What are the pros and cons of becoming a dog groomer?

Question

I am thinking of attending dog grooming school. I love dogs and have had several in my life. I also enjoy cutting hair although I've never done it professionally. I would like to hear from people who have had experience doing this for a living. What are the downsides as well as the upsides? And do you find that it is a worthwhile living? Thank you to everyone who answers!

Answer 1

If you have a weak stomach, don't even bother, and that's just being honest. We come in contact with more disgusting things than most people could ever imagine (in fact, dog groomers were highlighted on that show about the world's most dirty jobs!). We deal with dirt, dander, urine, feces, vomit, fleas, ticks, mange, mites, maggots (yes, I've seen them), blood, pus, and almost any other gross thing you can imagine. NOT for the weak stomached.
Working on dog hair is nowhere near like working on human hair, just so you know. One of my best friends is a human hairdresser and she even tells me that my job is 100 times more difficult. Groomers work with very sharp objects on moving targets. Targets that not only move, but sometimes thrash, bite, scream, drool, etc. It takes a toll on your body AND your mind, day in and day out. There are not only some terrible dogs, but also some terrible clients. Expecting miracles, fighting over price/time/service ... hating the horrible haircut you gave their dog (even when it is exactly what they asked for or was the only haircut you could manage to do on their darling little Cujo) or telling you, the expert, that they know more about how a Westie should look than you do. It can be taxing! Don't expect to make your millions doing this, either. I believe, last I checked, the national average salary for dog groomers was less than $20,000/year. Most groomers don't have health benefits (unless you work for a corporation) and don't receive paid vacation. I'm lucky enough to run a salon in an up-scale area so I make very good money and have wonderful benefits, but most groomers do not. You ALWAYS work around the holidays and the summer ... all summer ... EVERY summer! It's a very physical job that will, over time, rip your body apart if you're not careful. Your feet, legs, hands, wrists, back, and neck WILL hurt. You may develop carpal tunnel syndrome, callouses on your hands/fingers and feet. Your clothing, car, and house will likely be a dog hair zone, so be prepared for it. Oh yeah, and you'll end up with hair splinters (those are exactly what they sound like), that can get infected and can hurt!

On the plus side of things ... if you really love dogs, it could be a great career for you! When all this horrible stuff happens, you revert back to why you wanted this job to begin with. You find the nearest puppy in your care, and give it a big ol' kiss. That may remind you why you love your job. You have the days when a client shows such a great appreciation for you and your services ... raves about you to friends and other clients ... tells you how wonderful you are, how much their little Fluffy adores you, and how talented you are to create such a masterpiece each and every time! And once they leave, you feel such a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and satisfaction with yourself and your career. That is, of course, until the next woman comes in screaming about her Pomeranian that YOU made look like a Poodle!!!!! lol
Good luck!

PS - go to www.petgroomer.com and check out their message board ... I post on there sometimes, but there are a lot of great groomers that will answer all your questions.

Answer 2

I absolutely LOVE being a dog groomer. I'm the manager of a salon for a large corporate pet store. Last year was my first full year working for this company. I was a regular grooming associate for the first 9 months, got a promotion to manager with a 10% pay raise, and finished out the year making just over $40,000.00. Don't get me wrong, there are some cons to the job. Bites, scratches, upset customers, and sometimes even difficult coworkers. I am, however, passionate about the work that I do which makes all of that other stuff easier to deal with. I've had my moments over the last 3 years of being in this business that I have thought about walking away, but I remember how rewarding the job really is. If you work for a large corporation, there are a lot of policies to follow. But a pro is that you wind up being more likely to advance, better pay, paid vacations and sick time, benefits, and a larger team of people usually. In private sectors, it's a little more laid back as far as policies go, but you are pretty much on your own. I come home every day covered in hair and/or soaking wet. On the other side of the coin, being 24 and not having a college degree, making close to $1,000.00 a week on average is pretty darn good... And I work at a lower volume store in a small town. There are slow times where the pay is drastically decreased, seeing as I work off of commission, but if you know how to save money, that shouldn't be a problem. I'm projected to make around $50,000+ this year. For my age, I consider that being pretty successful. having a job that I can save money, while living on my own paying bills, having a nice car, being able to buy things that I need as well as things that I want, and all while working a job that I love, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Answer 3

Becoming A Dog Groomer

Answer 4

Becoming A Pet Groomer

Answer 5

I know a couple of groomers that make a pretty good living at just grooming and bathing. They are both near big cities. I did it for awhile as a second job. I enjoyed it very much and the only trouble I had was that I live in a small town. The only drawback I can think of is that you might get bit once in awhile. I used to give baths to cats also, then comb out. Would be surprised at the number of cats that get all matted up. Dogs are pretty easy. I think you would enjoy it. A good thing to have is a tub mounted at the right height for you, so you don't bend all day. Can even put the big dogs in it. Good luck to you.

Answer 6

Two different sister-in-law's from both sides of the family's had this profession.

My sister-in-law on my husband's side of the family would get biten from time to time.

The sadest part was that she got biten on her nose bad 2 weeks before her wedding.

She finally changed professions, as did my other sister-in-law on my side of the family.

They get attitudes like it's not a real job or it's an inbetween job. I think they didn't like the lack of respect or maybe they didn't like the pay.

I absolutely love dogs, but not sure I'd want to groom them.... so one benefit is being around these adorable pets all day long.

Answer 7

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/tHhdO

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 8

experts: artwork with animals in case you like that style of element danger to specific your ingenious facet Resume builder Cons: some dogs stink and so will you after working with all of them day you're able to be able to get urinated or pooped on dogs could bite you Pay isn't very sturdy you will come abode coated in hair each and every night

Answer 9

pro- you get to work wioth dogs all day, con- you will be at risk of a dog bitting/attacking you.

Answer 10

I can think of some "cons"
Most pets hate baths. They will hate (and bite) you for trying to do it.