The Digital Groomer: Is Online Dog Grooming Training Effective?
My journey to becoming a dog groomer almost ended before it began because of my misconceptions about online schools. If you want to become a groomer but are skeptical about online schools–as I was–I’d like to share my story. In Animal Behavior College, I found a hybrid program that offers a perfect blend of online classes and real-world experience with a mentor.
My Dog Groomer Journey
To go back to the beginning, I was never particularly a dog person, but about five years ago, a stray puppy toddled up my front porch steps. Those eyes! It was late, so I let him stay “just for one night.” You can probably guess the rest of the story.
I named him Frito, and he was definitely in need of a good trim. The local groomers were booked solid for weeks. When I finally did get a grooming appointment for Frito, I got a bad case of sticker shock. My dog’s groomer makes more than my own hair stylist!
That’s when it clicked. I’d been looking for a side gig to help me get out of debt faster. Becoming a groomer seemed like the perfect answer–more groomers were obviously in need in my area–and if I learned how to groom dogs I’d save myself a ton of money on Frito’s grooming services.
Finding the Right Dog Grooming Course
When I decided to become a dog groomer, I assumed I could find a grooming school near me and take classes in person. When I Googled dog grooming schools, though, I just kept coming up with online programs. The single brick and mortar school I found was an hour and a half away. With a full-time job, driving a total of three hours every time I went to class was not possible.
Even though it seemed like my only option, I really didn’t think an online school was the answer. How on earth could you learn a physical skill like dog grooming just by watching videos or reading about it online? Sure, you wouldn’t necessarily need an in-person course to learn about some things, like anatomy, breed characteristics, and safety and hygiene. Maybe you could even get a basic idea of the different types of grooming cuts and techniques via an online course; but without hands-on practice and someone to guide you in person, how would you ever master the skills? You couldn’t!
So I rejected the idea of an online school. Still, I kept searching. As I explored my choices, I kept coming back to Animal Behavior College. I assumed they were an online program like all the others, but one day I finally clicked on them and found my assumption was totally wrong.
What’s It Like Learning Online?
The way ABC approaches dog grooming training is brilliant, offering the best of both worlds. Their certification program is not an online grooming course but a hybrid of online learning and in-person training, or “externship,” with a mentor.
After speaking to an admissions counselor to learn more, I enrolled in ABC’s Grooming Instruction Program.
Once I got started, I couldn’t imagine trading the ABC experience for a brick and mortar school! Instead of wasting time and money traveling to an in person school for classes on the more academic aspects of grooming, I could sit in my living room and learn online. (It is the 21st century after all. Why not take advantage of technology?) Actually, my “classroom” could be anywhere. On Saturday mornings, I liked setting up at a dog-friendly coffee shop where I could work with Frito curled up at my feet.
The content was engaging, and the videos were especially helpful. If I got stuck, I could always turn to ABC and their program manager team, who are all groomers themselves!
When I started my externship at a local grooming salon, I knew I’d made the right decision. I loved transforming dogs, making them look and feel better. My mentor was awesome, and so patient. Sure, I made a few mistakes, but thankfully none that my mentor couldn’t help me clean up.
A year after I made that first call to ABC, I completed the program and earned my certification!
No Reservations
I have no reservations recommending ABC’s grooming program to anyone who wants to start a career as a groomer. In combination with the experience I got working with my mentor, online learning was a wonderful experience. I love being a groomer, and I’m about to take the plunge and open my own business (ABC’s curriculum helped with that, too, and the alumni support is awesome). Wish me luck!
must and it’s going to take time to become a professional.” In addition, self-care is important. It is ok to take care of yourself. Dog training and having your own business can be physically and mentally exhausting, so scheduling sessions around your schedule to ensure a work/life balance is a healthy approach. 
Do you love to spoil your dog? If yes, you might consider signing up for a Truly Pawsome’s curated delivery service. Once a month, the service will deliver a box of handpicked treats and toys to your door. Each box contains four to five high-quality items (healthy treats, entertaining toys and other handy accessories) to help keep your dog happy and healthy. You may purchase a single box or subscribe to a 3-, 6- or 12-month plan—the longer the plan, the more you will save on each box. And, if there is a particular item your dog loves, you can order more from the Truly Pawsome shop. 
Nothing helps satisfy a cat’s ancestral wild side more than the enticing taste of real meat found in Sojos naturalcat cat treats. The raw, grain-free treats contain 100 percent, USDA-certified meat, which is gently freeze-dried to lock in all the natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals. The treats contain no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors and are available in three flavors: salmon, venison and turkey. 
Nothing captivates cats like the thrill of the hunt. Petlinks’ new Roaming Runner critter cat toys jitter, dance and scury, mimicking the movements of real prey. The critters are covered in soft fabrics and move on vibrating bristles, eliminating wheels and axles that can easily break and jam with hair and dirt. Available in four adorable designs—ladybug, caterpillar, bird and mouse—the toys come complete with replaceable batteries. 
Anyone who has ever loved a dog, young or old, will delight in award-winning photographer Nancy LeVine’s new book “Senior Dogs Across America.” Traveling the length and breadth of America to meet and photograph endearing senior canine citizens, Nancy has selected 86 of her finest portraits for the book, perfectly capturing the enduring appeal of these elderly dignified beings in the places where they belong—all across America. Book details: Schiffer Publishing, 12 x 9 in., 128-pg. hardcover with 84 color photos; ISBN13: 9780764351112. 
TORUS™ is a pet watering system, portable storage bowl and supplement dispenser all in one. The bowl stores water inside its reservoir walls and filters the water as it automatically dispenses. Its large capacity (one or two liters) requires less frequent refilling and its low profile means fewer spills. The bowl features lock, fill and drink functions, making it ideal for travel—not batteries or power source required. and has a 12 month warranty. The bowls are available in two sizes, 2L (in blue, red or gray) and 1L (in blue red, gray or pink), come with one carbon filter and have a 12-month warranty. Replacement filters are also available. 
Designed to be thrown or launched goDog Retrieval dog toys are built tough to provide long-lasting fun and excitement. The Canvas Dragon Dummy is a brightly colored training dummy, making it easy for pets and owners to find when thrown. It has a solid rubber core and is covered with a durable canvas outer shell. The Slingshot Dragon is covered with brightly colored durable nylon and features an internal slingshot to send it flying through the air. Simply pull back on the elastic launcher and release to provide many hours of indoor and outdoor interactive play. 
Whether your feline prefers chasing bugs or mice, Duckyworld has a cat toy for you. The Yeowww! Lady Krinkle Bug has crinkly wings on a durable body that will entice your cat to bat and kick it. The Yeowww! Chubby Mouse is extra wide and long—2 in. by 3.5+ in.—for hours of tossable fun. Both cat toys are made with hand-sewn, highly durable cotton twill and safe vegetable and soy ink coloring, and are individually stuffed with 100 percent organically grown catnip. 
Holiday Skinneeez Reindeer Dog Toy from Ethical Products is ideal for rambunctious dogs who can de-stuff and destroy plush toys in record time. This stuffing-free dog toy is designed to withstand the antics of the most enthusiastic dogs. The 20-inch long toy incorporates a squeaker for auditory stimulation and its stitched-on features ensure no plastic parts will come off in your dog’s mouth. Easy on teeth and gums, it is recommended for medium to tough chewers. 
Your cats will go crazy for Crazy Cat Modern Scratchers from 26 Bars & a Band, while you will love their minimalist style. Comprised of replaceable, recycled cardboard discs, the scratching post is attached to a sturdy metal base, which comes in four colors (black, red, taupe and white). The cardboard refills easily slide on to replace the old ones. The French-made cat scratchers come in three sizes–small, 11.-in. high with a 10½ by 11½ in. base; medium, 15-in. high with a 10½ by 15 ½ in. base; and large, 19½ in. high with a 10½ by 15 ½ in. base. 
Epiphany Glass creates beautiful hand-blown, durable glassware bowls for discriminating pets and their owners. Available in small and large sizes appropriate for water or food, each bowl has a paw print impression on the bottom inside and thick, colored glass all around. They come in a variety of colors and some are infused with aventurine for an added sparkly effect. The elegant bowls also feature a no-slip, no-chip coating along the bottom edge. A portion of the proceeds go to the Michigan Humane Society. 
Pamper your pet this winter with a sumptuous layer of comfort and coziness without sacrificing durability—or style. Sleepypod®’s Cloudpuff luxurious pet blanket features ultrasoft plush on one side and a durable, microfiber suede on the other. Extremely versatile, it can be used as a blanket, carrier liner, car seat cover or couch cover. Available in two colors, Champagne and Chestnut, the blanket comes in two sizes and weights: large at 30 x 21 inches and 201 grams, and medium at 18.5 x 14.5 inches and 95 grams. 
Plato Farmers Market Real Strips are made with single-source novel proteins and fresh veggies from local farms. They do not contain added sugars, artificial preservatives, by-products, artificial colors or protein-meals. The dog treats are formulated to be beneficial to dogs with skin issues, allergies and food sensitivities, and help promote digestion, skin and coat health and circulation. They come in three recipes—Chicken & Vegetables. Salmon & Vegetables and Duck & Vegetables—in 14.11-oz. resealable bags. 
Keep your dogs looking great with Wahl’s two new lines of pet grooming accessories. The Green Line is for small- to mid-sized dogs and the premium Orange Line for all breeds. Both lines include a Double Sided Pin Brush with stainless-steel pins for detangling and removing loose hair, and boar bristles to distribute oils from the skin and down the hair shaft; a Slicker Brush for removing loose hair and tangles from dense or curly coats; a Nail Clipper with a safety lock and soft-touch grip; a Flea & Tick Comb that also aids in untangling light mats; and an Undercoat Rake to untangle mats and remove loose undercoat from dogs with medium- to long-coated hair. 
The U J I Tunnel System from Nekochan Enterprises is the ultimate cat entertainment center. Designed to enrich a cat’s play environment, the system’s individual tunnels—in I, J and U shapes—easily connect to form multiple combinations with a variety of openings. In addition, the I shape incorporates crinkly paper for further enrichment. Featuring a high-quality construction and easy-care material, each tunnel conveniently folds into a pocket and comes with its own stylish carry bag. 
