Syllabus

1. Welcome and Safety

• Introduction and course structure
• Benefits of this course and getting the most out of this course
• Your safety
• Pet safety

Outcomes

• You will understand why it is important to approach and handle dogs in a manner that promotes their confidence and co-operation and the health and safety of all throughout. AC8.1(a),AC8.2(c),AC28.1(c)
• Understand the potential threats to health, safety and security in a bathing area (such as slippery floors/surfaces, electricity) and steps that should be taken to minimise the threats. AC8.2(b) AC28.1(b)
• Know the importance in following manufacturers’ instructions regarding dilution of cleansing products, how to correctly interpret these instructions, and the possible consequences of not doing so. AC8.2(f)
• Understand how to maintain the welfare of the dog during the work.AC29.1(f)
• Learn how to maintain health and safety for yourself, colleagues and others. AC29.1(g)

2. Business basics

• Business Plan, Insurance and Finance
• Law and Regulations
• First Impressions
• Advertising

Outcomes

• Understand health, safety and welfare requirements which underpin this work.AC16(h)
• Understand that businesses and the self-employed have to organise their own tax and NI payments
• Know that your clients will evaluate first impressions, and why its important to look professional
• Learn that advertising plays an important role in creating and growing a client base.
• Understand different ways to advertise.

3. Getting started

• Location
• Equipment
• Organisation
• Attire

Outcomes

• Learn which equipment used for removing knots, tangles and dead hair, the correct selection and techniques for their use.AC8.1(d)
• Learn which equipment to use for removing excess hair, its selection and correct techniques for use. AC8.1(h)
• Know how to clean equipment and correct storage methods AC8.1(o), AC8.2(p),AC28.1(m)
• Know the protective equipment and clothing required when bathing a dog, its purpose and why it is important to use it correctly.AC8.2(a)
• Know how to assess and plan the work to be done within an agreed timescale. AC16(a)
• Understand the work which the client has requested. AC16(d)
• Know the types of tools and equipment for the work. AC18(f)
• Know the necessary condition of the work area for the work. AC16(g)
• Understand why it is important to use protective clothing during the drying process.AC28.1(a)
• Know the different types of drying equipment available, their purposes and to which dog and coat types they are most suited. AC28.1(f)
• Understand the correct temperature and velocity of drying equipment, how to adjust them and the potential dangers of incorrect setting.AC28.1(h)

4. Anatomy and health

• Anatomy
• Common skin diseases and parasites
• First aid
• Grooming injuries

Outcomes

• Learn what steps should be taken in the event of accidentally cutting the dog or self.AC8.1(j)
• Know how friction burns occur and how they can be avoided. AC8.1(k)
• Know the normal signs of health and signs indicating the dog should be referred to a veterinary surgeon.AC8.1(m)
• Know about abnormal conditions such as external/internal parasites and lesions. AC8.1(n)
• Know basic dog anatomy and physiology sufficient to be able to identify abnormalities.AC8.2(l)
• Know the signs and symptoms of basic skin problems and infestations. AC8.2(m)
• Know why it is important to obtain authorisation from the client or a senior colleague before using anti-parasitic products. AC8.2(g)
• Know the limits of your role when informing clients of possible abnormalities and conditions (i.e. not diagnosing) and the importance of referring clients to a veterinary surgeon. AC8.2(o)
• Understand the types of problems which may occur and how these should be dealt with. AC16(e)
• Know the signs of distress in dogs and the action that should be taken when these are observed.AC28.1(i)
• Understand what heat stress and brush burn are, their signs and causes and how to prevent them happening.AC28.1(k)
• Know how to identify abnormal conditions of the coat and skin, why it is important to do so. AC28.1(l)

5. Pre-bath  

• Getting ready
• Selecting shampoos and conditioners
• Handling and restraint
• Pre-bath brushing
• Pre-bath clipping

Outcomes

• Learn why a dog’s coat should be bathed before trimming and when a dog’s coat should be removed prior to bathing.AC8.1(b)
• Understand why the coat type and style to be achieved affect the methods of preparing coats and equipment that should be used.AC8.1(c)
• You will know how to groom out a coat, removing knots, tangles and dead hair without injuring the dog AC8.1(e)
• Learn why clipping off and rough trimming are sometimes necessary and why the age of the dog may influence the decision AC8.1(f)
• Know how to judge the correct amount of hair to be clipped/scissored off and why it is important not to remove too much AC8.1(g)
• Understand the different types of cleansing products available, their purposes and the types of coat and conditions for which they are suitable AC8.2(d)
• Know how coat type and the condition of the coat and skin affect the cleansing products that should be used.AC8.2(e)

6. Bathing 

• Protection
• Wet down
• Soap up and work in
• Rinse and condition

Outcomes

• Know the importance of preventing solutions entering the dog’s eyes, mouth and ears and why it is important to tell the client if this happens AC8.2(i)
• Know how to check that all residues have been rinsed from the coat and skin unless contraindicated by manufacturers’ instructions. AC8.2(j)
• Learn why its important to make a dog ‘squeaky clean’
• Understand how to wet down a dog correctly
• Know how to condition a dog

7. Drying

• Towel
• High velocity
• Stretch
• Kennel
• Blanket

Outcomes

• Know the methods to remove excess water from the dog prior to drying and why it is important to do this.AC8.2(k)
• Learn how coat type and the condition of the coat and skin affect the drying techniques and equipment that can be used. AC28.1(d)
• Understand how the style that is to be achieved affects the drying techniques and equipment that can be used. AC28.1(e)
• Know how drying technique, equipment and brushing during drying affect the finish. AC28.1(g)
• Know how to identify when coats are completely dry and the potential consequences of not drying a dog properly. AC28.1(j)

8. Ears, eyes, teeth, feet and bum

• Ears and eyes
• Teeth
• Claws
• Anal glands
• Hygiene clip

Outcomes

• Understand why particular care is required when removing excess hair from around eyes and ears AC8.1(i)
• Learn the importance of removing excess hair for the dog’s hygiene.AC8.1(l)
• Understand the external examination of anal sacs, what is normal, when expression may be necessary, why it is done and the possible consequences of doing it incorrectly or ignoring their poor condition. AC8.2(h)
• Know why it is necessary to check the anal glands, eyes, ears, skin, teeth and gums.AC8.2(n)
• Learn how to clean the dogs teeth safely and efficiently
• Know how to clip dogs’ nails and what to do if they bleed.

9. Smooth and medium coats

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Grooming smooth coats
• Grooming medium coats

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of smooth and medium coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling for smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for smooth and medium coated dogs AC29.1(e)

10. Long coat

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Grooming

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of long coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing long coated dogs. AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing long coated dogs. AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling long coated dogs. AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for long coated dogs.  AC29.1(e)

11.Wire coat

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Brushing
• Plucking and stripping
• Trimming

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of wire coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing wire coated dogs.  AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing wire coated dogs. AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling wire coated dogs. AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for wire coated dogs. AC29.1(e)

12.Curly coat

• Breeds
• Equipment
• Grooming

Outcomes

• Know the necessary appearance and condition of curly coated dogs. AC16(b)
• Know the type of equipment used for styling and finishing curly coated dogs.  AC29.1(a)
• Learn how to use the equipment correctly AC29.1(b)
• Understand techniques for styling and finishing curly coated dogs. AC29.1(c)
• Understand the client’s requests for styling for curly coated dogs. AC29.1(d)
• Know different types of breeds and how styling is achieved for curly coated dogs.  AC29.1(e)