Pet Groomer

Program Outline

Your program consists of consists of courses designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works
Your course will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other courses will follow as you complete your exams, so you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer to complete this program. Penn Foster recommends the following as minimum specifications: Pentium® II or better processor (Pentium® III preferred), using Microsoft® Windows® XP or later. You will also need Internet access.

PEP016: Introduction to Pet Grooming

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our Web site; 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.

PEP017: Introduction to Dogs and Cats

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.

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.

Learning Aid: Universal comb

PEP018: Pre-Grooming Procedures

Equipment Selection, Use, and Maintenance
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 Grooming Patterns
Procedures to treat mats; shaving down a dog; choosing the proper cut.

Learning Aids:
Dog nail trimmers
Dog slicker brush

PEP019: Dog Grooming, Part 1

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.

Learning Aid: Grooming Scissors

PEP021: Dog Grooming, Part 2

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 and the Bouvier des Flandres.

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.

PEP022: Dog Grooming, Part 3

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

Mixed Breeds and Drop-Coat Styles
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

Learning Aids:
Clippers
Andis® blade guide
Andis® poodle chart

PEP023: Dog Personalities and Behavior

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.

PEP024: Cat Grooming

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.

PEP026: Business Applications for Pet Groomers

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 Quick Reference Guide to Dog Grooming Practicum

Please Note: This program requires students to complete a 10-week practicum performing grooming duties at a kennel, veterinary clinic, animal shelter, pet supply store, or privately owned grooming salon. Students are instructed to find a site within their local communities to complete the practicum. Students will receive instruction under the direction of an experienced professional pet groomer. After completing the Pet Groomer Program, you will receive a pass/fail grade for the practicum.

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

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

This program requires students to enroll in a 10-week practicum during the course of their studies.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Andis is a trademark of the Andis Company registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.