The Philosophy and Objectives of Virginia School of Pet Grooming in Manassas, VA

OBJECTIVE #1

To teach students to accurately groom all breeds of dogs with emphasis on the most popular pet breeds: Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Bichon Frises, West Highland White Terriers, Malteses, and Yorkshire Terriers. Special attention will be given to grooming the mixed breeds. In all instances, quality over quantity will be emphasized. It is our belief that speed develops as a matter of course.

OBJECTIVE #2

To teach the groomers of tomorrow, animal safety and consideration through education on temperament and psychology of the canine/feline. Each student will learn humane restraint techniques for “hard to handle” pets, and will become acquainted with our rehabilitation methods for those pets that MUST be handled in a veterinary office and not in the normal grooming environment.

OBJECTIVE #3

To teach the students new concepts in shop design and cleanliness. Students will hopefully come away with a new outlook on grooming and what is possible in this industry.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that pet grooming can be rewarding both emotionally and financially, but it is not a career for everyone. The work is hard and requires an enormous amount of dedication, patience, and love of animals. An ability to tactfully educate the pet owner is of utmost importance. An aggressive, confrontational way of dealing with clients is counterproductive. Most of the mistakes made by owners in pet care are due to ignorance. A helpful, positive attitude protects the new groomer from the “burnout” some experience two or three years later.