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gracielove · 04-11-2012, 01:59 PM

I did a search on the internet to find out about grooming schools. It was an interesting experience. There is a wide variety. I used to know a groomer many years ago, she was an older lady at the time. She had attended a school that required that they learn how to groom all the AKC registered breeds besides knowing the basics of bathing, doing nails, being able to identify certain diseases that can effect dogs etc. She said they did hours of grooming on each breed and only under the supervision of one of the "teachers." That woman could make my very thick coated Shih Tzu look fantastic using only a pair of scissors. She knew what she was doing. I'm sure what ever school she went to is long since gone but from what I saw online some of those "schools" do very little in the way of actual hands on experience for those "groomers." I think working with a very good experienced groomer for several months would be better training than what some of those schools are offering.

There are so many people that are willing to abuse animals in order to make money. An industry that someone can make money without having to invest time and money in training and equipment is bound to attract some people who have little interest in the welfare of the animals. Of course accidents can happen anywhere but are more likely at a place where the people have little experience. I'm not trying to bash all groomers. I do have a very good groomer right now but I had some bad experiences before I went to her. I didn't go to her at first mainly because she was quite a bit more expensive than the others. Now I am more than happy to pay the extra to have peace of mind when walking out the door not just because I know she will do what I ask but also because I know Gracie is safe.

I just think it is wrong for places like PetSmart and other so call professional grooming salons to pretend that they know what they are doing when so many of them are hiring inexperienced people off the streets. Unsuspecting owners entrust their little dogs to these people not realizing that they could probably do a better job themselves if they tried. This is not the first dog to be injured at a grooming salon. You don't usually see people starting a law suit because it is so costly and the chances of wining are slim. If they win what will they get? The cost of the dog? Maybe. I doubt they would get their legal fees back though.

04-11-2012, 01:59 PM	#28
gracielove YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: NY Posts: 6,582	I did a search on the internet to find out about grooming schools. It was an interesting experience. There is a wide variety. I used to know a groomer many years ago, she was an older lady at the time. She had attended a school that required that they learn how to groom all the AKC registered breeds besides knowing the basics of bathing, doing nails, being able to identify certain diseases that can effect dogs etc. She said they did hours of grooming on each breed and only under the supervision of one of the "teachers." That woman could make my very thick coated Shih Tzu look fantastic using only a pair of scissors. She knew what she was doing. I'm sure what ever school she went to is long since gone but from what I saw online some of those "schools" do very little in the way of actual hands on experience for those "groomers." I think working with a very good experienced groomer for several months would be better training than what some of those schools are offering. There are so many people that are willing to abuse animals in order to make money. An industry that someone can make money without having to invest time and money in training and equipment is bound to attract some people who have little interest in the welfare of the animals. Of course accidents can happen anywhere but are more likely at a place where the people have little experience. I'm not trying to bash all groomers. I do have a very good groomer right now but I had some bad experiences before I went to her. I didn't go to her at first mainly because she was quite a bit more expensive than the others. Now I am more than happy to pay the extra to have peace of mind when walking out the door not just because I know she will do what I ask but also because I know Gracie is safe. I just think it is wrong for places like PetSmart and other so call professional grooming salons to pretend that they know what they are doing when so many of them are hiring inexperienced people off the streets. Unsuspecting owners entrust their little dogs to these people not realizing that they could probably do a better job themselves if they tried. This is not the first dog to be injured at a grooming salon. You don't usually see people starting a law suit because it is so costly and the chances of wining are slim. If they win what will they get? The cost of the dog? Maybe. I doubt they would get their legal fees back though.