poodle3081

I am disappointed at the attitude towards TAFE courses by DOL members. Firstly there are a number of different types of courses available both short courses for the home groomer and more advanced for those wishing to start out in the industry. As with any training and profession the academic training is only the beginning of the process, and it will take years in some cases to be totally proficient. People attend university and study to become a teacher, and when they finish a 3 year degree they are not able to teach to a high standard and will progess their skills over time with practice, mistakes and advice. For some people Tafe is the begining of a career and is the only way to get started.

Totally agree with poodle wrangler. The pet clipper kit is a low power clipper and is a total waste of money, and the MGB is an over rated and over priced clipper. I would buy a professional clipper such as the Andis AGC2 at $245 or a Wahl KM2 for around $200.

It is interesting that you don't really appreciate the generalisation that mobile groomers are crap, but you then generalise that Tafe courses are a total waste of money etc. Swiburne Tafe offered an excellent course conducted by two groomers at their salon, and it was attended mainly by professional groomers who were advancing their skills. I get annoyed when people put down the entire industry or Tafe when they are not fully informed.

NMIT Tafe has a grooming course at the Fairffield campus commencing in early February. They ran one last year and it recieved excellent feedback.

Hi Fru Fru, My current scissors are 9 1/2 inch - I think I would be a bit scared to use anything bigger - but my groomer uses some shears that looked about twice this to do the saddle area when he was in show puppy trim! Haven't seen the Jaguar scissors - any online suppliers? Have a look at www.clipperworld.com.au they have Jag.

Are you talking about Pets Paradise or Puppys Paradise? I understand they are a grooming chain

It is a grooming salon - not to be confused with Pets Paradise

has anyone heard of or used Puppy Paradise in South Australia? Any feedback would be good

There is not much difference between any of them except the price. Most dryers use Ametek motors and the only variation is the case.

The Double K dryer you have must be a single motor dryer as the Double Coat Airmax is more powerfull than the Ezycoat one you linked to.

If you are after drying power then go for the Double K Airmax as it has two motors and sells for around $400. The noise from a forced air dryer is mainly the air pressure at the noozle and if you want this type of dryer then the noise is unavoidable.

Check the country of origin as to where they are made. Many US suppliers have their blades made in China with their brand. I suspect this is the case as they also sell ceramic blades, and these are supplied from China. There is a manufacturing plant in China that produces most of the blades today, brands such as Shear Magic are made there. In all cases the steel is the same. Usually the blade will have made in USA stamped on the blade; if not then I would be suspicious. Also terms such titanium coated etc are purely marketing terms. Laube have a gold flashy looking titatium coated blade that they claim to be the sharpest around, and when tested the steel is softer and poorer quality than an Oster or Wahl.

What make is the table and who supplied it? There are a number of sellers on eBay who make all sorts of claims and the products fail to meet the specifications. Many products are made in China and the standards and specifications are generally overrated. Hi poodle3081 - it is an Australian company, but when the product turned up it says made in China! Coltrandi are the distributors here in Australia. As long as you don't want to put something as big as a GSD on it it would be fine. It was also about 1/4 the price of most hydraulic tables I have seen at only $425 so I am not complaining. Could probably send it back back the cost of freight I have already paid plus to send it back and I still would need a table so I am happy enough to just cut down a second table for the big dogs. ;) When buying of eBay you need to check the country a manufacture. Many "bargains" are made in China and not until they arrive or there is a fault that you find out where they are made. The company you mention also sells dryers from China and the specifications do not meet engineering standards. I am wary of products made in China as there is no guarantee that part will be available into the future.

What make is the table and who supplied it? There are a number of sellers on eBay who make all sorts of claims and the products fail to meet the specifications. Many products are made in China and the standards and specifications are generally overrated.

Are you after a "fluff dryer" or a "forced air dryer". The beacon dryer is a fluff dryer and has a brushless motor, this makes it quiet and there is less maintenance. The Melbourne Dog centre dry is a forced air dryer and it has a brush type universal motor and is noisier.

If you can only afford one dryer then go for a forced air dryer such as the twin motor Double K Airmax. The Oldfield stand dryer has only a single motor and therefore suited to fluff drying. A forced air dryer can be used to fluff dry if you remove all the attachments and run only one motor, and I have also seen a stand device for holding the hose enabling the barrel dryer to be used hands free. Be wary of spending too much on dryers as they basically have the same brand motor inside. For example the Melbourne Dryers have two Ametek motors and sell for over $1000, the Oldfield twin motor dryer has the same motors and sells for $700 and the Double K has the same motors and sell for $400.

Steer clear of plastic hydrobaths as the surface will scratch and this results in serious hygiene concerns. The polished surface on a fibreglass bath will not retain bacteria as the surface is hard and therefore the bacteria cannot breed on the surface. This is the reason why domestic spas are not made with plastic, as it would be a cheaper alternative to the more expensive fibreglass.

If you go to Clipper World (they advertise here on DOL) they are a lot cheaper than the Barf Shop.

It depends on which model Andis. The AGC2 is a powerful professional clipper. Don't get the Andis MGB or the small pet grooming kit as they are only for trimming and light use.

The Breville clippers are not worth using if you are doing a full body clip, as they are low powered trimmers. Pay the extra money and buy a Wahl KM2. The Wahl KM is a professional clipper and you can pick them up on eBay for $178.

Where did you get it at half the price. The small is available here for $39 Australian which equates to about $32 US. I cant find any at $16????

I have a 6 year old male toy poodle and have just added a female toy poodle puppy to the family. The older poodle loves other dogs and when we are out cant wait to get to them, but he will not have anything to do with the new puppy. Will he come around in time and are there any suggestions on how to encourage him.

The KMSS is identical to the KM2 except it only has one speed. Every part including the motor is the same, and the only difference is the speed control board. A number of professional groomers use only the KMSS as the blades run cooler and last longer on the lower speed.

I agree with Nicolet; Andis AGC are probably the quietest but they are more expensive. The KM2 and KMSS are also quality clippers and slightly cheaper than the Andis. You can pick up the Wahl KM2 for undre $200 from Clipper World http://www.clipperworld.com.au/shop/index....Cat&catId=1 ; they advertise here on DOL .