Hand Stripping Seminar - AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming Training

Abbfabb Academy is delighted to be hosting a hand stripping seminar on Sunday November 3rd at our salon.

We are pleased to have four talented demonstrators, all from Cornwall and all expert in their breeds.

They will be sharing with you how they hand strip and shape their respective breeds using a variety of tools and methods. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and our knowledgeable ladies will be able to help you grow your knowledge.

I’d like to introduce them to you……

I’ve owned the breed since 1997, my first Border terrier came from a local farm here in West Cornwall & with him I dipped into the local shows and became hooked on showing.

He wasn’t particularly well bred but was a lovely dog & did win well, the highlight being a CC, he also became the first Border terrier to win an Agility warrant.

Trudi Baird – Border Terrier

I breed rarely so I’m very proud to have bred 2 Champions under my affix “Dowgri” which means Otter in Cornish.

Otter coming from “head like that of an Otter” – which is the hallmark of the Border terrier.

I now judge the breed at Championship level here in the UK and have also been fortunate enough to have judged in Germany, Sweden & Finland.

I am currently the Rep for Border terrier welfare UK & am responsible for rehoming dogs in Cornwall.

I’m self-taught in hand stripping the breed, I watched videos, read books & asked other exhibitors & breeders for advice.

Currently I have 5 Border terriers of my own & also hand strip for local pet owners.

I look forward to the demo, it will be a new experience for me & hopefully am able to show you some useful hints and tips.

Naomi Jackman – Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Naomi’s photos are courtesy of Simon Rishton

I have owned Dandie Dinmont Terriers since the 1980’s when I fell in love with them over a garden fence! I now have two show quality Dandies called Flora and Willow. They are a very loyal, intelligent and independent terrier who have a unique shape and style.

I have had to learn to groom for showing including hand stripping and styling, use of tools and techniques. During lock down, stuck at home whilst teaching online, I had time to focus on how to groom better resulting in learning by observation, making mistakes

and online tuition with the help of fellow Dandie show people including Meriel France (Breed specialist) and Julia Fox (Dandie owner and Groom Team England).

I take part in Discover Dogs at Crufts championing this beautiful vulnerable native breed to anyone who will listen. I write articles for the breed magazine including publishing a piece on pyometra.

To date Willow has reached the Best in Show ring at two local shows and many Best of Breeds plus qualifying for Cornwall’s Top Dog all in six months. Willows best achievement was being awarded bitch Reserve Challenge Certificate at Crufts 2024 under specialist judge Gill Denman, who recently commended me on her styling and was shocked to discover I was self-taught groomer.

Vicky McIlwaine – Welsh Springer Spaniel

I started showing when I was 8 years old with our golden retrievers and mini long haired dachshund. I saved up and bought my first Welsh springer when I was 12 competing against the adults at championship shows and also winning handling classes at champ shows. I have made up several show champions and junior warrant winners and own the top winning Welsh springers in the south west. I had bred the top winning Welsh springer in Ireland. We also have a German shorthaired pointer in our show team that has her stud book number . I judge Welsh springers at championship show level . I trained with Eve at Abbfabb and now own a successful grooming salon and dog supplies shop in out high street thanks to her guidance and support.

Alison Cooper – Irish Setter

We got our first Irish Setter in 1993 but didn’t start showing until we got our third dog a few years later. Over the past 30 years we have owned 10 Irish and shown 7 of them achieving Stud Book numbers for 3 of our boys. I so enjoyed preparing our dogs for the shows that I trained as a groomer, gave up my role as a Staff Nurse in the NHS and opened my own grooming business which I ran successfully for 14 years before retiring in 2022. I began judging in 2013 focusing on the Irish but I have also judged other breeds within the Gundog Group such as Cockers, Labradors and the other Setters all at Open Shows across the UK. Outside of showing and judging I have been a Committee Member of the Paignton & District Fanciers Association and thoroughly enjoyed helping prepare for and host the annual Championship Show. I strive to keep myself up to date with the Showing and Judging world and, having passed the A3 Assessment for the Irish Setter, I am keen to progress to awarding CCs in this breed in due course. I am delighted that North East of England Irish Setter Club have asked me to judge at their Open Show later in 2025. I am judging at Bournemouth and Cornwall Gundog this year.

The day begins at 9am with our two terriers being trimmed. We will begin a question and answer session at 1130 and break for lunch at 12pm.

Lunch will be buffet-style with tea and coffee.

The gundog ladies will begin demonstrating at 1pm and at 330 there will be the opportunity to ask questions.

The day ends at 4pm.

We have plenty of parking.

Sian from Abbfabb Scissors will be with us and will have a selection of her award-winning scissors on show.

Andrew of The Gay Blade will be available to collect any blades and sharpening you may want to bring with you. He will take them away in the morning and he will aim to have your sharpening completed by the end of the day, depending on numbers.

Ticket price is £100-00, including lunch. We only have 20 spaces to ensure a great learning experience.

Please email me if you would like to book a place at [email protected]

Hayley Anstice

21st July 2024

I have recently completed Level 2 & 3 dog grooming course with Abbfabb Academy. It was challenging at times, with having 2 young kids, a stressful job and a husband who works away a lot I struggled with the theory but knew it was part of the course & that all the information needed was to help me succeed in passing the exams. I had times where I thought I wasn’t good enough and doubted myself a lot but Eve and Leanne encouraged and supported me through these difficult times and my confidence is growing everyday as I groom different dogs. The knowledge Eve has is without a doubt of the highest standard and I feel I have been trained by the very best in the business. I have dreams to have my own salon one day but for now I’ll help and look after rescue dogs and make them feel special🐕✂️🐾🐶

Chris Evely

10th July 2024

Having recently graduated from Abbfabb Academy of Dog Grooming on the combined C&G lvl 2 & 3 qualification I couldn't recommend this course enough. The course is hard work with a thorough and comprehensive theory side but that theory develops a strong foundation to help understand and develop your knowledge that can then be directly applied to the practical side. The practical process begins day one and builds step by step, slowly introducing new processes as and when you are ready. The tutors are understanding, Friendly and patient and, in my experience, always willing to be flexible with days and work load as long as you are upfront and willing to learn. Finally I can say that as enjoyable as the course was and developing a new skill is, it was equally rewarding to be in a room with such lovely, kind hearted and funny people who are all there because we love dogs.

Lucy Farrell

I have just completed the Abbfabb Academy Of Dog grooming Training and I have to say, it was both hard and incredibly challenging, emotionally and physically. However, every bit of effort was worth it. The support and guidance provided throughout the course were exceptional. The feedback I received was always honest and constructive, helping me to continually improve my skills. My tutors were brilliant, offering invaluable insights and encouragement. Thanks to this course, I am now confidently set up for the next chapter of my journey: starting my own dog grooming business. I couldn't have asked for a better foundation to build upon. Thank you so much, Eve, and my lovely tutors Kirsten and Laura, for helping me every step of the way and giving me the confidence to move forward.

Sharon Needham

18th October 2023

I have completed both my City and Guilds level 2 & 3 with Eve Somers at Abb Fabb academy. I don't think you will find a better standard of training anywhere. If you are willing to put in the hard work you will be supported and guided to be a competent and knowledgeable dog groomer. Eve and all her tutors have a wealth of experience and practical skills to share with you and the additional theory work cements your understanding of everything you need to know to groom safely and skilfully.

Clare Green

20th July 2023

I started my Level 2 and Level 3 course back in September 2019, training 1 day a week. I will say that it has been an absolute pleasure to train at such a professional and supportive establishment. My training journey hasn’t been plain sailing, for personal reasons and also due to the Covid pandemic postponing training. There were times when I really thought I wouldn’t get through the course, however with a firm but supportive nudge from Eve and my tutor Kirstan, I was soon back on track and I honestly couldn’t have got through it without their patience, knowledge and support. Abbfabb is a wonderful place, with lots of friendly students and the level of teaching is 1st class. I know that as I now progress with my own mobile grooming business, I have been taught at the highest standard, and I am proud to say I trained at AbbFabb.

JJ Girow

13th July 2023

I am so pleased that I took this qualification with AbbFabb because I have learnt so much. I never realised how much knowledge a dog groomer had until I trained to become one. This is a well structured course that allows you to progress at a nice steady pace ensuring you do not go beyond your own capabilities and that you nail down the basics. This I learnt later is essential in making sure the groom looks the best it can; you really notice the difference when you are further along in the training. I am now running a successful grooming business, turning out grooms I am proud of and my clients love. I am sure this success is down to the in-depth knowledge of the tutors and the structured programme which I am unsure would have so much thought put into elsewhere. Thank you Eve.

Laura Soenens

11th July 2023

Having worked in the animal industry for years, I was looking for a career that I could do self employed and grow in. I always loved dogs and the time was right to start a career switch. When I visited the salon for the first time to meet Eve and discuss the training, I had the impression straight away that dog grooming was taught in a thorough and correct way by knowledgeable people. And it didn’t disappoint. I graduated with a distinction (which I never thought I could do!) and now work as a self employed dog groomer. I know I learned from the best and have not regretted choosing Abbfabb for a second. Thank you Eve and team!

Karen Murray

9th July 2023

I attended the AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming Training to undertake and complete the new City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming (7863-03). It has been the most amazing, brilliant and rewarding experience and I cannot thank Eve enough for her guidance and mentoring throughout. Eve and her team of excellent tutors work with each student individually, closely monitoring their progress throughout the duration of the course, ensuring students achieve the high standards required by City & Guilds. It would be remiss of me not to mention the pastoral care that is afforded to students. I have never before found any organisation or educational provider willing to provide such flexibility to students in relation to both attending and completing a course - thank you Eve for helping your students when they are struggling to balance the undertaking of further education with work, family commitments and/or health concerns – your students really appreciate your understanding. The courses on offer require complete commitment and they are hard work - there is an exceptional amount of theory work to learn and assignments to be completed throughout, as well as both written and practical examinations but at the end of the day, it is so, so worth it. And now I’ve set up my own mobile dog grooming business and have built up a solid client base. Every day is different and I’m loving the challenge of making a success of my dog grooming career. Thank you so much Eve, thank you Abb Fabb, you really are the best.

Dawn Slogget

4th July 2023

So you want to be a Dog Groomer? Well put down the bows, bandannas and bubblebath. Because the Dog Grooming industry is as much about welfare, arduously hard work, health and safety, canine behaviour, anatomy and psychology, understanding, compassion and care as it is about the finished result. So if you’re willing to put in the hard work; nestled in the Cornish countryside is AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming Training, and they will get you the results! Eve Somers may just be your new Fairy Godmother, but even with her magic scissors she can’t turn you into a Dog Groomer overnight. But give her and the team 12-18 months and you’ll have been assured the absolute gold standard of training, and a deeper level of learning and understanding that will 100% cement you a flourishing career in the industry. Then, and only then, can you consider the bows and the bandannas. They will come! Once the work has been done. But your Fairy Godmother will always be looking over your shoulder; ensuring you uphold the AbbFabb standards, and the learning never ends if you don’t want it to. So come and see for yourself. It could just change your life… And the lives of a lot of dogs too!

Laura Billinghay

I enrolled on the 50 day profectional dog grooming course in June 2020 and it was the best decision I have ever made. I had visted the ABBFABB academy website many times before finally emailing Eve about a taster day. I got to see the salon and hear what the other students had to say about the training. After that day I was eager to start! I was able to train 2 days a week which was perfect for me as I could also work at the same time and keep up to date with the theory side of dog grooming. The course itself is very thorough and hard work but extremly rewarding. I have learnt so much during my time at ABBFABB and will never stop learning. Anyone who wants to become a dog groomer should train here. They believe a dogs welfare should come first above anything and I couldn’t agree more. I have made friends for life and have enjoyed every minute of my training. I have now started up my own business which I couldn’t have done without Eves support and encouragement. Thank you Eve for everything!

Keyna Summers

3rd July 2023

I have always known that I want to work with dogs, so when I found AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming I knew this is what I was meant to do. I now own my own successful grooming salon where I’m able to do what I love every day thanks to the skills and knowledge learnt with AbbFabb. I have learnt that there is much more to dog grooming than I first thought. The course covers every aspect of dog grooming; trimming, handling, welfare, understanding different breeds and their anatomy and much more - all of which I have found fascinating. Eve’s knowledge of the industry is second to none and her love for dogs and their welfare is so admirable. As well as being able to learn in a busy working salon you’re also given plenty of additional learning in the form of Eve’s own grooming DVDs and theory paperwork to help develop your learning. By training in a working salon, you also learn all the skills needed to set up and manage your own business. During my training Eve entered me for the student of year category with the Pet Industry Federation (PIF). I was shortlisted with three others and invited to Silverstone for the PIF awards ceremony where I won the 2021 student of the year award. I was able to meet other successful individuals within the pet industry which pushed me to continue working hard at AbbFabb to achieve my dream of becoming a successful dog groomer and owning my own salon. As an individual I’m hard working and always looking to better my knowledge and AbbFabb always has something to offer. I’m very grateful for the high standard of training given by Eve and the team at AbbFabb and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them; I can’t thank Eve and the team enough! If you’re thinking of becoming a dog groomer, then AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming is THE place to train!

Emma Trev

1st July 2023

I started at AbbFabb In March 2022, having very little knowledge of dog grooming. At first, it was very overwhelming, taking in all the information and learning from scratch. As the days went on, Eve along with all the Tutors were very supportive and encouraging. The method in which you learn here is fantastic, they start on the basics with learning the correct preparation before learning any sort of Clipper work. Some days may seem repetitive but what you do sinks in and just becomes second nature, from carrying out health checks, bathing and drying dogs, learning to clip hygiene areas correctly and safely, before progressing on to learning new skills. The theory work on top of the practical days is hard work but so worth it. I have so much knowledge and understanding from working through the work that Eve provides. I have now completed my 55 day training and completed all of my practical exams and have become a very self-doubting person to a confident groomer. I would personally like to thank Eve and Leanne (who were my tutors on my college days) for everything they have taught me and how much time and effort they put in with each individual student to encourage them to be the best groomer they can be. I can now continue my career knowing that I have all the knowledge to be a safe working groomer. :)

Victoria Wilson

I highly recommend Abbfabb academy of dog grooming. Eve is very knowledgeable about all aspects of grooming and anything dog related. I liked this course because it was very flexible, which meant I could attend one day a week while still working my part time job. The course was hands on practical training, which was great, as well as having written theory work which could be done at home. There were always lots of dogs available to groom and the tutors were always there to help. I finished the course feeling confident that I was ready to set up my own dog grooming business. Victoria Brewster April 2023

Eleanor King

I completed my Level 2 and 3 with help from Eve and her amazing tutors and it has completely changed my life. With hands on training and thorough theory work I have gained the skills to confidentially start my career as a dog groomer. I can’t thank them enough for their support and compassion.

Claire Carpenter

29th June 2023

I am now running my own dog grooming business, successfully building a portfolio of regular clients, after training at Abb Fabb. The gradual building of all the skills I needed to groom well and with confidence, was taught over 55 days hands on experience with the backing and support of Eve and her team. I was also given all the help I needed with completing the in depth theory work required in order to pass my levels 2 and 3 theory exams. I cannot express how important it has been to have trained in this way, without it I fail to see how I would have gained the skills and knowledge required. So many thanks to all at Abb Fabb Academy!

Amelie Johnson

14th October 2020

Brilliant course!! :) It was my first time with Abbfabb Academy and I attended the complete Dog Grooming Training course. The courses were brilliant with thorough knowledge and training. Really Loved it!! I must say the team at Abbfabb is the best in providing high standard tuition and support.To all the pet lovers out there..try them out, you won't be disappointed.

Fran Heller

18th May 2019

Fantastic scissors at fantastic prices. Great customer service. I have most of the collection and will be adding more very soon. Highly recommended.

missvan1000

27th August 2018

Having recently graduated from Abbfabb Academy of Dog Grooming on the combined C&G lvl 2 & 3 qualification I couldn’t recommend this course enough. The course is hard work with a thorough and comprehensive theory side but that theory develops a strong foundation to help understand and develop your knowledge that can then be directly applied to the practical side. The practical process begins day one and builds step by step, slowly introducing new processes as and when you are ready. The tutors are understanding, Friendly and patient and, in my experience, always willing to be flexible with days and work load as long as you are upfront and willing to learn. Finally I can say that as enjoyable as the course was and developing a new skill is, it was equally rewarding to be in a room with such lovely, kind hearted and funny people who are all there because we love dogs.

I have just completed the Abbfabb Academy Of Dog grooming Training and I have to say, it was both hard and incredibly challenging, emotionally and physically. However, every bit of effort was worth it. The support and guidance provided throughout the course were exceptional. The feedback I received was always honest and constructive, helping me to continually improve my skills. My tutors were brilliant, offering invaluable insights and encouragement. Thanks to this course, I am now confidently set up for the next chapter of my journey: starting my own dog grooming business. I couldn’t have asked for a better foundation to build upon. Thank you so much, Eve, and my lovely tutors Kirsten and Laura, for helping me every step of the way and giving me the confidence to move forward.

I have completed both my City and Guilds level 2 & 3 with Eve Somers at Abb Fabb academy. I don’t think you will find a better standard of training anywhere. If you are willing to put in the hard work you will be supported and guided to be a competent and knowledgeable dog groomer. Eve and all her tutors have a wealth of experience and practical skills to share with you and the additional theory work cements your understanding of everything you need to know to groom safely and skilfully.

I attended the AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming Training to undertake and complete the new City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming (7863-03). It has been the most amazing, brilliant and rewarding experience and I cannot thank Eve enough for her guidance and mentoring throughout. Eve and her team of excellent tutors work with each student individually, closely monitoring their progress throughout the duration of the course, ensuring students achieve the high standards required by City & Guilds. It would be remiss of me not to mention the pastoral care that is afforded to students. I have never before found any organisation or educational provider willing to provide such flexibility to students in relation to both attending and completing a course – thank you Eve for helping your students when they are struggling to balance the undertaking of further education with work, family commitments and/or health concerns – your students really appreciate your understanding. The courses on offer require complete commitment and they are hard work – there is an exceptional amount of theory work to learn and assignments to be completed throughout, as well as both written and practical examinations but at the end of the day, it is so, so worth it. And now I’ve set up my own mobile dog grooming business and have built up a solid client base. Every day is different and I’m loving the challenge of making a success of my dog grooming career. Thank you so much Eve, thank you Abb Fabb, you really are the best.

I have always known that I want to work with dogs, so when I found AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming I knew this is what I was meant to do. I now own my own successful grooming salon where I’m able to do what I love every day thanks to the skills and knowledge learnt with AbbFabb. I have learnt that there is much more to dog grooming than I first thought. The course covers every aspect of dog grooming; trimming, handling, welfare, understanding different breeds and their anatomy and much more – all of which I have found fascinating. Eve’s knowledge of the industry is second to none and her love for dogs and their welfare is so admirable. As well as being able to learn in a busy working salon you’re also given plenty of additional learning in the form of Eve’s own grooming DVDs and theory paperwork to help develop your learning. By training in a working salon, you also learn all the skills needed to set up and manage your own business. During my training Eve entered me for the student of year category with the Pet Industry Federation (PIF). I was shortlisted with three others and invited to Silverstone for the PIF awards ceremony where I won the 2021 student of the year award. I was able to meet other successful individuals within the pet industry which pushed me to continue working hard at AbbFabb to achieve my dream of becoming a successful dog groomer and owning my own salon. As an individual I’m hard working and always looking to better my knowledge and AbbFabb always has something to offer. I’m very grateful for the high standard of training given by Eve and the team at AbbFabb and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them; I can’t thank Eve and the team enough! If you’re thinking of becoming a dog groomer, then AbbFabb Academy of Dog Grooming is THE place to train!