I recently did a 16day course in doggrooming (very expensive) now they say I can go onto groom dogs but the thing is I feel I need experience first!  I am willing to go and work for someone free if I can gain experience. Am I alone in this area or can anyone comment.

well done you . I wouldn't worry to much as most dog groomers build up a local clientele of customers.
I would pop a card in a local shop and wait for your first booking, you can explain over the phone to them that your new to this business, at least there then knowing before hand that your a novice doggy groomer . The more dogs you do the more experience you will gain . When they come to pay you can either say no charge or a minimal amount ? I'm sure the people will be very happy.
I'm only saying this because i spoke to a woman who had only just started back up again after a 15 year break and a center near us on an industrial estate always are asking for trainee groomers and apparently they just end up getting you to do the washing and cleaning up of the job not the clipping side ?

You could also offer to do friends dogs.  I do this at present for no  cost. This way I get the experience of grooming and can decide if once I retire I want to do this sort of thing full time.

Hi,
Did you get to do many dogs on your course??? The course i did was 6 weeks with dogs to do every day and i set up as soon as i came out so everything was fresh. Most groomers would probably have you doing the easy jobs like the shampooing and drying rather than the clipping, scissoring etc. So it would be a good idea to find friends dogs or people who would let you practice. You really need to get started soon as i found it much easier because everything i learnt was fresh in my mind and i didnt really get chance to forget anything.
Good luck.
mel.

where did you do your course - i am interested in doing one too. was it what you expected and value for money?

I think doing friends dogs is a good idea and so hopefully wont mind if its not quite perfect.

Hi

I'm starting my city and guilds in dog grooming in September and plan to a) nab all my friends dogs to practice on and b) volunteer for a dog rescue to go and spend a day grooming whenever I can - to gain experience, confidence and speed before I start charging

good luck

Where in the country are you?
I'd be prepared for you to have a practise on Freddie(min poodle) if you are local.
PM me if you want