Dog Grooming Books
Is it possible to learn how to groom your dog or cat from a book? For the most part, yes, you can learn quite a bit from a grooming book, but you probably won’t learn everything that you need to know. You can definitely learn the basics of grooming.
Books are an excellent starting point, especially if you’re learning at home. Although, today, you can get this type of information on various medias such as dvds, ebooks or videos, having an actual book for learning and future reference is a great idea.
Of course, you get the basics of grooming from a book and then you need to put this knowledge to use in the actual hands on application. It never fails. Any task always sounds easier when you read how to do it, but actually trying to do the task is the second step in learning.
The Stone Guide to Dog Grooming for All Breeds
Are Dog Grooming Books or DVD’s Better?
While most of us understand by reading information, some people have difficulties with this method of learning. For these folks, there are many videos available and they can also try hands on training. You can get some free training on basic grooming by volunteering at a local animal shelter. Watch a pet grooming video and then try some of the basic techniques at the animal shelter. You’ll definitely get considerable hands on experience with the different breeds and temperaments.
You really can’t beat hands on experience. Reading how a grooming process should be done may not provide you with sufficient insight. While watching this same grooming process on a DVD or Video provides better training visually, this method of learning still has some pitfalls. When you actually try the grooming process on a dog or cat, you will have some challenges remembering what to do, but with practice, that particular grooming step will become second nature for you.
Other Books or DVD’s to Consider Besides Pet Grooming Topics
Other beneficial books touch on the side of this grooming business that people generally don’t want to think about. In fact, running a business is not something people generally are prepared for. An excellent, thorough business guide book can be your best friend. It helps you plan for business growth and teaches you to make best use of your shop’s potential. If a loan is necessary to start your business, a sound business plan is actually a must. This book will also teach you how to interact with your clients.
Client relations are of the utmost importance for any business to succeed. They’re the key to repetitive business and future referrals. Also remember that if you start a business for pet grooming, you’ll need to keep appropriate records which are not only important to see how your business is doing but is also necessary for the yearly dreaded tax filing.
I Only Want to Learn How to Groom My Pet
What if you’re not a professionally trained groomer but you do have a purebred puppy and you would like some details on how to properly care for his coat and also learn how to perform some easy grooming techniques?
You might start with your local library. They may offer a few selections of publications, but your local pet supply store will probably have several grooming books on the primary breeds. At the very least, these specific breed grooming books inform you of your dog’s typical personality and common breed traits, and, also, provides you with some basic grooming techniques.
An excellent source for grooming books would be online book stores. For example, check out the books on dog grooming that are available at Amazon. Place an order for the book and it will be at your front doors in just a few days.
Keeping Up to Date if You Want to be a Professional Pet Groomer
If you are a professional groomer, grooming books and magazines will help you to keep current with the latest market trends and products.
Both “Dogster” (formerly Dog Fancy) and “Catster” (formerly Cat Fancy) are excellent magazines and they have a lot more information than just cute pet stories, pictures and advertisements. Each month, these two magazines have several valuable articles relating to products, care and health of your pet, training and many more topics.
Industry pet grooming magazines such as “Groomer to Groomer” will help you keep up to date with all the latest developments inside the pet grooming business. Other trade publications in the pet grooming area are available and if you’re serious about the area of pet care, you should obtain a subscription to at least one of these to not only enhance your knowledge but also to keep abreast of all the new developments that are constantly occurring.
Remember, many of your clients may already subscribe to some of these magazines so that they can give their pets the best care possible! You need to keep abreast on current topics so that you can share this valuable information with your clients. This information doesn’t only benefit your client, it will show that you are very knowledgeable with pet care and enhance your reputation!
