Old School vs. New School: Is Our Industry Evolving—or Just Getting Defensive?

Written by: Carly Reimer

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the quiet—but persistent—divide in the dog grooming world. Specifically, the gap between the older generation of groomers (especially those in the boomer category) and the younger generation made up of Millennials and Gen Z.

As someone who has worked hard to build a career in this industry and is now actively involved in training the next generation, I can’t ignore how wide this gap feels. And from what I’m seeing and hearing, I know I’m not alone.

The Knowledge Wall: Gatekeeping in Grooming

One of the clearest divides comes in the form of knowledge sharing—or more accurately, the lack of it. Many seasoned groomers seem reluctant to pass on their tips, techniques, and hard-earned wisdom. Apprenticeships seem to be few and far between. While younger groomers are eager to learn, the opportunities are limited—especially for hands-on training in supportive, safe environments.

This gatekeeping has real consequences. I remember when I was young and desperate to become a dog groomer. Aside from an online course, there were almost no options. Eventually, I got a job at a large dog daycare and worked my way into the grooming side—but I had to learn in the harshest conditions: overpacked salons, abusive owners and managers, and seasoned groomers so overwhelmed that training me became a burden. They weren’t being cruel—they were drowning too.

Where was our local grooming association during all of this? Nowhere to be found. I didn’t feel supported, informed, or connected to any educational avenue. All I knew was that if I wanted credibility, I had to become certified by groups like the PPGAM or CPPS. I thought that was the only path.

I was so wrong. (Read more about that in my previous blog!)

Resistance to Change: The Social Media Rift

Another major point of contention lies in how social media is perceived. I recently spoke with a well-known groomer in our industry who told me he was one of the first to post entertainment-style grooming videos online. At the time, many veteran groomers laughed at him and accused him of turning grooming into a spectacle and that his social media platform should only be used for educational purposes. And he was bullied for it.

Unfortunately, that attitude hasn’t shifted much. Many older groomers still believe that social media should be strictly educational. They look down on groomers who use it to be funny, relatable, or even inspirational—calling it “clickbait” or “just for views.”

But the truth is: social media is a social platform. It exists to foster connection. Yes, it can be educational, but it’s also a place for humor, community, storytelling, and inspiration. And it's not going anywhere—it’s going to continue growing and evolving.

In a reel I made last year, a well-known veteran groomer commented that they were “worried” new groomers would fall for the “BS” they see online. But Millennials, Gen Z, and even younger Gen Xers have grown up on the internet. We know how to separate fluff from fact, even if perhaps you don’t. Give us some credit—we’re smarter than you think.

What the Research Says

This isn’t just anecdotal. According to the Paragon School of Pet Grooming, mentorship is absolutely critical for helping new groomers succeed. But across the industry, mentorship is scarce. The gap continues to grow as experienced groomers retire without passing on their knowledge.

And it’s not just grooming. In a Forbes article on reverse mentorship, experts suggest that older generations across industries could benefit from learning from younger professionals—particularly when it comes to digital literacy and adapting to modern tools and trends.

Additionally, People.com featured a story on Kyle Hinshaw, a groomer who uses social media to share calming techniques for anxious dogs. He’s using his platform to educate and connect—not gatekeep.

The Elephant in the Room: Control, Jealousy, and Fear

If we’re being honest, a lot of the resistance we see isn’t just about tradition—it’s about fear. It can feel threatening when younger people enter a space and start doing things differently. I get it. But defending something just because “that’s how it’s always been done,” or saying “I’ve been a member since the beginning,” doesn’t help the industry move forward.

When Nikki and I opened our grooming academy, we were immediately met with questions like: “What certifications do you have?” “Who gave you the right to teach?” These were the same people who never once tried to help younger groomers—and now suddenly they care?

It didn’t feel like genuine concern. It felt like control, jealousy, and defensiveness—disguised as professionalism.

Let’s be clear: our industry is unregulated. Anyone can teach grooming. So why are people so resistant when someone steps up to offer something new, safer, and more empowering for the next generation?

The Role of Industry Organizations: Are They Welcoming?

Recently, questions were raised about a local organization that’s been around since 1995 in a Facebook group, the PPGAM. The backlash was immediate—and unsurprisingly, it came from boomer groomers or people who have been in the industry for decades. Angry. Defensive. Unwilling to engage in meaningful conversation.

That reaction only reinforced what I already believed: the industry doesn’t want to change.

Some responded with, “Just come to the meetings and make connections.” But to be honest—that’s not easy for everyone. This isn’t high school where you can walk up to the popular table and ask to sit down. Who could even do that back then?

Many of us are introverted, neurodivergent, autistic, or live with anxiety. If industry organizations want to be leaders, they need to actively include those who feel left out—not just tolerate them, but welcome them.

So I ask: what are the PPGAM and CPPS doing to reach out to those who don’t feel included? If they truly want to represent us, they need to make everyone feel seen, supported, and valued.

Let’s Talk About My Most Recent Blog

Some have said there were “untruths” in my last blog. But here’s my question: How can my own personal experiences and perspectives be untruths? These are lived experiences—mine. And if they are untrue (which I wish they were), then please, show me how. Prove me wrong. I want this industry to be better.

Also, why is there an effort to censor me for sharing my opinions—on a personal platform that I built myself? I’m not stopping anyone from doing the same. If you believe your organization is doing incredible work, why are my questions seen as threats instead of opportunities for transparency?

Yes, I have strong opinions. But they come from a place of wanting better—for new groomers, for dogs, for the future of this industry.

The Future of Grooming: What Needs to Change

If we truly care about the dogs in our care—and about the long-term health of this profession—then we need to evolve. Here’s some of what I believe needs to happen:

• Create safe, accessible places to learn—in person and online.

• Encourage mentorship programs from seasoned groomers to new ones.

• Embrace social media as a tool for education, connection, and creativity.

• Respect different paths to success. There is no one “right” way to groom or to build a career.

• Support educational ventures instead of tearing them down.

• Question your resistance to change. Is it truly about quality? Or is it about control?

A Hope for the Future

My hope is that younger groomers see themselves in this post. That they feel heard, supported, and excited for what’s to come. I hope they look at people like me and Nikki—not just as business owners, but as mentors, cheerleaders, and people who want them to succeed. And I hope they find others like us.

I want to break the cycle I lived through. I want this next generation to have better. I want to spark uncomfortable conversations, even if they ruffle feathers—because that’s how progress is made.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: to provide the best care possible to the dogs we love and to feel seen, supported, and connected to our peers while doing it.

Let’s stop just talking about community—and actually become one.

Let’s be the mentors we wish we had.

We’ll continue using the platform we’ve built to share our thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. We’ll continue opening dialogue

—whether others agree or not. That’s their choice.

The number one thing I tell my students—and the most important thing I’ve learned—is this: There is no one right way to do something, no matter what someone may tell you. Go out into the world, learn as much as you possibly can from all different perspectives, and take away what resonates with you.

Written by: Carly Reimer