If you’ve ever thought about becoming a dog groomer, you’ve probably wondered what actually happens in a professional dog grooming course. What skills do you learn? How hands-on is the experience? Will it prepare you for the realities of the job?
Whether you’re considering a career change, looking to start your own dog grooming business, or just curious about working with dogs, our dog grooming courses offer more than just technique – they give you the knowledge, confidence and practical ability to thrive in the industry.
Here’s what you can expect to learn when you step into our grooming salons and complete our Level 2 and 3 City & Guilds accredited dog grooming courses.
Understanding dog breeds and coat types
A key part of any dog grooming course is learning to identify different breeds and coat types, and understanding how these influence the dog grooming process. For example, poodles, spaniels and terriers all require different techniques, tools, and finishing styles. You’ll learn how to work with double coats, wiry coats, curly coats and more – along with when and how to clip, trim, or hand-strip for the best results.
This foundation helps you work safely, efficiently, and with professional polish – especially when dealing with mixed breeds or client-specific requests.
Practical dog grooming skills from start to finish
Dog grooming is a hands-on job, and training reflects that. You’ll be guided through the dog grooming process, including bathing, drying, brushing, detangling, clipping, and scissoring.
Each skill is taught in a structured way, with expert supervision to help you build confidence and technique over time. Our dog grooming courses also provide the chance to groom real dogs under the guidance of our experienced tutors, an invaluable experience that prepares you for real working conditions.
Health, safety and animal welfare
Professional grooming isn’t just about appearance. It also plays an important role in a dog’s overall health and wellbeing. That’s why training includes how to carry out basic health checks, recognise signs of discomfort or illness, and work with dogs in a safe, calm and compassionate manner.
You’ll also learn about health and safety in the dog grooming environment – including how to clean and maintain tools, manage your workspace, and handle dogs of different sizes and temperaments.
Client communication and professional practice
Groomers often work directly with dog owners, so part of your training will focus on building your professional skills, such as how to explain services and handle client expectations with clarity and confidence. You’ll also be exposed to the practicalities of working in or running a dog grooming business, from time management to basic record-keeping.
Ready to take the first step into dog grooming?
Our dog grooming courses offer the chance to build the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to work professionally with dogs. We offer the following programmes from our fully equipped dog grooming salons in Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire) and Leeds (West Yorkshire), with intakes starting throughout the year:
- City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants is ideal for those who are new to the dog grooming industry and teaches the basics, including bathing, drying, and handling dogs safely.
- City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming builds on our level 2 qualification, covering advanced dog grooming techniques, breed styling, and salon management. This course perfect for those aiming to become fully qualified dog groomers or start their own dog grooming business.
As an alternative training option, if you live in England and are working in a suitable dog grooming environment, you might be eligible to train as a dog groomer as part of a dog grooming apprenticeship.
Learn more about our dog grooming courses here.