Dog Grooming Professional
About the Level 3 Dog Grooming Professional Certificate
You may not have realised it, but dog grooming can make for a rewarding and profitable career. In fact, the great news for animal lovers is that the dog grooming industry is booming in today’s society. With the help of Stonebridge College’s Level 3 qualification, you could be starting your own dog grooming business in no time at all.
This specific award teaches students how to groom dogs effectively and professionally. The course attaches great importance to your safety and the safety of the dogs. It then moves on to discuss common dog grooming issues and educate students about everything from canine anatomy and first aid to bathing, brushing and trimming.
Who should study this course?
This course is suitable for dog lovers of all kinds. Whether you plan to start up your own business or simply show your own pet a bit of TLC, dog grooming qualifications such as this will give you a helping hand.
As with all of our courses here at Stonebridge College, you can enrol without any previous experience or qualifications. All we ask is that you have access to our online portal, a passion for dogs of all kinds and the motivation to succeed.
What happens after the course?
On successful completion of this course you will be ready to get started with your grooming endeavours. Whether you choose to pamper your own dog or share your skills among the community, this course will help you on your way. You will have a choice of careers after completing this course. These include:
- Dog groomer
- Dog grooming business owner
- Kennel worker
For more information about this course, give us a call on this number: 0121 392 8288
On completion of your course, you will receive two certificates:
Certificate 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.
Certificate 2 is issued by ABC Awards: Level 3 Dog Grooming Professional Certificate of Achievement
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from ABC Awards and Certa Awards and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).
The course has been endorsed under the ABC Awards and Certa Awards Quality Licence Scheme. This means that Stonebridge Associated Colleges has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained. The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.
The course itself has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. ABC Awards & Certa Awards endorsement involves robust and rigorous quality audits by external auditors to ensure quality is continually met. A review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.
*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales
To view a sample of the ABC Certificate of Achievement, please click here.
Requirements for Entry
There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this Dog Grooming course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.
Who are ABC Awards and Certa Awards
![ABC Awards and Certa Awards]()
ABC Awards and Certa Awards have long-established reputations for providing high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. ABC Awards and Certa Awards combine over 180 years of expertise combined with a responsive, flexible and innovative approach to the needs of our customers.
Renowned for excellent customer service, and quality standards, ABC Awards and Certa Awards also offer regulated qualifications for all ages and abilities post-14; all are developed with the support of relevant stakeholders to ensure that they meet the needs and standards of employers across the UK.
Professional Membership
On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):
Anyone who is studying for or has completed a course endorsed by an Ofqual approved awarding body is eligible to join Qualifications Register. The Qualifications Register (QR) is an independent register that aims to serve both members of the public and those professionals who hold recognised qualifications.
QR's primary aim is to provide transparency to members of the public and employers. The QR is a searchable database that allows them to find a practitioner and view the relevant qualification and endorsements the practitioner holds. The member of the public is then able to make an informed decision in relation to the suitability of the practitioner. QR also tracks whether practitioners have insurance, again something that is useful for members of the public. QR can also help professionals gain insurance or find professional indemnity cover. Click here to find out more.
Members of the public can check an independent source with complete confidence that the practitioner has the qualification(s) they claim to have and that any additional CPD the practitioner has, is verified and quality assured to make sure that the CPD is being done on a regular basis. QR tracks a practitioners endorsed CPD (in unison with our CPD accreditation partner Lifetime Awarding) and other key signals to help members of the public and employers to come to a more informed decision about the professional they intend to use. This is an enormously valuable signal that's increasingly important as business becomes more deregulated and privatised.
For practitioners QR helps you market your skills, endorsements and feedback transparently to a wider audience. It also gives you access to a community to help make you more able to progress and succeed in your field of expertise. Click here to find out more.
Dog Grooming Course 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 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)
What's Included
- All study materials
- Study Guide
- Full Tutor and Admin support
- The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £30.00).
