grooming career

Question
You may not be able to answer my question in full. I've been a dog lover for as long as I can remember. I'm wanting to get into dog grooming but I can't seem to find a course to fit my budget. Is there a more affordable course out there and if so where? I've always groomed my min. schnauzer and I love it. I'm also interested in how you got started in your buisness. Please reply.......Rebecca

Answer
I actually was apprenticed in grooming and it cost me nothing.  In fact I got paid to learn.  I had inquired with a local groomer and started bathing and doing nail trims, ear cleaning, and brush outs. I was very up on the dog breeds and knew what they were suppose to look like, so I started clipping and scissoring pretty quickly.  I really do think grooming involves some artistic ability.  Especially when you get into the hand scissored breeds- bichons, porties etc...I had to sign a contract with that groomer that I wouldn't open a shop within so many miles from her and that I wouldn't work for a competitor unless she fired me or laid me off.  After 3 years of working for her, my husband got transferred and we moved about 50 miles away and thats when I opened my own shop out of my house. Been doing that now for 12 years and still love it.