Choosing a Dog Grooming Course: What to Check First

How do you choose a dog grooming course?

Check five things: the qualification's Ofqual number and awarding body, the number of practical hours, how many dogs you will groom, the student to tutor ratio, and what is included in the price. A Level 3 course commonly costs £3,500 to £7,000. doggrooming.trade sells no courses, takes no commission from training providers, and does not recommend any.

Regulated or not?

A regulated qualification appears on the Ofqual Register with a number, such as 603/0353/0 for the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming. Many courses are not regulated: a centre's own certificate may be good training, but it is not a recognised qualification, and some insurers and employers ask which you hold. Ask the provider for the number and look it up.

How much practical time should a course include?

Enough to groom dogs of every coat type from start to finish, many times over. Grooming is learned on dogs. Ask how many days are hands-on, how many dogs you will groom from start to finish, and across how many breeds and coat types: curly, double, wire and smooth. A course that is mostly online with a short practical block will leave you needing salon experience before you can work alone. iPET Network's Level 3, for example, involves grooming at least 20 dogs.

What should you ask a training provider?

Is the exam or assessment fee included? Who supplies the dogs? How many students per tutor on practical days? Are you insured while training? What happens if you fail a practical assessment, and what does a resit cost? Can you speak to former students? Is there a time limit to finish? What equipment must you buy?

Level 2 or Level 3?

A Level 2 certificate trains a grooming assistant to bath, dry and prepare dogs under supervision. A Level 3 diploma is the standard for grooming independently. If you plan to run your own salon or van, Level 3 is the one to aim for, either directly or after Level 2.

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