Can one REALLY learn to be a dog groomer online? I see there are courses online but wonder of the validity of them. I live in rural BC and am interested in taking the course and setting up my own shop. Any input - thanks!

No, it is not possible to learn how to groom dogs online.

While you may be able to learn theory, actually grooming a living animal that wriggles and has sharp teeth is a whole nother thing.

Speaking as a groomer of 20 years.

I wouldn't bother with an online course. This is really a hands-on business, you need someone to watch and who can watch you.

Even if you go to a grooming school, even though they tell you that you can open your own shop when you finish, don't beleive them. There is SO much more to learn. EVERY person that we have hired who graduated from a school needed LOTS more training (and some un-training).

The main benefit to attending a grooming school is that potential employers are more likely to treat you seriously, since you've invested the time and money in learning and are still interested in grooming.

You other alternative is to go around to the GOOD shops in the area and see if they will train you in exchange for work.

There's a lot more to it than just cutting hair. You need to be able to handle difficult dogs, you need to know health issues, skin problems, parasite control, basic first aid, dog behavior, training, safety, shop and equipment maintenance, how to run a business etc.

do u REALLY need a course on how to groom a flippin dog? wow what has this world become...

If you can find someone who is willing to teach you to do the "hands on" aspect of it, its not a horribly bad idea. The degree looks good, but you need real experience that actually invovles grooming dogs to gain any real knowledge.

There's only so much you can learn from a book...

I think the best way to learn is hands on. Not online.