By: Sue Zecco
If you happen to’ve chosen pet grooming as your profession, continued schooling is likely one of the most essential facets of success and happiness.
I bear in mind being that younger groomer going to my first commerce present; speaking to folks with the identical love and pursuits as me and being blown away at my first seminar. I assumed I used to be a fairly respectable groomer and had already discovered so much…till that day.
After that present, I used to be hooked and located studying extra about grooming was a unending habit. Even to at the present time, I take pleasure in studying new breeds and strategies and particularly attempting new instruments and provides to make our grooms actually stand out from the norm. It helps save me from burnout.
Listed below are a few of my favourite methods to proceed grooming schooling:
Books – Pre-internet I bought each e-book I may discover by Sam Kohl, Shirlee Kalstone and Melissa Verplank. I additionally purchased each version of the AKC’s “The New Full Canine E-book” and subscribed to “Groomer to Groomer” and “Groom and Board” magazines.
Now, most of that is accessible on-line, though I nonetheless love having the books to have the ability to have a look at as a fast reference.
Commerce Reveals – There are such a lot of extra trades exhibits across the nation, and attending as many as you possibly can afford is invaluable.
When my salon first began attending exhibits again within the early ’80s, we’d take photographs and show them on a bulletin board for purchasers to see. We included a “Thanks on your suggestions. They assist additional our schooling to assist us higher serve you.” message. This labored for 2 causes, 1) It let our purchasers understand how devoted we had been, and a couple of) We received extra suggestions.
On-line Applications – For many who can’t appear to get away, on-line applications have turn out to be a godsend. Jay and I began our Tremendous Styling Periods as a one-day seminar, which changed into a sequence of DVDs, and now it’s an internet membership, all the time rising in members and content material.
One of many nicest compliments is groomers saying, “I discovered to groom by watching your movies.” Then I really feel like we’re doing one thing proper and giving again to an business 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 turn out to be.
Webinars – A big number of webinars can be found on your enjoyment. Plus, you get to study from the comfort and privateness of your individual house.
Jay and I host eight to 10 of our Tremendous Styling Periods per 12 months. Social media is a superb useful resource for locating webinar dates. Ours are additionally listed with Groomer’s Alternative, who’s our important sponsor.
When choosing webinars to attend, simply beware! Not all content material is right or legitimate, so decide and select rigorously.
Canine Reveals – Going to canine exhibits is a really large eye opener for groomers. I bear 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 at the moment doing.
I do know lots of present folks appear exhausting to strategy, however the hot button 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 really need their breed to be groomed accurately so 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 strategy to discover good breeders if you wish to attempt grooming competitions. The higher-quality canine you discover, the extra it should improve your groom.
Competing – It’s not for everybody, however in case you have broad shoulders and a aggressive spirit, getting within the ring is likely one of the finest types of schooling. Each time you compete and get a critique out of your choose is a superb studying expertise.
My clients felt I used to be the most effective round after 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 had been curious about competing as effectively. We’d use our tip cash to rent an skilled from no matter breeds we had been competing with. A prime Terrier individual, Poodle individual, sporting breeds individual, and so on. would come for one-on-one personal classes. This concept may be very helpful with the best folks.
Outreach – The ultimate device is to personally attain out to a groomer you admire who’s keen 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 approach they will. All you must do is ask.
Please bear in mind Jay and I and the great folks at Groomer’s Choice are all the time blissful to assist. Your success is our success.
Completely satisfied grooming!