I’m Sam Shaw, proprietor of Shaw Dog Grooming and Training Academy and I would like to tell you a little about my background. I started grooming in 2004 and SDGA was established in 2013. 

I have had a colourful career starting my adult life as a hairdresser and running a small business to being a Set and Stage designer for the Theatre, a Youth Worker and also working for a well known bank. All these career backgrounds have helped me develop the skills and knowledge which have assisted me in my chosen career today, a Professional Dog Groomer & Trainer.

I am lucky to have very supportive husband, two sons, two dogs and a very long suffering cat.  I am passionate about animals, dogs and horses in particular, which have always been part of my life.

I came into the dog grooming business because I couldn’t get my own dog groomed and set about doing him myself! After a while, I realised there was a niche in the market waiting to be filled.   I went to Bicton College and took a course in dog grooming.  From day one I knew I had found something that would for fill all my passions and utilise the skills that I had already.

My dog grooming business was established sixteen years ago. I  lectured in Dog Grooming at Bicton College in Devon for five years, writing and delivering courses for the College. I have been fortunate enough to help many students into self employment enabling them to acquire the skills and knowledge in setting up their own successful businesses. I established City and Guilds level 2 at  Bicton and  I have also and taught modules in the  National Diploma Animal Care.

My qualifications include:

BA(Hons) 2.1 degree in Theatre and Education,

PGCE  - Professional Graduate Certificate of Education

Level 3 NPTC Professional Diploma as Dog Grooming Stylist

Level 3  City & Guilds Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement

OCN L3 PET FIRST AID CERTIFICATE

BSL L 1 Sign Language

First Aid at Work Certificate 

I am a member of the following:

The Institute for Learning.

British Dog Groomers Association 

Now I would like to share my knowledge, passion and enthusiasm with others at my own academy.  Come and train with me and together we will create “Art on Legs”. I look forward to talking to you and aid you with your goals.