Pet Groomer

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of nine Instruction Sets 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 first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets 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:

• 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
  
  
• Upon graduation you'll receive:
  • Books:
    • All About Dog Shows
    • Boarding Kennel Management

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.