An interview with Helen

Hi!  How long have you been grooming dogs? 

I am a dog-grooming newbie! I have been doing basic grooming such as bathing, nail trims, etc for pet dogs and dog sitting clients for many years. However, in 2024 I decided to train as a professional dog groomer, and have recently completed my City & Guilds Level 2 in dog grooming. In addition, I have completed a vet-taught qualification in Canine First Aid, and one in Feline First Aid.

What types of dog breeds have you worked with? 

In the course of my training at the highly-regarded Look North Dog Grooming & Training I washed, dried and groomed dogs of all sizes! Small but mighty Pomeranians, fluffy Maltese, super-hairy Shi Tzus, regal Standard Poodles, Schnauzers of all sizes, elegant Retrievers, toy breeds, giant regal creatures, young whippersnappers, the old-and-stately, some chunkier chaps, some slim Jims. I've groomed a variety of Doodles and Poos who came into the parlour looking like little curly mops and left fluffy and fragrant.

What kind of training or certifications do you have?  

I have a City & Guilds Level 2 with Distinction in Dog Grooming, and a certificate in Dog First Aid and one in Feline Health & First Aid.

What are your biggest strengths as a dog groomer?  

I hope that the many years i have spent living with dogs, my years as a dog sitter, and the countless hours I have spent on the Internet watching dog training videos(!) have given me an understanding of the tremendous intelligence, perceptiveness and adaptability of our dogs. I believe they understand us far better than we understand them - and they do it instinctively and effortlessly. 

The more we learn about their acute senses (to them we must seem like slow, bumbling, half deaf, unobservant unpredictable weirdos with no sense of smell!) the more amazing they seem.  The empathy and kindness they display to other creatures (including us) and each other is heartwarming and inspirational. There's a good reason big corporations have advertising slogans like "Be more dog". 

Dogs are amazing individuals.  I hope they can tell that I love them, and they know I am doing my utmost to make them happy and comfortable despite my limitations of being a human wielding a brush and a dryer!

What do you find most challenging about dog grooming? 

Besides sore back and comb teeth down the fingernails (ouch!), the most challenging part of being a dog groomer is when a dog is nervous, elderly or obese and really doesn't want to be there! It's hard for a fat or elderly dog to stand up for long, and for this reason all groomers urge our customers to keep their dogs' weight under control, particularly if they are older and have arthritis. It's also why it's important to bring young dogs for grooms as early as possible so that they can take grooming in their stride and feel far less anxious.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest grooming techniques? 

There are trends in dog grooming, just like in human fashion and haircuts. Also, there are continual updates in the tools we use, such as rechargeable cordless clippers. We are fortunate to have loads of fantastic dog grooming 'influencers' on social media who share styles, techniques and general grooming wisdom of all kinds very generously. I watch many dog grooming videos by them for tips and tricks in how to groom and how to handle dogs in the most humane way. In addition, I am a member of the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA) which promotes the highest standards of grooming and best practice for UK dog grooming.

What are your favorite parts of being a dog groomer? 

Number 1 is the dogs: they are an unending joy and source of entertainment.  They are so curious and optimistic, it's an honour to spend time with them.  Along with feeling privileged to be paid to spend time with such amazing souls, there is also immense satifaction in the technicalities of grooming.  A freshly-washed and dried coat which you can then groom to a perfect velvety finish is really rewarding.  Dogs may come in as little shaggy creatures and leave with their bright eyes visible once again!  it's great to see them head out the door looking really smart and ready to crack on with their day!