Everything You’ll Need To Complete QC’s Dog Grooming Course

Introduction

When you enroll in QC Pet Studies’ Dog Grooming Course, you’ll be tasked with the challenge of applying the grooming lessons learned throughout your program on real dogs. These practical assignments will allow to to gain real-world experience, which in turn, will help you thrive as you advance in your career.

Furthermore, many of your course assignments will require you to work on specific dog breed types. So, what types of dogs can you expect to groom over the course of your training?

Let’s find out!

QC Pet Studies’ Dog Grooming Course

As a student of QC’s Dog Grooming Course, you’ll be mailed your free, professional-grade grooming starter kit once Unit B has been submitted and graded by your tutor. This dog grooming kit will provide you with:

1. One WAHL 5-in-1 cordless clippers + 9 comb attachments
2. Professional-grade grooming scissors (straight blade, curved blade, and thinning scissors)
3. Two slicker brushes (soft and hard)
4. Two nail clippers (large and small)
5. Two mat breakers (large and small)
6. One undercoat rake
7. Three combs (one greyhound comb, one fine-toothed comb, and one curry comb)

Unit A Assignments

In addition to joining QC Pet Studies’ Virtual Community on Facebook, there are 4 assignments in Unit A:

1. Introduce Yourself: Tell your tutor more about your personal and/or professional experience with dog grooming up to this point, as well as your career goals and the skills you hope to develop as a groomer.
2. Breed Variations: After choosing a dog of any breed/size/age/coat type, etc., you’ll take + provide 4 photos of the dog and identifying whether it is purebred or a mix. You will also be required to answer anatomical questions pertaining to the dog’s head, eyes, and ears. Additionally, there will be questions for you to answer about the dog’s coat features as well.
3. Managing Unhealth Skin Conditions: In this case-scenario assignment, you’ll be provided with 4 different scenarios, regarding 4 different dog breeds experiencing different skin conditions. Here, you’ll need to (for each scenario) suggest one possible skin condition, identify one factor that could have caused the condition, and name one possible remedy you could provide during a grooming session to help.
4. Finding Dogs to Work With: Here, you will tell your tutor where and how you intend to find different dogs to work with over the course of your dog grooming program. Additionally, you will also write a sample email for a business/association wherein you request to borrow on of their dogs for your course work.

Unit B Assignments

There are 5 assignments in Unit A:

1. Reading Dog Behavior: In this case-scenario assignment, you’ll be presented with 4 different breeds, their grooming experience, and their behavior when you attempt to work on them. Based on this, you’ll be tasked with explaining how the dog feels about the grooming process, as well as your main concerns (regarding their behavior) and how you intend to navigate it during the grooming process.
2. Meet and Greet: Another case-scenario assignment, you’ll be given 3 scenarios involving the behaviors of both the dogs and their owners (upon entering your grooming salon). Based on the parameters of these scenarios, you’ll explain how you intend to approach the dog for their groom – and why.
3. Dog Safety During the Groom: Here, you’ll be given 3 scenarios of other groomers making specific decisions during their grooms. You’ll be tasked with identifying what they’re doing wrong and what they could do instead to create a safer grooming environment.
4. Preparing to Conduct Your Own Needs Analysis: This is a practical assignment. Start by selecting a coated dog of any age and grooming experience. Importantly, you CANNOT use your own dog for this assignment. You also cannot choose a hairless, smooth-coated dog or short-coated dog. From there, you’ll need to identify the dog breed and why you feel that dog is a good pick for conducting your needs analysis. Next, you’ll conduct a verbal assessment with the dog owner and record their answers.
5. Evaluating the Needs Analysis: Piggybacking off of Assignment 4, you’ll then take a clear photo of the dog you performed the needs analysis on. Afterwards, you’ll answer questions about the needs analysis and your findings.

Unit C Assignments

There are 5 assignments in Unit C:

1. Making The Cut: For the first part of this assignment, you’ll have someone record you opening and closing your grooming scissors (to ensure you’re using the correct grip and technique). You’ll then upload this video to YouTube so your tutor can view it. Afterwards, have someone record you demonstrating your scissor technique across the surface of a balloon. The goal is not to pop it! Again, you’ll then be expected to upload your video to YouTube for submission.
2. Working with Scissors: In this written assignment, you’ll be given 7 scenarios of groomers, the breed of dog they’re working on, and the goal they have in mind for the groom. Based on the info provided, you’ll identify which type of scissors each groomer should use and why.
3. Holding Your Clippers: Have someone record you attaching and detaching the blade on your clippers, as well as holding the clippers steady. Your video will then be uploaded to YouTube.
4. Clipper Technique and Maintenance: Here, you’ll answer 6 questions about clipper technique and maintenance.
5. Setting Up Your Workspace: In Unit C’s final assignment, you’ll set up your dog grooming workspace and provide a photo for assessment.

Unit D Assignments

There are 7 assignments in Unit D:

1. Trimming Pads: Start by finding a dog with quite a bit of hair on the paw pads. For the assignment, just focus on one side of the dog (same side front and back paw). Have someone film you and take 3 videos of you working on clipping the rear foot, the front foot, and then spreading the toes + showing off your work. Videos will be uploaded to YouTube for tutor assessment.
2. Clipping White Nails: Working on any dog breed (so long as they have white nails), provide before photos. From there, clip ALL of the dog’s nails, and then provide after photos.
3. Clipping Black Nails: The same steps as Assignment 2, except this time, the dog needs to have black nails.
4. Removing Ear Hair: Start by selecting a dog with a lot of ear hair (tip: non-shedding breeds are the best way to go). Choose one ear to work on, provide a before photo (and answer some prep questions), and then have someone film a 1-minute video of you safely removing the hair in that ear. Upload that video to YouTube.
5. The Pat and Pull Method: Based on the parameters provided in the Assignment outline, choose an appropriate type of dog to work on. Using a slicker brush, have someone record a 1-minute video of you demonstrating the “pat and pull method”. Upload video to YouTube.
6. Breaking a Mat: Find a dog that has at least one mat that can be removed with a dematting tool. Have someone record a video of you safely dematting the dog, and then upload said video to YouTube.

Unit E Assignments

There are 5 assignments in Unit E:

1. Working with Different Coat Types: In this case-scenario assignment, you’ll be given 6 hypothetical situations you may face as a groomer when working on very specific breeds and coats. Based on the parameters outlined for you, you’ll be tasked with identifying each dog’s dog group, coat type, grooming tasks you’ll likely have to perform on each dog, and elements of the grooming process that won’t be necessary.
2. A Coat Type Grooming Plan: Select a dog that falls into one of the categories outlined in the assignment. Take a full-body, side profile before photo of the dog. From there, you’ll have to fill out a questionnaire wherein you thoroughly assess the dog’s coat + grooming needs.
3. Choosing a Cut: Another case-scenario in which you’ll have to recommend the appropriate cut for 4 specific dog breeds.
4. Achieving Balance and Symmetry: You’ll be given 2 scenarios and then have to indicate + outline the best way to achieve symmetry on each dog.
5. Prioritizing the Dog: Again, you’ll be given 2 scenarios – only this time, you’ll be challenged with breaking down what YOU would do in both scenarios in order to prioritize the dogs’ well-beings.

Unit F Assignments

There are 3 assignments in Unit F, all for which you must create a:

1. Senior Grooming Plan;
2. Puppy Grooming Plan;
3. And a Mixed Breed Grooming Plan.

All 3 assignments are case-scenarios, in which you’ll be given a couple different situations and from there, will need to answer questions based on how you would proceed with each groom.

Unit G: Introduction to Breed Standards

This next unit is packed full of amazing information, because it’s all about interpreting breed standards for everyday professional practice!

Unit G Assignments

There’s only 1 assignment in Unit G: Bathing the Dog. This practical assignment will challenge you to:

1. Select a dog (of any breed) that is either due for a bath OR hasn’t been bathed in at least a month;
2. Complete all the necessary, outline prep work before giving the dog its bath;
3. Determine whether or not the dog needs a sanitary cut. Either way, provide 3 photos of the dog’s sanitary areas, based on the photo specifications outlined. If a sanitary cut is performed, you’ll need to explain why you chose to do this.
4. Take a before video of the dog’s profile;
5. Assess the dog from head to toe (both in a physical and emotional sense) and prepare your products;
6. Provide a photo of the shampoo you’re using;
7. Answer the provided questions;
8. Have someone film you (for 1 minute) as you safely get the dog into the tub and properly wet their coat;
9. Record another 1-minute video of you shampooing the dog;
10. Record another 1-minute video of you rinsing the dog;
11. Have someone record a short video of you checking over the dog’s coat and making a small section squeak (which indicates that the hair has been properly cleansed + rinsed);
12. Have 2 30-second videos recorded of you towel drying the dog while it is still in the tub, as well as you using a dryer to finish the process;
13. Take + submit a full-body, side profile after pic of the dog and answer the questions provided.

Please note that, just like with the previous assignments, all videos recorded will need to be uploaded + submitted to YouTube for tutor assessment.

Unit H Assignments

Again, there is only 1 assignment in Unit H: Grooming Natural Breeds. This practical assignment will challenge you to:

1. Choose either a (purebred) Golden Retriever or a (purebred) Shetland Sheepdog to work on;
2. Complete all of the prep work, as outlined in the assignment;
3. Submit a before video of the dog, in which you walk in a full circle around it and show the dog from multiple different angles. This video should be 1.5 minutes long and ensure to meet all the criteria outlined in the assignment specifications;
4. Groom the dog’s head (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
5. Next, continue to groom the dog’s body (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
6. Continue to groom their feet and legs (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
7. Finish the groom on their rear and tail (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
8. Record a 1.5-minute long after video – again, by doing a full circle around the dog, showing different angles, and meeting the same criteria as you did in the before video.

Please note that, as with all previous assignments, your videos will need to be uploaded + submitted to YouTube for tutor assessment.

Unit I: Yorkshire Breed Standard

In this lesson, you will learn how to appropriately and effectively cut and style the Yorkie breed.

Unit I Assignments

Again, there is only 1 assignment in Unit I: The Teddy Bear Cut. This practical assignment will challenge you to:

1. Choose a dog whose coat is at least 2 inches long;
2. Complete all of the prep work, as outlined in the assignment;
3. Submit a before video of the dog, in which you walk in a full circle around it. This video should be 1.5 minutes long and ensure to meet all the criteria outlined in the assignment specifications;
4. Consult with the dog’s owner and identify their preferred length for their dog’s hair;
5. Create a full, round teddy bear head (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the cut);
6. Continue the teddy bear cut next on the dog’s body (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the cut);
7. Continue the cut on their feet and legs (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the cut);
8. Finish the cut on their rear and tail (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the cut);
9. Record a 1.5-minute long after video – again, by doing a full circle around the dog and meeting the same criteria as you did in the before video.

Please note that, as with all previous assignments, your videos will need to be uploaded + submitted to YouTube for tutor assessment.

Unit J Assignments

Again, there is only 1 assignment in Unit J: Grooming Terriers. This practical assignment will challenge you to:

1. Choose a dog that is either a purebred Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier, or Airedale Terrier;
2. Make sure the dog’s owner is okay with you clipping the dog’s coat, as opposed to hand stripping it (otherwise, you’ll need to find a different dog to work on);
3. Complete all of the prep work, as outlined in the assignment;
4. Submit a before video of the dog, in which you walk in a full circle around it. This video should be 1.5 minutes long and ensure to meet all the criteria outlined in the assignment specifications;
5. Groom the dog’s head to its breed standard (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
6. Continue the breed standard groom on the dog’s body (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
7. Continue the breed standard groom on their feet and legs (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
8. Finish the groom on their rear and tail (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
9. Record a 1.5-minute long after video – again, by doing a full circle around the dog and meeting the same criteria as you did in the before video.

Please note that, as with all previous assignments, your videos will need to be uploaded + submitted to YouTube for tutor assessment.

Unit K Assignments

Again, there is only 1 assignment in Unit K: Grooming a Non-Sporting Breed. This practical assignment will challenge you to:

1. Choose a dog that is either a purebred Poodle (Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or Standard Poodle) or Bichon Frise – ideally, one that is used to being groomed for long periods of time;
2. Complete all of the prep work, as outlined in the assignment;
3. Submit a before video of the dog, in which you walk in a full circle around it. This video should be 1.5 minutes long and ensure to meet all the criteria outlined in the assignment specifications;
4. Groom the dog’s head to its breed standard (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
5. Continue the breed standard groom on the dog’s body (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
6. Continue the breed standard groom on their feet and legs (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
7. Finish the groom on their rear and tail (and answer relevant questions during this portion of the process);
8. Record a 1.5-minute long after video – again, by doing a full circle around the dog and meeting the same criteria as you did in the before video.

Please note that, as with all previous assignments, your videos will need to be uploaded + submitted to YouTube for tutor assessment.

Unit L Assignments

This final unit has 7 (optional) assignments, all of which are written:

1. Choose Your Business: Identify the kind of business you want to run (e.g., mobile groomer, open your own salon, operate out of your home, etc.).
2. The Name Game: Come up with potential business names and web domain names.
3. Create a Customer Persona: Develop your target market by building a customer persona (the “ideal client”). From there, figure out how you can appeal to that persona.
4. Build Your Brand: Create your brand position, promise, and personality.
5. Spread the Word: Identify one marketing strategy you would like to use to get your dog grooming business out there, and how you intend to implement that strategy.
6. Running a Promotion: Thoroughly craft 2 different promotion ideas that would interest your ideal client. Afterwards, choose which one you’d prefer to move forward with and and explain your decision.
7. Solving Client Problems: After being provided with 3 possible scenarios (all of which, you’ll likely face at one point or another in the real world!), explain what you would do in each situation.