DOGFATHER

Ive been feeding my 7mth Goldie - ProPlan (Puppy Large Breed). plus PetChefs (chick & veg or beef & chick meatloaf varieties) she also loves chicken wings. (great for her teeth) ProPlan was recommended by our breeder who has been breeding goldies successfully for many generations. Why not ask your breeder what they recommend and what they are feeding there goldies? Im sure they would be more than happy to help you, its in there best interest.

I agree 100% with you GoldiesRgr8Poodles2. There needs to be standardisation in the industry. Unfortunately, I can not find any other courses in SA. So for me, if anything else, TAFE is a good introduction. I want to get into the industry and do the right thing. The last thing I want to be known as is a backyard operator. I am prepared to do everything I can to be a good groomer and with time become a good experienced groomer. I could spend the big $$$ to go do a course interstate (plus airfares & accommodation), but the only courses I can find are salons offering 5-10days on the job training in a working salon. So again I agree with you how can you be expected to learn the necessary skills that takes months, years to learn, not to mention master. To me these are not formal qualifications either. If there are salons here in Adelaide (and on this forum) that are prepared to take on an adult work experience placement, (1-2days week) send me a PM. I would be more than happy to start out as a bather and progress forward from there in exchange to be shown by a professional groomer the proper clipping and grooming techniques. I would appreciate any opportunity to gain experience. Cheers

I know this is an old post, but In defence for TAFE SA. (yes, I am a TAFE student.) Gilles Plains campus are introducing for the 1st time, an Advanced Clipping & Grooming Course commencing July 2008. 10 days of intensive training with specialised breed clips for poodles, cocker spaniels, schnauzers and airedales, maltese, scottish and west highland terriers. I believe they are working with the pet industry towards an accreditation for groomers. edited: for the grammar nazis

I get my Pro Plan Puppy from PETstock @ Parafield. ph 82500288 they seem to be the only petstore to stock it in Adelaide. PETstock have stores in parafield, melrose park and Prospect.

My hairdressing sister-in-law uses a mobile service for her scissors and blades, she is very happy with the service but she is in the northern suburbs. There is a mobile service in the yellow pages that operates from Port Noarlunga called "Scissor Success". Give them a call, be specific, see if they can do what you want. cheers

- Thankyou all for your advice and answering my questions!

thanks I appreciate your vote of confidence

Hi and thanks for the welcome dru & doggrooma and for your comments so far yes I have been out for a day in a mobile trailer, I had a look at a franchise and went out for an experience day. I thought the trailers were comfortable enough, I think a hydraulic table would be a nice feature to have. unfortunately, the trailer I went out in did not have one. My personal opinion is not everyone can get their dogs to a salon. I want to be able take the salon to the door. I want to do more than just wash dogs and offer the full service of clipping, grooming & styling. I am prepared for the long hard (backbreaking) work and I believe I have the confidence and patience to build the necessary skills and knowledge that I need to be a good groomer, even if it going to take time. BTW, I am happy to say I decided not to go with a franchise option due to the costs, restrictions and the limitations of territory's etc. The training you get is on the road is with other franchisees during a typical working week, nothing formal. however the ongoing support they offered is attractive. Being out on the road with our best friends gave me the inspiration that I can do this myself. The TAFESA course seems to have what I need to prepare myself in starting a business as a groomer. I would love to hear from anyone who has attended the TAFESA course. so yes, until then I will need to find a salon or mobile groomer that is happy to provide me with some work experience. (send me a PM) or the many groomers here on DOL happy to offer guidance. Cheers

Hi all I am a new member here and new in the grooming world. I am looking at a career change, and getting into dog grooming and eventually starting my own mobile dog wash and grooming business. I am trying to find a good grooming training course that will teach me skills of the trade. There are many online courses, but I am looking for hands on experience. I am considering doing the TAFE dog grooming course as an introduction and working forward form there. Are there any groomers out there that can offer me some advice or recommended any good courses? Informal or formal qualification if any? I am especially interested to hear from other groomers who have attended courses and training and your thoughts. I am also prepared to do work experience in a salon or mobile unit with a seasoned groomer, before I emBARK on this new adventure. I live in Adelaide but am prepared to travel to get the right training. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Dogfather