Online Dog Groomer Training Programs

Have you ever dreamed of working with dogs all day?

You may want to consider a career as a dog groomer.

This is the kind of job that not only allows you to demonstrate your creative side but also offers you a great deal of job satisfaction.

You may be wondering where you could possibly find the time to attend a course that will prepare you for this role.

Technology plays a huge role in allowing prospective students to attend courses from the comfort of their homes.

If you feel that this is a good fit for you, you may want to consider an online dog grooming training program.

What Courses Are in an Online Dog Grooming Program?

The course materials of each program will differ depending on the school, the duration of the course, and the type of certificate.

Ideally, the course should be accredited by an accrediting body.

In preparation for the national examination, courseware may cover the following topics:

• Dog and cat grooming
• Pet CPR and First Aid
• Breed profiles and mixed breed styling
• Ear, ear, nail, and skin care
• Clipping techniques and control
• Health and safety

Students may be required to complete an externship with a dog parlor before they become certified.

During this time, students will work closely with a professional groomer in order to apply what they have learned.

As well as demonstrating their skill and ability.

Can You Earn a Dog Grooming Certification Completely Online?

The Dog Groomer Certification may be completed entirely online.

Keep in mind, that, in the United States, candidates are not required to attend a formal training program, nor are they required to sit for the national exam.

These elements will, however, help the student secure a better-paying job.

Students may be required to complete a certain number of practical experience hours before they are considered to be certified and qualified to work in the field.

Ideally, students should opt for a course that is a blend of online studies as well as in-person lectures.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Dog Grooming Certification Online?

A standard dog grooming course may run anywhere from a few weeks up to a year and a half, depending on the course and certification.

How Much Does an Online Dog Grooming Certification Cost?

There are various institutions that offer this course, including dog parlors, dog grooming schools, as well as community colleges.

The tuition fee for a dog grooming certification will depend on the length of the course, the institution that offers the course, and the type of qualification.

Tuition may cost between $900 and $12,000 depending on the course.

In addition, there may be costs associated with the application fee, books and equipment, toolkits, and uniforms, which may range between $1,000 and $10,000 in addition to the standard tuition fee.

Benefits of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs

There are quite a few benefits associated with studying this course online.

1. Flexibility

This is the type, of course, you may want to take your time on.

You may want to review video tutorials several times in order to ensure that you are doing it right.

Studying in your own time from the comfort of your home means that you are able to review the material as many times as you need in order to get it right.

Furthermore, you will have full discretion over when and where you learn.

You will not have to adjust your schedule around your studies.

Instead, you can adjust your studies around your schedule.

2. Lower fees

While there isn’t much price differentiation between online and in-class programs for this course, there is still somewhat of a saving.

You may also find that some courses include everything you need at no additional cost to you.

It is all included in the tuition of the course.

3. Access to other students online

The online forum allows you access to other students studying the same course.

You can exchange ideas, and thoughts, and ask each other questions or answer questions related to the course material.

Drawbacks of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs

The reality is that this is a very hands-on job that requires hands-on training.

While most online schools do offer online tutorials, these are not always as effective as learning on the job.

1. Lack of hands-on experience

At the very core of dog grooming is the technique that demonstrates the skills and ability of the dog groomer.

Students are presented with online tutorials and are then requested to conduct testing at home and send in pictures of what they have done.

This raises a few concerns.

Students watch the online tutorial and are then instructed to practice on their own, or on a neighbor’s pet.

The student may not have a 360-degree view of what the instructor is doing.

This may make it somewhat challenging for the student to learn exactly what they need to do and how they need to do it.

And, when returning, the student takes images of their work.

The images do not show the process that the student followed in order to obtain the results.

This may be problematic as the student may not even be following the correct procedure and there is no way for the instructor to know this.

2. Studying online from home means a lot of disruptions

It may be more challenging to attend a course from the comfort of your home as you may find that you have so many more distractions to deal with.

If you have children, then learning online from home may pose some challenges.

You may find that being home means that everyone in the house has access to you.

Constant disruptions may cause you to close your PC in an attempt to deal with the distractions, only to never open the PC up again.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Dog Grooming Training Programs – Summary Table

Types of Dog Grooming Certifications

There are several dog grooming certifications, offered by various institutions: 

1. The International Professional Groomers Inc.

The school offers two types of certification:

• The International Certified Master Groomer (ICMG) program
• The Advanced Professional Groomer Certification (APG) program

2. International Society of Canine Cosmetologists

Dog groomers are certified through a series of written as well as practical skills tests.

3. National Dog Groomers Association of America, Inc.

Dog groomers are certified through the school’s National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) program.

4. International Certifications

City & Guilds accredited qualifications for dog groomers in the United Kingdom.

4 Self-Study Tips for Dog Grooming Online Students

Students will be exposed to several online tutorials which they must follow before completing assignments and handing in pictures of their work.

To help students better adapt to online learning and gain the most out of their experience with an online learning course, students are advised to pay attention during lectures.

Here are four self-study tips to help you make the most of your online Dog Grooming course.

1. Pay attention to the details

Most of the cutting techniques will be demonstrated to students through online tutorials.

This presents several challenges for the student.

As the instructor is demonstrating cutting techniques, students must pay attention to the finer details of the instruction.

Emulating the same technique from a video tutorial can be extremely challenging.

The most crucial part of the techniques will be in the details.

If you miss one small detail, you may struggle to apply what you have learned.

Paying attention will help you to formulate the right questions to ask your instructor and bridge the gap between what was demonstrated and what you need to do.

2. Communication is key

Knowing how and when to ask for help is key to mastering an online course.

If you are struggling, building solid relationships with your peers and educators will help you to master the course and ask the right questions while also being actively involved in the class.

If your lectures are not live, then knowing how to ask questions and who to ask is just as crucial.

Don’t be shy to speak up during class or in the online forums that are available to students.

Most people learn by doing.

By participating in the classroom or forum discussion, you will learn a lot more than just actively listening.

Learn to communicate with your peers and instructor so that when you do need a question answered, you will get a response quickly.

3. Eliminate distractions

You may soon realize that learning from home is not always fun and games.

You may find that you have several things that want or need your attention.

A big problem with studying online is social media.

We are often tempted to check our social media several times during the day.

This may hinder your progress and even prevent you from completing the course.

Take active steps to minimize your distractions, such as putting your phone off when you are in class.

Or, making it known to family and friends when you will be attending classes, so that they know not to disturb you during that period.

4. Hold yourself accountable

When you have to regulate your own learning time, you may find that you tend to do everything expect going to sit in front of the PC and attend your classes.

Set goals for yourself and how and where you learn.

Then, hold yourself accountable for the work that you did or did not do.

It is important to learn how to regulate yourself during self-study.

You will not have anyone breathing down your neck making sure that you are doing your work.

You will need to do that yourself.

Summary

Becoming a certified dog groomer is the first step in the journey to a fulfilling career as a dog groomer.

While most states do not require that candidates become certified in order to work as a dog groomer, the certification does help to prepare candidates for the working world and dealing with animals.

Selecting the appropriate course is the first step in preparing for this journey.

Prospective students should keep in mind that while theory is an important aspect of the course, hands-on training is what truly prepares students for the demands of the job.

Self-paced studying can present a host of its own challenges.

Students should be cognizant of the fact that a lot of discipline, hard work, and commitment are required to be successful with online courses.