I am new and I really need advice about grooming schools

Hi everybody...

I was just wondering if anyone might have a little time to tell me what kind of school they attended (which one specifically if in the Toronto/GTA area. Or has anyone taken any online and obtained employment as a result?

Also what is considered ridiculous for tuition?

Anything anyone can tell me would be SO much appreciated. I'm all flustered and confused after being online for three days looking all over.

Thanks,

Amy

Hi Amy!!! I can't help you with the schooling issue but I wanted to welcome you to the board. Have you tried contacting any local groomers to see if they are interested in hiring and training you? You would probably have to start out as a bather and work your way up but alot of us have done that and it is a good way to learn also. Good Luck!!

I went to a private grooming school 11 years ago. The course i took was 6 months long, 5 days a week, one dog in the morning one in the afternoon. It cost me $3000 back then. Today i believe she is charging around $5000 for the same course.

As an employer, when someone has completed an online grooming course, i do not consider that "grooming" experience. It is good to learn the book stuff, ie; about shampoos, skin conditions, breed info, but you really need the hands on grooming experience to actually perfect your skill. I won't hire someone with no hands on experience in an actual groom shop. If i am going to teach someone to groom, i won't pay them either, it would be considered volunteer work. If i feel that they deserve be paid then i will, but as i am teaching them i am saving them the cost of going to grooming school.

If i were you, i would volunteer your time at a shop, learn the ropes see if this is really something you want to do. Then seek out someone to teach you, whom you can apprentice under.

Goodluck with everything.

I'm not in the Toronto area, but I took my four month long course in Moncton and learned the basics on breed specific trims, anatomy, shampoos and skin care, and scissoring. I paid $5000 including equipment - clippers, brushes, blades, nail clippers, etc.