Are Online Dog Grooming Courses Worth It In 2024? A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there, all dog enthusiasts! If you're as passionate about dog grooming as we are, you're in for a treat.
Dog grooming is an essential part of keeping your dogs healthy and happy. If you are interested in learning how to groom dogs, you may be wondering if an online dog grooming course is right for you.
Considering the growth in the dog grooming industry, it’s no wonder that many pet owners and other individuals are seeking to acquire dog grooming skills and knowledge. Our comprehensive guide will help you decide if enrolling in an online dog grooming course is a paw-sitive choice for you and your dog.
Already a dog groomer? Become a member of igroomhub to get specialist mentorship from industry professionals and hone your skills.
Blog Post Outline
Are Dog Groomers in Demand in Australia?
How Much Does a Dog Grooming Course Cost?
Online Dog Grooming Courses vs. Hands-on Dog Grooming Courses: Which is Better?
What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Grooming Course?
Are Dog Groomers in Demand in Australia?
Reports show that Australia saw a 20% increase in dog ownership during the pandemic. Many of those dogs require regular grooming and maintenance. However, the number of dog grooming professionals hasn’t increased proportionally. This highlights the high demand for expert dog grooming professionals in Australia.
Moreover, the global pet grooming services market is set to grow at a whopping CAGR of 7.09% between 2022 and 2030. This growth will create a significant opportunity for dog grooming professionals to meet the increasing needs of pet owners. With this growth trend, a career in dog grooming in Australia can be a rewarding choice.
So, if you have a passion for dog grooming and want to pursue a career in it, this is the right time to jump in. Hone your skills, educate yourself, and become a successful dog groomer in Australia.
How Much Does a Dog Grooming Course Cost?
The cost of a dog grooming course varies depending on various factors. They include the type and length of the course, the reputation of the instructor and school, and the resources offered.
Usually, an online dog grooming course in Australia can cost between $500-$4,000. The professional certifications offered by registered pet grooming organisations can cost up to $10,000. On the other hand, hands-on dog grooming courses may cost between $3,000-$9,000.
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In addition to the tuition fee, several other expenditures add up to the course cost. They include transportation costs for hands-on courses and the cost of grooming tools and equipment for online courses. Make sure you consider all these costs before taking admission to a course.
Online Dog Grooming Courses vs. Hands-on Dog Grooming Courses: Which is Better?
When it comes to learning dog grooming, you have two choices: online dog grooming courses and hands-on dog grooming courses. Both have their pros and cons that you must consider before making a decision.
Here is a comprehensive comparison of the two options.
Online Dog Grooming Courses: Advantages and Disadvantages
Online dog grooming courses are becoming increasingly popular these days. They offer several advantages over traditional hands-on courses. However, these advantages come at a cost, too. Here is a breakdown of some upsides and downsides of online dog grooming courses.
Advantages of Online Dog Grooming Courses
The following reasons make online dog grooming courses a good option.
Save you some bucks - Affordability: Online courses are typically more affordable than hands-on courses. They eliminate various overhead costs, such as travel expenses.
Learn at your own pace - Flexibility: These courses allow you to learn according to your learning style and speed. No need to disturb your schedule when you can choose when and where to study.
The comfort of home - Convenience: You can access online courses from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and a mobile phone or laptop. This makes it a great option for people living in remote areas or with busy schedules.
Replay whenever you want - Review-ability: Online grooming courses typically include video lessons and other resource materials in soft copy. You can review them as many times as needed to refresh your memory.
Disadvantages of Online Dog Grooming Courses
With all those attractive advantages come some downsides, too.
Lack of in-person instructions: Online courses do not facilitate in-person communication between the instructor and the trainees. It can hinder the learning process, especially when understanding new concepts. For instance, the instructor can’t physically show you how to hold different sizes of dogs differently or how to groom different types of hair.
Limited feedback: In online courses, the instructor cannot see you are grooming your dog unless it is a live session. Therefore, you don’t get prompt feedback as you can get during in-person classes.
Limited access to tools and equipment: You don’t get access to grooming tools and specialised equipment needed to groom dogs. Instead, you must buy the tools and equipment that can burden your pocket.
Lack of physical demonstration: In online courses, you miss out on the chance for instructors to physically show you how to handle dogs and use grooming equipment properly. This can be a significant downside because practical skills are usually best learned through direct hands-on guidance, which online settings often can't provide.
Hands-on Dog Grooming Courses: Advantages and Disadvantages
Traditionally, an in-class mode of learning is used for dog grooming and dog training courses. It offers various advantages over the online learning method. Likewise, they may have some cons too. Let’s get an overview of both aspects.
Advantages of Hands-on Dog Grooming Courses
Good thing first! Here is what you get when enrolling in a hands-on dog grooming course.
Practical experience under supervision: Mastering dog grooming is all about excelling in different grooming techniques and methods. Hands-on courses allow you to practice grooming dogs under the supervision of your instructor.
Receive prompt feedback on your technique: Practising under supervision allows you to receive feedback from your instructor. You can then make the necessary changes to improve your skills.
Access to all grooming tools and equipment: Most in-class grooming courses provide a dog grooming tool kit. It includes necessary tools, such as grooming tables, brushes and combs, clippers, towels, etc.
Unparalleled communication with qualified instructors: You can meet and interact with qualified dog grooming professionals. You can benefit from their knowledge and experience to hone your skills. A win-win?
Disadvantages of Hands-on Dog Grooming Courses
Similar to online dog grooming courses, it’s not all gold and shiny with hands-on courses. The drawbacks include;
Courses can be expensive: Hands-on dog grooming courses can be expensive. However, they won’t break the bank but are comparatively more expensive than online courses.
Lack of accessibility: These courses might not be available in all areas. With 28% of the Australian population living in rural and remote areas, people may have to travel long distances to attend a course.
Require commitment to a specific schedule: Hands-on dog grooming courses require you to stick to a specific schedule. This can make it challenging for people with busy schedules to complete the course.
Which One is a Better Choice?
The ideal mode of learning dog grooming depends on your budget, goals, and specific needs and requirements. Another factor determining whether to choose a hands-on or online grooming course is your current level of expertise.
If you are just starting in the dog grooming industry, a hands-on course like our Student membership would be the ideal choice. Our Student membership is designed for beginners and can serve as a valuable supplement to your in-person training. If you're ready to kickstart your journey in the dog grooming world, the Student membership is the perfect stepping stone. Feel free to explore more and sign up for the Student membership here.
And yes, it can help you participate in and win dog grooming competitions, too.
On the other hand, if you're already a pro in the dog grooming world but want to take your skills to new heights, consider enrolling in the professional membership. This membership includes a suite of online professional development courses for groomers, offering valuable insights and expertise.
These specialized courses address the specific requirements of experienced professionals, covering everything from mastering techniques in 'How to Handle Difficult Dogs' to acquiring business acumen in 'Running a Dog Grooming Business' and emphasizing safety protocols with 'Working Safely.'
Ready to polish and perfect your skills and stay ahead in the industry? Sign up for the professional membership for groomers.
Pooch Perfect Tip: If you want to take things into your own hands for your fur baby, our online DIY dog grooming course is all you need. Get in-depth training on DIY grooming and maintenance of your dog.
What are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Grooming Course?
Whether you opt for a hands-on dog grooming course or an online course, there are some factors to keep in mind. They include;
Mode of learning
Curriculum
Tuition and Payment Plans
Hands-on Experience
Hours to Complete
Certification
Mode of Learning
Do you prefer online learning, or are you more comfortable with hands-on grooming courses? The choice is yours. Think carefully about all the relevant factors and choose the most feasible option for yourself.
Curriculum
Check out the course contents. Does it include everything you need to learn? From dog bathing to brushing, trimming, and styling, does it offer advanced techniques?
Tuition and Payment Plans
Don’t forget to check your budget to ensure that the course you select is pocket-friendly. Besides tuition, consider other costs too. Make sure that the course doesn’t have any hidden charges or fees. Moreover, are the payment plans convenient for you?
Hands-on Experience
As discussed earlier, hands-on experience is vital for becoming a professional dog groomer. You must get adequate opportunities to practice the learned theory. Some dog grooming schools offer externships to let you practice your skills in the real world. Hands down, that’s the best way of learning for beginners.
Hours to Complete
The hours to complete the learning program vary from course to course. You must balance the time between learning theory and practising it in real life. Typically, the total hours to complete a professional course like dog grooming depend on your pace of learning. The quicker you master all the techniques after learning the theory, the earlier you will complete the course. This is something you should calculate before starting the course.
Certification
The certificate of completion is a proof and endorsement of your skills. It makes you a credible service provider, and people tend to trust more on your services. However, since grooming is an unregulated industry, every program has its own certifications and designations.
It is an important factor to consider, but it is not the sole factor to base your decision on. Instead, you must prioritise other important aspects such as course contents, affordability, and convenience of learning to make a decision.
Are Online Dog Grooming Courses Any Good?
Online dog grooming courses can be good for gaining knowledge and valuable information about dog grooming. However, they lack a crucial aspect of dog grooming: hands-on practice. Without hands-on experience, you cease to become an expert.
If you are starting from scratch, an online dog grooming course might not be the best choice for you. In such cases, consider exploring a student membership to igroomhub. With this membership, you'll really get the hang of all the nitty-gritty in dog grooming techniques and practices.
It's a cost-effective entry point, allowing you to test the waters before committing to the substantial investment of an in-person course. Ready to give it a go? You can sign up for the student membership here.
Embrace the Power of Education in Dog Grooming!
At igroomhub, we’re all about keeping it professional yet fun. Whether you’re a DIY-er, a beginner, or an existing business, we have something for everyone. We also offer various membership options, for instance, a student membership for beginners to support their practical training. On the other hand, professionals can opt for a professional membership and get access to valuable, more advanced grooming resources.
Start your journey towards becoming a successful paw-fessional dog grooming entrepreneur. Your furry clients will thank you, and so will we!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you learn dog grooming online?
You can learn about dog grooming online, but it may not be as effective as an in-class course. Dog grooming, whether DIY or professional, requires hands-on practice and experience. Online dog grooming courses lack this feature.
How do I become a dog groomer in Australia?
To become a dog groomer in Australia, you must get knowledge, training, and experience. You must complete your training from a registered training organisation and get hands-on experience with dogs. Formal qualifications are usually not required to pursue a career as a dog groomer.
How long does it take to train as a dog groomer?
It can take around several weeks to several months to train as a dog groomer. The time it takes to complete your training varies depending on your pace of learning. If you have prior experience in the industry, you can train quicker than beginners.
Do you need a qualification to be a good dog groomer?
No, you don’t need a formal qualification to be a good dog groomer. However, completing relevant courses and training programs can help you develop the essential knowledge and skills. Although online dog grooming courses are available, it is better to opt for training programs where you can get some hands-on experience as well.
Is dog grooming a good side hustle?
Yes, dog grooming can be a good side hustle if you have a passion and talent for grooming your furry friends. You can turn it into a lucrative business opportunity and a profitable side hustle.
What is the future outlook for pet grooming?
The future outlook for pet grooming is growth-oriented, with the global pet grooming services market size projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.09% from 2022 to 2030. The factors fueling this growth are pet humanisation, rising pet expenditure, and an increasing number of grooming businesses.
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