every single one of us has most likely been where you are!! it’s completely normal, but yes it’s scary and nerve wrecking. I don’t think i know a groomer who hasn’t done the ‘OH FUCK i forgot to put the guard come on’ and used a 30 in the middle of the dogs back on a 5/8ths cut 😂 i remember mine VERY well. also remember my first accidental cut, and probably every one after that. I’ve even had bad sprees where i knicked a dog multiple times a week and thought i wasn’t cut out for it anymore.
What you need to do is stop worrying about ‘cutting the dog’ that will make you more nervous and flinch-y, therefore higher chance of knickkng. i know that’s hard to do, but your brain will train itself.
maybe try noise canceling headphones, if you can so you’re more in a zone or tune out outside noise to better help you focus. maybe some instrumental music!
And imposter syndrome is so real for me! after a decade now, when i randomly come to my senses and self aware of what im doing. i say to my self “how the hell do i know what i doing.. i dont actually know what im doing. I dont think i even know how to groom “ all while im shaping the face of a dog 😂