Course Details
About this course
Over 25 days, this course can take complete novices through to becoming a qualified and professional dog groomer. Covering all the skills, techniques and methods a groomer will need. If your ambition is to become a professional dog groomer and start your career with the strongest of foundations, this is the course for you. Learning in one of our fully equipped and modern training schools, our tutors will guide you through our trusted training programme and assist you in gaining a nationally and industry recognised qualification in dog grooming. Grooming a minimum of 20 dogs, covering 6 coat types and gaining more confidence….practice makes perfect!
- Coat preparation
- Planning dog grooming styles
- Health checks and canine behaviour
- Bathing and drying
- Clipping
- Maintaining equipment
- Advanced styling techniques
- Canine first aid
- Salon and business management
Course Breakdown
Course length: 25 days
Training Time: 9.30am – 4pm
Availability: Monday – Friday (varies per location)
Study mode: In person practical training and theory online
Eligibility to complete this course: Learners must be aged 16 or above and able to follow Tutor instruction. They must be comfortable around dogs of all sizes, breeds and temperaments and able to work at level 3.
Assessment method: Practical assessment & theory workbook completed on online e-portfolio
Includes:
- Welcome to Four Paws Groom School
- Practical experience bathing and drying different dogs
- Basic styling and hygiene
- Moving to intermediate and advanced styling techniques
- Coat preparation
- Bathing and drying
- Clipping
- Scissoring
- Nail trimming
- Health and safety for people and pets
- Animal welfare legislation and best practice
- Customer care
- Planning dog grooming styles
- Health checks and canine behaviour
- Maintaining equipment
- Canine first aid
- Health and safety in a salon
- Salon and business management
Certification: iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management (Ofqual regulated)
Perfect for: Anyone looking to start a career in dog grooming and what to achieve the industry standard of being qualified.
Qualification Details
Awarding Organisation: iPET Network
Ofqual Code: 603/5945/6
Guided Learning Hours: 300
Total Qualification Time: 403
Start Date: Anytime
Enrolment will be valid for: 2 years
Study mode: Online
Award type: Diploma
Assessment Method: Portfolio of evidence, workbook and practical assessment
Qualification Level: 3
Entry Criteria: Learners should be aged 16 or above, be able to work at level 3 standard and be comfortable around dogs of all sizes, breeds and temperaments.
Credits: 40
Units: 8
Unit breakdown:
- Health and Safety in a Dog Grooming Environment
- Promote the Welfare of Dogs Conforming with Relevant Legislation
- Customer Care and Managing Complaints
- Assess and Plan Dog Grooming Styles and Maintenance of Equipment
- Health Checking, Handling and Canine Behaviour
- Prepare, Style and Finish a Range of Dog Breeds
- Canine Emergency First Aid
- Planning the Operation of a Small Canine Business
FAQs
Progression
Progression: After this course learners can complete other related canine qualifications or achieve the higher Level 4 qualification that focus' on breed standard grooming.
Deposit payment to secure course placement, the team will contact you to confirm exact start dates at your preferred school location.

Sally, Student,
I recently graduated from Four Paws Hereford with a level 3 diploma in dog grooming and salon management. Belinda was enthusiastic to share all her many years of experience to provide professional instruction with a personal and friendly attitude. Learning to groom comes with many highs and lows and Belinda helped this journey with her empathetic, patient nature together with her amazing sense of humour. Thank you Belinda!
Zoe, Student ,
Friendly and approachable Very knowledgeable well recommended
Kylie, Student ,
I have loved every minute of the course, I have really enjoyed the time at the Market Drayton school. Natalie is a fantastic teacher, very patient and very knowledgeable. Jodie is also very helpful in the school. I feel like I have learnt a lot and my confidence has grown over the time here.
Amy, Student,
I decided I wanted to add another string to my bow, so I signed up for training with Four Paws to help build the confidence to start my own pet business this year. My trainer, Rebecca, was fantastic - clear, concise, and professional throughout. Being able to tap into her knowledge and experience was invaluable. I can’t recommend Four Paws highly enough for canine training courses
Catrin, Student
I really want to thank everybody at Four Paws for such a fabulous learning experience. Clare and Rebecca have been fantastic tutors; incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in their craft, they have been professional, approachable and supportive throughout. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to learn from them. I would also like to thank Natalie, who has provided consistent and constructive feedback on my theory units allowing me to progress through the course. Of course, I can’t forget Michelle, who was also a great support during my first days at the school. I genuinely feel that the needs and welfare of the dogs in the salon is paramount to the Four Paws team which is incredibly important to me. The dogs themselves have been wonderful. Plenty of opportunities to learn and develop different and appropriate grooming and handling skills required to work in the grooming industry. The course theory content is extremely comprehensive. I feel that I have gained much more knowledge in all things canine, including canine skin and the hair cycle, the different coat types, different breeds and kennel club groups. The accommodation is not only fantastic value for money but has enabled me to train at the school whilst travelling from South London which may not have been possible otherwise. There are of course training providers much closer to where I live, however I am so glad that I chose Four Paws. I don’t imagine that I could have had a better learning experience anywhere else. I would not hesitate to recommend Four Paws to anybody wishing to pursue a career in dog grooming.
Magdalena - Student ,
I cannot recommend the iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management highly enough! The course is incredibly well-structured, hands-on, and thorough. It gave me the confidence, knowledge, and skills to not only groom a wide variety of breeds to a professional standard, but also to understand the business side of running a salon.
Clare - Student,
I’ve just completed the Level 3 Diploma in Dog grooming and I cannot recommend the course enough. From day 1 the tutors, Clare and Rebecca were warm and welcoming, putting me feel at ease. The atmosphere is lovely, encouraging and hands on, allowing you to gain confidence but no pressure to go at anyone else’s pace but your own. I learnt so much from them. The other students were lovely, the dogs were great, it really was the best training I’ve ever done. The worst part of the course is the end!! You really don’t want it to finish! Definitely recommend this course 100%
Trish - Student ,
Where do I start! This grooming school is by far the best experience I’ve had! It’s scary starting up a new career after serving in the military for 23 years. The whole team from start to finish gave me the encouragement and the confidence that I needed. Rebecca and Claire offered the best advice and gave me the confidence to grow, even when I thought I didn’t have any! I walked away after the 30 days knowing exactly what I needed to do and how to groom with confidence. Not all hero wear capes and these girls have the patient of saints. They passed on their knowledge and skills and I felt sad leaving but I know that if I have any questions or find myself in a spot that I can reach back to the school and get the right advice. Thank you so much for the support and continue support. I couldn’t have asked for better tutors and support from four paws. Course - IPet Level 3 Diploma in Dog grooming and salon management.
Neve - Student,
I recently had the pleasure of attending four paws groom school, Cheshire, and I can't praise the experience highly enough! The curriculum was incredibly well-structured, providing a perfect balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. I learned so much about different grooming techniques, dog breeds, and the importance of maintaining a dog's coat health. Rebecca and Clare, my tutors, were absolutely fantastic. Their passion for dog grooming and dedication to teaching shone through in every lesson. They were always approachable, ready to answer questions, and provided invaluable feedback that really helped me improve my skills. Their warmth and encouragement created a welcoming atmosphere that made learning enjoyable. Overall, I left the course feeling confident in my abilities and excited to start my journey in dog grooming. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to pursue a career in this field or even just to enhance their own grooming skills. Thank you, Rebecca and Clare, for an unforgettable experience!
Jo W- Student ,
Four Paws are an excellent training provider, lovely people, supportive and highly recommended
Emily - Student,
I have completed my level 3 diploma at the Northwich branch. Couldn’t recommend four paws enough! The tutors are really friendly, supportive and engaging. The flexibility with training days also allowed me to complete the course around my job. Thank you so much, a fantastic experience overall!
Ricky - Student,
Attended the 30 day Diploma in dog grooming and salon management. Professional service, knowledgeable and friendly staff who foster a great learning environment. Would highly recommend to anyone getting started in dog grooming before it is legislated!
Sharon - Student,
Just completed my 25 day course dog rooming and thanks to all the amazing tutors i have left feeling confident in my abilities and ready groom! Everyone was so amazing and helpful, couldn't recommend this place more. I have made so many friends for life and a massive thank you to all the girls for all their help!
Sadie - Student ,
What can i say? My time here was absolutely phenomenal. The tutors were all amazing and extremely helpful no matter how many times you asked them to show you something! I thoroughly enjoyed my time learning here and the communication was excellent from organising my placement to helping with any queries after i had finished. For anyone who would like to learn how to groom dogs CORRECTLY, this is the place to go. I would highly recommend to anyone and proudly display my certificates from this school.
Erin - Student,
Just completed my Level Three Dog Grooming & Salon Management at Four Paws Northwich. I can honestly say I had the best experience & now feel very confident to go forward with my new career. Michelle, Claire, Nat, Rebecca & Hayley- you’re amazing people & I will miss you all- thanks for everything!
Erika - Student,
Well what can I say. I have just completed my 30 day grooming course and it has been one of the best experiences. I have learnt so much and met some great people. They really made me feel so welcome and helped me grow in confidence and knowledge. I am so sad for it to be over but so grateful for four paws and the team that have helped me along the way. I can't recommend them enough. If you are wanting a career in animal care / dog care , they really have some great courses to help you get on your way. GREAT TEAM!. ❤️
Ash,
The 25 day Diploma in Dog Grooming is a great course. It is hands on from day one and the tutors are very knowledgable in their field. I highly recommend this as a place to train. You will leave feeling confident in your ability to groom a great variety of breeds in many styles using a variety of suitable methods and techniques. The staff are all very friendly and helpful.
Laura - Student ,
Fantastic training, great team, years of combined knowledge and the course ensures you get to see all dog coat types to leave you as prepared as possible to go into the real world and start learning on the job. Highly recommend
Georgina - Student ,
I've just completed the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management. The tutors were friendly and welcoming from day one, the training and support provided was amazing throughout the course, from the practical skills, theory work and assignments I learnt so much and would recommend this course to anyone who would like a career in Dog Grooming.
Clare - Student,
I have recently finished my level 3 Diploma course in dog grooming and can't recommend the school highly enough. The facilities are excellent, the culture really relaxed, supportive and friendly and the tutors and staff so helpful and knowledgeable. If you are looking for somewhere to train towards a future career in dog grooming then Four Paws has it all. You will have a great time and make some new friends. The support from the school does not end when you leave - they are on hand to offer advice anytime you may need help and assistance in your grooming career.
Elaine - Student ,
I have just completed a 25 day course and a first aid course, I can’t recommend it enough absolutely fantastic, the staff are amazing and very supportive. I enjoyed every day of the course and thank you for training me and giving me the confidence to become a dog groomer and run my own business.😊🐕🐾✂️
Matthew - Student ,
I have recently completed the level 3 diploma at "Four Paws Grooming School" . I can honestly say I had the most Amazing experience. The course was well structured, the school fully equipped , and i got to train on a variety of different breeds. The Staff are fantastic, friendly and professional. Also upon completing the course , they continue to offer amazing support and advise. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking at a career in dog Grooming.
Rachael - Student ,
I am now a level 3 qualified Groomer, yay 😊. After 20 years of being a nurse a I gave it up following breast cancer. I have finally found and achieved my dream job and that is all thanks to Sarah and her team at Four Paws. I cant thank everyone enough for all their help and support in achieving my new career. They are all super friendly, super knowledgeable and super fun. I have had an amazing time during my time learning and developing my new skills and I have made some good friends too. Despite being excited about my new career journey I was very sad to be leaving the course. I highly reccomend this course to anyone considering a career in dog grooming. I am certain it has to be the best there is.
Sarah - Student ,
Would highly recommended Four Paws. I completed the level 3 diploma with them and was the best thing I have ever done. The course was full of hands on training and knowledge to take forward to my business. Sarah and the team where fantastic always there to give great support and advise and still giving that amazing advise. I can not thank you enough. Anyone thinking of doing the course, should bite the bullet and book in with Sarah. You certainly won't regret it as they are truly fantastic.😊
Sam, Student ,
Throughly enjoyed my course at Four Paws. Their flexible approach allowed me to fit the course around my current job whilst still providing 5 star teaching. Lovely tutors and great facility. Thank you