Dog Groomer Program

Overview

The Dog Groomer program requires the successful completion of the Dog Grooming Technician course of study before being eligible to enroll. The Dog Groomer program fully prepares the student to embark on a rewarding dog grooming career utilizing both classroom instruction and hands-on lab works. Graduates of the program will gain the knowledge and experience to work independently as a dog groomer. In addition, students will learn skills required to open and manage a dog grooming business. This certificate program takes 4-6 weeks to complete and consists of a total of 150 hours of instruction and hands on lab work. The Dog Groomer will have hands on experience in a real dog grooming salon and will need to demonstrate all required skills in a final written and practical exam prior to being awarded a certificate. (150-hour program)

This program requires the completion of the Dog Grooming Technician program, or a demonstration of knowledge over the material offered in the Dog Grooming Technician program through a placement test.

Areas of Study

Breeds and Coat Types
Intro to Clipper Blades and Comb Attachments
Clipper Handling and Dexterity
Advanced clipper techniques
Clipping around “Danger Areas”
Foundation Scissoring Skills
Advanced Scissoring
Grooming Tools and equipment
Carding and Hand-Stripping
Creating a Natural Foot
Spotting and grooming problem areas
Ergonomics of Grooming
Proper Holding and Restraint Techniques
Breed Specific Patterns:
- Sporting Group
- Hound Group
- Working Group
- Terrier Group
- Toy Group
- Non-Sporting Group
- Herding Group
- Miscellaneous Group
- Designer Breeds
Grooming in the Mobile Van
Customer Communication and Consultation
Accident prevention and Incident Reporting
Career Planning and advice
The Business and Law of Dog Grooming

Courses

BBG 201: Breeds and Breed Groups

In BBG 201 students will learn about dog breeds and breed groups, how to recognize the different breed, breed specific characteristics and characters. Students will be required to recognize and categorize dog breeds and to identify breed specific history, characteristics, and body structure. In order to successfully complete this course, student will need to pass a written exam with a minimum of 75% grade. (15 hours Assignment and Classroom)

INC 202: Intro to Clippers

In INC 202 students learn clipper basics. Students learn the differences between the different blades, proper clipper techniques, care and handling and proper ergonomics. Students practice the techniques on different demo coats. In order to successfully complete this course, student will need to pass a written exam with a minimum of 75% grade and demonstrate in a practical exam ability to properly handle clippers on demo materials. (10 hours Assignment and Classroom; 10 hours lab)

ISS 203: Intro to Scissors and Scissoring

In ISS 203 students learn basic scissoring techniques. Students are introduced to different types of scissors, learn proper techniques and handling, explore the use and application of different scissors and proper ergonomics. Students practice the techniques on different demo coats. In order to successfully complete this course, student will need to pass a written exam with a minimum of 75% grade and demonstrate in a practical exam ability to properly handle clippers on demo materials. (10 hours Assignment and Classroom; 10 hours lab)

BPA 204: Basic Patterns & Anatomy

In BPA 204 students move to the grooming floor and practice clipping and scissoring techniques on real dogs. Students learn how to handle dogs during the grooming process. Students will learn basic clipping and scissoring patterns and haircut alignment under instructor supervision. In order to successfully complete this course, student will need to pass a written exam with a minimum of 75% grade and demonstrate in a practical exam ability to properly use grooming tools and identify basic patterns. [prerequisites: Passing grades in BBG201, INC 202 and ISS203] (10 hours Assignment and Classroom; 20 hours lab)

APB 205: Advanced Patterns by Breed

In APB 205 students learn breed specific patterns. Under instructor supervision, student groom dogs from beginning to end by breed and hair style and learn to identify and form breed specific patterns. Depending on availability, students groom at least one dog from every breed group. In order to successfully complete this course, student will need to pass a written exam with a minimum of 75% grade and demonstrate ability to properly style and pattern dogs from at least 3 breed groups. [prerequisites: Passing grades in BPA 204] (Assignment and Classroom 20; 45 hours lab)

IMG 2001: Intro to Mobile Grooming Seminar (Not Required)

In IMG 2001 have an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of mobile grooming. Students will be introduced to a Wag N’ Tails grooming van and will learn the equipment, configuration, and practical application of mobile grooming. Students will have the opportunity to spend a full day in the grooming van with a seasoned mobile groomer. (2 hours Assignment and Classroom; 8 hours lab) [Elective]

BLG 2003: Intro to the Business and Law of Grooming (Not Required)

In BLG 2003 students learn in a seminar setting how to set up a grooming business, entity considerations, insurance and labor and employment considerations. Students will review grooming policies and agreements and learn about setting proper policies for the dog grooming business. (10-hour seminar) [Elective]

SAM 2004: Intro to Salon Management (Not Required)

In SAN 2004 students will learn in a seminar setting the ins and outs of salon management. Students will participate in the day-to-day customer registration, billing, check-in and check-out and other customer facing activities. Students will learn about vaccination requirements, customer consultation and sales. (10-hour seminar) [Elective]

Electives Policy

1 Elective is included within the 150-hour Dog Groomer program. The elective will be integrated with the other courses, for example the elective, IMG 2001: Intro to Mobile Grooming Seminar, will lead to certain hours of courses in the Dog Groomer program to be completed in the mobile grooming van.

Additional electives may be taken at any time during the course or after graduation for a cost of $150 per elective, these will be in addition to the 150-hour course.