I did a one day course at a local college last Saturday it was great. The course was for people who want to be able to groom their own dogs, you have to take a dog with you so for the cost of the course you also get your dog groomed, well you do the grooming after being shown and instructed. Our instructor did one side of Archie and I did the other, but the instructor was always on hand to answer questions and make sure I was doing it correctly. As a bonus I ended up having my other dog done as I had finished Archie by lunchtime and as it was a full day course I phoned my other half to bring our other dog for the afternoon, which was great as I was able to do all of her but again with the instructor checking and helping when needed. I can't recommend the course enough. It also covers bathing and anal glands. The course only cost £107 and if I had sent my dogs to the groomers it would have cost me £52. I'm now going to order the equipment and in future will be grooming my own dogs. Going back to your question I was recommended the Andis clippers, these are they type I used and found them easy to use.