I groom my own dogs
Its great!
I started by getting books out at the library, and reading up as much as I could. I also watched vidoes online, and rented videos specific to the style/s(breeds) I needed to know how to groom. The books helped me purchase the right kind of brushes, combs, and scissors for the dogs' coats (who knew there were so many different types of scissors - now that I know how to use thinning shears properly, its one of my favorite tools)
Do you have a petsmart near you? That grooms? I stood by there window and watched a couple of times (I'm sure they loved that lol) but I am a very visual learner.
Invest in a
good pair of clippers. I
love my Andis clipper. The pet set kits that they sell at pet stores just don't cut it. I went that route for a long time, and it was very hard. The blades went dull and the clippers died too often (I was not saving money by doing it at home that way). Also they were very hard to maneuver and clip the hair the way I wanted.
The andis that I use glides through the hair like butter, and does Not leave clipper marks
(I used to call them racing stripes, because with the other clippers the dogs always had them for a couple days after being groomed).
In all honesty some of it is trial and error. Grooming at home can be a very rewarding experience, by both saving money, and I think the time with your dog is bonding and therapeutic even. But it can also be very challenging and frustrating. Just remember that it is just hair, and it will grow back