Lesson 1Ear cleaners, cotton use, and safe ear cleaning technique; signs of ear infection requiring vet careYou will study ear cleaning products, cotton and applicator use, stepwise safe technique, and how to recognize redness, odor, discharge, or pain that indicate infection or mites requiring prompt veterinary evaluation.
Choosing appropriate ear cleaning solutionsUsing cotton safely without packing debrisStep-by-step ear cleaning procedureAvoiding damage to ear canal and eardrumRecognizing signs of infection or mitesWhen to stop and refer to a veterinarianLesson 2Brushes and combs: slicker, pin, bristle, metal combs, and proper sequence of use for removing tangles and loose hairThis section details brush and comb types, their ideal uses on different coats, and the correct sequence for removing tangles and loose hair while protecting skin, preventing breakage, and preparing coats for clipping or scissoring.
Slicker brushes for dense and curly coatsPin and bristle brushes: when to chooseMetal combs for checking hidden tanglesCorrect brushing direction and sectionsUsing tools without scratching skinPre-clip and pre-bath brushing routinesLesson 3Deshedding tools and procedures for double coats, including when to avoid heavy desheddingThis section explains deshedding tools for double coats, how to loosen undercoat safely, when heavy deshedding is harmful, and how to combine bathing, drying, and brushing to reduce shedding while preserving coat integrity.
Identifying true double-coated breedsUndercoat rakes and carding toolsUsing deshedding blades with controlBathing and forced-air drying for shedSeasonal timing of deshedding sessionsWhen to avoid or limit desheddingLesson 4Nail care tools and techniques: grinders vs clippers, identifying quick, preventing over-trimming, and pain avoidanceYou will explore nail trimming and grinding tools, how to identify the quick on light and dark nails, techniques to avoid over-trimming, and strategies to reduce pain, bleeding, and stress for both the animal and the groomer.
Types of clippers and grindersIdentifying the quick on light nailsWorking safely with dark nailsStepwise trimming to avoid over-cuttingUsing styptic and handling bleedsDesensitizing anxious dogs to nail careLesson 5Dematting tools and techniques: dematting rakes, mat splitters, stripping knives, and safe hand-dematting methodsHere you will learn how to select and safely use dematting tools, assess when dematting is humane, apply hand-dematting methods, and communicate with owners about coat condition, time limits, and welfare-based grooming decisions.
Assessing severity and location of matsDematting rakes and safe stroke anglesUsing mat splitters near sensitive skinHand-dematting with fingers and combsWhen to choose shave-down over demattingExplaining dematting limits to ownersLesson 6Clipper types, blade selection, guards, and safe clippers use to avoid burns and nickingThis section explains clipper motor types, blade sizes, and guard use, with emphasis on heat management, skin safety, and coat-appropriate choices to prevent burns, clipper rash, and accidental cuts on sensitive areas.
Rotary vs magnetic clipper motorsBlade sizes and coat-length outcomesUsing snap-on guards for even lengthChecking and managing blade heatSafe clipping on sensitive areasRoutine clipper cleaning and storageLesson 7Tool sanitation: cleaning, disinfection between dogs, and instrument storage to prevent cross-contaminationHere you will learn how to clean and disinfect tools between dogs, choose appropriate disinfectants, dry and store instruments correctly, and design sanitation routines that reduce cross-contamination and infection risk in the grooming space.
Pre-cleaning: hair and debris removalChoosing effective pet-safe disinfectantsContact times and proper rinsingDrying tools to prevent rust and moldOrganizing labeled storage zonesDaily and weekly sanitation checklistsLesson 8Drying equipment and towel/dryer protocols: safe dryer temps, distance, and handling anxious dogsHere you will learn about dryers and towels, safe temperature and distance settings, drying patterns for different coats, and handling strategies for noise-sensitive or anxious dogs to keep them secure and comfortable.
Types of grooming dryers and usesSetting safe heat and airflow levelsMaintaining safe distance from skinTowel techniques to speed dryingDrying patterns by coat typeCalming and securing anxious dogsLesson 9Scissors and thinning shears: types, uses, safety techniques for face/paws and sanitary trimsThis section covers scissor and thinning shear types, grip and body posture, safety techniques for face, paws, and sanitary areas, and maintenance practices that keep blades sharp, aligned, and safe for precise aesthetic work.
Straight, curved, and chunker shear usesThinning shears for soft transitionsCorrect finger placement and controlFace and eye-area safety techniquesPaw and sanitary trim precautionsCleaning, oiling, and storing shearsLesson 10Shampoos and conditioners: selecting for sensitive skin, anti-odor, deshedding, and medicated needs; dilution and contact timesThis section covers how to select shampoos and conditioners for coat type and skin issues, understand medicated formulas, calculate dilution ratios, and respect contact times to maximize results while minimizing irritation and product waste.
Reading pet shampoo ingredient labelsChoosing products for sensitive skinAnti-odor and degreasing formulationsDeshedding and coat-release shampoosMedicated baths and vet directionsCorrect dilution ratios and timing
