Grooming Courses

I would like to hear if anyone has had any good experiences with grooming courses? Unfortunately I haven't and have heard a lot of bad stories about courses run in Australia. I completed the Certificate III in Companion Animal Services with the Pet Stylist Academy http://www.petdirectory.com.au/?page=directory&listingid=26340&country=1§ion=1 last year. I was appalled at how the course was run. I have done a number of courses in my time, and have never seen a training course that was so unorganised. You basically had to fight to receive any decent training at all. I felt that I had paid $6000 to get yelled at, put down, and used as cheap labour...very disappointing:(. After completing this course I still feel I need more training, but unsure how to go about it....???

No complaints with Groomers Friend in Ulladulla when I attended their course. You hear good and bad things about different establishments around the country but it really depends what your expectations are. Even if you went to class for 2 years you still wouldnt learn it all

Once you finish a course it doesn't stop there, grooming is ongoing learning and the schools are a stepping stone to get you into the real world.

Seminars that are (mainly east coast) held throughout the year like Ausgroom, Pet Expo and even Groom Quest are great places to attend for there seminars. I try and attend at least 2 every year, gives you a break from your business, meet wonderful people and network, come back armed with new info and recharged batteries.

Chris wrote:

Once you finish a course it doesn't stop there, grooming is ongoing learning and the schools are a stepping stone to get you into the real world.

I agree with chris you never stop learning and their is always someone out their who can show you something you have never seen before.

As for grooming courses when I'm looking for a course I was look for something that offers the most hands on experience possible, a course that does not say completed in two weeks because it is just not possible. If you are thinking of doing another course try and go through a salon that way you get hands on experience and to learn what it's like to work in a salon that's the best thing I ever did.

Ditto to all above. Don't feel disheartend BellaBear. I could say the same about my introduction to grooming. There are more reputable courses out their than others but time, practice and hands on is the only way. There is sooooooooo much to learn you will never pick it up in just one course at one time. Even the most experienced here on the forum strive to perfect their skills. Admirable qualities.

I have been doing a 10 day block (1 day per week) at 'The Grooming School' with Christine Speerin..its been great!! What I learn on a Monday I have all week at work to put into practice before the next class & its totally catered for me & my level of grooming & my availibility ....last day this Monday then I sit IPG certification for poodles & Schunazers on the 16/6...woot half way to my masters then :-)

ps for those who dont know me I have been grooming for 10 years & as they say its never to late to teach an old dog new tricks...they day you stop learning you should give up grooming IMO!!!