Course Descriptions for “Professional Pet Grooming”

Program Instructional Outline

Please note that the sequence in our educational delivery is dependent on the available breeds that arrive daily for grooming. The number of hours for each Course Code may vary for each group as a result breed availability.

There are common core learning objectives/competencies for each type of pet groomed. In the first two weeks of attendance, the student’s time will be focused strictly with Prep work only. It is up to the Instructor(s) if the student needs more time to master this very important first step. Once accomplished, the student is tested in practical as well as written competencies. Once mastered the student starts to move through the different Course Codes.

Resources include:

• Daily appointments.
• Instructors also have personal resources of pets that are available when needed.
• Rescue organizations to groom their pets at no charge.
• Free grooming is also available to specific breeds that are needed for instructive purposes.

Common Core Learning Objectives:

There are common core learning objectives/competencies for each module taught;

• Customer Relations
• Ear Cleaning
• Nail Cutting
• Pad cleaning (utilizing the electric clippers)
• Private Area Cleaning (using the electric clippers)
• Rough Clip Training, which means that if the pet is matted, you will shave off any hair that cannot be detangled without causing undue discomfort to the pet, and or removing the unnecessary hair according to the pattern or clip requirement.
• Brush out the pet to remove tangles before you bathe the pet. You must comb through the pet to check your brushing progress.
• Pet Bathing. There is no need to pre wet the pet, unless it is extremely dirty, the shampoo is already pre-diluted. Use tearless shampoo on the face. Rinse extremely well once this task is completed.
• Pet Drying to approximately 80-90% using a forced air dryer. Finish your drying with a stand dryer. Please note that for Poodles, curly coated breeds and drop coats force dry to only 50%. Your pet should be damp for a proper fluff dry. Fluff drying straightens the hair and in this process will remove any missed tangles missed during the pre bath brush out.
• Re-clipping finishes the setting of the pattern and now is the time to smooth out lines and to make sure your pattern is correct.
• Finish work is the last step which includes scissoring, blending, Thinning and any final procedure that’s needed to complete the grooming process.

Textbook: “Notes From the Grooming Table” Pages 20-60

Group Specific Learning Objectives

Every student, prior to externship, is tested for competency in four areas. There are different techniques used in the learning process. It is subjective and the school utilizes certain parameters. There are many different shapes and sizes to the purebred and mix breed dogs.

Flexibility is used when performing the different individual haircuts. There are many different interpretations on how to best groom that pet that is before you. Your Instructors will ultimately make the best decision for each groomed pet. Our training is geared to these:

• Mixed Breeds
• Terrier Breeds
• Non-Sporting Breeds
• Drop Coat/Miscellaneous Breeds

DVD instruction

• Students are required to summarize 5 videos per month for every month that they attend school after a student reaches the 300 mark. Theory/training videos are available either on site or on their home computers.