Begin your pet grooming journey…
Master Every Skill With Our All-Inclusive Dog Grooming Program at APEX Academy
APEX Academy helps you fast-track your dog grooming career with our All-Inclusive Dog Grooming Program. This comprehensive 16-week course combines our Assistant Groomer Program with the Pet Stylist Program to master the skills required to enter the dog grooming industry. Students complete 75 hours of theory classes and 485 hours of rigorous hands-on instruction in our fully equipped dog grooming lab.
This full canine grooming program is all-encompassing, providing the grooming, styling, safety, and business knowledge you need to run your own business or excel in the grooming salon/styling sector of the grooming industry.
Program Overview and Key Details
Whether you’re aiming to operate your own grooming salon, work as a freelance dog groomer, or influence trends in canine styling, APEX Academy’s all-in-one dog grooming and training courses provide the most comprehensive canine specialty program to help you achieve your goals.
By combining the content from our Assistant Groomer and Pet Stylist programs into a single, all-inclusive course, students can complete their training in just 16 weeks.
Ideal Candidates
Our full canine grooming program is ideal for beginners seeking a comprehensive education in dog grooming or those looking to refine and expand their skills. Students should be prepared to meet the physical demands of training, including lifting, standing for extended periods, and maintaining endurance.
Program Format
APEX Academy has designed our All-Inclusive Dog Grooming Program to accommodate the diverse needs of our students. We offer full- and part-time options, allowing anyone to complete the course without sacrificing other commitments.
Course Curriculum and Objectives
We’ve intentionally created the All-Inclusive Dog Grooming curriculum to help fast-track the learning process. Encompassing everything from basic grooming fundamentals and safety to advanced scissoring and business concepts, students are immersed in the most comprehensive learning process in dog grooming training classes. You’ll master the skills and knowledge required to practise as a professional groomer or operate your own salon.
Our full canine grooming program goes beyond grooming techniques, covering client communication, marketing, and salon operations to provide real-life knowledge in the grooming industry.
Building From Assistant to Stylist
Our dog grooming and training courses provide the foundational elements required for Assistant Groomers and the advanced techniques perfected by Pet Stylists. This approach provides a solid foundation to pursue your career goals, equipped with the complete skill set for professional grooming.
Equipping Students for Success
Our animal grooming training has one objective: providing graduates with the confidence and technical proficiency for success both independently and as valued experts in an established grooming business.
Real-world readiness, from safety best practices to advanced grooming techniques and time management to business basics, ensures our graduates have diverse career opportunities.
Industry-Ready Focus
APEX Academy follows American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club breed standards, ensuring graduates are well-versed in breed-appropriate grooming techniques. Our curriculum also provides in-depth training in disease recognition, first aid, and safety protocols, equipping students for professional grooming environments. Graduates stand out as trusted, highly skilled groomers who prioritize the well-being and safety of the animals in their care.
Theory Syllabus – From Fundamentals to Advanced Techniques
The All-Inclusive Dog Grooming Program delves into all aspects of theory, spanning fundamental grooming topics to more advanced modules with business-critical topics such as advertising, social networking, and budgeting. Orientation, pet safety, equipment care, CKC/AKC standards, advanced clipping/scissoring, and more provide a well-rounded understanding of theoretical essentials.
Safety, Health, and First Aid
Our students gain confidence in safely dealing with challenges, studying zoonotic diseases, parasite recognition, first aid, and how to address the special needs of animals, from anxiety to age-related issues.
Advanced Techniques and Patterns
Students master advanced techniques and patterns, transitioning from basic clipper work to advanced scissoring, thinning, and pattern creation. You’ll understand the theory behind setting patterns for different breed groups and creative approaches for mixed breeds to prepare you for hands-on training.
Professional Presentation and Client Relations
You’ll understand the value of a professional appearance and exceptional customer service in building a strong, loyal client base that continues to grow. At APEX, you’ll develop essential client interaction skills, learning how to communicate effectively, handle customer inquiries with confidence, and create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat business.
Practicum Syllabus: Hands-On Animal Grooming Training
The physical aspects of dog grooming call for hands-on practical training at our fully equipped dog grooming stations. Classes include training in bathing, drying, coat management, clippering, scissoring, and finishing techniques under the watchful eye of our experienced instructors. Working with real dogs whenever possible, students gain confidence in handling pets and efficiently using tools and equipment.
Mastering Fundamental Tasks
Our experienced instructors provide complete dog grooming training, from the fundamentals to advanced grooming techniques. Starting with foundational studies such as brushing, product selection, ear/eye cleaning, nail trimming, and basic head patterns, students also learn how to recognize skin conditions to make proper product and tool choices.
Advanced Grooming Sessions
Students progress to advanced scissoring, blending, and fault correction, combining all learned fundamental techniques to gain confidence. Finessing advanced skills allows you to become more adept groomers and use proven speed grooming strategies to develop professional efficiency.
Real-World Experience and Evaluation
A focus on progressive learning strategies ensures each student is constantly improving their ability and knowledge. Ongoing instructor assessments help students hone their skills with constructive feedback that strengthens knowledge and improves grooming outcomes.
Enrol in the Full Canine Grooming Program at APEX Academy
APEX Academy’s All Inclusive Dog Grooming program provides the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in dog grooming training classes or in a professional salon setting. Click here to secure your spot in our full canine program today. You can also call us at (306) 533-9155, or email info@apexacademy.ca with questions or to schedule a tour of our Regina campus at 1180 Winnipeg Street.
