. I believed I used to be a fairly first rate groomer and had already realized so much…till that day.
After that present, I used to be hooked and located studying extra about grooming was a endless habit. Even to today, I get pleasure from studying new breeds and methods and particularly making an attempt new instruments and provides to make our grooms actually stand out from the norm. It helps save me from burnout.
Listed here are a few of my favourite methods to proceed grooming training:
Books – Pre-internet I bought each guide I may discover by Sam Kohl, Shirlee Kalstone and Melissa Verplank. I additionally purchased each version of the AKC’s “The New Full Canine Guide” and subscribed to “Groomer to Groomer” and “Groom and Board” magazines.
Now, most of that is obtainable on-line, though I nonetheless love having the books to have the ability to have a look at as a fast reference.
Commerce Exhibits – There are such a lot of extra trades exhibits across the nation, and attending as many as you’ll be able to afford is invaluable.
When my salon first began attending exhibits again within the early ’80s, we’d take pictures and show them on a bulletin board for purchasers to see. We included a “Thanks on your suggestions. They assist additional our training to assist us higher serve you.” message. This labored for 2 causes, 1) It let our purchasers know the way devoted we have been, and a pair of) We acquired extra suggestions.
On-line Packages – For individuals who can’t appear to get away, on-line applications have change into a godsend. Jay and I began our Tremendous Styling Classes as a one-day seminar, which become a sequence of DVDs, and now it’s an internet membership, at all times rising in members and content material.
One of many nicest compliments is groomers saying, “I realized to groom by watching your movies.” Then I really feel like we’re doing one thing proper and giving again to an trade that has given us a lot.
There are different on-line applications on the market, and the extra data you get, the higher your expertise will change into.
Webinars – A big number of webinars can be found on your enjoyment. Plus, you get to study from the relief and privateness of your personal house.
Jay and I host eight to 10 of our Tremendous Styling Classes per 12 months. Social media is a good useful resource for locating webinar dates. Ours are additionally listed with Groomer’s Alternative, who’s our foremost sponsor.
When deciding on webinars to attend, simply beware! Not all content material is appropriate or legitimate, so choose and select fastidiously.
Canine Exhibits – Going to canine exhibits is a really huge eye opener for groomers. I keep in mind years in the past watching my first Terrier group at a breed present and considering “I don’t do my Terriers like that!” I needed to replace an terrible lot of what I used to be presently doing.
I do know loads of present individuals appear arduous to strategy, however the secret is to by no means strategy with questions when they’re preparing to enter the ring. Wait till their breed is finished, and so they can breathe lengthy sufficient to speak to you.
Most individuals actually need their breed to be groomed appropriately in order that they’re blissful to assist. I’m a breeder who LOVES speaking about my breed with anybody who will hear.
Breed exhibits are additionally a wonderful method to discover good breeders if you wish to strive grooming competitions. The higher-quality canine you discover, the extra it’s going to improve your groom.
Competing – It’s not for everybody, however if in case you have broad shoulders and a aggressive spirit, getting within the ring is among the greatest types of training. Each time you compete and get a critique out of your choose is a good studying expertise.
My clients felt I used to be one of the best round once I first started my profession. Then, I entered my first contest grooming towards my friends and located I nonetheless had a lot to study. Every contest made me a greater groomer than the one earlier than, till I ranked No. 1 within the nation on GroomTeam USA.
A number of women from my store have been curious about competing as effectively. We’d use our tip cash to rent an knowledgeable from no matter breeds we have been competing with. A prime Terrier particular person, Poodle particular person, sporting breeds particular person, and so on. would come for one-on-one non-public classes. This concept could be very helpful with the fitting individuals.
Outreach – The ultimate software is to personally attain out to a groomer you admire who’s prepared to assist by merely answering questions in a textual content or e mail. I don’t know any top-ranking groomer who wouldn’t be blissful to assist in any method they’ll. All it’s important to do is ask.
Please keep in mind Jay and I and the fantastic individuals at Groomer’s Choice are at all times blissful to assist. Your success is our success.
Comfortable grooming!
