Happy first day of Grooming School to Amy (Undergunfire)

[undergunfire]

I didn't know you were a groomer, Janet :biggrin2:!

I think I did better yesterday, but I can already tell it is going to take a little while to build my confidence up with the larger dogs. I'm just finding it hard to be really firm with them and not let them push me around.

As for getting a job after....I am pretty sure Vicki is going to hire me when my training is completed - she already told me what days I'd be working (Tues - Sat).

Ryan and I are hoping to move back to the east coast in 3-4 years, so its going to stink to have to start all over again with clients. We just really do not want to stay here in AZ and Ryan needs to be near a larger city with his job because if we stayed here and the company went out...we'd be in big trouble because there are no IT jobs in this small over populated area.


Here is my grooming school blog that I hope to write in every day: http://amyatgroomingschool.blogspot.com/

 

[myheart]

Been grooming for about fifteen years. :shockidn't realize it's been that long!!

Sometimes it takes a bit for the sweet-people, like yourself, to get into the control mode of grooming. Sometimes it really isn't you, it's the dog. You might not ever really know how many other people have worked on that one dog. A few bad experiences really changes them. I've had my share of dogs who experienced bad groomers. Always makes me wonder what other people do to make the dogs submit to them. Those are the dogs that get extra hugs, scratches, smooches, and a "yeah, you went through the tough stuff" party (lots of clapping, smiles, and cheers).

If you ever have a dog that is really difficult, get assistance. All you need is someone to hold the dog still while you clip nails or pull ear-hair. Less stress for you and the dog. Less stress for each grooming, will mean that the dog might relax enough for you to undoprevious bad experiences. Trust me, a dog that has had too many bleeding toe nails in the past, can be re-trained if you are patient and understanding.

I will always listen and understand when you get the tough cases in. Wait until you get the dogs that just make you want to cry because of neglect or whatever. You will need to talk with someone who understands. That is why I am not into the grooming profession as much anymore. My best friend, former employer, fellow groomer, and support person passed away a few years ago. I miss her so much some days, it hurts because I have no one to unload grooming-stuff on. I once had a senior dog in, been grooming her since she was little, and I was asked to take some ick off around an oozing wart/growth. I told the people every time the dog came in to keep it clean, but they didn't. The last time I saw the dog, was theonetime when I said to myself that I absolutely couldn't handle cleaning the ick off and had to ask Deb why she had to die when I needed her the most. All I needed was for her to hold the dog because she would understand the needs of a senior animal. That was the first time I have ever sent a dog home without finishing the grooming.

Sorry to hijack your thread, but you will run into various situations that only other groomers will understand. I'll listen....

myheart

 

[mistyjr]

Good Luck!! I always wanted to do Canine Cosmetology

 

[mistyjr]

arty:

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Congrats and good luck. Lilli is doing fine--really loves to chin everything when we let her out and is becoming very friendly and demanding head rubs anytime we open her hutch before we can do anything else.

 

[Nela]

How is it going?