Grooming can be very expensive in certain areas. I feel fortunate that I pay $45.00 with a tip of 20%. She does an excellent job. I can wait there in the shop. She'll ask me if I like her hair, this way, or that way. I'm always very happy with the way Calleigh looks. I think if you take grooming classes you would also need to buy a couple of the things that attach to the table to hold their head and behind in place. I would imagine that will be another expense..I would be afraid to cut the nails. Calleigh just doesn't want anyone touching them. In fact I'll hold her so the groomer can do it without her squirming to get away. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.