I need a new career/job/something to do so I don't get bored
- Thread starter Saluki
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Indeed. That is probably the least of his issues ....
OP
OP
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
I am upping my dog walking actually. I have a whole bunch of Haltis and Cannycollars in varying sizes for dogs that pull and most of them walk on my left anyway.
I think that you are wrongly assuming that I am a man.
OP
OP
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
The average cost of a groomer is around £25 an hour but I am good, I have also been doing it a very long time and have worked hard for a good rep.
Nowadays I do charge a bit less as I can't style like I used to and I don't groom show dogs any longer (litigation hell again), not to mention that we are still in a recession (I think, nobody has much money anyway).
What people don't take into consideration is all the downtime in between earning £40 an hour. The driving to and from client's homes is the main one. The fact that from Xmas day to early Feb there is virtually no work as everyone has had their dog glammed up for Santa Paws.
Tell you what though @swee'pea99, Next time I'm up in your neck of the woods, I'll bring a terrier and teach you to strip out the coat by hand. Its a skill that's in huge demand and not many groomers hand strip any more.
Possibly because it hurts. The groomer, not the dog!Giving some serious thought to looking at a proof reading course in the new year. I didn't get around to ringing Trading Standards this morning, the poodle that I was working on this morning, decided to be a right PITA and the Lhasa after it was nearly as bad. I think its all the christmas music on the radio that's doing it.
Spinney
Bimbleur extraordinaire
- Location
- Back up north
Not sure how much demand there is - there are already a LOT of freelance proofreaders out there. If you're serious about that, let me know and I'll ask my contacts in publishing if there's any particular course they value, or to avoid. I might not get anywhere, mind, but I can ask...
swee'pea99
Squire
I was kidding, ok? I'm sure you're a bargain at the price. Please put that stripper down and step away from the dog....Tell you what though @swee'pea99, Next time I'm up in your neck of the woods, I'll bring a terrier and teach you to strip out the coat by hand. Its a skill that's in huge demand and not many groomers hand strip any more.
swee'pea99
Squire
PS How did you learn to do it, and might there be a livelihood in teaching other people? There's obviously a lot of demand for it, and surely lots of people would pay to learn a trade that pays that kind of money?
OP
OP
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
I was apprenticed. I had a saturday job at a groomers when I was 12 (You could in those days) and then apprenticed at 16 from 8am to 12.30pm 6 days a week for a couple of years. In the afternoons I was studying for A levels. It was a busy couple of years 
Nowadays you need your Lantra Cert, your City & Guilds approved teaching quals etc. I have my C&G but as a groomer not as a teacher. To do the whole additional Lantra/C&G thing would mean lots of additional training and my wrist just won't stand the grooming. If I were to take my C&G right now, I would fail as my wrist will not let me use the recommended technique. I use a different technique as I don't have much 'bend'
There is talk of licensing and regulation coming in to the grooming industry, which is not a bad thing as there are a lot of terrible groomers out there. Anyone can set up as a groomer with zero training in styling or animal handling. They generally don't last long TBH but its a doddle to set up as a groomer if you have the money for the equipment. One of the big francise companies will sell a grooming franchise (van, some equipment) for about £25k and there is an optional 2 day training plan for an additional £500 for total newbies. Naturally most 'groomers' come out of this training plan as clueless as they went in. You only need to read the daily fail to see the horror stories of bad dog groomers.
Training to train others is something that I looked into a couple of years ago. I have had lots of experience with teaching my own staff (when I had a salon) and with work experience lassies. My patience would need a polish, and possibly some shoring up
I am really looking to come out of grooming altogether (except for keeping my hand in with friend's dogs)
Nowadays you need your Lantra Cert, your City & Guilds approved teaching quals etc. I have my C&G but as a groomer not as a teacher. To do the whole additional Lantra/C&G thing would mean lots of additional training and my wrist just won't stand the grooming. If I were to take my C&G right now, I would fail as my wrist will not let me use the recommended technique. I use a different technique as I don't have much 'bend'
There is talk of licensing and regulation coming in to the grooming industry, which is not a bad thing as there are a lot of terrible groomers out there. Anyone can set up as a groomer with zero training in styling or animal handling. They generally don't last long TBH but its a doddle to set up as a groomer if you have the money for the equipment. One of the big francise companies will sell a grooming franchise (van, some equipment) for about £25k and there is an optional 2 day training plan for an additional £500 for total newbies. Naturally most 'groomers' come out of this training plan as clueless as they went in. You only need to read the daily fail to see the horror stories of bad dog groomers.
Training to train others is something that I looked into a couple of years ago. I have had lots of experience with teaching my own staff (when I had a salon) and with work experience lassies. My patience would need a polish, and possibly some shoring up
I am really looking to come out of grooming altogether (except for keeping my hand in with friend's dogs)
OP
OP
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
I just thought that you might want a dying art skill
It quite cathartic and you can do it while watching the TV, which can be a blessing our a curse, depending on what channel of daytime TV the pet owner insists on watching. Jeremy Kyle? Heigh ho 
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