Pet and dog grooming program curriculum

Introduction to Pet Grooming

• Starting Your Program

  This course is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner.

   

  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following: 

  
  

  • Further express your goals and expectations
  • Navigate the Penn Foster learning environment, including your Student Portal
  • Describe what it takes to be a successful online learner
  • Identify your preferred study aids and learning styles
  • Determine personal financial goals
  • Practice some important study and time management skills
  • Access and use helpful resources, such as the Penn Foster Virtual Library, and various help features

   

• The Grooming Professional
  • Identify the different opportunities you’ll have in the pet-grooming business
  • Define common grooming terms
  • List the basic equipment you’ll need to groom dogs and cats
  • Describe the day-to-day duties you’ll perform as a groomer
  • Discuss the basic phone skills you’ll need to succeed in your business
  • Explain the best ways to deal with your animal and human clients

Introduction to Dogs and Cats

• Introduction to Dogs

  In this study unit, you’ll explore the background of the domestic dog. You’ll read a brief overview of the different groups of dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). You’ll also develop an understanding of the different personalities exhibited by dogs. You’ll learn how to take the dog from the owner, secure it in the kennel, and return it to the owner. You’ll also be introduced to the different coat types of dogs.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following: 

  • Discuss the probable ancestral background of the dog
  • List the five basic dog personality types
  • List and differentiate among the seven AKC dog breed groups
  • Discuss the dog personality types in detail and the typical body language associated with each
  • Describe appropriate dog grooming methods for each personality type
  • Explain the best ways to take dogs from their owners, get them in and out of crates or kennels, and return the dogs to the owners
  • Describe the different coat types of dogs
• Introduction to Cats

  In this course, you’ll also explore the history and mythology of the cat. You’ll learn about several popular breeds. You’ll then cover the basic personality types of cats. You’ll also learn how to remove a cat from and place a cat into a kennel, and how to return a cat to its owner.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following: 

  • Discuss the mythology and history of cats
  • Identify the types and breeds of cats
  • Identify cats by personality
  • Explain important aspects of handling cats
• Anatomy and Health Care of Dogs and Cats

  In this course, you’ll learn about the anatomy of dogs and cats and how the parts of an animal’s body work together within a system. Different body parts are susceptible to different diseases and various types of problems. The most common of these will be explained. Your responsibilities as a professional groomer in noticing and responding to these different ailments will be detailed. You’ll learn how to look for these problems, how to handle them safely, and how to clean or care for wounds. You’ll be introduced to the different types of coats and the common terminology for where the coat is located. You’ll work through some hands-on combing exercises that will improve your skills with both dogs and cats.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Describe and explain the anatomy of dogs and cats
  • Discuss the problems you may encounter with dogs and cats with various skin, ear, or other ailments
  • Discuss proper cleaning, handling, and combing techniques
  • Use a groomer’s checklist for dogs and cats as you work through your hands-on activities
  • Identify different coat types and where they’re located on the body
  • Identify danger areas when grooming

Pre-Grooming Procedures

• Equipment Selection, Use and Maintenance

  This course will get you started on the grooming basics by introducing you to the broad range of equipment and tools used to groom pets. You’ll learn about the variety of hand tools available, as well as their characteristics, features, and uses. You’ll be given pointers to help you select needed tools and use them safely. You’ll also be provided instructions on how to care for your equipment. You’ll also learn about crates, grooming tables, and other large equipment. You’ll explore the many choices of bathing supplies and consider proper grooming dress.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

   

  • Identify grooming hand tools and describe their uses
  • Identify large equipment, such as tubs, tables, and crates
  • Explain the importance of choosing shampoos, conditioners, flea products, and apparel
  • Identify additional supplies you may need to operate a grooming salon
  • Relate the unit discussion to a real-life experience by visiting a local grooming shop
• Preparation of Dogs for Grooming

  When you complete this course, you’ll be able to fully prepare a dog for grooming, or to do the “pre-clip” as it’s called in the pet-grooming industry. You’ll be more comfortable handling dogs, and you’ll be able to brush, comb, demat, deshed, cut the nails, clean the ears, and prepare other areas of a dog for grooming. You’ll become more familiar with a variety of grooming tools. You’ll get a chance to use some of the tools and equipment we’ve talked about, as you work through the necessary steps before bathing and grooming.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

   

  • Name the four steps in the grooming process
  • Name the seven steps of the pre-clip
  • Perform, in the proper sequence, the techniques for brushing, combing, dematting, and deshedding
  • Use proper techniques for plucking and cleaning the ears and around the eyes
  • Care properly for the pads of the paws
  • Clip nails correctly
  • Clip the sanitary and rectal areas correctly
  • Rough in a dog’s coat
• Bathing and Drying

  In this course, you’ll learn about two of the most important parts of the grooming process—bathing and drying. They’re the foundation of the grooming process. It’s rewarding to see how handsome a pet becomes once it’s ready to leave the grooming shop; the bath and drying are the key steps of the grooming process. It doesn’t matter how good a groomer you are, if the pet isn’t cleaned and dried properly, then you won’t be able to do your best grooming. In this study unit, you’ll learn the step-by-step procedures for these important parts of the grooming process.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

   

  • Select the right grooming shampoos for specific jobs
  • Eradicate a pet’s external parasites
  • Execute the necessary steps for properly bathing a pet
  • Implement a variety of drying methods
• Basic Grooming Patterns

  In this course, you’ll learn basic cutting and grooming procedures. You’ll learn exactly how to shave a severely matted dog and how to do a precut for breeds that will leave the shop with a specific style of cut. You’ll see that removing mats and precutting are important steps in preparing a dog for a bath. You’ll also be introduced to the four basic styles of haircuts.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

   

  • Remove mats from a pet by using electric clippers to shave them from the coat
  • Develop good clipping techniques for avoiding clipper burn, precutting, and finishing cuts
  • Identify the four basic styles of trims

Dog Grooming, Part 1

• Terrier Group

  This course details the grooming standards for the breeds in the terrier group. You’ll explore a history of each breed and learn the differences in the grooming procedures for each breed. Finally, you’ll learn the detailed grooming procedures for a specific breed—the West Highland White Terrier. From this detailed description, you’ll be able to develop full procedures for all terrier cuts. You’ll have to make only the listed changes to use proper blade sizes and cut the shapes for the faces and ears of individual breeds.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • List the 27 breeds in the terrier group
  • Describe the origin and background of each breed in the terrier group
  • Implement detailed grooming procedures for the West Highland White Terrier
  • Groom all of the terrier group breeds
• Non-Sporting Group

  In this course, you’ll learn the grooming standards for the non-sporting group. You’ll explore the history and specific grooming procedure for each breed in this group. You’ll also learn the detailed grooming procedures for the Bichon Frise, including the precut, bath, and finish work. You’ll finish this course by completing an optional hands-on exercise.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • List the 17 breeds in the non-sporting group
  • Discuss the origins of each non-sporting breed
  • Describe distinguishing physical characteristics of the non-sporting breeds
  • Groom all of the non-sporting group breeds
  • List the equipment and steps involved in grooming a Bichon Frise, including the precut, bath, and finish work
• Toy Group

  In this course, you’ll learn about the toy group, which includes the miniature, bred-down lapdogs that have the sole purpose of companionship. You’ll explore individual breeds and the purposes for which they were originally bred. You’ll also review the specific grooming procedures for each breed in the toy group. Finally, you’ll study the detailed grooming procedures for the Shih Tzu, and you’ll complete a hands-on exercise about using scissors properly.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • List the 21 breeds in the toy group
  • Explain where each toy breed originated and why they were bred
  • Describe distinguishing physical characteristics of individual toy breeds
  • Groom all of the toy group breeds
  • List the equipment and steps involved in grooming a Shih Tzu from the precut through the bath and the finish work
  • Demonstrate proper scissoring techniques

Dog Grooming, Part 2

• Sporting Group

  In this course, you’ll explore the origin and history of each member of this group. Then, you’ll learn the grooming procedures for these dogs. You’ll see that many of the cuts on the sporting breeds help them do their jobs in the field. Next, you’ll learn the detailed grooming procedure for a Cocker Spaniel, which is one of the most frequent clients to a grooming establishment. Finally, you’ll complete an optional hands-on experience, in which you’ll get to groom a member of the sporting group.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • List the 28 breeds in the sporting group
  • Describe the origin and background of each sporting group breed
  • Groom all of the sporting group breeds
  • Implement detailed grooming procedures for the Cocker Spaniel
• Herding Group

  In this course, you’ll explore the breeds and grooming procedures of the herding group. You’ll learn that many of the herding group breeds are still working hard at the jobs for which they were bred. Next, you’ll review the grooming of each breed, so you’ll have the information you need to groom each herding group breed. Then, you’ll learn the details of grooming both an Old English Sheepdog and a Bouvier des Flandres, dogs that frequently arrive at a grooming shop with severe matting. Lastly, an optional hands-on grooming section will give you the chance to groom a herding group dog.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • List the 22 breeds in the herding group
  • Describe the origin and background of each herding group breed
  • Groom all of the herding group breeds
  • Implement detailed grooming procedures for an Old English Sheepdog and a Bouvier des Flandres
• Hound Group

  You’ll explore the grooming procedures for each individual breed in the hound group. Generally, most of these breeds fall into the bath dog category. You’ll explore the grooming procedures for the Norwegian Elkhound in detail at the end of this unit. For your optional hands-on experience, you’ll review your skills to help you find your weak points. Then, you’ll do hands-on work to develop your skills and strengthen any weak points you may have.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • List the 25 breeds in the hound group
  • Discuss the origins of each of the hound breeds
  • Describe distinguishing physical characteristics of individual hound breeds
  • Determine if a dog is a sight- or a scent-hound
  • Groom all of the hound group breeds
  • List the equipment and steps involved in grooming a Norwegian Elkhound from the precut through the bath and the finish work
• Working Group

  In this course, you’ll explore the 26 working group breeds. These breeds contain large, hard-working dogs. The working group breeds pull sleds and carts, protect flocks, and rescue people trapped in deep water or stranded in the mountains. You’ll learn the specific grooming procedures for each breed in the working group. You’ll study the procedures for the Giant Schnauzer in detail.

  
  

  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  
  

  • List the 26 breeds in the working group
  • Describe the origin and background of each breed in the working group
  • Describe distinguishing physical characteristics of individual working group breeds
  • Groom all of the working group breeds
  • List the equipment and steps involved in grooming the Giant Schnauzer from the precut through the bath and finish work

Dog Grooming, Part 3

• Poodles

  In this course, you’ll learn about poodles and the various types of poodle cuts. You’ll learn how to scissor and clip poodles—mustaches to feet and head to tail. You’ll also explore the lamb clip in detail. This popular cut not only looks impressive, but also combines your clipper technique with your scissor technique. This combination will effectively help you to develop your grooming skills. You’ll complete an optional hands-on exercise using the clippers.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Name the different sizes of poodles
  • List the four AKC poodle cuts and the six other popular poodle cuts
  • Explain the types of clips to be used on the poodle’s feet
  • Describe the two poodle face styles and how to create them
  • Discuss the types of poodle mustaches and how to groom them
  • Describe the styles of poodle trims and how to create them
  • Explain the proper procedures for the lamb clip in detail
• Mixed Breeds and Drop-Coat Styles

  You’ll also learn that owners of many purebred dogs, such as Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, and other drop-coat breeds, don’t want to keep their dogs in the traditional long hair. The owners want it trimmed shorter for easy maintenance. Most of these drop-coat breeds may also be trimmed in the popular mixed-breed styles to give them a cute, short trim that’s easy for the owner to care for.

  
  

  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  
  

  • Explain how pet groomers decide what cut to use on particular mixed breeds
  • Distinguish physical characteristics of mixed breeds
  • Describe the proper procedures for grooming mixed breeds
  • Discuss popular styles for drop-coat breeds
  • List the equipment and steps involved in grooming mixed-breed dogs from the precut through the bath and the finish work
• Puppies

  You’ll explore the different types of puppies, and you’ll learn how to give them a positive grooming experience. You’ll also learn how to help owners prepare their puppies for grooming. At the end of this course, you’ll complete a hands-on exercise in which you’ll gain more experience grooming a puppy and doing clean feet.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Discuss when and how puppies should be groomed
  • Handle a puppy properly in the grooming shop
  • Groom a puppy in stages
  • Describe the different personality types of puppies
  • Recognize the signs of stress in puppies, a skill that can be applied to all dogs
  • List the steps to grooming a puppy

Dog Personalities and Behavior

• Specific Personalities

  In this course, you’ll study the basic personalities of dogs and how to recognize them. Remember that you’re not trying to become a trainer. Being able to handle dogs of different personalities, however, will aid you in giving all dogs positive grooming experiences.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Recognize the basic personalities of different dogs
  • Explain how dog personalities will affect grooming situations
  • List grooming difficulties associated with different dog personalities
  • Describe how to work effectively with each particular dog personality
• Grooming Dogs With Behavior Problems

  You’ve already learned a little about how to handle dogs with behavior problems. You’re now ready to deal with the people who own dogs with behavior problems and to handle the business side of grooming dogs with behavior problems. You’ll learn to properly use safety tools and a muzzle. You’ll learn when to use a muzzle, how to put one on and take it off, and how to groom a dog that’s wearing a muzzle. You’ll also complete an optional hands-on experience.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Groom dogs with behavior problems
  • Deal with people who own dogs with behavior problems in a positive manner
  • Manage your time wisely when scheduling dogs with behavior problems
  • Select and use muzzles properly
  • Teach owners how to groom their difficult dogs
  • Read the signs of negative behavior in dogs

Cat Grooming

• Introduction to Cats and Their Personalities

  In this course, you’ll learn more about cats and their personalities. Alert groomers need to observe, handle, and react to pets. You’ll study petting and controlling cats and the importance of recognizing cats’ personalities and understanding their moods before handling them.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Identify the characteristics common to cats’ personality types
  • Recognize and describe how to react to each distinct personality
  • Explain how to properly handle each type of cat
• Cat Grooming Procedures

  It’s time for you to learn the specifics of grooming cats and kittens. While many of the techniques you’ll use are similar to those for grooming dogs, cats and dogs are groomed differently.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Properly handle cats and kittens in grooming situations
  • Conduct pre-grooming examinations
  • Correctly perform nail clipping and ear cleaning
  • Demonstrate the techniques of dematting, shaving, combing, brushing, bathing, and drying

Business Practices

• The Business Side of Grooming

  In this course, you’ll explore the areas necessary to start your own business, such as job descriptions, pricing, and extra fees. You’ll study professionalism and interaction with customers, including how to deal with customer complaints and questions. You’ll learn about record keeping, bookkeeping, and advertising your business.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Provide the job descriptions of a groomer, a bather, and a receptionist
  • Develop a competitive price list for the services of your grooming business
  • Describe effective use of the telephone in a grooming business
  • Discuss customer service responsibilities
  • Explain how and why a pet grooming business should keep records of pet information
  • Write marketing and classified ads appropriate for your business
  • List advertising options
  • Interview prospective employees
  • Discuss basic bookkeeping and payroll procedures
• The Quick Reference Guide to Dog Grooming

  The final part of this course is a review of all your procedures, techniques, and clips. It will become your reference guide. All similar dogs are grouped together for quick reference. Refer to the original lesson for a particular group or breed for more details.
  
  By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:

  • Explain the various procedures, techniques, and clips of different dogs
  • Describe the various sizes of combs as well as other grooming tools
  • Discuss how to handle difficult animals that are brought in for grooming
  • Describe the six grooming categories
  • Identify the different American Kennel Club breeds and note differences in grooming
  • Explain the use of different blades for grooming
  • Discuss the appropriate use of a muzzle
  • Recognize the signs of stress in an animal and know how to handle it