Pet Groomer Course

Lesson 1 • Animal Behaviour and Stress Signals

Teaches reading canine and feline body language to detect fear, aggression, and stress. Directly informs safe handling decisions throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Grooming Tools and Equipment

Identifies essential grooming tools, their functions, and proper maintenance. Prepares students to select and care for equipment used in all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 3 • Salon Safety and Sanitation

Covers disinfection protocols, zoonotic disease prevention, and ergonomic safety. Establishes non-negotiable hygiene practices applied in every grooming session.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Coat Types

Surveys major coat categories across dog and cat breeds to guide product and tool selection. Provides the classification framework used in all grooming technique chapters.

Lesson 1 • Handling Cats Safely

Addresses the unique challenges of feline restraint, including towel wrapping and scruffing alternatives. Reduces bite and scratch incidents during cat grooming.

Lesson 2 • Restraint Fundamentals

Introduces basic restraint positions for grooming tables and tubs. Builds the physical control skills required before any grooming tool is applied.

Lesson 3 • Handling Dogs by Temperament

Adapts restraint and approach strategies to shy, fearful, and reactive dogs. Ensures student safety and animal welfare across varied temperament profiles.

Lesson 1 • Drying Methods and Techniques

Covers high-velocity, stand, and hand drying methods matched to coat type and animal tolerance. Proper drying prevents matting and prepares the coat for finishing.

Lesson 2 • Shampoo and Conditioner Selection

Explains product formulations for skin conditions, coat types, and client preferences. Enables informed product choices that protect skin health and coat quality.

Lesson 3 • Bathing Technique and Rinsing

Teaches systematic bathing sequences, water temperature control, and thorough rinsing. Prevents residue buildup and skin irritation that affect finished groom quality.

Lesson 1 • Parasite Detection and Response

Covers identification of fleas, ticks, mites, and lice found during grooming intake. Establishes salon protocols for parasite-positive animals to prevent spread.

Lesson 2 • Documenting and Communicating Findings

Teaches written documentation of skin and coat observations and client communication scripts. Accurate records protect the groomer legally and support veterinary follow-up.

Lesson 3 • Common Skin Conditions

Identifies allergies, hot spots, seborrhoea, and fungal infections visible during grooming. Students learn to flag conditions without diagnosing, preserving scope of practice.

Lesson 1 • Understanding and Preventing Matting

Explains mat formation causes and prevention strategies for high-risk coat types. Proactive education reduces client complaints and animal discomfort.

Lesson 2 • Systematic Brushing Sequences

Establishes body-section brushing order to ensure complete coat coverage. Systematic technique prevents missed areas and reduces grooming time.

Lesson 3 • Safe Dematting Techniques

Covers manual and tool-assisted mat removal with skin safety as the priority. Students apply dematting sprays, splitters, and rakes without causing pain or injury.

Lesson 1 • Nail Trimming Fundamentals

Teaches correct nail anatomy, trimming angles, and quick avoidance for dogs and cats. Accurate technique prevents pain, bleeding, and client dissatisfaction.

Lesson 2 • Basic Dental Hygiene Services

Introduces tooth brushing technique and dental product selection as an add-on grooming service. Students distinguish cosmetic dental care from conditions needing veterinary treatment.

Lesson 3 • Ear Cleaning and Inspection

Covers ear anatomy, cleaning solution application, and debris removal for healthy ears. Students identify abnormal signs that require veterinary attention.

Lesson 1 • Scissoring for Shape and Blending

Teaches scissoring techniques to create smooth transitions, rounded shapes, and clean lines. Blending skills elevate groom quality and are essential for breed-standard styling.

Lesson 2 • Scissor Types and Handling

Introduces straight, curved, and thinning shears with correct grip and pivot control. Scissor mastery enables blending, shaping, and detail work on all breed styles.

Lesson 3 • Clipper Operation and Blade Use

Covers clipper mechanics, blade numbering, and correct cutting angles for smooth results. Proper clipper technique is the foundation of all styled and utility grooms.

Lesson 1 • Double-Coated Breed Finishing

Covers deshedding, neaten trims, and breed-appropriate finishing for double-coated breeds. Students learn which cuts to avoid to protect undercoat function.

Lesson 2 • Long-Coated Breed Trims

Addresses scissor-heavy trims for Shih Tzu, Maltese, and similar drop-coat breeds. Develops precision scissoring and parting skills for flowing coat styles.

Lesson 3 • Sporting and Terrier Breed Trims

Covers hand-stripping concepts and clipper-based trims for sporting and terrier coat types. Introduces the structural shaping principles common to working breed styles.

Lesson 4 • Cat Grooming Styles

Applies grooming techniques to domestic and purebred cat coat styles, including the lion cut. Expands student service offerings to the feline client base.