Welcome to the Shaggy Dog Professional Dog Grooming Program. In only twelve short weeks, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to build a successful career in the ever-growing pet grooming industry! This course will take you step-by-step through the essentials of grooming, from bathing to handling clients, ensuring you become an expert in the field. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll learn:
Module 1: The Art of Professional Bathing
The foundation of every great groom begins with a thorough, professional bath. In this module, you’ll learn how to identify skin issues, properly bathe and dry pets, and handle various coat types for de-shedding. These skills are just as crucial as the grooming itself, ensuring each pet’s health and comfort.
Topics Covered:
- Professional bathing techniques
- Identifying skin issues and care
- Proper shampoo mixing and application
- Disinfecting shampoo bottles
- Flea management and skin care
- Gland expression for pet hygiene
- Cleaning eye and potty build-up
- Drying techniques with specialized nozzles and tools
- De-shedding methods using conditioners and brushes
Module 2: Pet Safety and Handling Practices
Safety is paramount when working with unpredictable pets. This module covers how to handle pets in various situations, recognize when a pet may be too aggressive, and ensure both pets and groomers stay safe. You’ll also learn how to build trust with pets and their owners to create a positive experience for everyone involved.
Topics Covered:
- Handling Aggressive pets using restraints
- Understanding dog and cat behavior
- Safe lifting techniques and pet CPR
- The importance of teamwork in grooming environments
- Handling pets with floor/crate aggression
- Using sedatives and understanding vaccinations
- Ensuring proper sanitation and eye care
- Managing seizures and ruptured anal glands
Chapter 3: Advanced Grooming Techniques
In this hands-on chapter, you’ll dive into the exciting world of professional grooming. You’ll learn everything from clipper care to breed-specific patterns and creative grooming styles. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be prepared to handle any grooming challenge that comes your way, from routine trims to more complex grooming tasks.
Topics Covered:
- Clipper care, blade lengths, and maintenance
- Mastering breed patterns (Lamb, Kennel, Terrier, Teddy Bear, Pom Poms)
- Grooming terminology and assessing the pet’s coat
- At-home maintenance advice for clients
- Grooming the feet, eyes, and sanitary areas
- Scissoring techniques and determining the best haircut for each pet
- Mustache styles, bow and bandana making, and nail polish application
Chapter 4: Mastering Customer Relations
Grooming isn’t just about the pets—it’s about building relationships with their owners. In this module, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with customers, manage expectations, and ensure that pets and their owners leave happy. From setting realistic grooming schedules to handling demanding clients or those with unrealistic expectations, you’ll develop the skills to navigate any customer interaction.
Topics Covered:
- Understanding and decoding haircut instructions (like the “puppy cut”)
- Making grooming plans based on coat length and budget
- Managing change-of-plan situations and maintaining customer trust
- Creating and using liability contracts
- Handling unhappy customers and refund policies
- Managing injuries, insurance claims, and emergencies
- Setting prices and booking appointments for different pet types (matted pets, senior pets)
Chapter 5: Grooming Final Test
In this final module, you’ll put everything you’ve learned to the test. This hands-on assessment will ensure you’re ready to handle a variety of grooming scenarios, from client relations to mastering specific breeds.
Assessment Includes:
- Client relations and communication skills
- Grooming techniques and haircut proficiency
- Charging and pricing strategies
- Grooming specific breeds: Yorkie, Shih Tzu, Bichon, Schnauzer, Poodle, and Doodles
Passing this test marks the beginning of your professional journey as a certified pet groomer! Congratulations!
Our Professional Grooming Program offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience that prepares you for a rewarding career in pet grooming. From mastering bathing techniques to handling challenging client requests, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in this industry.
The Shaggy Dog Grooming School offers the most cost-effective option in the Houston area. Register for our program for just $500 down. Now is the perfect time to get started.
Call for complete details or to enroll today to transform your passion for pets into a fulfilling career!
