General News
30 March, 2023
Training to groom dogs the best way
FAR North Queensland’s first nationally accredited dog grooming training centre has been launched by a pioneering Goldsborough resident.
Dog grooming is a booming industry that remains unregulated.
As the popularity of these services increases in Australia, a current shortage of groomers and a lack of training are putting a strain on the industry.
Founder of Cute as a Button Dog Grooming at Goldsborough, Tara Tinsey, has launched the first nationally accredited dog grooming training centre in the Far North to address shortages and obtain regulation.
Ms Tinsey said it was essential for the industry to have more trained groomers.
“The difference with grooming is that you’re using the clippers and the scissors, and you’re starting to do more hands-on work rather than just buffing; you’re working on the coat, making them look pretty,” she said.
“What’s interesting about the grooming industry is that it’s unregulated; anyone can pick up the tools and start grooming.
“We’re trying to get the industry regulated to have people grooming people’s pets safely.
“This is why we need formal, nationally recognised qualification because every person that does this qualification will be taught the same thing, so when they go out on their own, they’re equipped with information.
“That way, they’ll know how to handle the pet safely and what tools to use, so the animal is well cared for.”
Ms Tinsey’s Cute as a Button Dog Grooming partnered with Heineger Academy, a registered training organisation working with Australian grooming academies, to bring a one-on-one training program for groomers to-be in the Far North.
Spilt into two elements of practical training provided by Cute as a Button and theory, provided by Heiniger Academy, students will hold a nationally recognised qualification in ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services (Pet Grooming) at completion.
“This is what gives us the edge over other groomers and trainers; through Heineger’s theory component, our students will receive a Certificate III in Animal Care Services; that’s something only we have,” Ms Tinsey said.
“We need to get the word out that there are people that can give you that formal education but can also mentor you while you’re learning and help you get into the industry.”
Students of this course will learn the correct ways to approach pets on the grooming table, how to determine the different coat types and the appropriate methods to groom these coat types, choosing the proper tools, recognising skin and coat problems, and grooming from start to finish safely.
Ms Tinsey will also hold grooming competitions to attract groomers and educate them on proper practices.
“The introduction of designer breeds, like -oodle breeds and cross breeds, these dogs require a lot of grooming care, so we’ve seen an increase in demand for groomers,” she said.
“Cute as a Button will be hosting the first dog grooming competition in Cairns this May alongside the Cairns City Kennel Club open day.
The Pup Cup in May will have industry leaders holding presentations on animal first aid, business courses, and animal handling skills, along with talented groomers from across Australia and within Cairns.
Entries for Cairns’ first grooming competition, the Pup Cup, are now open. To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3lEWpeu
