QC Pet Studies Graduate Feature: Alesha Stanley

Name: Alesha Stanley

Location: Weyburn, Saskatchewan

QC Pet Studies Courses you’ve taken:

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am 21 years old and have been working with dogs for over four years. I love sports and the outdoors. Also, I love to travel and go on adventures!

When did you first know that you wanted dog grooming to become more than just a hobby?

When I started working at Off the Leash. They’re a dog grooming salon/doggy daycare. I was hired to work in the daycare, but I quickly realized that I was interested in grooming!

What’s your favorite dog breed that you love to groom and why?

I love grooming Schnauzers! They are one of my favorite breeds in general, but they’re so fun to groom because they all have such different features.

You’re currently employed with Fido’s Place. How has your experience been so far working as a groomer within their salon?

It has been awesome! I love my job and all of the two-legged (and four-legged) customers!

Do you have any plans to open up your own dog grooming business one day?

Probably not, no. I live in a little town, so there probably wouldn’t be enough business.

Why did you decide to pursue your dog grooming training online, rather than in-person?

At the time, two of my coworkers has taken the online Dog Grooming Course with QC Pet Studies. They suggested it to me! It was also cheaper and I could do my training at my own pace.

Ultimately, why did you decide to enroll with QC Pet Studies? What made QC stand out when compared to other online dog grooming schools?

I only looked at one other school, which was a brick-and-mortar school in my hometown. However, it was very expensive! I chose QC Pet Studies because it was affordable. Plus, as I mentioned, I already knew people who had trained with QC.

You’ve also graduated from QC Pet Studies’ First Aid for Groomers Course. In your own experience, why is First Aid training critical for any professional groomer?

There are SO many things that can go wrong during a groom – many of which are beyond your control. It’s important to have some sort of First Aid training in order to keep calm and do the best thing for the dog in every situation.

What was your favorite assignment from QC Pet Studies’ Dog Grooming Course and why?

I loved the Schnauzer Terrier assignment! They are just such cool dogs and so much fun to groom.

What was the hardest grooming technique you’ve encountered in your career so far? Is there a particular technique or skill you’re leaning to master right now?

I find grooming giant breeds (such as Newfies) with compacted coats to be really hard. It’s so time-consuming and rough on your body! I’m still learning the most time-efficient way to groom heavy-coated breeds like that.

Do you have any advice for aspiring groomers who are struggling to find dogs to practice on for their QC Pet Studies assignments? Where should they be looking, and how should they assure the owners that they’re going to take proper care of their pet?

I would try to reach out to people online. Post in local pet groups on Facebook and ask if anyone would be willing to let you use their pet for your QC Pet Studies assignments. Afterwards, see if those people are willing to write you a reference letter. This way, you can provide that letter to other, potentially nervous owners and help ease their concerns.

How do you think that QC Pet Studies’ Dog Grooming Course has prepared you to work in the field?

Yes! One of the biggest things was that I found the tutor feedback is very useful. That being said, I do wish a more in-depth explanation was offered sometimes. For example, I struggled at first with mixed breed dogs. I felt there wasn’t as much information as I would have liked, in terms of average pet trims on mixed breeds. But beyond that, QC Pet Studies definitely got me going in the right direction, which has benefitted my career!

What’s on the horizon for you and your dog grooming career in 2021?

I plan on continuing my work at Fido’s Place and hopefully extending our clientele. Also, I hope to become quicker so I can groom more dogs!