Pet Groomer

Become a Pet Groomer with at-home training from Penn Foster Workforce Development.

There are certain skills you need to begin a career as a Pet Groomer. The Penn Foster Career School Pet Groomer Program helps you learn them quickly and conveniently. You'll get training in:

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Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our Website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

The Grooming Professional
Career opportunities in Pet Grooming; basic equipment; professionalism; communication skills needed.

Instruction Set 2

Introduction to Dogs
Brief introduction to dog types; personalities of dogs; general handling of dogs.

Introduction to Cats
Brief introduction to cats; types of cats; types of cat personalities; general handling of cats.Brief introduction to cats; types of cats; types of cat personalities; general handling of cats.

Anatomy and Health Care of Dogs and Cats
Structures of dogs and cats in relation to body parts and purposes; basic health care; informing the pet owner of problems noticed while grooming.

Equipment: Universal Comb

Instruction Set 3

Equipment Use and Care
Use and proper care of equipment and grooming tools; maintenance and care of kennels and crates.

Preparation of Dogs for Grooming
Combing and brushing techniques; cleaning ears and plucking ear hair; nail clipping; taking care of eyes, stomach, and rectal area.

Bathing and Drying
Procedures for using shampoos, conditioners, and flea products; basic bathing and drying techniques.

Basic Cuts and Grooming Procedures
Procedures to treat mats; shaving down a dog; choosing the proper cut.

Learning Aids:
• Dog Nail Trimmers
• Dog Slicker Brush

Instruction Set 4

Terrier Group
Various types of terriers and the particular cuts for each type; terminology related to terriers.

Non-Sporting Group
Types of non-sporting dogs; various breeds; original purpose of these dogs; non-sporting breed cuts; detailed look at the Bichon Frise.

Toy Group
Types of toy breeds; original purpose of these dogs; terminology and cut procedures; detailed look at the Shih Tzu.

Equipment: Grooming Scissors

Instruction Set 5

Sporting Group
Types of sporting dogs; various breeds; original purpose of these dogs; sporting breed cuts; detailed look at the Cocker Spaniel.

Herding Group
Types of dogs in the herding group; various breeds; original purpose of these dogs; herding breed cuts; detailed look at the Old English Sheepdog.

Hound Group
Types of hounds and various breeds; original purpose of these dogs; types and terminology of various cuts and procedures; the Norwegian Elkhound is described in detail.

Working Group
Types of working dogs; various breeds; original purpose of these dogs; working group breed cuts; terminology and procedures; detailed look at the Giant Schnauzer.

Learning Aid: Dog Wall Chart

Instruction Set 6

Poodles
Types of cuts; terminology; detailed look at the Lamb cut.

Mixed Breeds
Types of cuts; terminology; procedures; choosing the mixed breed cut.

Puppies
Proper handling of puppies; types of grooming problems associated with puppies; grooming in stages; recognizing signs of stress; introducing the puppy to clippers; bathing and drying puppies; the positive grooming experience.

Equipment:
• Electric Clippers
• Guide Comb

Instruction Set 7

Specific Personalities
The various personality types; groomer responsibilities; hazards; various procedures/techniques for working with each type of dog.

Grooming Dogs With Behavior Problems
Owner notification of problems; protection of self and others; proper use of muzzles; instruction of owners to curb grooming behavior problems.

Instruction Set 8

Introduction to Cats and Their Personalities
Different types of cat personalities are discussed; problems faced by groomers with each; hazards; kitten personalities and problems.

Cat Grooming Procedures
Proper handling procedures; combing and brushing procedures; dematting and shaving down; bathing and drying procedures; grooming kittens.

Instruction Set 9

The Business Side of Grooming
Job descriptions in a typical grooming business; setting prices; phone procedures; customer service; record keeping; advertising; accounting and payroll; zoning regulations.

The Alan Finn Guide to Dog Grooming

Work Experience Option

 

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

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Contact Penn Foster at 1-800-233-0259

Ordering Process

Organizations may order by telephone, mail, fax, or telex. For federal government clients, GSA discount terms are applied. Please click here for more information!


 

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