Dog Grooming – Advanced Course

About the Level 4 Dog Grooming Professional Advanced Certificate

This course has been designed to build on a student’s grooming abilities. The qualification focuses on the specialised aspects of grooming, helping individuals to develop their skills and their businesses. Unlike other dog grooming qualifications, this particular course also educates students about grooming cats and other small pets.

The course is made up of 13 distance learning modules. These units are packed full of engaging and useful information which promises to help students reach the top of their game. Participants will learn about puppies, ageing dogs, animal dentistry and foot soaks. They will also gain an understanding of how to adapt treatments for different animal breeds.

Who should study this course?

This course has been designed for individuals who want to improve their pre-existing grooming skills. If you have already studied our Level 3 Dog Grooming Professional Course, this Level 4 qualification will allow you to take your business to the next level.

As with all of our home learning courses at Stonebridge College, we do not ask for students to have previous experience or qualifications. However, with this course, it may be beneficial for complete beginners to study Level 3 first. However, the decision is completely up to you.

What happens after the course?

By the end of this qualification, you will have a whole array of useful skills to weave into your business. You will be able to offer specialised grooming treatments for dogs and other small animals. If you do not already own your own business, you may be able to secure work in a dog grooming salon. If you already work in a salon, you may be eligible for a promotion. Jobs in this industry include but are not limited to:

• Dog groomer
• Dog walker
• Small business owner

For more information about this course, give us a call on this number: 0121 392 8288

Syllabus

Lesson One - Skin Anatomy and Common Diseases

• Anatomy
• Skin Functions
• Skin Structure
• Skin Glands
• Hair
• Common Diseases
• Allergies
• Bacterial Skin Disease
• Hormonal Skin Disease
• Fungal Skin Disease
• Nutritional Skin Disease
• Tumours
• Congenital Skin Disease

Outcomes

• Have a clear knowledge of skin anatomy
• Know the important functions of skin
• Identify the different skin glands
• Know the different types of hair and understand the functions of hair
• Identify the different types of skin disease, understand them and know their treatments

Lesson Two - Parasites

• Fleas
• Lice
• Walking Dandruff
• Scabies
• Mange
• Ear Mites
• Ticks

Outcomes

• Have a clear knowledge of the common external parasites
• Identify the different skin parasites
• Know the different treatments that can be used for fleas
• Identify the signs of parasite infection

Lesson Three – Dentistry

• Anatomy
• Diseases
• Preventive Care
• Scraping
• Brushing
• Diet

Outcomes

• Have a clear knowledge of the dental anatomy pets
• Know the important functions of the teeth
• Identify the different ways to prevent dental disease
• Know the two scale and brush a pet teeth
• Have a clear knowledge of the common dental diseases found in pets

Lesson Four - Puppies

• Why A Puppy Grooming Is So Important
• Owners Grooming Training Program
• Salons Grooming Training Program
• Bathing Puppies
• Puppy Clip
• Useful Advice A Groomer Can Give To A New Puppy Owner

Outcomes

• Know the important reasons for grooming puppies
• Identify the different ways the owner can train a puppy to be groomed
• Know how to start a salons grooming puppy training program
• Learn the correct way to bath, dry and groom a puppy
• Understand the meaning of a puppy clip 
• Have an idea for how a groomer can bond and earn money from a new puppy owner

Lesson Five - Ageing Dogs

• Why Grooming A Senior Pet Is So Important
• Things To Look For
• Lumps And Bumps
• Bathing Older Dogs
• Useful Advice A Groomer Can Give To A Senior Pet Owner

Outcomes

• Know the importance of grooming ageing dogs
• Have a clear knowledge of the steps that a dog grooming needs to take to keep a senior dog comfortable and safe.
• Identify the different ways to help keep a senior dog healthy
• Know the reasons why to clip old dogs nails
• Have a clear knowledge of the different trims that can improve an old dogs life.

Lesson Six - Airedale

• Airedale History
• Grooming
• Hand stripping
• Brushing
• Body
• Throat and Chest
• Head
• Ears
• Eyebrows
• Beard
• Back Legs
• Front Legs
• Feet
• Tail and Rear

Outcomes

• Understand how to clip an Airedale's coat
• Have a clear knowledge of the Airedale's history
• Know how to groom the Airedale's head and face correctly
• Understand the techniques for achieving the best look for the Airedale terrier

Lesson 7 - Creating A Natural Foot and Foot Soaks

• Why it is important to trim dogs feet
• Grooming the feet
• Breeds
• Feet shapes
• Clipping pads
• Trimming the top of the foot using scissors
• Using scissors to trim the hocks
• Using clippers to trim the top of the feet.
• Using clippers to trim the hocks.
• Foot soaks

Outcomes

• Understand the importance of trimming dogs feet
• Have a clear knowledge of the types of feet that can be created
• Understand how to create a natural looking foot
• Know the correct techniques of clipping and hand trimming dog’s feet
• Lean how to give dogs foot soaks and why they are good for the dogs health.

Lesson Eight - Poodle

• Poodle history
• Preparation
• Face
• Beards and moustaches
• Throat
• Top knots
• Ears
• Body
• Feet and cuffs
• Tail
• Banding

Outcomes

• Have a clear knowledge and be able to identify how to trim a poodles coat into different styles including ears, body, beards, tails, and moustaches
• Understand how to clip poodles feet
• Understand what banding is, why its done and how to do it.
• Know the different treatments that can be used for fleas
• Learn how give a poodle a nicely shaped top knot

Lesson Nine - Bichon Frise

• Bichon Frise History
• Preparation
• Fluff Drying
• Note On Techniques
• Head
• Ears
• Muzzle
• Crest And Neck
• Body
• Front Legs
• Back Legs
• Feet
• Tail

Outcomes

• Have a clear knowledge of how to trim a Bichon Frise’s coat into a style
• Understand how to clip Bichon Frise’s feet
• Understand what fluff drying is, why it is done and how to do it
• Learn how to give a Bichon Frise a nicely rounded head       

Lesson Ten - Yorkshire Terrier

• Yorkshire Terrier History
• Reverse Sneezing And Collapsing Trachea
• Preparation
• Making Grooming Bows
• Natural Long Coat
• Grooming A Long Coat
• The Clipped Short Coat
• The Puppy Clip
• The Modified Schnauzer Clip
• The Modified Westie Head
• Top-knoted Head

Outcomes

• Understand how to clip a Yorkshire Terrier's coat and face, into 2 different  styles
• Understand what Reverse Sneezing and Collapsing Trachea is, what it sounds like and what to do about do it
• Have a clear knowledge of the Yorkshire Terrier's history
• Know how to make grooming bows
• Understand how to groom a perfect Natural Long Coated Yorkshire Terrier

Lesson Eleven – Schnauzer

• Schnauzer History
• Grooming
• Stripping Off
• Hand stripping
• Stripping Session Patterns
• Rolling
   
• Clipping
• Body
• Chest, Thoat and Cheeks
• Head and Ears
• Eyebrows and Beard
• Back Legs
• Front Legs
• Feet
• Tummy, Tail and Rear.

Outcomes

• Know how to groom the Schnauzer's head and face correctly
• Have a clear knowledge of the Schnauzer's history
• Understand how to clip a Schnauzer's coat.
• Understand how to hand strip and roll a coat
• Identify the advantages and disadvantages of stripping a coat

Lesson Twelve - West Highland White Terrier

• West Highland White Terrier History
• Preparation
• Grooming
• The West Highland Terrier Trim
• Body
• Stomach
• Tail
• Front Legs
• Rear Legs
• Feet
• Throat and Chest
• Head
• Ears
• Dog Massage

Outcomes

• Understand how to do the West Highland Terrier Trim   
• Identify the different ways of clipping a West Highland White Terrier
• Have a clear knowledge of the West Highland White Terrier's history
• Know how to preform dog massage and understand its advantages

Lesson Thirteen - English Springer Spaniel

• English Springer Spaniel History
• Working Springer Spaniels
• Preparation
• Body
• Clipping
• Raking
• Furnishings
• Head
• Ears
• Tail
• Feet
• Finishing
• Docking

Outcomes

• Understand how to clip a English Springer Spaniel
• Identify the different ways the Springer Spaniel is used to benefit people
• Have a clear knowledge of the English Springer Spaniel's history
• Know how raking why and how it is done
• Understand the technique of bulk thinning

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: 130 hrs.

The Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the A2HE experience. By working in partnership the A2HE Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our A2HE learners.

Access to Higher Education courses are ideal for learners wanting to start a university course but that have no formal qualifications. By working in partnership the A2HE Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on an A2HE programme of study.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their A2HE programme.
• Allow learners to customise their A2HE programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from Open College Network West Midlands, a QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) licenced Access Validating Agency (AVA).

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Enabling Development Opportunities Ltd (EDO) EDO has been working with businesses and learners since 2007. The team of directors and staff have decades of experience in skills training. All learners are supported throughout their studies by a talented group of tutors and assessors who are responsible for ensuring that all learners on the A2HE programmes are supported in a way that makes them feel “special” and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding. As part of the A2HE Consortium, EDO are responsible for delivering the training and accessing Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. EDO also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from Open College Network West Midlands on successful completion of the A2HE programme. Please click here for more information

The Advanced Learning Loan (ALL) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the ALL experience. By working in partnership the ALL Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our Advanced Learning Loan learners.

Advanced Learner Loan funding is ideal for learners who are not able to fund their own learning and are seeking a government backed loan in order to do so. By working in partnership the ALL Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on a programme of study using an Advanced Learning Loan.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme.
• Allow learners to customise their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from various Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies.

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS) DTS was originally formed in 1973 and has been responsible for training thousands of apprentices and adult learners since then. DTS aim to help learners broaden their skills, gain knowledge; build on experience, to make a positive change to their career and life with dozens of apprenticeships and distance learning QCF courses that can really kick start a new career. Judged Good by OFSTED in October 2015: Just some of the reasons why DTS are a GOOD Training provider, very close to OUTSTANDING, but we don’t like to brag... Learners really enjoy their learning Effective employer involvement helps learners to link work-related activities well with their qualification Good quality workplaces, with a diverse range of clients Highly effective development of Apprentices’ English & Maths skills Employers provide a high quality working environment Consistent, high level of achievement for learners As part of the ALL Consortium, DTS are responsible for delivering the training and accessing the Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. DTS also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from the relevant awarding body on successful completion of the programme. Please click here for more information

What's included

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).
• FREE Wahl Multicut Electric Pet Clipper Kit With DVD with this course (R.R.P £27.55).  This is a mains operated clipper, completely versatile classic design with good balance. It has an adjustable taper arm for variable cutting lengths, high precision, rustproof, chrome plated blades.

Qualifications

On completion of your course, you will receive two certificates:

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

Dog Grooming Professional Advanced 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 4 Dog Grooming Professional Advanced Certificate of Achievement

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement by ABC Awards and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the details of all the units you have completed as part of your course).

The course has been endorsed under the ABC Awards’ Quality Licence Scheme. This means that Stonebridge Associated Colleges have undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet certain quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to an Ofqual regulated qualification but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills towards regulated qualifications in the future. The unit summary can be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this sector. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at Level 4 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of difficulty involved in successful completion by the learner.

The course itself has been designed by Stonebridge Associated Colleges to meet specific learners’ or employers’ requirements. ABC Awards’ endorsement involves a robust and rigorous quality audit by external inspectors to ensure quality is consistently met. A regular review of courses is carried out as part of the endorsement process.

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

To view a sample of the ABC Learner Unit Summary, please click here.

Who are ABC

ABC Awards is a leading national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, and the Welsh Government[1]. They have a comprehensive portfolio of over 650 Ofqual regulated qualifications on the national Qualifications and Credit framework (QCF). It has a long-established reputation for developing and awarding high quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. As a registered charity, ABC Awards combines 180 years of examination and assessment expertise but also implements a responsive, flexible and innovative approach to the needs of our customers.

Renowned for excellent customer service, and quality standards, ABC Awards also offers over 600 Ofqual 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.

For more info on our awarding body, ABC awards, 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.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Stonebridge Associated Colleges

Qualifications Register

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.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

Stonebridge Associated Colleges

Qualifications Register

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.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

We are proud to be working with Career Transition Partnetship (CTP) as a CTP Preferred Suplier. We are able to offer ex-service personnel access to funding for our whole range of military resettlement courses.

As a CTP Preferred Supplier we are able to accept your IRTC (Individual Resettlement Training Costs) grant or ELC (Enhanced Learning Credits) for any of the following courses:

• Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
• Beauty Therapy (Massage Route) Dual Course
• Business Administration
• Certificate in Education and Training
• Counselling Skills
• Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Foot Health Care Practitioner
• Health and Social Care (Adults)
• Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
• Playwork (NVQ)
• Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Principles of Customer Service course
• Principles of End of Life Care Course
• Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate

If you are ex-service personnel and would like more information on how to claim this funding, please contact the college or speak to your Service Resettlement Advisor.

For more information on CTP, please visit www.ctp.org.uk

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.

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: 130 hrs.

Further Information

If you would like any further information regarding this course, please call an advisor today on 0121 392 8288 ( or email enquiries@stonebridge.uk.com

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Student Zone

We understand that studying from home may be a new experience for you. You may even be feeling a bit apprehensive because you will not be studying in a traditional "classroom environment".

To help you overcome these concerns we have developed the Student Zone. The Student Zone, to which all of our students receive access, encourages a high level of interaction with your tutor and other like-minded students. Within this area you can:

• Access the Student Learning Community which allows you to connect with fellow students and gain the help and support you need.
• View your tutor's feedback on your marked assignments.
• View optional reading lists for your course (where available).
• Access free online games, for when you need a break from studying.
• View the study guide with plenty of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your course.
• Access free courses such as: Improving Learning Skills; Job Interview Skills; The Effective Learner; Goal Setting and Time Management; and Ten Tips to Complete a Good Test Paper.
• Find details on our generous Referral Programme.
And don’t forget our Facebook page where you will find tips, resources, games, competitions, and plenty of engagement and interaction from fellow students.