2014 Testimonials

"I'm so glad that I found Shaw Dog Grooming Training Academy - from the moment I spoke to Sam on the telephone I knew that I'd be in good hands and would get the right training to enable me to set up my own dog grooming business. I've learnt so much whilst on the course from Canine First Aid to Health and Safety in the grooming room to dog behaviour to environmental issues and then to the all important bathing and trimming/clipping of the dogs. The training room is immaculate and has every piece of equipment you need to complete the job. Nothing is too much for Sam - she gives her knowledge and advice freely and creates a very relaxed but structured environment. I would not hesitate to recommend the training with Sam as I really don't think you could beat it!! Thank you very much Sam.

Joanne Nichols

Honiton

Michelle Harris

Seaton, Devon 

If anyone is thinking of a career change or wishing to further their knowledge in dog grooming Sam Shaw is definitely the lady to enrol with. With beautiful surroundings, a wonderful family who share their home with you, and a grooming establishment that is amazingly clean and full of the most up to date equipment, you will not go wrong.

Sam herself has been the most attentive teacher, very understanding, patient and generous to the extreme with her time and knowledge to train you far beyond the qualification you are trying to achieve.

What I also loved was how much emphasise, Sam put on the welfare of the dog. I have been on many courses and seminars that educate you on the stresses we put on our dogs, grooming isn’t the most natural experience for a dog and Sam took plenty of time to teach everyone how to help the dog to become relaxed, calm and safe. So, that the whole experience wasn’t an unpleasant one for the dog. Understanding their body language was paramount. We even had a canine first Aid day that was a real bonus.

Sam has become a real friend that is always there for you even when your course has finished and she will do anything she can to help you, including setting up your own business, which is exactly what I’m just about to do.

Thanks Sam you’re a star.

Shaw Grooming Academy is THE place to train.  Set in beautiful, relaxing surroundings and with Sam and her families amazing hospitality, you will be supported and encouraged every step of the way.  Most importantly Sam is an experienced and patient teacher, with an impressive and relevant list of qualifications.  Sam’s ethos is very much geared to the benefit of the dog.  Its physical and mental health are paramount at all times and for me this was an important factor in choosing this Academy.    It is refreshing to meet someone who is happy to share not only grooming knowledge but business knowledge as well, vitally important if like me you are setting up a new business.  If you are looking around at training schools you will not make a better choice.

Katie Wilkinson Veterinary Nurse

Curly’s Groom Room.

I initially contacted Sam with a few emails asking a range of questions about grooming, setting up my own business and also asked how realistic it would be for a person in their mid 50s to take this on as a new career.  I liked her replies, they were very honest and informative and, moreover, she didn’t try to sell her courses to me but instead suggested I investigate further before committing financially to any course.  My next step was to speak to Sam on the phone.  She listened to all my questions, concerns and hopes.  She just gave me the confidence to go ahead with my plan without any persuasion, I just got from her a real sense of someone doing a job they love, and that was what I was looking for. 

Even though I live in Surrey, I decided to go ahead so I booked my courses with Sam.  She was also able to offer me boarding which was excellent.   I have now completed 2 x one week courses at Sam’s academy and thoroughly enjoyed both.  She is very professional, friendly and makes everyone feel at ease.  I found her to be very knowledgeable, patient and a joy to work alongside and learn from.   We worked on different dogs each day, with a variety of coat types which gave everyone a good all round start to grooming. 

I still keep in touch with Sam as a friend and an adviser, she is as good as her word -  I recommend her 100%!!

Liz (Carshalton,Surrey) 



Choosing the right training centre is very important but what is more important is the teacher!  Sam puts every ounce of her knowledge and experience into her lessons therefore you are able to learn at a steady but confident pace which in turn gives you great results. I have now been grooming dogs for five years on my own since being trained by Sam, she encouraged me to embark as a dog groomer and I haven’t looked back since.  Sam has supported me and encouraged me to try new skills as I have progressed over the last five years and I am now aiming to take my level 3 in dog grooming and competing in the future....Thank you Sam!!

Jo Priddle

Mucky Mutts of Devon

TESTIMONIAL SAM SHAW

Sam was my lecturer/trainer at Bicton College when I made a dramatic career change from publisher to dog groom er!

Not only is Sam is in a league of her own when it comes to dogs, she is a superb lecturer/trainer, and her knowledge of and expertise with dogs is unsurpassable.

On the first day of my Dog Grooming Course when I met Sam she instantly put me at ease. I can honestly say of all the schools/colleges and a business course I have attended in my life Sam's teaching/training ability is truly outstanding.

If you are considering dog grooming as a career, I would have no hesitation in recommending very highly Shaw Dog Grooming & Training Academy.

Jane McGovern
Meshaw Dog Grooming

TESTIMONIAL:

Sam taught both myself and my husband when we took out City and Guilds Level 2.

Sam was so supportive of us and explained clearly and patiently and never got tired of going over things again until the penny finally dropped. I found her to be an excellent tutor having patience and kind encouraging words supporting us every step of the way. She has also been a great help with advice when we set up our own grooming business.

I’m so glad that I trained with Sam as she has given me so much confidence and support even after the course had finished. This personal touch is why I would thoroughly recommend Sam in every way to train with.

Debbie & Stewart Edens – Dalens Dog Grooming, Ruscombe, Sitcott Farm, St Giles on the Heath

I have been running my own grooming business for 4 years.  I have attended many courses run by Sam, starting with the Basic Dog Grooming and Clipping & Stripping course through to The City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification.  I have also attended other 1-day courses, including Poodle Master Class & Cat Grooming, all of which were organised by Sam.  I believe it is important to continue with training in order perfect technique & gain more experience.
 
Sam not only taught me how to groom, she also gave me the confidence I needed to set up my business & I could never have achieved all I have without her.  Her support doesn't stop at the end of the day, or even the course, as she has always been there for me if & when I need her to give me advice.  Sam is the most supportive and encouraging teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed attending her courses and would certainly recommend anyone wanting to pursue a career in Dog Grooming to train with her.
 
I am now looking forward to attending the City & Guilds Level 3 at ******
 
Vicky Goddard, Proprietor of Animal Allsorts - Pet Supplies and Grooming.

 Hi, I’m Karin Gupwell and have been working for the NHS now for 24 years.  After a recent downgrading of my job, I decided to look into a career change.  I lost confidence and my morale plummeted and therefore, I decided to train in something I really enjoy and that is working with dogs. 

I started training with Sam in the late spring of 2012.  Her enthusiasm and positive attitude encouraged me to work with dogs and have my own business; thus reassuring my ambition.  

I did the key skills to dog grooming and the foundation course in clipping and hand stripping  to boost my morale and to get back into learning.  This has gone on a step further thanks to Sam, with her ability to teach, her patience and making it extremely enjoyable, I now want to pursue qualifications to further levels in her courses, City and Guilds Level 2 and possibly Level 3 as well!

Sam’s grooming academy is set in beautiful surroundings in East Devon.  The teaching room is hygienic with new up to date equipment.  I have met many other students taught by Sam who are all running their own successful dog grooming business. I would not be able to find such a pleasurable place or person to be taught by anywhere else in the South of England.