Lesson 1Ear cleaners, cotton use, and safe ear cleaning technique; signs of ear infection requiring vet careStudy ear cleaning solutions, cotton and swab application, step-by-step safe methods, and spotting redness, smells, discharge, or soreness indicating infections or mites needing urgent vet attention.
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 hairDetail brush and comb varieties, their best uses on various coats, and the right order for detangling and shedding while safeguarding skin, avoiding damage, and readying coats for clipping or trimming.
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 desheddingExplain deshedding gear for double coats, safe undercoat loosening, risks of excessive shedding, and integrating bathing, drying, and brushing to cut shedding without harming coat structure.
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 avoidanceExplore nail filing and clipping tools, spotting the quick on pale and dark nails, methods to prevent over-cutting, and ways to lessen pain, bleeding, and anxiety for dogs and groomers alike.
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 methodsLearn to choose and use dematting tools safely, evaluate humane dematting feasibility, employ manual techniques, and discuss coat status, time constraints, and welfare-driven choices with owners.
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 nickingCover clipper motor styles, blade sizes, guard applications, focusing on heat control, skin protection, and coat-suited selections to prevent burns, irritation, and unintended nicks in delicate spots.
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-contaminationMaster cleaning and sanitising tools between animals, selecting suitable disinfectants, proper drying and storage, and routines that lower contamination and infection hazards in the grooming area.
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 dogsLearn about dryers and towels, appropriate heat and spacing, drying methods for different coats, and approaches for sound-shy or nervous dogs to ensure they remain secure and at ease.
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 trimsDiscuss scissor and thinning shear kinds, holding and stance, safety for face, paws, and hygiene zones, and upkeep to keep blades keen, aligned, and secure for accurate styling 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 timesCover choosing shampoos and conditioners for coat and skin types, medicated options, dilution calculations, and dwell times to optimise effects while cutting irritation and 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
