Curriculum
Our in-person dog grooming school combines hands-on training with expert instruction to prepare you for a rewarding career in pet care. At The Academy of Pet Careers, you'll learn everything from basic bathing and brushing techniques to breed-specific styling and safe handling practices.
APC's experienced instructors guide you through each step of the grooming process, ensuring you graduate with the practical expertise employers are looking for. You'll work with real dogs in a professional setting, building your portfolio while mastering the tools of the trade.
Below, you'll find a detailed breakdown of the curriculum for our pet grooming programs. This includes the specific skills you'll develop, the techniques you'll practice, and what you can expect from each phase of your training.
Bather/Brusher Program
(150 Hour Program)
Designed for entry-level employees looking to get their foot in the door, this program teaches the basics of bathing and brushing, as well as rudimentary scissoring skills to get you started in the world of pet grooming:
✔️ Safety & Handling
✔️ Canine Communication Skills
✔️ Basic tricks
✔️ The Science of Skin & Coat
✔️ Bathing Principles
✔️ Drying Principles
✔️ Brushing & Combing
✔️ Rudimentary Scissoring
✔️ Canine Anatomy
✔️ Nail Care
✔️ Scent Glands
✔️ Ear Cleaning
✔️ Common Emergencies
✔️ Pet CPR and First Aid
Professional Groomer Program
(500 Hour Program)
This is an all-inclusive course that teaches students the skills needed to be a professional pet groomer. On top of the skills learned in the Bather/Brusher Program, students will learn breed specific trims, advanced scissoring techniques, animal behavior, and more:
✔️ Bather/Brusher Program Skills
✔️ The Groomer's Toolkit
✔️Basic & Advanced Scissoring
✔️ Puppy, Kennel, & Outline Trims
✔️ Common Breed Trims
✔️ Head & Face Styles
✔️ Foot Types & Styles
✔️ Ear Shapes & Styles
✔️ Tail Types & Styles
✔️ Geometrics/Angles
✔️ Corrective Grooming
✔️ Ergonomics
✔️ Common Zoonotic Diseases
✔️ Salon Sanitation
Curriculum Topics
APC's dog grooming programs are divided into focused units, each designed to build your skills progressively from foundational techniques to advanced styling. In the course descriptions below, you'll see exactly what you'll learn in each unit. Each unit includes both classroom instruction and extensive hands-on practice, giving you multiple opportunities to refine your technique under the guidance of professional groomers before you graduate.
Bather/Brusher Program
Safety & Handling
At the Academy of Pet Careers, safety is our first priority—for both pets and professionals. In this unit, students learn industry-standard handling techniques designed to minimize stress and prevent injury during grooming. We cover proper restraint methods, safe lifting and table protocols, strategies for managing dogs with varying temperaments, mobility levels, and behavioral challenges. By the end of this unit, students are confident in creating a low-stress, controlled grooming environment that supports both effective grooming and animal welfare.
Canine Communication Skills
Understanding canine body language is essential for every groomer. This unit teaches students how to read the subtle signs of stress, fear, excitement, and aggression. Through video analysis, live demonstrations, and hands-on practice, students learn to anticipate a dog’s emotional state and adjust their approach accordingly. Our goal is to develop groomers who communicate clearly, build trust quickly, and advocate for a dog’s comfort throughout the grooming process.
The Science of Skin and Coat
Healthy skin and coat are at the core of good grooming. In this unit, students explore the biology of canine skin, hair growth cycles, and common dermatological conditions they may encounter. We discuss breed-specific coat types, product selection, and the effects of shampoos, conditioners, and specialty treatments. Students learn how to recognize abnormalities and when to refer clients to a veterinarian—helping them become knowledgeable partners in each dog’s overall wellness.
Bathing Principles
In this foundational unit, students learn the essential techniques that form the basis of every grooming appointment. Students discover how to properly assess a dog's coat type and condition, select the right shampoos and conditioners for different needs, and master the correct water temperature and pressure for safe, effective bathing. We teach how to thoroughly wet and rinse a coat, apply products efficiently, and recognize common skin conditions that may require special attention. Students also learn proper tub safety, how to prevent matting during the bath, and techniques for drying dogs of all sizes and coat types.
Drying Principles
Proper drying techniques elevate the quality of a groom and ensure the dog’s safety. Students study the different types of dryers, their appropriate uses, and how to apply them safely on various coat types. We emphasize noise-sensitivity management, temperature control, and thorough drying methods that reduce matting and improve finish work. Students will practice hands-on techniques that build speed, efficiency, and comfort for the pet.
Brushing and Combing
This unit develops strong foundational skills in coat preparation and maintenance. Students learn the correct use of slickers, combs, rakes, deshedding tools, and other coat-care equipment. Instruction focuses on preventing discomfort, preserving coat integrity, and identifying early signs of matting or skin issues. By mastering effective brushing and combing, students set the stage for clean, smooth, high-quality grooms.
Canine Anatomy
A solid understanding of anatomy not only improves grooming results but also supports pet safety. Students learn the skeletal and muscular structure of dogs, with special attention to areas where skin is thin, joints are vulnerable, or grooming requires precision. This knowledge helps groomers work efficiently around sensitive spots and understand how a dog’s physical build influences its movement, coat pattern, and grooming needs.
Nail Care
Nail trimming is one of the most requested yet misunderstood grooming tasks. In this unit, students learn proper trimming and grinding techniques, how to identify the quick, and how to safely manage long or overgrown nails. We also discuss handling strategies for nervous or reactive dogs and teach students how to educate pet owners on maintenance schedules for optimal paw health.
Tooth Brushing
This unit introduces students to the basics of canine oral hygiene and the role a groomer can play in preventative care. Students learn proper brushing techniques, safe handling around the muzzle, and how to identify signs of dental disease. While tooth brushing is not a substitute for veterinary dentistry, our graduates understand how to provide effective maintenance care and communicate concerns to pet owners.
Scent Glands
Understanding scent glands—particularly the anal glands—is an important part of canine hygiene. Students learn how to identify signs of discomfort or impaction, understand the limitations of a groomer’s scope of practice, and differentiate between external expression (where allowed) and conditions requiring veterinary attention. Our approach emphasizes animal welfare, sanitation, and responsible decision-making.
Ear Cleaning
Healthy ears are vital to a dog’s comfort. In this unit, students learn how to safely and effectively clean the ear canal, recognize common ear issues, and choose appropriate cleaning products. We emphasize a gentle, methodical approach that avoids irritation and supports a dog’s long-term ear health. Students also learn when to stop a cleaning and recommend veterinary follow-up.
Common Emergencies
Groomers must be prepared for unexpected situations. This unit introduces students to the most common grooming-related emergencies. This includes overheating, allergic reactions, broken nails, and stress-related episodes. Through scenario-based training, students learn how to remain calm under pressure, take appropriate immediate action, and follow established emergency protocols.
Pet First Aid & CPR
As part of our commitment to safety, all APC grooming students receive training in pet first aid and CPR. This nationally recognized curriculum teaches students how to assess vital signs, manage wounds, respond to choking, and perform CPR using species-appropriate techniques. By the end of the unit, students are fully prepared to intervene in critical situations until veterinary care can be reached.
Professional Groomer Program
In addition to the skills above, students learn...
The Groomer's Toolkit
Every professional groomer needs quality tools and the knowledge to use them expertly. In this comprehensive unit, you'll explore the extensive array of equipment that makes up a groomer's toolkit, from basic to specialized items. We'll cover different types of clippers and blades, teaching you about blade sizes, lengths, and which situations call for each one. You'll learn about various scissors—straight shears, curved shears, thinning shears, and chunkers—and understand how each tool creates different effects. We'll discuss the importance of proper tool maintenance. This includes sharpening schedules, cleaning, and oiling to keep your equipment performing at its best. You'll also learn about specialty tools like stripping knives and how to select quality tools that will serve you throughout your career.
Basic & Advanced Scissoring
Scissoring is the hallmark of professional grooming, and mastering this skill sets exceptional groomers apart. In this progressive unit, you'll start with fundamental techniques including proper grip, hand position, and basic cutting methods. We'll teach you how to achieve smooth, even lines and blend different coat lengths seamlessly. As you advance, you'll learn complex techniques like fluffing and scissoring, sculpting rounded shapes, and creating texture. We'll also cover advanced skills. For example, working with challenging areas like legs, feet, and faces, as well as techniques for creating the flowing, balanced silhouettes that characterize expert grooming work.
Puppy, Kennel, & Outline Trims
Not every dog requires a breed-specific cut, and understanding practical, versatile trims is essential for any grooming salon. In this unit, you'll learn to execute puppy cuts—the popular, easy-care style that keeps dogs looking neat and adorable. We'll teach you kennel clips and outline trims that follow the dog's natural shape while tidying their appearance. These foundational cuts teach you essential skills like working systematically around the entire dog, maintaining proportions, and creating clean, professional results efficiently. You'll learn when to recommend these practical styles to clients based on lifestyle, coat condition, and maintenance capabilities.
Breed Standards
Understanding breed standards is fundamental to professional grooming, even when clients don't request show-quality grooms. In this unit, you'll study the breed standards established by kennel clubs for purebred dogs, learning what characteristics define each breed's ideal appearance. We'll explore why breeds were developed for specific purposes and how their form follows function. While most pet grooming doesn't require strict adherence to show standards, understanding these ideals helps you recognize what makes each breed unique and gives you a framework for creating balanced, breed-appropriate styles. This knowledge elevates your professionalism and expands your versatility as a groomer.
Breed Specific Trims
Each breed has traditional grooming styles that showcase their unique characteristics and heritage. In this comprehensive unit, you'll learn to execute breed-specific trims for popular breeds across all groups. We'll cover sporting breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers, terriers including Schnauzers and West Highland White Terriers, non-sporting breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frises, and many others. You'll learn the distinctive patterns, coat lengths, and finishing details that define each breed's signature look. We'll teach you proper clipper work, scissoring techniques, and hand-stripping methods where appropriate. Mastering these specific trims makes you a valuable asset to any salon.
Head and Face Styles
The head and face are the most visible—and often most challenging—areas to groom, requiring precision, confidence, and artistic skill. In this detailed unit, you'll learn various head and face styles for different breeds and coat types. We'll cover everything from the clean-faced look of Poodles to full, rounded teddy bear faces, bearded styles for terriers, and the intricate eyebrow and mustache work required for breeds like Schnauzers. You'll learn to work safely around sensitive areas. This includes the eyes, ears, and muzzles while creating symmetrical, balanced results. We'll teach you how to enhance a dog's expression and adapt styles based on individual dogs' features and owner preferences.
Ear Shapes and Styles
Ears are a defining characteristic of a dog's appearance, and proper grooming enhances their natural beauty. In this unit, you'll learn to work with the many ear types and styles encountered in professional grooming. We'll cover naturally erect ears, drop ears, button ears, and everything in between, teaching you breed-specific approaches for each type. You'll learn feathering techniques for long-eared breeds, tassel creation, and how to properly trim and shape ear styling. We'll teach you to blend ear leather smoothly into the head, create clean edges where appropriate, and enhance the ear's natural shape.
Feet Types and Styles
Well-groomed feet are essential for both appearance and function. In this specialized unit, you'll learn the various foot styles required for different breeds and how to execute them precisely. We'll cover tight, round "cat feet" popular in many terrier breeds, neat oval feet, and the distinctive snowshoe feet required for Newfoundlands. You'll learn to create clean, tidy feet that enhance the dog's movement while removing hair that collects debris. We'll teach you proper techniques for trimming between pads, shaping nails appropriately, and achieving symmetry between all four feet.
Tail Types and Styles
The tail completes a dog's silhouette and requires thoughtful grooming to enhance overall balance and breed type. In this unit, you'll explore the remarkable variety of tail types—from naturally docked to long and flowing, curled to straight, plumed to smooth. We'll teach you breed-specific tail styles including the pompom of Poodles, the flag of Setters, the plume of Golden Retrievers, and the tapered tails of many terrier breeds. You'll learn proper shaping techniques that enhance the tail's natural carriage and movement. We'll cover sanitary trims around the tail base, feathering techniques, and how to create clean lines that flow seamlessly from the body.
Geometrics/Angles
Professional grooming is built on understanding and applying geometric principles to create balanced, aesthetically pleasing shapes. In this advanced unit, you'll learn to visualize dogs' bodies in terms of circles, cylinders, cones, and angles. We'll teach you how to use these geometric concepts to create the rounded heads, cylindrical legs, and flowing angulation that characterize expert grooming. You'll learn to identify and follow the dog's natural bone structure while using angles to enhance their appearance. We'll explore how different angles affect visual perception and teach you to create symmetry by understanding angles from multiple viewpoints.
Corrective Grooming
Not every dog has perfect conformation, and skilled groomers know how to use grooming techniques to minimize flaws and enhance each dog's best features. In this unit, you'll learn to identify common structural faults and coat issues, then apply corrective grooming techniques to create visual improvements. We'll teach you how to make legs appear straighter, toplines more level, and bodies more balanced through strategic clipper work and scissoring. You'll learn to work with coat problems including sparse growth, uneven texture, or areas of damage. We'll cover how to minimize the appearance of proportion issues and when to educate clients about structural versus coat problems.
Ergonomics
A long, successful grooming career requires taking care of your body. In this essential unit, you'll learn proper ergonomics and body mechanics that prevent the repetitive stress injuries common in the grooming profession. We'll teach you correct posture for grooming. This includes table height adjustment, positioning dogs appropriately, and avoiding prolonged bending, reaching, or twisting. You'll learn techniques for safely lifting dogs of various sizes and when to use hydraulic tables or request assistance. We'll cover exercises and stretches to counteract the physical demands of grooming, proper tool grip to prevent injury, and the importance of taking breaks throughout your workday.
Common Zoonotic Diseases
Protecting yourself and your clients from diseases that pass between animals and humans is a critical responsibility. In this important unit, you'll learn about common zoonotic diseases you may encounter in grooming. This includes ringworm, rabies, leptospirosis, various parasites, and bacterial infections. We'll teach you to recognize signs of illness in dogs that might indicate contagious conditions and understand when animals should not be groomed until cleared by a veterinarian. You'll learn proper protective measures including when to wear gloves, how to handle animals with suspected infections, and proper hand hygiene practices. We'll cover your legal obligations regarding rabies vaccination requirements and bite incidents.
Salon Sanitation
A clean, well-sanitized salon protects the health of every animal that visits and maintains your professional reputation. In this comprehensive unit, you'll learn thorough sanitation protocols that go beyond basic cleaning. We'll teach you the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing, and when each is appropriate. You'll learn which products effectively kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites without damaging your equipment. We'll cover proper sanitation of grooming tools, tables, tubs, cages, and all surfaces between each dog. You'll learn protocols for handling animals with contagious conditions and how to create sanitation schedules that ensure nothing is overlooked.