6 Tips on how to become a Dog Groomer

Since covid, there has been a significant increase in the number of people wanting to become dog groomers. As professional dog groomers, let us say, it is easy to understand why! There aren’t many jobs with such job satisfaction. 

If you are looking to become a dog groomer, whether working for yourself, in a salon or simply to become better at grooming your own dog, here are our six top tips:

1. Spend quality time with dogs
2. Learn and study
3. Buy the right tools
4. Decide where you want to work
5. Perfect your marketing and build a strong client base
6. Keep learning and stay up to date with friends

Step one: Spend quality time with dogs

This might sound obvious, but you want to make sure you enjoy working closely with dogs before committing the time and effort to learn how to become a dog groomer. 

Whilst some dogs enjoy being groomed, there are plenty that do not, which can present some challenges that are different from simply enjoying playing and petting dogs. 

If possible, spend some time shadowing an experienced dog groomer first, taking in the experience and deciding for yourself whether it is right for you.

Step two: Learn and study

Whilst some amateur groomers may try to learn on the job, you owe it to the safety and happiness of the dog to learn how to become a dog groomer properly. 

There are grooming courses available, with many of them being certified and accredited by organisations such as City & Guilds and The British Dog Groomers’ Association. 

Shop around to find the course most suited to your needs, making sure to check on what is included in the lessons, such as how to deal with different coat types, and how to use the various types of grooming clippers safely.

Learning about dog health and safety is absolutely paramount. It isn’t just making sure you can safely use the clippers; dog groomers also play a vital role in maintaining the health of the dog and should be able to spot skin conditions, parasites and potential health issues to inform the owner of.

Make sure to learn and be confident in dog first aid, you hope to never have to need it but will be so grateful that you have learnt it should you ever need it.

Step three: Buy the right tools

Don’t be tempted to buy the cheapest tools, or get pressurised into buying one particular type of clipper. Instead, do your research into the best clippers to use for dog grooming, making sure to understand the differences between clippers, and when to use each type depending on the type of groom and breed of the dog. 

As a starter, you will need:

• Clippers with adjustable blades
• Grooming scissors
• Brushes and combs
• Dryer
• A sturdy grooming table

Step Four: Decide where you want to work

Once you have the training and the tools, it is time to get to work! 

A decision you will have to make is whether to go it alone, go mobile or apply for jobs at a salon. Working for a salon, especially early on, is an excellent way to improve your skills, have job stability and ensure a structured work environment. 

For self-motivated go-getters, you could pursue opportunities on your own. Starting your own salon will require significant funds and will require you to become a specialist in running a business not just running a salon, but gives you the control to build your brand and set your own prices. 

You will need to ensure you remain compliant and legal, such as registering your business, securing the relevant licenses, and getting all of the relevant insurance.
Many dog groomers decide to go mobile, taking their grooming services on the road to offer convenience to the dogs and their owners. 

To ensure a safe grooming environment for the dog, you will still need to invest into a well-equipped vehicle. 

Step Five: Perfect your marketing and build a strong client base

Repeat customers are your ideal clients, impress them with outstanding service every time. 

Marketing your skills as a dog grooming service will likely require a strong mix of website, social media and print advertising.

Offer incentives for your customers to refer your services to their friends and family, personal recommendations go a long way. Delivering a good groom isn’t enough; make sure to deliver excellent customer service and remain competitive on price (whilst ensuring you pay yourself a fair amount).

Step Six: Keep learning and stay up to date with trends

You will never stop learning when it comes to delivering the professional dog grooming process. As well as continuing to learn on the job, you should continue to take training courses and keep up to date with all safeguarding and welfare qualifications.

Dog grooming styles are always evolving, and your customers will want your skills to as well. Attend trade shows, take refresher courses and follow the trendsetters on social media. 
As you seek to grow in your career, you could explore becoming quite niche specific, such as offering breed-specific styling. 

Most importantly, love what you do! As with nearly everything in life, the people who are best at things are the ones who love doing it. Your infectious love of dog grooming will radiate to the pooches and their owners, whilst also motivating you to always deliver the best groom possible.

These are the steps our team followed, and now we are one of the highest rated North London professional dog grooming salons. 

We also offer dog day care and dog walking, because we just can’t get enough of the little furry friends!