HELP...need encouragement!!!

[deberdoo]

I'm currently a student groomer new to this community. Unfortunately, I cannot attend any of the local grooming schools because the hours are during the day and I must keep my current job to pay the bills. I'm very happy with it. I am committed enough and passionate enough to do all the studying and work that is required to learn. I have gotten my hands on many other resources as well...and I've been reading everything I can on grooming and the business, plus I've learned so much just reading all the topics on these boards. I know that it's the right path for me...and I'm so excited to keep learning. I know that nothing beats "hands on" training...and I've been "practicing" on friend's dogs and of course my own two fur babies. I did two dogs last week and it took me 9 hours!!! Is that normal???? Yesterday, I did a ShihTzu and it took me 4 hours!! I got a bit discouraged yesterday...thinking...maybe I don't have natural talent...maybe I'm always going to be slow at this...and if that's the case...no one would hire me..and I certainly couldn't be in business for myself...I'd starve!! Please tell me that as students...it took a while to get the hang of it...and I'm not the only one who takes this long to groom a small dog!!! She came out really good and her mamma was happy. The dog was a ShihTzu belonging to a local surgeon's wife (I have a pet sitting business on the side, and she's been a client for the past two years)...so I was super nervous about making sure her baby looked good. Any advice would be really appreciated. I just need a pick me up this morning!!! Thanks!!!

[ferretlov]

Im same position you are I work at a boarding facility,we have a groomer, and ZI will be taking over for her when she leaves in 2 weeks.yes you will be nervous yes you will be slow at first but thats only because you are new at it. You wernt born knowing how to groom nobody was no matter what they tell you! dont you give up.anything you are new at will take practice. And btw groomers are a lot more picky about the haircuts than the owners are they dotn see what we see when we look at the dog.I know my own eyes are much more judgmental on my work than anyone else.dont be too hard on yourself. And remember youll get the hang of it. practice makes perfect! jodi murphy videos are most helpful Ive gotten a few and cant tell you how much they are worth.My next one is going to be scissoring! she is a wonderfull teacher.I promise you wopnt be sorry.It is so worth every penny of the 35.00 investment! I also love notes from the grooming table.networking with other groomers is helpfull too.you sound so much like a go getter so go get it!!!

[OntheBRINKofDisaster]

It sounds like you reallyreallyreally need a mentor. Everyone is slow at first, and reading everything you can get your hands on is good, but you need someone to SHOW you how to do it! It's obviously not as simple as purchasing your own pair of clippers-I'm sure you know that! Do you know how to bathe properly? Dry properly? Demat properly? You can't get a good cut if the prep work isn't done correctly. That might be part of the problem. But don't worry about time. Learn how to do it right first. Speed comes later.

[wynningway]

Don't get discouraged, you will get your speed up with time and practice. I didn't have the opportunity to go to a school so I bought books, equipment and borrowed neighbors dogs for a year and a half and groomed them for free. I told these trusting clients that I was teaching myself to groom dogs and they were glad to let me practice on them. It would sometimes take be all day to complete a groom.

Now Many years later and 15 yrs. of grooming full time I can groom 6 to 8 dogs a day. I am still not fast but I try to be perfect in my grooms. (This does not always happen but I strive to reach perfection). I am still learning and teaching my employees. I hope they will get the drive and desire to do great work.

If you have the passion keep going it will pay off.

[J.C. DogHero]

You're not alone. The important thing is to first build confidence in using your tools, and speed will follow.

I agree, a mentor will take you far. I finished grooming school in December, and am now working under a CMG. She's taught me so much more in addition to my schooling, I feel like I've come a very long way. My speed still needs work as well, but I'm seeing definite progress. Just this week I finished up all my dogs with enough time to do one extra. Keep at it - eyes on the prize!

[slush puppy]

Dont rush you will pick up speed once you have your technique down always start and finish the same way and the speed will come natural. I always start with the feet then the hair cut then scissor what needs trimmed and finish with the ears. I too was slow but get your routine going you will find you know what to do and eventually go faster! Hope this helps good luck. Slush puppy

[Jadenlea]

Hi Deb. It is definitely tough to get into the grooming field when you cant have hands on training BUT it has been done. I would call every groomer in your area and tell them your situation. Ask if they would allow you to spend saturdays with them just watching them. Maybe you could offer to bath and dry for free in exchange. The groomer probably wont have a lot of time to "teach" you much because they have to keep a good pace to get through their day but I bet you can learn more from one day watching a good groomer then you can from hours of reading.

I am not sure if you know this, but if you get a job as a bather at petco/smart, they will put you through grooming school. I am not sure what your day job is now or what you make and if you can afford to do that but it is another option.

I would also call your local rescue leagues and let them know you are looking for dogs to practice on and that you would be willing to spruce up some of their dogs for adoption.


Hope some of these suggestions are helpful.

[DogChic]

while in grooming school @ Nash, we only groomed 2, sometimes 3 dogs per day, and were there from 9-5. learn to do it correctly first, and then work on speed. but you will learn much faster, if you have someone to mentor you. I would try to get a job in a reputable shop a couple days a week - doing whatever they need you to do.

[Admin]

That's right, productivity comes later with lots of experience. Nash and others generally agree that on average you can gain productivity to do 7 grooms a day in 8 hours when you work by yourself with no bather. So work toward that but it does take times. There are quite a few seminars and dvd's on time saving tips in your future too if you invest in continuing education, and who shouldn't?

[tmenne]

Proper equipment for speed might also be an issue. If you are grooming from home I would guess you don't have all your equipment yet. When I went to school we were lucky to do one or two dogs a day in 7 hours. Its going to take time. Get your hands on some dvds I love Jodi Murphy's they are great and reasonable priced. You will get the hang of it but it may take longer learning on your own.

[borzoimom]

I remember when I first opened my shop, four dogs were a full day for me. Now I groom 8-10 dogs a day working by myself, more if I have a bather. Speed does come with time and attend seminars, read books, and watch DVD about cutting down grooming times.

[mylady]

Where are you located? Perhaps someone here could have you shadow them for a day or maybe even be a mentor. If you're anywhere near me, I work nights and would be happy to have you along. Yup, my first full groom was a cocker and it took me 4 hours, and that didn't count the bath and dry! Speed comes with time, don't get discouraged.

[deberdoo]

Thank you all so much for all the encouragement and advice. I live in Central Florida and would love to find someone to apprentice under. I am in the process of trying to find someone now, but if anyone has any contacts, let me know. I have invested in the best equipment I can afford and I have all the basics to start out with. I have considered volunteering at our local SPCA and I plan on attending an informational meeting in a couple of weeks (although I know I'm going to be in big trouble if I start volunteering my time there)....my husband has set my limit to two dogs and two cats in this house!! I know that learning new things takes time, and when you take pride in the work you do (which I'm sure all of you do) you can't help but be hard on yourself and expect a great deal from yourself. I definitely have the ambition and determination to keep going...and most of all...the passion. I totally love dogs and have no doubt that is the right path for me. I just have to pay my dues and soak in as much knowledge as I can. Again, thanks to all of you!!!!

[ferretlov]

Hey thats awsome-Im in casselberry FLorida! bet your pretty close if your in central florida!!!!!!
I wish I were farther along in my training Id help you if I could but Im just starting out myself!!!! maybe we could valenteer together at the animal control center in sanford?Pm me if you want to I have a table hand dryer and table dryer and all the hand tools

[doggydivas]

OMG! I never thought I would be able to get faster....then all of a sudden, one day, I noticed I was grooming Shih's in 2 hours instead of 3. Then a while later I noticed I was grooming them beginning to end in about 1 hour and 15 minutes....Don't give up and do like the others said and try to get a mentor....good luck!