How Many Dog Groomers Are On Here?

[4 Paws]

Hi,

just wondering how many people on DOL are dog groomers.Do you do mobile or a salon and do you offering clipping or just washing?

What training have you had?

just curious as i owned a mobile dog wash in Dubbo and recently sold it as a business before moving here to Wollongong.I'm just contemplating starting up another one here although i'm looking at setting it up in a hi-roof van instead of a trailer(not the best backer in the world )

I did a tafe Animal studies cert II and the hydrobathing and grooming modules from cert III but apart from that i have had no formal training.I had already owned a hydrobath for my own dogs before i started my business and started the tafe courses so already knew a lot about bathing etc.The hydrobathing and grooming modules were of no use to me as i knew more than the teacher(she was a vet nurse)and she kept asking me what i do etc but at least i got a certifcate at the end.

Do you think there is enough work just washing dogs to keep a business going or would you need to do the clipping side?.I did do clipping with my business but it was basic clipping,no fancy styles and i just watched and rewatched a doog dooz clipping dvd a million times.I must admidt i didn't really enjoy clipping so just wondered how a business would go at just offering washing/grooming and no clipping.I found that clipping was time consuming and time frame was very difficult to determine where as if just washing you pretty well know how much time you'll need plus time v's money it wasn't that good.

appreciate your imput

julie

Edited June 27, 2007 by 4 Paws

[wagsalot]

When I had my business running and I advertised I got a hell of a lot of calls for clipping.

I gave clipping a go for a while, did a course and started practicing on friends dogs but I hated it so gave it up.

Aussie Pooch Mobile only does washing (well my local few don't do clipping, not sure about others) and they're always really busy so they cope without doing clipping.

I guess it half depends on the area too.

Could you start up just doing washing and see how you go, and if you struggle, then offer clipping too?

Edited June 27, 2007 by wagsalot

[Poodle wrangler]

I can tell you that Nowra area is in need of a skilled poodle groomer. I know a few people who are looking for one. They only want simple pet styles- shaved face, feet base of tail, nails trimmed, ears plucked, #5 or so on body, minimal scissoring. I find it takes me a long time to do my 2, no way I'd offer to do someone elses :D .

Talking to people, though, no one wants to part with much money for dog grooming/ washing/ clipping etc. Have to admit about $80-90 for 2 dogs puts me off, too, even though I now know how much work's involved it still sounds like a lot of $ in one go.

Only people I know who get a mobile hydrobath have kids, both work, and larger breed dog.

Would a dog walking/ doggy day care/ dog feeding business do better, with less outlay and less hard work? Bathing and grooming a dogs is hard work, I guess.

Best wishes if you start the business .

[4 Paws]

When I had my business running and I advertised I got a hell of a lot of calls for clipping.

I gave clipping a go for a while, did a course and started practicing on friends dogs but I hated it so gave it up.

Aussie Pooch Mobile only does washing (well my local few don't do clipping, not sure about others) and they're always really busy so they cope without doing clipping.

I guess it half depends on the area too.

Could you start up just doing washing and see how you go, and if you struggle, then offer clipping too?

Wagsalot,did you do your training locally?

If i did do a training course they usually go for a week or so and are fairley pricey and the fact that i have 3 kids and no family here makes it hard as well to get away and do it.

[Dogsfevr]

Full time groomer with salon,have show dogs & grew up trimming.

Price wise if your a good groomer people will pay,what we get alot of very upset owners where groomers havent a clue butchered the coats or dont now how to do a breed trim.

In schnauzers so many trim the beards & do it all wrong.The beard doesnt grow back quickly its the age of the dog.

I look at it this way if your a professional groomer you should be able to do the job or atleast say its above your ability.

We have plenty that come every 4 weeks at $100 a pop .

The only difference for us is all the equipment is needed for the showdogs but you still need your insurance etc etc

[wagsalot]

I did the course in Mosman.

It was only a one day one, but it was all hands on which was good.

I did that as a starter and then did another 2 courses via correspondance.

Theres a course in Kogarah, but its very pricey. I looked into that at the time but there was no way I could afford i.t

[BC]

Full time groomer with a mobile service, but have done salon work too.

Majority of my work is clipping, and I do all breed standard clips, or anything that the client asks for.

I love doing schnauzers, bichons, poodles, spaniels etc. They look great with their specific clips.

I also love a full day of washing too, which I occasionally get. Makes the day go very quick.

As showdog said, if you are good at what you do, people definately pay. If they want to go somewhere else let them. When they get a crap job done, they will be calling you back and will pay the extra you charge.

For the standard Malt or Shih clip I will charge $60 as this is very straight forward and depending on the dog, usually doesn't take that long.

When it gets to the other clips, I charge more.

There are that many people out there who just hack and chop at the dogs and they look terrible, especially mobile groomers. I get heaps of business from these people.

I have done the Doggy Dooz training and that was great. Very hands on and no stuffing about. You walk out knowing exactly what needs to be done on each breed.

I normally do around $250 to $300 per day and that is just normal hours around 9 to 6 or less, with a lunch break at home in between.

Most of my clients now are regulars and they keep me fully booked everyday. New clients normally have to wait about 1-2 weeks if they want me to do it.

If you're good, you will do well, but I would not be as busy as I am now without the clipping. Just washing I would struggle. To make the same amount of money per day just washing I would need to do around 7-10 dogs per day.

I also love chosing my own hours and days like today where I chose to have a day off cos I can :D

Good luck

[4 Paws]

has anyone tried any of the courses offered by correspondence by Aust School of Pet Care Studies

Was thinking about including massage therapy,especially if i don't offer the clipping service.

Anyone else tried any correspondence courses to do with animals?

[Ari]

From what I've heard....avoid them.

[rocshani]

I run a grooming business from home ,I sarted out working in salons and learnt as I went.Started at the bottom washing only then continued on to clipping. Most of my work is clipping ,a lot of places (especially mobiles) only do washes or if they clip they do a crap job. As I have 3 Poodles including one show dog I get a lot of Poodle people,not many people around here know how do do a proper job.I do all sorts of clips from basic to breed type ,I also have some wash only customers.

[wagsalot]

has anyone tried any of the courses offered by correspondence by Aust School of Pet Care Studies

I did and I strongly recommend you don't do it.

[mutchumbo]

My wife has been a professional groomer for ages. If anyone lives in SE suburbs VIC, check her out!

http://www.pawshas.com.au

[Peachie]

I have an Aussie Pooch Mobile. Our core business is washing, but some operators now do basic clipping - summer clips etc. I have a handful of clients who's dogs i regularly clip, but i don't advertise that i do it. I can do a nice clip, but i don't do breed clips, or fancy clips. I am not really interested in that as it takes me a lot longer for less money. I can earn a lot more money doing a wash/blow dry. When i work it out, the time it takes me to wash/blow dry a dog i can charge around $60/hour, with grooming it is about halved as it takes me longer.

I do have to make a living after all.

You can certainly run a business just washing dogs, and doing tidy up/hygiene clipping.

[4 Paws]

I have an Aussie Pooch Mobile. Our core business is washing, but some operators now do basic clipping - summer clips etc. I have a handful of clients who's dogs i regularly clip, but i don't advertise that i do it. I can do a nice clip, but i don't do breed clips, or fancy clips. I am not really interested in that as it takes me a lot longer for less money. I can earn a lot more money doing a wash/blow dry. When i work it out, the time it takes me to wash/blow dry a dog i can charge around $60/hour, with grooming it is about halved as it takes me longer.

I do have to make a living after all.

You can certainly run a business just washing dogs, and doing tidy up/hygiene clipping.

hey peachie,

wondered how long it would take for you to pop you head into the thread

I feel much the same as you,clipping takes ages and not really worth the money imo.Coming from the country there were 3 mobile groomers and not one of us had any professional training so i was quite comfortable offering clipping knowing i wasn't up againt competitors that had heaps of training,where as if i start up here i wouldn;t like to offer clipping as i feel i can't offer the same standard as fully trainer operators.Maybe after a while i might do like you are and do it for a few regulars as i already have all the equipment.As you said i wouldn't offer breed clips,just basic clipping

[Guest Amy Rose]

Does anyone know where I can buy a #10 around Melbourne without having to send away for it? I need one ASAP as my previous one has been rusted over due to my absentminded OH forgetting to put it away and myself forgetting to check up on him. Gah! My bubby needs his privates trimmed!

OH & I have JUST started our own mobile washing service (we haven't even got our name on the trailer yet) and the practice we've been doing has been really fun and interesting. I used to groom in a salon, but want to focus mainly on washing until I've done a refresher grooming course through Doggy Dooz (unless there's a better place?). I won't pimp the name here, unless you guys want me too! I'm not completely sure what to charge yet, and I'm not going through a franchise, so it's a bit scary. Any advice would be great (but I understand if you don't want to, lol).

It's interesting to read about washing vs clipping, the old owner of the trailer used to do clipping but I'm not sure if the time spent doing it is worth the money at this point, since I'm not fast and the OH can't help as he's only practiced on two dogs so far, and they were very well behaved friends dogs. Once again, I wouldn't know what to charge there either.

[ShesaLikeableBiBear]

I had a business in AKL for a number of years, and learnt clipping from the previous owner and also a friend who had been a groomer for over 50 years, Pat taught me a lot. Also did an internet based course which was very helpful.

[Rascalmyshadow]

I have been a groomer for 12.5 years, I started as a bather and was trained by 2 of my bosses, I now rent out a space in a vet clinic and work for myself. I do bathing and clipping, I think I would get bored if I was doing bathing only I also wouldn't make enough money.

I have found most people are happy to pay the money, although it could be due to the area I am in. I know I do an excellent job and I always put the dogs needs above an owners requests. I specialise in handling nervous and aggressive dogs and in the seven years I have been working for myself I have only refused to do two dogs and that was because of their owners.

[Lowchenlove]

I am starting in a grooming salon in 2 weeks :rolleyes:

Can`t wait but know I have heaps and heaps to learn. Th elady I am working with has a great rep and is often fully booked 6-8 weeks in advance.

[Guest Amy Rose]

Congrats Lowchenlove! Remember to bring a change of pants, in case the doggies pee on you. I learnt that the hard way. :rolleyes:

[BC]

I am starting in a grooming salon in 2 weeks

Can`t wait but know I have heaps and heaps to learn. Th elady I am working with has a great rep and is often fully booked 6-8 weeks in advance.

Also, be prepared for the dog hair stuck to you everywhere, down your top (including your nipples :D ) in your socks/shoes, on your face etc.

I have had hairs imbedded in my arms and feet that I have had to tweeser out.

And yes, you will get used to being weed on, cleaning up poo and vomit :p But you will still love it :rolleyes:

(speaking of being weed on, while I was blow drying a pom yesterday, I was touching his tummy to keep him standing and thought, gee the blow dryer is a lot warmer all of a sudden. Nope, I was being weed on and he had to do it after his bath, little bugger)