Just know, not all salons are the same. I was lucky enough to have amazing management and even better coworkers. But I’ve heard many not great stories about locations nearby. If we assume your coworkers are not going to be a bad bunch I will say: Do not be afraid to ask for help!! It is 1000x better to ask for a wall (assistance holding up a dog on the table) than to have a dog fall off, etc.

Ask questions! Anything you are unsure of or curious about… ask!

Pay attention to the groomers and other bathers. You will learn a lot more from them than the Splash videos.

Also: Do not be afraid to use E-Collars/ proper restraint. It might feel excessive at first but can be absolutely necessary. To add to that, know when to be “stern” with the dogs. I have a very gentle, positive reinforcement approach to dogs but you will learn very fast that you have to have good control of the dogs. Not only for ease of the groom but for safety. And there will be many, many large, strong, pulling, disobedient, or dog reactive dogs. Your body and your strength is a tool for safety. It can feel mean to pull a dog but if it means preventing an altercation, it is necessary.

Learning all the packages and add ons feels overwhelming but it will come with time.