QC PET STUDIES
Would you love to spend your time helping dogs feel their best? QC’s Dog Grooming
course teaches you to safely and expertly groom dogs from start to finish. Learn
how to build positive relationships with your canine clients, how to maintain a dog’s
health, and how to create a polished final look that truly impresses your clients. QC’s
step-by-step course texts and video demonstrations prepare you to groom dogs
of any breed and temperament. The hands-on assignments and practicum units
allow you to practice and improve your skills while receiving detailed feedback from
your tutor, a professional groomer. Graduate from the course with comprehensive
training and practical experience that gives you a competitive edge as an employee
or as a business owner. This is your chance to be creative while working with animals
you love.
THIS COURSE IS BEST FOR THOSE WHO:
• Want to learn how to expertly groom dogs of various breeds and temperaments
• Are passionate about maintaining a dog’s health and appearance
• Want to open their own dog grooming salon
• Are interested in working for an established grooming salon or pet retailer
• Want to work as a freelance, mobile or home-based groomer
Upon graduation, you’ll receive the International Dog Grooming Professional
certificate of completion. You’ll be ready to apply for jobs in the industry or work
towards starting your own dog grooming business.
1Course Catalog
Career Possibilities With the proper education and experience, you open the door to a number of career paths:
START YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Be your own boss! Dog grooming is a great industry for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to run
the show. As part of your Dog Grooming course, you’ll receive our business training for free. This
optional course prepares you to launch your own business and grow your clientele.
WORK FOR A SALON OR PET RETAILER
From independent salons to major pet retailers, a skilled groomer is always in demand. If your
goal is to work for an established grooming salon, education is a huge asset. You’ll stand out as a
candidate who has the skills and dedication to get the job done.
WORK FROM HOME
Want to cut the commute? QC Pet Studies prepares you to start a grooming business in the
comfort of your home. You’ll be able to run your own business and set your own hours without
worrying about additional retail costs.
BECOME A MOBILE GROOMER
In today’s fast-paced world, mobile groomers are in high demand. You may choose to invest in a
mobile grooming van or work out of your clients’ homes. Either way, an education will help you
establish credibility and build your client list.
EXPLORE THE INDUSTRY
Once you have an education and experience in dog grooming, you can always branch out into
other areas of the animal care industry. Many dog groomers try their hand at teaching, behavioral
training or even show grooming.
Regardless of your career aspirations, QC Pet Studies will provide you with the skills and support
you need to succeed.
Course Catalog 2QC PET STUDIES
Unit A • Your career opportunities as a dog groomer
• Health and safety in the workplace
• Dog anatomy
• Managing skin conditions
• Maintaining healthy hair
Unit B• Reading dog behavior
• Dog temperaments
• Meeting your canine clients
• Safety for you and the dog
• The needs analysis
Unit C• Setting up a salon
• Building your toolkit
• Dog grooming equipment
• Using brushes and tools
• Scissor types and techniques
• Working with clippers
Course Curriculum The Dog Grooming course curriculum is divided into thirteen units. The first seven units include full-color course lesson booklets, instructional DVDs, and assignments designed to
test your knowledge. You’ll also complete the First Aid for Groomers course, which you receive for free upon enrollment. The next five units are Practicum Units that help you develop
your hands-on technique. Finally, you have the option to complete business training, a bonus unit that prepares you to launch and grow the business model of your choice.
Course Catalog 3QC PET STUDIES
QC PET STUDIES
Unit D• Cleaning ears
• Trimming pads
• Clipping nails
• Brushing and deshedding a coat
• Working with mats and tangles
• Bathing and drying a dog
Unit E• Dog groups
• Working with different coat types
• The teddy bear cut
• Popular pet cuts
• Common head cuts, foot cuts, and hygiene cuts
• Adding products and accessories
Unit F• Dogs with special needs
• Working with senior dogs
• Working with difficult dogs
• Grooming puppies
Unit G• Breed standards
• Corrective grooming
• Pattern setting
• Creating a breed profile
Practicum Units• Bathe and dry a dog
• Create the teddy bear cut
• Groom a natural breed
• Groom a terrier
• Groom a Non-sporting breed
Business Essentials (optional)• Starting a dog grooming business
• Creating your brand
• Marketing your business
• Managing your schedule
• Building client relationships
LEARN MORE ABOUT EACH UNIT
4Course Catalog
Take a LookIn this video excerpt from Unit E, Course Instructor Lisa Day shows
you how to trim and shape a dog’s face when creating the highly-
requested teddy bear cut. Assignment D5The Pat and Pull Method
The pat and pull method thoroughly detangles a dog’s coat without scraping his skin. In this assignment,
you will submit a video that shows your ability to brush a dog’s coat using the pat and pull method.
For this assignment you will need the following:
• A video camera and someone to film you
• A dog whose coat will be brushed with a slicker brush
• A signed copy of the release form for assignment D5
• A slicker brush
Guidelines for selecting a dog:
Choose a dog whose coat needs to be brushed with a slicker brush. This includes dogs with most coat
types, including heavy coats, curly coats, double coats, combination coats, wire coats and especially
tangled silky coats. Avoid working with dogs with smooth coats or short coats. Remember that a slick-
er brush is used to detangle long or thick areas of a coat. Ideally, the dog you work with should have
dense or bushy areas that are prone to tangling.
Remember: When you are grooming a dog, he must be safely restrained on a non-slip surface.
Step 1:
Choose an appropriate slicker brush based on the dog’s coat type and condition. A dog with a thin
coat or sensitive, light-colored skin is better suited to a soft slicker brush. A dog with a thick, dense
coat is better suited to a curved slicker brush. However, if the dog’s coat is especially tangled, you will
have to use a curved slicker brush regardless of coat type.
STUDENT#: NAME:
Your Course Guides and Assignments
You will receive a Course Guide with step-by-step instructions for
working through each unit. The Course Guide will walk you through
how to upload your assignments to the Online Student Center
and how to download your tutor’s evaluation and audio feedback.
Additionally, QC’s helpful Student Support Team is ready to guide
you through the assignments and answer any questions you may
have along the way. Contact the support team by phone, email or
Live Chat – whichever you prefer.
QC’s step-by-step program will guide you through every aspect of
the dog grooming process. The course assignments are designed
to place you in real-world scenarios that develop your hands-on
skills as a professional dog groomer.
VIDEO
Sample Assignment
Course Catalog 5QC PET STUDIES
Get Hands-On TrainingGo beyond theory. As part of your course, you’ll complete practical assignments that
provide valuable hands-on experience. You’ll perform some of the most important
grooming procedures from start to finish, including trimming nails, cleaning ears,
bathing and drying a dog, and creating popular cuts. Detailed feedback from your
tutor will allow you to develop your skills and refine your technique.
How will I find dogs to work with?
To complete your practical assignments, you will need to find a variety of dogs to
work with. If you own a dog, you will be able to complete many of the assignments
with him/her. If you don’t own a dog, don’t worry! Your course materials contain
guidelines for finding dogs and obtaining permission to work with them. A few
options include working with a friend or family member’s dog, working with dogs
from a local animal shelter, or posting flyers at a local dog park.
How do I groom dogs in my home?
You will need to set up an at-home workspace to groom dogs and develop your
practical skills. Your course materials include step-by-step instructions for setting up
a safe, functional workspace. You will submit a photograph of your workspace so
your tutor can provide you with feedback and ensure your setup is secure.
You will also need somewhere to bathe dogs before you groom them. Your course
materials outline a number of options, including bathing dogs in your own tub,
bathing dogs outside or bathing dogs at a self-serve wash station. Again, your tutor
will work with you to ensure your setup is safe and practical.
Course Catalog 6QC PET STUDIES
QC PET STUDIES
First Aid for Groomers CourseA bonus course worth $348!
When you groom a dog, you are being entrusted with the welfare of a beloved family
member. At the same time, you are working with animals that can be unpredictable
and temperamental. QC’s First aid training is essential to maintain your wellbeing
and the wellbeing of the dogs you work with. Our First Aid course prepares you to
create a grooming environment that is safe and secure. You’ll learn how to prevent
illness and injury and how to safely respond to emergency situations. Completing
the first aid training will increase your confidence and credibility and will provide
both you and your clients with peace of mind.
Unit A• Introduction to first aid
• Building your first aid kit
• Preventing accidents and injuries
• Assessing a dog’s health
• Responding to emergency situations
• Addressing injuries to the groomer
• Preventing bites and scratches
• Assessing the severity of a wound
• Checking a dog’s vitals
Unit B• Discovering an unconscious dog
• Rescue breathing techniques
• Performing CPR on a dog
• Finding hidden or internal health
issues
• Wound care
• Dehydration and heatstroke
• Responding to seizures, cysts,
burns, bruises and parasites
• Addressing common medical
conditions
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIRST AID COURSE.
7Course Catalog
Free Business TrainingThe dog grooming industry has plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurship. As
you perfect your skills and build your client list, you may decide to open your own
salon or start a business out of your home. When you enroll in Dog Grooming, you’ll
receive the business training for free. This optional unit includes course texts and
assignments that prepare you to start a thriving dog grooming business. You’ll learn
how to:
• Choose a viable location and business model
• Design and set up a salon
• Name and register your business
• Create a cohesive brand personality
• Identify your target market
• Develop marketing strategies and plan promotions
• Manage your finances
• Create a detailed business plan and present it to potential investors
• Determine your services and pricing
• Manage your client relationships
Course Catalog 8QC PET STUDIES
The Student-Tutor ConnectionOnce you enroll with QC Pet Studies, you’ll be matched with a personal tutor who will review your work and provide you
with in-depth feedback and advice. These accomplished tutors are Certified Master Groomers with years of experience in
the dog grooming industry. They are eager to share their professional insight and to help you achieve your career goals.
Meet Lisa Day
Lisa is a Certified Master Groomer with over 40 years of industry experience. Her
diverse career includes running her own salon, conducting workshops and seminars,
and competing in conformation shows. An award-winning groomer and experienced
teacher, Lisa is passionate about supporting the next generation of dog groomers
and raising the standards of the industry.
Meet Paddy Gaffney
Paddy is a Certified Master Groomer with 17 years of industry experience. A salon
owner and entrepreneur, Paddy has valuable insight into operating a successful dog
grooming business. She is also an artist who appreciates the creativity and detail-
work necessary to produce a polished final look. Paddy is excited to guide students
throughout their course and to ensure they reach their individual goals.
Course Catalog 9QC PET STUDIES
YOU’LL BE COVERED BY QC’S DOUBLE GUARANTEE
21-Day Money Back Guarantee
1-Year Money Back Guarantee
Try the course risk-free for 21 days. This gives you time to receive your course
materials and evaluate whether the dog grooming course is right for you. If you
decide it’s not a good fit, simply contact QC to arrange a return of your course
materials for a refund. It’s that easy!
Note: For sanitary reasons, the clippers and attachment combs provided with the
course cannot be refunded (value $200 US)
That’s right. If after one years of receiving your certificate of completion, you
haven’t earned the equivalent of your tuition fees in dog grooming fees or salary,
your dog grooming course tuition will be refunded in full. All you have to do is
provide proof that you’ve made a reasonable effort to find work as a dog groomer.
This course will pay for itself within 1 year, that’s a promise.
LEARN MORE ABOUT QC’S DOUBLE GUARANTEE
Course Catalog 10QC PET STUDIES
QC PET STUDIES
What You Need to Get StartedWe want to make sure the Dog Grooming course is the best fit for you! The following checklists outline the requirements that will help you succeed in the course and in your career.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Health Requirements:
• Are you comfortable standing and walking for extended periods of time?
• Are you comfortable manipulating your body in different positions?
(e.g. twisting, turning, bending).
• Are you comfortable lifting and carrying heavy animals and heavy equipment?
(e.g. up to 30lbs).
• Are you able to firmly grasp tools and equipment with both of your hands?
• Are you comfortable interacting with and potentially restraining dogs?
• Are you comfortable being exposed to dirt and debris, strong odors, loud
noises and animal hair and dander?
• Are you comfortable being exposed to a dog’s bodily fluids and/or skin
conditions?
• Are you comfortable working with chemical solutions such as shampoos and
cleaners?
• Do you have sufficient use of your senses? (Sight, smell, touch, hearing)
• If you are pregnant, do you have your doctor’s permission to complete the Dog
Grooming course?
Technology Requirements:
• A working computer and/or tablet
• A smart phone and/or camera with photograph and video capability
• Up-to-date Internet browser
• Up-to-date Flash player
• Up-to-date Adobe program
11Course Catalog
Required EquipmentTo succeed as a dog groomer, you’ll need to continuously invest in your toolkit. As you begin working in the industry and building your client list, you’ll quickly earn back the cost
of your kit. Keep in mind that you don’t need to acquire the items on this list all at once. The flexibility of online learning allows you to invest in the required tools at your own pace.
And when you enroll, you’ll receive a professional-quality Dog Grooming Starter Kit for free. This kit contains many of the items you need to get started. QC Pet Studies students
also receive exclusive discounts from a number of pet retailers!
Items included in with your course (a value of approximately $350):
• A selection of grooming scissors (including straight scissors, curved scissors
and thinners)
• Wahl cordless clippers
• A selection of snap-on combs
• Combs
• A selection of brushes (including a slicker brush, bristle brush and pin brush)
• Undercoat rake
• Dematting tool
• Nail clippers (small and large)
Items you will need to purchase
• Grooming table with a Grooming Arm (recommended) (approximately $150 -
$200)
• Bathing setup (depending on your setup, you may need restraints and/or a
shower head attachment) (approximately $40)
• Dog shampoo (approximately $10)
• Towels (approximately $10)
• High-velocity and/or stand dryer (approximately $200 each)
• Protective head gear to be used with a high-velocity dryer (approximately $30)
• Leash to restrain the dog (approximately $30)
• Styptic product (or alternative) (approximately $5)
• Ear powder (approximately $5)
• Ear cleaning solution (approximately $10)
• Cotton pads (approximately $5)
• Elastic grooming bands (approximately $5)
• Dog bandana (approximately $15)
• Nail file (approximately $5)
Note: You will need a few additional items that are affordable and easy to find. In
fact, you most likely already have them in your home. Each assignment includes a
list of required and optional materials so you have time to prepare.
Course Catalog 12QC PET STUDIES
TuitionTuition includes:• All course guides, lesson texts and DVDs
• Free First Aid course worth $348
• Bonus grooming tools worth $250
• Ongoing personalized feedback from a professional groomer
• Access to all digital materials through the Online Student Center
Payment Plans:
1. Pay Monthly- Align your payments with your monthly bills
2. Pay Bi-Weekly- Time your payments with when you get paid
3. Pay Weekly- Fit low weekly payments into your budget
Plus, you can choose which day you’d like your payments to be processed!
Pay-in-full Discount:
Save up to $400, when you pay in full!
Enroll online today and take your first step toward
an exciting and rewarding career!
Ready to Enroll?
ENROLL NOW
VIEW TUITION INFO
QC PET STUDIES
ABOUT QC PET STUDIESQC Pet Studies, a division of QC Career School, offers online education for pet professionals all over the world. Our goal is to offer the highest quality training in pet
grooming possible in an accessible online environment.
A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
QC is proud to hold the highest possible
consumer satisfaction rating (A+) with the Better
Business Bureau. Join the thousands of students
who have taken a QC program and launched a
successful career!
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