Training in Dog Grooming
- Catherine Clark
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
When most people think of dog grooming, they imagine creative trims, fluffy finishes, and glossy coats. But true professional grooming is far more than just making dogs look good — it’s about ensuring their health, comfort, and welfare at every stage of care.
A professional dog groomer is not only skilled with scissors and clippers, but also trained in behaviour, communication, hygiene, and animal handling. They understand that grooming is an essential part of animal welfare — not a luxury.
That’s why the City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Dog Grooming Qualifications go beyond styling techniques. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to create confident, compassionate professionals who can work safely and skillfully with dogs and their owners.
Training Goes Beyond Grooming
Dog grooming education encompasses a wide range of knowledge and practical skills. A well-trained groomer is not just creating a tidy trim — they’re ensuring every dog receives care that supports their wellbeing under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Here are some of the key areas professional training covers:
🐩 Equipment Use and Maintenance
Knowing how to select, use, and maintain grooming tools is vital for safety and quality. Clippers, blades, scissors, dryers, and brushes all need proper care to perform well and prevent accidents.
City & Guilds qualifications teach learners how to maintain and clean their tools effectively, prolonging their life and ensuring smooth, efficient grooming sessions.
🧴 Correct Products for Skin and Coat
No two dogs are the same. Coat texture, breed, age, and skin condition all determine which shampoos, conditioners, or sprays are appropriate.
Using the wrong products can lead to irritation or dryness — but selecting the right one supports coat health and comfort.
Recognising signs of skin issues, parasites, ear infections, or other health concerns is part of a groomer’s responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. While groomers don’t diagnose medical problems under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, being able to spot abnormalities and refer owners to a vet is a crucial skill that protects animal welfare and builds relationships with owners.
➡️ Explore coat and skin care education and discover why understanding pH levels, ingredients, and coat types is part of every qualified groomer’s toolkit.
🐕🦺 Understanding Dog Behaviour
Behavioural knowledge is one of the most important elements of grooming and every dog is different — some are confident, others nervous or reactive. Dogs are at different ages which would need to be handled differently and others may have health conditions that must be considered when selecting restraining equipment. City & Guilds qualifications include canine behaviour training that helps groomers read a dog’s body language, spot signs of stress or fear, and adjust handling accordingly.
Recognising when a dog is anxious, tired, or in pain makes the grooming process safer and more positive for everyone. This can minimises stress, aggression, pain, discomfort and prevents injury to the groomer.
💚 Canine Health and Conditions
Professional groomers are often the first to spot changes in a dog’s skin, coat, or health. While they don’t diagnose (under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966), they are trained to identify abnormalities — such as parasites, ear infections, lumps, or sores — and advise owners to seek veterinary help.
This skill not only supports animal welfare but also strengthens trust between the groomer and client.
✋ Handling and Restraining Techniques
Every dog is different — from a wriggly puppy to an arthritic senior. Proper handling ensures comfort, safety, and confidence during grooming.
City & Guilds training includes practical instruction on gentle restraint methods suitable for each dog’s temperament, health, and size. This reduces stress, prevents injury, and keeps both the dog and groomer safe.
🤝 Customer Service and Communication
Professional grooming isn’t only about working with dogs — it’s about working with people too.
Clear communication helps set realistic expectations, manage time, and build strong, loyal relationships with clients. City & Guilds qualifications include modules on client consultation and aftercare advice, empowering groomers to provide a complete, professional service.
➡️ Find guidance on building client relationships through BIGA membership resources.
The City & Guilds Dog Grooming Pathway: Building Knowledge and Confidence
City & Guilds offers a clear and respected pathway to becoming a qualified professional groomer.
Level 2 – Dog Grooming Assistant
Perfect for beginners or salon assistants, this course introduces the basics of grooming and dog care. Students learn how to prepare, bathe, dry, and brush dogs safely, along with essential health and safety practices.
By the end, learners can confidently assist senior stylists in a professional salon setting.
Level 3 – Dog Grooming Stylist
This qualification builds on Level 2 skills and introduces advanced styling, scissoring, and clipping across a variety of breeds. It also deepens understanding of anatomy, behaviour, and salon management.
Graduates of Level 3 are fully qualified stylists capable of running their own grooming business or working as senior professionals.
Why Comprehensive Dog Grooming Training Matters
Dog grooming is not just a career — it’s a responsibility. Every dog deserves care from someone trained to protect its health, comfort, and dignity.
Comprehensive qualifications like City & Guilds ensure groomers are not only technically skilled but also educated in welfare, communication, and ethics. That balance of compassion and competence is what defines a true professional.
BIGA works closely with awarding bodies, colleges, and welfare groups such as CFSG (Canine & Feline Sector Group) to promote higher industry standards, encourage registration, and support continuing professional development (CPD) for all groomers.
➡️ If you’re a grooming student, educator, or professional, join the movement to raise standards — become a BIGA member today.
In Summary
Investing in City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Dog Grooming Qualifications means investing in yourself, your clients, and animal welfare.
You’ll gain not only the technical ability to groom beautifully but also the knowledge, empathy, and confidence to handle every dog — and every owner — with professionalism and care.
Professional training turns stylists into specialists, and with BIGA’s support, the future of dog grooming in the UK is one of skill, welfare, and respect.
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