Professional Groomers I am very exhausted from grooming school. I have 4 more weeks of school. How do you professional groomers do it? I'm beat! Hahaha. |
I so believe you. I think grooming appears not only very physical - but also very "emotionally" demanding too - ie, if you have a difficult dog and you get stressed, and have to manage your stress etcetera. Hats off to groomers, it looks like a tough, but rewarding, job to me. |
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I just finished grooming school this past thursday. It was fun! you'll get through it faster then you think. I'm on the hunt for a job now but gotta wait till tomorrow to go searching since they're mostly all closed today |
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I've been working with dogs for a long time. I know their behavior and know what signs to look for. Before i went to grooming school i was a vet tech for years. I learned how to handle dogs very well in that atmosphere. The restraint is different in grooming because its you and your grooming table only. I've noticed the biggest problem with dogs biting is when you touch their feet. A lot of them hate having their nails trimmed, pads shaved, and feet trimmed. You have to learn to use your table. You can position the dogs on the tables so that they cannot reach you with their teeth. Extend the grooming arm up so that it is snug, but not choking the pet. Then move them as far back as possible on the table. You can pick up a back leg now and cut their nails without the fear that they can turn and bite you. When in this position they just can't reach you. With their front legs you want to bring the leg backward and slightly downward so your hands are out of reach. its trickier with the front legs and its more worrisome because your closer to their teeth. Alot of the time the dog is testing you. They don't want to be groomed, but you know it needs to get done. You need to have the right attitude and give off the right vibe. If the dog knows your scared of it then he's gonna give you more trouble. WHen you pick up a leg and they try to bite and pull it away, you cannot let go. If you let go, they win and it only empowers them more. Hold onto their leg and talk to them. THey will calm down after a few seconds and then you can praise and continue. Sometimes when cutting nails, i'll clip one nail, then give the dog a little pat on the side to let them know its ok. Also, do you have a groomers helper? Groomers Helper, Pet Handling & Safety System this is the tool that was on every table at my school Groomers Helper - Starter Set - $99.95 : Groomers Helper, Pet Handling & Safety System it really helps when learning because its an added safety measure to ensure the dog isn't going to turn around and bite you. You can have all the tools in the world to help you, but if you are scared, nervous, or unsure the dog will pick up on it and make it harder for you to groom. You need a calm and assertive attitude (thanks caesar, LOL). Be calm and do what you need to do. WHen the dog sees that its going to get done whether he likes it or not, they will usually begin to cooperate. Good luck with the rest of school. |
Ok i'm thinking about going to school for grooming also, can you tell me what to expect?? I posted a thread in the grooming section. |
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I've been bit before by cats and dogs, it comes with the territory. I only got bit once tho while grooming. I was attempting to dry an INSANE bichon. This dog is on a regular grooming schedule so he comes in regularly but still goes insane every damn time you try to force dry him. Some how my fingers ended up in his mouth :rolleyes:. he bit me but not hard enough to break skin. i can't believe your classmates get bit a lot. i think each person i groomed with got bit maybe once, tho some did get nipped more. Those people who were bitten more then once give off the wrong vibe. If i can tell they are scared, the dog definitely knows it. Plus they have the dog on a loose loop and aren't watching the head out of the corner of their eye. i always have an eye on their head or even body muscles. School was fun and i did learn a lot. I watched the professional groomers handle the aggressive dogs to pick up tips on how to place them on the table and maneuver them so you can get your groom done. |
Where are you attending school? I went to wagmytail in Tujunga. I use muzzles for doing quick things, like nail clipping. Some dogs get very nippy, esp when cutting nails. (I guess it reminds them of quicks being cut in the past?) Never leave a muzzle on a pet for more than 15 mins...they can't cool off w/out panting. I use it for no longer than a min or two. Dogs do warn you before they bite. I always watch their eyes...& if they turn their head, I say 'Nah~ah!' very firmly. Then they'll know you're in charge. Cat's bites are what I'm scared of...it can puncture & leave you disabled (can cause serious nerve damage). I hold on to the scruff of the neck for dear life! I also use e-collars if the cat is very skiddish. I know what you mean by getting exhausted. I only work p/t for mobile grooming, but at the end of the day, I'm beat! Doing 7-8 pets & driving around town is very physically demanding. One good thing...I've lost some weight.:D |
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Products and Equipment Ryan's Pet looks like a gerbil ball or a space helmet but it works! |
Sorry Op, not to hijack your thread... Thanks Kellie! It's very pricey...but looks like it'll be perfect. Worth the price if it'll reduce my stress & avoid getting bitten! Have you tried putting cotton balls in the dog's ears when blow drying? Sometimes it helps...but some dogs just don't like it at all, esp around the face. I've noticed this on dogs w/ear infections...maybe the force of the air irritates the inflamed ears. |
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