Dog Grooming Training

Dog grooming training prepares you to work with most breeds of dogs. They can include house pets, working dogs (police or service varieties) and show dogs that compete professionally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that most apprenticeship programs run for between six and 10 weeks, with training programs running for two to eight weeks. You will want to choose a program that best fits your lifestyle.

  1. Apprenticeship

    • Like many hands-on professions, dog grooming is best learned under the supervision of an experienced groomer. If you are unsure of the opportunities available in your area, call or make an appointment to meet with the head of your local groomer's shop to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities.

    Online Training

    • At-home training is also available for dog grooming. There are 50 state-licensed training programs for animal grooming in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you choose to use online training, look for programs that offer hands-on workshops. If your training program does not have hands-on training, consider volunteering with a local shelter to groom dogs so that you can build experience as you learn.

    Educational Costs

    • Each training program varies in tuition costs. Online training courses should have all educational expenses listed on the training program website or in a brochure. When looking at apprenticeships, you should have a formal statement of any fees or payments you will be making to your trainer if a summary of the training costs is not provided to you. You will also want to purchase professional-quality grooming equipmnt, such as brushes, shears and dematting tools.

    Continued Education

    • Once you have established yourself as a dog groomer, you will want to refine your skills from time to time. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills and keep on top of the current dog-grooming trends. The cost of grooming workshops vary. The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) offers training and certification opportunities, as well as grooming competitions.

    Work Environment

    • You can work independently and operate your own dog grooming services or work as part of a team. Dog groomers can work in grooming salons, veterinary offices, pet stores with grooming services or operate mobile grooming services that travel to customer's homes. Your work environment will depend on the grooming demands in your area.