Apr 27, 2025  
NIACC Catalog 2024-2025 
    
NIACC Catalog 2024-2025 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dog Grooming (NIACC Workforce Academy)


The Professional Dog Grooming course provides a college-certified curriculum designed to meet the highest standards of industry best practices. This course equips students with the essential skills and credentials required for careers in dog grooming.

Course Highlights:

  • Hands-On Instruction: Gain practical experience with a strong emphasis on technical skills, safety, sanitation, and the artistry of dog grooming.
  • Workforce and Soft Skills: Develop the professional and interpersonal skills necessary for success in the dog grooming industry.
  • Comprehensive Learning Materials: Engage with illustrated textbooks, online content, PowerPoint presentations, tutorial videos, and an instructional guide to support a thorough understanding of course material.
  • Scaffold and Research-Based Instruction: Benefit from teaching methods that are designed to progressively build expertise through effective, research-backed educational strategies.
  • Multiple Assessment Methodologies: Prepare for professional certification through a variety of assessments that ensure readiness for industry standards.

Students will receive in-depth training and develop a solid foundation in both the technical and soft skills required for a successful career in dog grooming. This course is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise and gain professional credentials in the dog grooming industry.

Length:

  • 343 Contact Hours
  • 67 LMS hours
  • 256 Hands on hours
  • 20 entrepreneur online hours

Mode of Instruction: Courses will be offered in person. Check upcoming offerings for specific locations.

Entrance Requirements

High school diploma/equivalency recommended.

No admissions requirements or entrance exam is needed.

Skills: To be a dog groomer, several essential skills are necessary. Firstly, proficiency in handling dogs with care and understanding their behavior is crucial for maintaining a calm and cooperative grooming environment. Knowledge of different dog breeds and their specific grooming requirements, such as coat types and styles, is essential for providing tailored grooming services. Practical skills in bathing, drying, brushing, and trimming dogs’ fur, nails, and ears safely and effectively are also fundamental. Additionally, good interpersonal skills are important for communicating with pet owners to understand their preferences and ensuring customer satisfaction. Attention to detail, patience, and a genuine love for animals are qualities that contribute to becoming a successful dog groomer, ensuring both the welfare of the dogs and the quality of the grooming service provided.

Career Opportunities

Dog groomers are in demand due to several factors driving the pet care industry. As more people consider pets as integral family members, there is a growing emphasis on pet grooming for health and aesthetic reasons. Regular grooming not only enhances a dog’s appearance but also promotes their overall well-being by preventing matting, skin issues, and parasites. With a diverse range of dog breeds requiring specific grooming techniques, from basic baths to intricate haircuts, skilled groomers are essential for meeting these varied needs. Additionally, as pet ownership increases, so does the demand for professional grooming services that offer convenience and expertise. The role of dog groomers extends beyond aesthetic care to include health monitoring and early detection of potential issues, making their services indispensable in maintaining the health and happiness of pets.