"I have been for training with Heidi at Absolutely Animals on two occasions. Heidi provides training at all levels, from complete beginner to the experienced groomer looking to explore the finer points of pet styling. I have been delighted with the training and support I received and thanks to Heidi's tuition and guidance I passed the three practical modules for the City & Guilds 7750/03 on my first attempt.

Having been working on my own for a few years, I thought my work was OK but felt out of touch and in need of experienced help. Choosing Heidi was easy as she is not only very highly qualified but had also been Groomer of the Year! The practical modules of the 7750/03 were a big step for me and I needed to ensure that I went for training to someone capable of preparing me fully to attempt them. I knew some people don’t pass first time.

Having to travel from Jersey is time consuming and expensive. I had to leave my family, close my business and negotiate trains and buses through London! No easy task for a Jersey girl (we don’t even have trains in Jersey!) I knew on my first visit I was in the right place for what I needed to achieve and that the effort was worthwhile. After my first visit I came away with a lot of advice and techniques to think about and work on. Over the next few months I applied a lot of what I had learnt to my work and found a new enthusiasm for what I was doing. Heidi had inspired me to take a new look at each dog I trim and I still enjoy that feeling now.

As the exam neared, I did panic a lot. However, being in contact by e-mail with photos of the breeds I was practising helped a great deal. As advised, I spent a lot of time studying the Kennel Club Breed Standards and Notes from the Grooming Table. On my second visit I spent another training day with Heidi and then prepared the dogs Heidi had provided the day before the exam. Although I was very nervous, because of the advice and support I had received, I know I couldn’t have been any more prepared.

Sue Slous, Jersey"

I completed my City and Guilds (level 2) within my two months training at Absolutely Animals this has sent me in the right direction in preparing and setting up my own Dog Grooming business. With special thanks to Heidi Anderton and her qualified staff for providing me with the correct training, support and advice I needed in helping me pass my course.

With only minor training from a previous grooming trainer I found that Heidi's knowledge and teaching has proved invaluable to me on pursuing my career. All my questions were answered in depth with great understanding and detail. Heidi has inspired me by her way of teaching and genuine care for dogs enabling me to look at the balance, style and shape of each individual dog. The finished results were simply outstanding.

Finishing my course I went away feeling comfortable, confident and 100% competent in the work I carry out. I strongly recommend Absolutely Animals as the number 1 training centre.

Diana Ricketts........

I decided to train at Absolutely Animals after doing extensive research into training schools. I wanted somewhere where I would find very experienced, competent trainers who really cared about the animals, not just wanting to make money. I believe that if you are going to do something, do it properly – and I did by enrolling with Heidi Colin and Darren. I am not a confident person, and full of self doubt, but the three of them put me through my paces with patience; tailoring their training style to fit in with how I learn, all the while ensuring it was enjoyable. As it is such a well respected working salon I had a wide range of dog breeds and temperaments to practice on. Not only did we learn grooming to a Level 3 City and Guilds standard, but also how to apply dog psychology to handle the dogs in a way that was safe for both humans and dogs alike, making the grooming process so much easier!! The well equipped salon and meant I was able to use a range of the latest tools of the trade. As a result I was able to pass my Level 2 City and Guilds exam, the first I had taken in about 20 years. I felt such a great sense of achievement and I am now nearer to realising my lifelong ambitions. I continue to help out at the salon on Saturdays, working with Darren and Christine, whilst I sort out my business. I continue to learn a lot from Darren who is very knowledgeable and is patience personified - with me and my ever present self doubt and my constant barrage of questions (which he never tires of answering!!!). He is also fun to work with. During my course Darren produced a number of theory classes using PowerPoint presentations which were very useful and relevant to the course. He loves the dogs and knows a lot about them and handles them really well. I also get to work with Christine who is an amazing young groomer and will be a great trainer in the future. Whilst I have learnt so much and worked so hard I have also made some good friends in the trainers and students I have trained with. It’s great working in the dog world – just where I want to be - with ever grateful thanks to Heidi, Col, Darren and Christine.

Sarah Bird.............

 After leaving the rat race as a group director of facilities management, I looked around the web for an appropriate school to train me as a dog and cat groomer. After a number of hours of searching the web and telephone calls, I was fortunate to arrive at absolutely animals, on global pet grooming.com where Heidi and Colin were promoting their training school, with a list of qualifications and achievements between them as long as your arm.

After a quick telephone call and a chat with Colin and Heidi, I knew it was the school for me if I wanted to become a professional groomer and open my own grooming parlour. I was offered the opportunity to visit and take a look at the school before agreeing to become a student, (which I declined as all my questions had been answered).

I have now spent 5 weeks out of my 6 weeks course at the school, and have gained the confidence to open my own shop and go it alone, knowing that Heidi and Colin are at the end of a phone call if thing start to go pear shape, and that they are starting their online seminars. Both Heidi and Colin are very high professionals in the salon and no question, however stupid you think it may be, will be answered in a professional and courteous way. They also make you feel a part of the team and not just a student, and seem to have the patience of the gods when they have to show you how to do the feet twice a day, as they are not tight enough, and you have not removed that fur from the pads, again!!!!

I have found the training and the information given to me beyond belief, when you look back to day one. I still have a great deal to learn, but feel that the training I have received to this present time and the confidence that Heidi and Colin have installed in me is second to none, and would find it hard for any ex student not to recommend them to anyone, to the fact I will be sending my daughter there, in the near future. They have the latest equipment and techniques, with a vast verity of dogs every day which you are trained on.

Reginald Jones

Great tutors, with fantastic experience and knowledge clear, good training in all aspects of dog grooming, excellent hands on experience with a wide variety of dogs. Well equipped friendly salon with full backing of qualified staff at all times. Would recommend Absolutely Animals to anyone wanting to learn dog grooming to a high standard.

Donna Walgate 

Having researched various different courses I decided to do my grooming course at Absolutely Animals because they were the highest qualified and most recognised and experienced I could find and I wanted to learn from the best! Having started my course I now know I made the right decision. There is lots of one to one hands on teaching, being in a busy working salon you get many tips on how to run your own business, no question is ever a stupid question, I really feel it is setting me up with the grooming skills and knowledge of how to run a successful grooming business.

Anita Kytomaa  

I chose Absolutely Animals because the level and quality of training offered far outshone its competitors. I have not been disappointed. The salon has a fantastically warm atmosphere and is constantly buzzing with enthusiasm from Heidi, Colin and students alike. Everyone obviously loves dogs here!  

Dawn Miles  

Learning at Absolutely Animals is amazing. When you choose to learn dog grooming you want to go somewhere that you hope will teach you to the highest standards attainable, this is what I have found at Absolutely Animals. We are taught in a calm, intelligent and successful salon and are learning from two of the leading groomers in the grooming industry, Heidi and Colin. We are taught the welfare of the animal as a prime importance alongside achieving the best results using the most up to date techniques available. We have also learnt excellent handling techniques; these are paramount to learn to be a successful groomer. I feel I have achieved and been taught the best foundations to start a successful rewarding career.  

Suzie Kennedy