cavowner
Posted : 7/2/2006 5:25:42 PM
Self taught groomer here and I ended up showing my Eng Springer girl and getting her made up as a Champion. the Chow did well too.
Not all areas have good groomers or any at all for that matter so you want your dog to look good it's up to you. It's fun and a huge thrill when your dog looks happy, tidy & clean.
Check the library for dog grooming books and buy the one you prefer. Checking the dog shows to see how the dogs should look is handy too.
A fold up workbench from a hardware store makes a good grooming table with a larger top added. An old ironing board can work well for a smaller dog.
Items needed, electric clippers for cockers, poodles, SWF's etc. The clip on guides for the clipper head makes it easier for learners.
Good stainless steel combs & nail clippers.
Soft cloths for wiping faces, toothbrush or similar for cleaning teeth if needed.
10% Peroxide of Hydrogen for any odd sores.
Good straight scissors for under feet etc and fine thinning scissors for smoothing clipped areas into the main coat.
These are the items I have, I rarely use brushes.
No matter what, the dog's coat will re-grow and you will quickly learn how to trim your dog up to suit you & him.
Treats by the grooming bench help and so does getting the dog to relax laying on it's side for a good comb out before clipping, mine used to doze off.
It's a fun hobby and after a while friends will be asking you to tidy up their dogs too so there's a chance of a bit of pocket money for you.
I groomed my Vet's 4 springers, she looked after mine ~ good barter for several years
Some equipment can be expensive but also lasts for years, my thinning scissors would be 20+ years old but cost me US$40 at the time. Some of the combs are older