“I absolutely love my career. I get to meet so many lovely people and dogs.” – Charlie Goodwin
We recently caught up with our former dog grooming student, Charlie Goodwin. We asked her about her journey in dog grooming, her experiences on the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming programme, and her career since completing the course…
My journey into dog grooming began with a love of dogs and a desire to build a hands-on career where I could care for animals every day. I wanted to do something practical and meaningful, while helping dogs look and feel their best.
When I decided to pursue grooming professionally, giving myself the best possible start was really important to me. I chose my training provider carefully, as I knew the right support would help me build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to develop into a capable and caring groomer. The College of Animal Welfare stood out as a place that could help me get on the right track.
I travelled regularly from Chesterfield to Leeds to complete my Level 3 qualification, as I felt the college offered brilliant training. I was impressed by the teachers, facilities, class sizes, and the care and attention given to students.
The course helped me understand that grooming is about much more than creating a lovely finish. It taught me about safe handling, coat care, understanding each dog’s individual needs, and working in a patient, reassuring way.
Since qualifying, I have gone on to set up my own business, Home Hounds Grooming, and become self-employed. I offer gentle dog grooming in each dog’s own home, bringing all of my equipment with me. This allows me to provide a calm, convenient and personal service without the need for owners or dogs to travel to a salon.
Gentle handling is at the heart of how I work. I believe grooming should be a kind and positive experience, especially for dogs who may be nervous, elderly, sensitive, or unsettled by a busy salon environment. Taking the time to build trust with each dog is really important to me.
I absolutely love my career. I get to meet so many lovely people and dogs, and it is especially rewarding to help clients who may find it difficult to travel, as well as owners who simply prefer their dog to be groomed at home.
For me, dog grooming combines care, skill, patience and creativity. It can be hard work, but it is incredibly fulfilling. I feel proud to be part of an industry that supports dogs’ wellbeing, builds trust with owners, and makes life a little easier for families.