How the Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy started...
My Journey To Owning My Dog Grooming Business
Like many of us, I’ve had lots of jobs. Jobs I’ve hated, too!
But when rent and bills need to be paid, sometimes we get stuck in a cycle of doing a job we dislike because it offers the financial security we need.
In 1998, aged 21, I had tried lots of jobs in an effort to find my passion. Working in pubs, restaurants, at the airport, in telemarketing, retail, promotions, as a hairdresser’s apprentice. I even tried my hand at strawberry picking (one of the less lucrative professions I explored)!
Throughout all this, my dream was to work with animals, and with dogs in particular. I felt such an affiliation to them.
My thoughts quickly turned to dog grooming, a career I knew nothing about but decided to research. I took an apprenticeship at a local salon and my journey began.
After a couple of years, I decided to set up my own dog grooming business from home. I converted my garage into a dog grooming salon and gathered all my knowledge together to form The Paw Pad.
Throughout my 15 years in the industry, I have been shocked and saddened at the standard of most dog groomers. Time and time again I have clients who bring their dogs to me after disastrous visits to other salons.
I’ve seen shih tzus cut like spaniels, spaniels cut like poodles and sometimes scars, missing nipples and dogs that have clearly had a bad grooming experience.
This really makes me upset and I wanted to change this.
I decided to begin training people so they could carefully, skilfully and responsibly groom dogs of all shapes and sizes.
The Paw Pad Dog Grooming School was born!
At The Paw Pad We believe the finished look of a dog is as essential as the loving care we give our pooches.
We offer accredited dog grooming courses for dog lovers who want to become professional groomers or for owners wanting to groom their own dogs. There is a course for everyone at every level.
We cover breed-specific clipping, scissoring, nail trimming, ear plucking, bathing, handling and plenty more as well as a full induction, business tips and advice.
The dog grooming business is a lovely career choice, and it can be lucrative; during times of recession, the pet industry tends to survive barely unscathed. You’ll meet friends you’ll have for life and fall in love with hundreds of dogs.
One of the best feelings comes on the day a dog who has previously been scared of the groomer finally relaxes and lets you clip their nails, dry their head or trim their pads.
It’s gaining that trust that makes it all worthwhile and here at The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy, we train you so all your pooches are perfect!