Nobody is born knowing how to groom dogs. You have to learn from someplace. You also have to keep up on techniques and further your education. Where would groomers be if they never learned anything new? They wouldn't know about better equipment, better techniques, or who to call for support. They might be afraid to call up the competition and ask questions for fear that other groomers would view that as trying to steal secrets or clients. There is a great big world out there and so much to learn. Luckily, if you listen and pay attention, you never stop learning. The Internet has opened up doors like never before, and groomers have found places to go online to learn more from other groomers, find support, gain friendships, and learn how to be better businesspeople.

Seminars

Seminars are held in many states, and once you are in the loop, so to speak, you can find out when they are and get regular mailings in advance. Grooming seminars are usually taught by other groomers, to gain knowledge on techniques, business sense, working with the public, problem solving, and correct breed profiles.

When you sign up to attend these seminars, you usually pay a fee and you may get written handouts at the seminar. You can also take some of your own notes. You can ask questions and have them answered by other, more knowledgeable, groomers. The feeling you get from attending these seminars is a sure cure for groomer burnout. You'll go home chomping at the bit to try out what you learned on the next client.

Trade Shows

Trade shows usually go along with the larger grooming shows and seminars. This is where you get to try out those scissors you've been eyeing to see how well they fit your hand or see the newest equipment and supplies on the market up close. The shopping is furious, and you end up getting some great bargains on the tools you need. You'll see things you never knew existed, and you'll see the latest and greatest products debuted.

The vendors at these trade shows are always very helpful and willing to talk to you about any problem you are having, and they will try to work out a solution for you. It's one thing to see items in a catalog; it's a whole other world to see things up close, in person, and get to try them out to see how you like them.

Be sure to bring a rolling tote bag to carry your purchases, and if you have traveled from some distance, an extra empty suitcase or two is helpful to haul your stash home. This is the place to make deals on your supplies, get samples of new products, and meet all the vendors who will fill your salon with the best equipment on the market. Sometimes, a vendor gets to know you so well they give you a call in advance of a grooming show to see what you need so they can make sure they won't run short of the supplies you need. This makes it very convenient to reorder your shampoos and conditioners without having to pay for shipping the product to your salon.

The Internet

If you've never tried going online for information, you don't have a clue what you're missing. Type it in the search box and you will get an answer; it is truly a modern-day miracle. The Internet puts you in touch with people all over the world, and in some cases may replace the classroom. There are Internet groups for groomers that have chats and support, as well as information about new techniques, ideas, and problem solving.

There are now numerous online groups to help groomers network. The Internet is a wonderful resource for learning, as well a place to go for support and answers to your questions.

Never Stop Learning

Whether you decide you want to groom your own dog to save money or bond better with your pet or you want to learn to groom other breeds and maybe branch out into professional grooming, it makes no difference in the end. Learn all you can about every aspect of grooming and caring for dogs — and even cats, if this is what you would like. Always keep your mind open to new ideas. You never know, you may find a shortcut or tip that saves you money and time, and you can never know too much.