Dog Grooming Professional

Looking after people's pets is one of the most rewarding and fast growing occupations in United Kingdom today. Our Dog Grooming Course will offer the learner a rewarding way of learning everything required to enhance their pet care knowledge base for use in the Dog Grooming business.

About Dog Grooming Course

Our Dog Grooming Course is suitable for anyone, whether they are considering a career working as a dog groomer, or someone who wants to gain a much better understanding and knowledge of grooming.

It will provide you with the essential knowledge that you need to care for clients pets in a responsible welfare conscious way. Learn what you need to start and run your own business. Our Dog Grooming Course covers everything you need to know about dog grooming and business skills.

It also helps you become more security minded, to keep the right records and what to do in an emergency.

This Dog Grooming course has been mapped to the Lantra, Animal Care and Welfare, National Occupational Standards (the units are indicated in bold next to the learning outcomes).

Syllabus

1. Welcome and Safety

• Introduction and course structure
• Benefits of this course and getting the most out of this course
• Your safety
• Pet safety

Outcomes

• You will understand why it is important to approach and handle dogs in a manner that promotes their confidence and co-operation and the health and safety of all throughout. AC8.1(a),AC8.2(c),AC28.1(c)
• Understand the potential threats to health, safety and security in a bathing area (such as slippery floors/surfaces, electricity) and steps that should be taken to minimise the threats. AC8.2(b) AC28.1(b)
• Know the importance in following manufacturers’ instructions regarding dilution of cleansing products, how to correctly interpret these instructions, and the possible consequences of not doing so. AC8.2(f)
• Understand how to maintain the welfare of the dog during the work.AC29.1(f)
• Learn how to maintain health and safety for yourself, colleagues and others. AC29.1(g)

2. Business basics

• Business Plan, Insurance and Finance
• Law and Regulations
• First Impressions
• Advertising

Outcomes

• Understand the health, safety and welfare requirements which underpin this work.AC16(h)
• Understand that businesses and the self-employed have to organise their own tax and NI payments
• Know that your clients will evaluate first impressions, and why its important to look professional
• Learn that advertising plays an important role in creating and growing a client base.
• Understand different ways to advertise.

3. Getting started

• Location
• Equipment
• Organisation
• Attire

Outcomes

• Learn which equipment used for removing knots, tangles and dead hair, the correct selection and techniques for their use.AC8.1(d)
• Learn which equipment to use for removing excess hair, its selection and correct techniques for use. AC8.1(h)
• Know how to clean equipment and correct storage methods AC8.1(o), AC8.2(p),AC28.1(m)
• Know the protective equipment and clothing required when bathing a dog, its purpose and why it is important to use it correctly.AC8.2(a)
• Know how to assess and plan the work to be done within an agreed timescale. AC16(a)
• Understand the work which the client has requested. AC16(d)
• Know the types of tools and equipment for the work. AC18(f)
• Know the necessary condition of the work area for the work. AC16(g)
• Understand why it is important to use protective clothing during the drying process.AC28.1(a)
• Know the different types of drying equipment available, their purposes and to which dog and coat types they are most suited. AC28.1(f)
• Understand the correct temperature and velocity of drying equipment, how to adjust them and the potential dangers of incorrect setting.AC28.1(h)

4. Anatomy and health

• Anatomy
• Common skin diseases and parasites
• First aid
• Grooming injuries

Outcomes

• Learn what steps should be taken in the event of accidentally cutting the dog or self.AC8.1(j)
• Know how friction burns occur and how they can be avoided. AC8.1(k)
• Know the normal signs of health and signs indicating the dog should be referred to a veterinary surgeon.AC8.1(m)
• Know about abnormal conditions such as external/internal parasites and lesions. AC8.1(n)
• Know basic dog anatomy and physiology sufficient to be able to identify abnormalities.AC8.2(l)
• Know the signs and symptoms of basic skin problems and infestations. AC8.2(m)
• Know why it is important to obtain authorisation from the client or a senior colleague before using anti-parasitic products. AC8.2(g)
• Know the limits of your role when informing clients of possible abnormalities and conditions (i.e. not diagnosing) and the importance of referring clients to a veterinary surgeon. AC8.2(o)
• Understand the types of problems which may occur and how these should be dealt with. AC16(e)
• Know the signs of distress in dogs and the action that should be taken when these are observed.AC28.1(i)
• Understand what heat stress and brush burn are, their signs and causes and how to prevent them happening.AC28.1(k)
• Know how to identify abnormal conditions of the coat and skin, why it is important to do so. AC28.1(l)

5. Pre-bath

• Getting ready
• Selecting shampoos and conditioners
• Handling and restraint
• Pre-bath brushing
• Pre-bath clipping

Outcomes

• Learn why a dog’s coat should be bathed before trimming and when a dog’s coat should be removed prior to bathing.AC8.1(b)
• Understand why the coat type and style to be achieved affect the methods of preparing coats and equipment that should be used.AC8.1(c)
• You will know how to groom out a coat, removing knots, tangles and dead hair without injuring the dog AC8.1(e)
• Learn why clipping off and rough trimming are sometimes necessary and why the age of the dog may influence the decision AC8.1(f)
• Know how to judge the correct amount of hair to be clipped/scissored off and why it is important not to remove too much AC8.1(g)
• Understand the different types of cleansing products available, their purposes and the types of coat and conditions for which they are suitable AC8.2(d)
• Know how coat type and the condition of the coat and skin affect the cleansing products that should be used.AC8.2(e)

6. Bathing

• Protection
• Wet down
• Soap up and work in
• Rinse and condition

Outcomes

• Know the importance of preventing solutions entering the dog’s eyes, mouth and ears and why it is important to tell the client if this happens AC8.2(i)
• Know how to check that all residues have been rinsed from the coat and skin unless contraindicated by manufacturers’ instructions. AC8.2(j)
• Learn why its important to make a dog ‘squeaky clean’
• Understand how to wet down a dog correctly
• Know how to condition a dog

7. Drying

• Towel
• High velocity
• Stretch
• Kennel
• Blanket

Outcomes

• Know the methods to remove excess water from the dog prior to drying and why it is important to do this.AC8.2(k)
• Learn how coat type and the condition of the coat and skin affect the drying techniques and equipment that can be used. AC28.1(d)
• Understand how the style that is to be achieved affects the drying techniques and equipment that can be used. AC28.1(e)
• Know how drying technique, equipment and brushing during drying affect the finish. AC28.1(g)
• Know how to identify when coats are completely dry and the potential consequences of not drying a dog properly. AC28.1(j)

8. Ears, eyes, teeth, feet and bum

• Ears and eyes
• Teeth
• Claws
• Anal glands
• Hygiene clip

Outcomes

• Understand why particular care is required when removing excess hair from around eyes and ears AC8.1(i)
• Learn the importance of removing excess hair for the dog’s hygiene.AC8.1(l)
• Understand the external examination of anal sacs, what is normal, when expression may be necessary, why it is done and the possible consequences of doing it incorrectly or ignoring their poor condition. AC8.2(h)
• Know why it is necessary to check the anal glands, eyes, ears, skin, teeth and gums.AC8.2(n)
• Learn how to clean the dogs teeth safely and efficiently
• Know how to clip dogs’ nails and what to do if they bleed.

9. Smooth and medium coats

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Grooming smooth coats
• Grooming medium coats

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of smooth and medium coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling for smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(e)

10. Long coat

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Grooming

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of long coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing long coated dogs. AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing long coated dogs. AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling long coated dogs. AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for long coated dogs. AC29.1(e)

11.Wire coat

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Brushing
• Plucking and stripping
• Trimming

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of wire coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing wire coated dogs. AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing wire coated dogs. AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling wire coated dogs. AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for wire coated dogs. AC29.1(e)

12.Curly coat

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Grooming

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of curly coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing curly coated dogs. AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing curly coated dogs. AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling for curly coated dogs. AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for curly coated dogs. AC29.1(e)

Qualifications

On completion of your course, you will receive the dual award:

Award 1 is issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges: Dog Grooming Professional Diploma

Dog Grooming Professional Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.

Award 2 is issued by our Awarding Body: Level 3 Dog Grooming Professional Award

At the end of this course successful learners will also receive a Level 3 NCFE Award Certificate of Achievement. Our course has been accredited under our NCFE IIQ Licence and the course measurable learning outcomes have been benchmarked at Level 3 (using Ofqual’s Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) level descriptors) to allow you to consider the depth of study, difficulty, and level of achievement involved.

This award has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners' or employers' requirements. Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that this learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE.

To view a sample of the NCFE Certificate of Achievement, please click here.

To view a sample of the NCFE Candidate Unit Summary, please click here.

What is NCFE

NCFE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.

NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE. The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE Award certificate of achievement.

For more information on this award, click here

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method via ElearnUK.

If you do not have Internet access, or would prefer to study this course via the traditional paper/postal based study method, you can find more information on the course by clicking on the link below.

Stonebridge Prices

Studying by Post. If you would like to pay by instalments, we do offer an affordable interest free payment plan scheme which allows you to spread the cost of your course over a number of months. However, to use this option you will need to study for your course using the traditional paper-based method. For more information on our payment plans please visit our website at www.stonebridge.uk.com

The reason why the course fee is less if you choose to study online, is because with online study there are no costs associated with postage and printing etc. and thus we are able to offer the course at a reduced rate.

The total amount payable over the term's period, is no more than the total cash price of the course.
(APR = 0%). Written quotations are available on request.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 96 hrs.