Professional Groomer Certification Program

This course is designed for the student who is interested in learning all aspects of working, operating, and/or owning a grooming salon. The MACC recognizes the importance of higher standards within the grooming profession. Courses are designed to be fact-paced and highly motivational, which will prepare the student for employment within our vast and growing industry.

Download: pro groomer syllabus.pdf

Some of the Many Opportunities

Animal Shelters

Dog Show Circuit Grooming

Doggy Day Care Facilities

Grooming Salons

Home Grooming Business

Kennels\Mobile Grooming

Owning/Operating Grooming Salon

Pet Shops

Veterinary Hospitals

Required Courses 

Course #LGS-1                                  Logistics of a Grooming Salon                                  14 hours

            This course will familiarize the student with the safety aspects of working in a grooming salon.

The student will learn:

l        Orientation to the academy

l        How to receive a dog from your client correctly and safely

l        How to “kennel” a dog correctly

l        How to secure a pet client correctly

l        How to lift a dog correctly- big or small

l        How to set up a safe and efficient working area

l        How to accident-proof your work area

l        Overall look at course syllabus

Course #TEK-2                                  Tool & Equipment Knowledge                                  14 hours

            Students will learn to identify and use the tools and equipment of the grooming salon correctly and will enjoy “smart talk” on ergonomics.

The student will learn:

l        How to use the various clippers, and blade types

l        How to use various snap-on combs

l        How to identify the different styles of shears along with their specific styling purposes

l        How to use the different scissoring techniques

l        How to incorporate different brushing, combing, and dematting tools and techniques for specific coat types

l        How to use a hydrotherapy unit correctly

l        How to use all drying and kennel equipment

Course #HPK-3                                  Hair Care Product Knowledge                                  7 hours

            This course is designed to help students become knowledgeable in the proper use of shampoos, conditioners and the latest hair care products on the market. They will also learn to recognize common skin and coat problems along with utilizing products to save time.

The student will learn:

l        How to dilute and apply shampoos and conditioners and all hair care products correctly

l        How to identify common skin/coat problems correctly

l        How to dilute and apply the correct product for these specific problems

l        How to dilute and apply flea and tick products safely

Course #BBS-4                                  Basic Bathing Skills                                                   7 hours

            Students will learn how to bathe a dog, properly and thoroughly, while handling the pet in a safe and professional manner.

The student will learn:

l        How to bathe a dog correctly- every time

l        How a clean dog can save time and money

l        How to calm a “Nervous Nellie” in the tub

l        How to be in control at all times

l        How to use your time efficiently during the bathing process

Course #BDS-5                                  Basic Drying Skills                                                    7 hours

            Students will become familiar with the proper use of the different drying equipment as well as how to save time and wear & tear on the groomer by utilizing such equipment correctly.

The student will learn:

l        How to utilize drying equipment to work for the groomer and save on time

l        How to incorporate different drying techniques for specific breeds and coat types

l        How to apply warm air dryers to pets safely

l        How to calm nervous pets and acclimate them to the drying process

Course #BCS-6                      Brushing/Combing & Hand-stripping Skills                         7 hours

            Students will learn the proper procedures for brushing/combing specific coat types and textures along with knowledge of the tools and products conducive to maintaining a healthy coat.

The student will learn:

l        How to use the different tools for properly maintaining a matt-free coat

l        How to use the hair care products “smartly” to help reduce dematting and brush out time

l        How to educate your clients, in a professional manner, on proper dematting skills and coat maintenance.

l        How to use tools to straighten or remove undercoat properly

l        How to use a “lava stone”

l        Correct hand stripping techniques

l        How to identify specific “hand stripped” breeds

Course #EQM-7                                Equipment Maintenance                                            7 hours

            Faulty equipment is a top reason for “burn out” in this profession. Students will learn how to clean and maintain their precious equipment, thus enhancing productivity.

The student will learn:

l        How to maintain safely all bathing, drying, and clippering equipment to extend their longevity

l        How to replace minor parts to keep equipment running its best

Course #CB-8                                                Canine Behavior                                            7 hours

            This course is designed to help the students familiarize themselves with the different body languages and behavioral issues that may arise when handling “special needs” pets.

The student will learn:

l        How to identify aggressive behavior and how to handle such dogs safely

l        How to recognize a “fear biter” and how to handle timid dogs gently and safely

l        How to educate owners of “special needs” pets to help insure a positive attitude toward the grooming session

Course #CN-9                                                Canine Nutrition                                            7 hours

            This seminar is taught by a certified Canine/Feline Nutritionist. Upon completion, the students will learn how to understand and decipher the information listed in the guaranteed analysis and the ingredients panels printed on commercial dog food labels. They will be given up-to-date information to help them make informed choices that will lead toward optimal nutrition for their pets. They will also be trained to help educate their clients on raw diet nutrition for their pets.

Course #BI-10                                    Breed Identification                                                56 hours

            Students will review the different conformations and breed standards of each group category as defined by the American Kennel Club (A.K.C) and the American Rare Breed Association (A.R.B.A).

The student will learn:

l        How to identify the external anatomy of a dog

l        How to identify all recognized A.K.C breeds of dogs

l        How to recognize good confirmation in the particular breed groups of dogs

l        The correct character, temperaments and functions of the most popular A.K.C breeds of dogs

l        How to recognize and identify rare breeds

Course #PGC-11                                Professional Groomer Course                                   56 hours

            This extensive course is designed to teach the student the correct styling techniques according to the A.K.C standards of the particular breeds within the following breed groups.

Breed Groups

                                                - Sporting                                     - Non Sporting

                                                - Terriers                                      - Toys

                                                - Working                                     - Hounds

                                                - Herding                                      - Miscellaneous

The student will learn:

l        How to modify a show styling into a functional, well-balanced pet clip

l        How to groom a designer (mixed) breed with balance and style

l        The correct styling patterns for all A.K.C registered breeds

Course #BS-12                                   Balance & Symmetry                                                56 hours

            This course is designed to bring the student's clippering and scissoring skills to a higher level of professionalism. By teaching how to balance a dog who's conformation is compromised, this type of knowledge helps to set a student apart from being a “pet” groomer to being regarded as a professional.

The student will learn:

l        The role of form and function in the correct styling of a dog

l        How to a camouflage undesirable conformation with the different scissoring techniques

l        Specialized scissoring techniques for show grooming

Course #FF-13                                   Feline Fundamentals                                                  14 hours        

            This course is designed to acclimate the student in the process of cat grooming. Felines require special grooming techniques and approaches which, when followed correctly, can help assure the most positive of grooming experiences for both feline and groomer.

The student will learn:

l        How to handle and restrain a cat safely

l        How to identify stress signs in a feline

l        How to know when “enough is enough”

l        How to dematt a cat safely

l        How to shave a cat safely

Course #SM-14                                  Salon Maintenance & Skill Refinement                   42 hours

            This extensive course is designed to teach the student how to run an efficient, successful, and profitable grooming salon.

The student will learn:

l        How to keep accurate records and files on all clients

l        How to set up an efficient appointment book

l        How to set up an impressive resume

l        How to determine competitive wages and prices for services

l        How to set up proper book-keeping

l        How to evaluate the different computer software available

l        How to establish and enhance lifetime consumer relationships

l        How to help grieving clients through the loss of a pet

l        How and when to offer promotions

l        Tips on advertising and repeat business

Course #PSA-15                                 Practical Shop Administration                             191 hours

            This is an extremely beneficial course for two reasons: 1) It affords the students plenty of salon (grooming) hours that will help to refine their skills which, in return, will help them advance to a higher level of professionalism 2) It offers the students valuable knowledge pertaining to opening their own business. (Students will be required to produce a professional business plan which will help them in opening their own salon.)

The student will learn:

l        Extensive knowledge of zoning laws and necessary permits

l        Proper knowledge of taxes and insurance

l        Merchandising for retail

l        Effective advertising methods

l        How to create shop integrity

l        How to hire and pay employees

   Upon completion, the students will have an impressive business plan that will guide them through the process of starting a career in the pet care industry and will be awarded a Certificate of Completion in the Professional Certification Program, as shown below.

    Classroom hours                                135

Salon grooming hours                            315

Total clocked hours/program                         450