I learned through PetSmart's training program, apprenticing with another groomer, and a TON of research. I didn't feel that PetSmart gave me enough training for everything that I wanted to know but they did a great job laying the basic foundations.
If you're interested in learning how to groom...
Hi Molly! If you do choose pet grooming as a career it is an incredible field and one you will find tons of enjoyment in! It would highly recommend going to PetGroomerForums.com and reading everything you can in the Career Seekers section.
As for doing online courses, if you have no other...
You're going to want to card out Teagan's coat between times that she is stripped. Carding is removing the undercoat to lay the guard coat close to the body, you can do this with a furminator and it works quite well. If you want to keep her in a stripped pattern you will have to take her into...
If you're looking for all over body clipping I would suggest an Andis UltraEdge 2-speed clipper. Any Andis blade will fit on these clippers so you have many different lengths to choose from. They are more money than any "pet trimmer" but with a thick coat like Aussie's have you need professional...
For shampoo I would recommend Why Itch by B3 Salon Products. It has worked wonders on client dogs for me and the high concentration makes it extremely economical (gallon size dilutes 40 to 1!).
I have absolutely had aggressive dogs. Once you have more experience handling them and working with them slowly and patiently it will get easier. I believe you did the right thing sending that dog home. Too much stress isn't good for the dog or the groomer!
You absolutely did the right thing! If you're not comfortable grooming a dog for any reason you should send it home. Don't let this one incident discourage you! If you need someone to talk to as you're starting out feel free to PM me. Just remember, you are not alone!
Double merle shelties can be invaluable to a breeding program and "back in the day" were a common breeding only dog in many reputable breeder's kennels. If you look into it more there are several kennels who have had perfectly healthy doubles in their breeding program and you may even find out...