Pet grooming isn’t just a job. It’s a hands-on, skill-driven career with real staying power—and demand is climbing. More pet owners are looking for skilled, trustworthy groomers to keep their pets clean, healthy, and comfortable. If you’ve ever thought about working with animals every day, now’s the time to take that step.

But here’s the truth: your training matters. The right dog grooming class doesn’t just teach you how to hold clippers. It shapes your understanding of breed-specific grooming, canine behavior, and safe handling practices. A quality program gives you the confidence to start your own business, apply for jobs at salons, or launch a mobile grooming service.

In this article, you’ll learn what to expect from a top-tier program, how to find classes near you, and how to choose the one that fits your goals.

What You’ll Learn in a Dog Grooming Class

Dog grooming isn’t guesswork. A strong program teaches you technical skills, canine behavior, safety protocols, and the business basics you’ll need to build a career. Whether you plan to work in a salon or start your own mobile service, these core areas shape your training.

Hands-On Grooming Skills

You’ll start with the basics—bathing, brushing, and coat care. Instructors will show you how to de-shed double coats without damaging the undercoat and how to properly dry dogs to prevent matting or skin issues. From there, you’ll learn how to clip, trim, and style based on coat type and breed standards. Working with curly coats like Poodles takes a different approach than grooming short-haired breeds.

You’ll also master routine hygiene care. That includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sanitary shaving. These tasks are critical for a dog’s comfort and hygiene, and clients expect you to get them right every time.

Dog Behavior and Handling

Grooming dogs means handling all kinds of temperaments. You’ll learn to read canine body language, spot stress signals, and use low-stress handling techniques. Some dogs will bark, bite, or resist. Training gives you the tools to keep yourself and the dog safe during every session.

Health and Safety Training

Good groomers don’t just make dogs look clean—they know what skin, ear, and coat conditions to look for. You’ll learn how to spot hot spots, infections, parasites, and more. Instructors will also show you how to sanitize tools between sessions and handle grooming equipment safely. Some programs even include pet first-aid training to prepare you for emergencies.

Business and Customer Service Skills

Most groomers work directly with clients, and strong communication matters. You’ll learn how to walk a client through service options, manage pricing, and explain grooming outcomes. Business-focused programs will also walk you through appointment booking, recordkeeping, and how to launch your own salon or mobile grooming van.

Types of Dog Groomer Classes Available

Dog grooming education isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got options, and the right format depends on your schedule, learning style, and career goals. Understanding what’s available helps you choose a program that matches your life without sacrificing quality.

In-Person Grooming Schools

Brick-and-mortar grooming academies offer the most immersive experience. You’ll learn in a fully equipped salon environment, working with real dogs under the supervision of licensed instructors. These programs often run full-time, five days a week, and follow a set curriculum.

This structure provides hands-on training, immediate feedback, and a consistent routine—key for developing your technique. You’ll also work alongside peers, which builds your confidence and exposes you to different grooming styles.

The downside? These schools are only available in select cities. If you’re not near one, relocation or a long commute might be required. The fixed schedule can also be tough if you’re working another job or managing other responsibilities.

Online Grooming Programs

Online classes let you learn theory on your own time. Through videos, interactive lessons, and downloadable guides, you’ll cover coat types, grooming tools, and safety procedures. Programs like Paragon and QC Pet Studies are designed for flexibility, making them a strong choice for working adults or parents.

Still, grooming is physical work. You can’t build clipper skills through a screen alone. That’s why a solid online program includes externship options where you’ll work with a mentor groomer in your area.

Hybrid Programs

The best of both worlds? Hybrid grooming classes. These blend online coursework with in-person training at a local salon or pet facility. You’ll absorb the theory from home and then apply it under the guidance of a pro. Hybrid programs offer structure without sacrificing flexibility. If you want a balanced, career-ready education, this format is often the strongest option.

How to Find the Best Dog Grooming Classes Near You

Finding the right dog grooming class starts with knowing where—and how—to look. Whether you live in a major city or a small town, there are tools and resources to help you identify a quality program close to home.

Use Reputable Search Tools

Start with grooming industry associations. The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) and the International Professional Groomers (IPG) both maintain directories of approved grooming schools and certified instructors. These resources are curated, so you’re less likely to land in a low-quality program.

Vocational training databases like CareerOneStop.org (run by the U.S. Department of Labor) and PetGroomer.com also offer state-by-state school listings.

For more localized options, use Google Maps with specific search terms like “dog grooming class near me” or “pet grooming school [your city].” Look at reviews, photos, and websites to gauge legitimacy.

Check Local Pet Stores or Veterinary Clinics

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—ask professionals who already work with groomers. Many independent pet stores, dog daycares, and vet clinics partner with grooming schools or know which ones have good reputations. Some may even offer training programs on-site or host externs from larger schools.

Explore Online Platforms with Local Externships

Online grooming academies offer nationwide programs that pair students with mentors in local salons. These hybrid models are ideal if you want online flexibility but still need real-world experience.

Ask the Right Questions

Don’t enroll until you’ve clarified a few things. Always ask:

• What’s the student-to-instructor ratio? (Lower is better for hands-on learning.)
  
  
• Is there a detailed curriculum outline available?
  
  
• Are externships required, optional, or excluded?
  
  

Clear answers here reveal how much support and training you’ll actually receive.

What to Look for in a Dog Grooming Program

Not all grooming schools deliver the same value. The right program should build your technical skills, prepare you for certification, and set you up for long-term success. Here’s how to evaluate your options.

Accreditation and Reputation

Start by checking if the school is backed by a recognized grooming association like the NDGAA (National Dog Groomers Association of America), IPG (International Professional Groomers), or ISCC (International Society of Canine Cosmetologists). These organizations set training standards that serious schools follow.

Don’t stop there. Search the school’s name on Google, Yelp, and Facebook to read real reviews. Pay attention to feedback on instructor quality, the learning environment, and job outcomes. If a program has a pattern of poor support or unclear instruction, move on.

Experienced Instructors

Your instructors should be more than dog lovers—they need real-world grooming experience. Look for schools that list instructor bios on their website. A strong program features trainers who are certified groomers, salon owners, or have years in the field.

Ask how involved instructors are in hands-on sessions. Will you get one-on-one coaching, or just watch from the sidelines?

Comprehensive Curriculum

The best grooming programs teach more than how to clip a poodle. You need to learn how to groom all coat types, read dog behavior, and spot health issues like skin infections or parasites. Make sure the course outline covers safety, sanitation, and first aid.

Hands-On Practice Opportunities

You can’t master grooming without touching clippers. A quality program includes structured, supervised practice—not just observation. Ask how many hours of hands-on grooming are guaranteed and whether you'll work on real pets or only mannequins.

Support After Graduation

Good schools help you transition from student to professional. Look for programs that offer career placement services, job boards, or mentorship connections. Bonus points if they prepare you for NDGAA certification or offer continuing education modules to keep your skills sharp.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right dog grooming class isn’t just about learning how to use clippers—it’s the foundation of your entire career. The best programs teach you to work with dogs safely, handle clients professionally, and build skills that last.

Now you know what to look for, where to search, and how to ask the right questions. Use this knowledge to move forward with purpose.

A career in dog grooming offers freedom, income potential, and the daily reward of working with animals.

Start exploring and comparing dog grooming programs near you today. Your future clients are waiting.