Working with animals is rewarding but requires dedication and enthusiasm. You will gain practical skills and knowledge needed to work as a Dog Grooming Assistant.
This course develops:
- clipping and scissoring skills
- breed awareness
- grooming across various coat types
- anatomy
- health and safety
- first aid
- parlour management
The course will take place over approximately 4 days a week, including 1 day in the grooming parlour, 1 day work experience onsite and 1-2 days theory classroom-based learning.
This is a full-time study programme; some elements will take place outside the Grooming Parlour, and these are compulsory.
What you'll learn
Mandatory content covers:
- Preparing and grooming dogs prior to bathing
- Bathing of dogs
- Drying dogs and preparing a dog for styling
- Carrying out trimming of a dog’s coat to prepare for styling
- Moving and lifting dogs
- Maintaining the cleanliness and biosecurity of the dog grooming environment
- Professional conduct
- An introduction to anatomical features, breed characteristics and behaviour of dogs
You should expect home study, portfolio work and theory exams.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Through practical and theoretical lessons in the grooming parlour and other classroom-based lessons that cover a broad spectrum of animal knowledge.
Assessment is via a portfolio of evidence, practical observation assessments and theory exams.
Progression
You can progress to our Level 3 Dog Grooming and Salon Management course, once over 18 and with 1-2 years of experience working in the industry.
You can progress to other Level 3 Animal Management courses offered at Merrist Wood. Alternatively, you might consider progression into employment in a range of establishments, including grooming parlours and kennels.
Entry requirements
This course is limited to a maximum of 8 students due to health and safety and staffing ratios. Therefore, it will be competitive. You must have 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above in English and maths, as there will be no scope to include these within the timetabled provision.
You will need to have your own grooming tunic and non-slip shoes for working in the parlour. All other grooming equipment will be provided, though we can recommend a supplier and offer a discount code, should you wish to purchase your own once settled into the course.
