Groomer Course

Lesson 1 • The Grooming Profession Overview

Defines professional grooming, its history, and its place in the pet care industry. Establishes context for all subsequent technical and business learning.

Lesson 2 • Health and Safety in the Salon

Covers zoonotic disease prevention, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures. Establishes non-negotiable safety habits from day one.

Lesson 3 • Grooming Salon Environment

Covers salon layout, workstation setup, and hygiene protocols. Students connect physical environment to safe, efficient grooming workflow.

Lesson 1 • Bathing and Drying Equipment

Introduces tubs, high-velocity dryers, stand dryers, and finishing tools. Proper drying equipment use prevents coat damage and reduces grooming time.

Lesson 2 • Tool Maintenance and Sharpening

Teaches cleaning, oiling, and sharpening schedules for all tools. Well-maintained tools protect pet skin and extend equipment lifespan.

Lesson 3 • Scissors and Shears

Covers straight, curved, and thinning shears, including proper grip and tension adjustment. Scissor technique is foundational to finishing and breed styling.

Lesson 4 • Clippers and Blade Selection

Explains clipper mechanics, blade numbering systems, and speed settings. Blade choice determines coat length and finish quality on every clip.

Lesson 1 • Identifying Coat Problems

Teaches recognition of matting, pelting, hot spots, and parasitic infestations. Early identification prevents escalation and informs client communication.

Lesson 2 • Coat Type Classification

Categorizes coats as smooth, double, wire, curly, silky, and combination types. Classification is the decision point for all subsequent grooming technique choices.

Lesson 3 • Skin Structure and Function

Covers epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers alongside sebaceous gland function. Skin knowledge guides product selection and prevents irritation.

Lesson 1 • Bathing Technique and Water Safety

Demonstrates correct water temperature, wetting sequence, and thorough rinsing. Proper technique prevents skin irritation and product residue buildup.

Lesson 2 • Drying Methods by Coat Type

Applies high-velocity, stand, and hand-drying techniques to specific coat categories. Correct drying straightens coats and reveals the true texture for finishing.

Lesson 3 • Shampoo and Conditioner Selection

Matches shampoo formulas to coat type, skin condition, and client needs. Correct product choice maximizes coat health and client satisfaction.

Lesson 4 • Pre-Bath Assessment and Brushing

Covers intake assessment, pre-bath brushing, and mat removal decisions. Thorough preparation prevents mats from tightening during the bath.

Lesson 1 • Nail Filing and Grinding

Introduces rotary grinders and nail files for smoothing and shaping after trimming. Grinding reduces sharp edges and is preferred for reactive pets.

Lesson 2 • Basic Dental Hygiene for Groomers

Introduces tooth brushing technique, dental wipes, and oral health assessment. Groomers add value by supporting dental health within their scope of practice.

Lesson 3 • Ear Cleaning Procedures

Covers ear anatomy, cleaning solution selection, and safe swabbing technique. Proper ear care prevents infection and identifies abnormalities for referral.

Lesson 4 • Ear Hair Removal

Addresses breed-specific ear hair plucking and trimming protocols and their controversy. Students apply evidence-based decisions and communicate options to clients.

Lesson 1 • Scissoring Fundamentals

Covers straight scissoring, comb-and-scissor technique, and curved scissor use. Scissoring skill determines the quality of all finished breed trims.

Lesson 2 • Clipper Handling and Body Mechanics

Establishes correct clipper grip, wrist angle, and body positioning for fatigue-free work. Proper mechanics prevent repetitive strain and improve clip consistency.

Lesson 3 • Feet, Pads, and Tail Trimming

Demonstrates round foot shaping, pad hair removal, and tail styling techniques. Clean feet and tails complete the finished look and support pet hygiene.

Lesson 4 • Head, Face, and Ear Trimming

Applies scissoring and clipping to the head, muzzle, topknot, and ear fringe. Facial trimming requires precision and calm pet handling simultaneously.

Lesson 1 • Poodle and Doodle Styling

Teaches continental, puppy, and modified pet clips for poodles and doodle mixes. Poodle styling is the benchmark of advanced scissoring and pattern work.

Lesson 2 • Terrier and Wire Coat Trims

Covers hand-stripping, rolling coats, and clipper-finish alternatives for wire-coated terriers. Wire coat technique is distinct from all other coat type methods.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Breed Standards

Explains how conformation standards inform grooming patterns and proportions. Breed standard knowledge distinguishes professional styling from generic clipping.

Lesson 4 • Spaniel and Drop Coat Trims

Applies thinning shears, layering, and feathering to spaniels and long drop-coated breeds. Drop coat styling emphasizes flow, symmetry, and natural movement.

Lesson 5 • Double Coat and Shedding Breed Care

Covers deshedding treatments, undercoat removal, and correct finishing for double-coated breeds. Improper double coat handling is a leading cause of coat damage.

Lesson 1 • Service Pricing and Menu Design

Teaches cost-of-service calculation, competitive pricing, and service menu structure. Accurate pricing ensures profitability and communicates value to clients.

Lesson 2 • Handling Difficult Conversations

Prepares students for mat shave-down disclosures, injury reports, and complaint resolution. Professional communication during difficult situations builds long-term client trust.

Lesson 3 • Client Intake and Consultation

Covers intake forms, health history collection, and style consultation techniques. Thorough intake prevents misunderstandings and protects the groomer legally.

Lesson 4 • Appointment Scheduling and Workflow

Introduces scheduling systems, time management per service, and salon throughput planning. Efficient scheduling maximizes revenue and reduces pet stress from long waits.