The vagina has a specialized lining, which contains glands that excrete small amounts of fluid every day. The purpose of regular, daily vaginal discharge is to collect old, sloughed cells and possible pathogens or "foreign bodies", and to expel them from the vagina. In addition, this discharge encourages a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast which protects against infection. In other words, most vaginal discharge is good for you. Discharge is a natural way that your body protects itself. Women will have a normal discharge every 80 minutes during sleep. This is a normal physiologic function (men as well have an erection every 80 minutes during sleep). Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky-white and may have a mild, if any, odor. It can be watery or thick and mucus-y, but the consistency should be relatively smooth and lump free most of the time. In premenopausal women, it is normal to have about 1 teaspoon of white or clear vaginal discharge every day. However, the amount and characteristics of vaginal discharge can vary from one woman to another. There are a number of reasons that your vaginal discharge may look, smell or appear slightly different. If you're concerned about your discharge, run through this quick check list to see if you are experiencing or have recently experienced any of the following conditions. These are the most common - but completely normal - reasons your discharge may change: Ovulation: During ovulation, there is usually an increased volume of discharge. This discharge is more clear, stretchy, and slippery. The purpose of this change is to allow easier passage of sperm during the time that an egg is ready for fertilization. Menstruation: Discharge that is thick and white typically makes an appearance just before and after your menstrual cycle. Pregnancy and post-partum: Pregnant women often notice an increase in the amount of discharge and a change in its consistency. This is especially noticeable in the last few weeks before delivery, when discharge can become thicker and more voluminous. After delivery, women will experience discharge termed "lochia." This particular discharge consists of blood, small clots, and sloughed-off tissue from the lining of the uterus that built-up over the course of pregnancy. Over time, it will change into a watery, pink discharge and eventually subside. Menopause: The normal amount of vaginal discharge typically decreases during menopause as estrogen levels fall. Sexual arousal: Watery discharge that is clear or slightly white is a sign of sexual excitement. The purpose of this discharge is to provide lubrication to protect the vagina during sex. Your discharge is your body's natural way of protecting itself. Douching is advisable only on rare occasions. If you don't like the feeling of wetness on your underwear and clothing, consider wearing a panty-liner in your underwear. These can be purchased at grocery stores, drug stores and pharmacies, and convenience stores. You can also make your own pantyliners out of fabrics you have around the house, or bought from a craft store, if you want a cheaper and more natural solution.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Understand the function of vaginal discharge. Understand what normal vaginal discharge looks like. Know the normal reasons your discharge may change. Don't worry about "cleaning out" your normal discharge.

If you have never groomed a dog before, you will need to learn the basics and practice. Consider an apprenticeship. The best way to get hands-on-training, if you are not enrolled in a school program, is to apprentice with an established groomer. If you are in the United States, consider taking the National Dog Groomer's Association of America exam. This certification program will allow you to be recognized as a "National Certified Master Groomer". This is very attractive to see when employers look at your experience. A variety of grooming schools exist that offer certification and hands-on training. There are dedicated dog grooming programs that are offered through larger organizations, like through the Animal Behavior College. You can also enroll in pet grooming programs that are offered through organizations that are dedicated to pet cosmetology, like the International Society of Canine Cosmetologists. Your local community college may offer pet grooming courses. Some salons and groomers will offer on the job training for entry-level groomers and new hires. Different dog breeds have very different coat types and grooming needs. Getting experience with a large variety of breeds is an important learning experience as you become a dog groomer. Some breeds, especially those with longer hair, like Maltese, Spaniels, and Malamutes, require more intensive grooming. The majority of pets that will come in to be groomed will be dogs, but you may have to groom cats and small pets like chinchillas or guinea pigs. You may or may not need to receive specific pet grooming certification or licensing to operate in your area. This is going to be unique to your location. Some states require you to receive a license to administer flea and tick medications. Check with your state to see if this is the case. Your area may require you to receive official dog grooming licensing through a certification program. If your area does not require you to this, it may still be a good idea to go through this program as a way to build your credibility with clients. There is no standard education requirement or formal certification requirement to be a dog groomer. Most groomers have a high school degree and have completed some sort of training, whether that is through an apprenticeship, an online program, or an in-person program. After you've trained to become a pet groomer, you now have options as to where you want your career to begin. Decide whether you will operate the business as the sole groomer or if you want to run a salon with other groomers. You could also work for a large pet store that offers grooming. You can work at a vet clinic or a doggie day care as a grooming specialist. You could offer mobile pet grooming.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Gain experience. Enroll in a dog grooming school. Practice with different breeds. Get licensed. Decide where you want to practice.