Dog Breeds You'll Need

Unit A

You will start by learning basic dog anatomy and anatomical variations within a breed. In this unit's practical assignment, you will need to identify the anatomical features on the dog of your choice.

Required Dogs

• Any coated dog

Unit B

Unit B focuses on dog behavior and how to identify a dog's grooming needs. In the two last assignments of this unit, you will be asked to conduct a needs analysis and a physical assessment of a coated dog.

Required Dogs

• Any coated dog

Unit C

In this unit, you will be introduced to the various tools in your dog grooming kit. You will practice handling your tools through a variety of practice techniques, such as scissoring around a balloon, to prepare for grooming a live dog in later units.

You will also learn how to set up a clean, safe, and functional workspace. In your last assignment, you will be asked to set up your at-home workspace, secure the dog of your choice to the grooming table, and submit a photo for your tutor to review.

Required Dogs

• Any coated dog

Unit D

In this unit, you will learn how to complete basic preparatory work before cutting and styling. This includes clipping nails, bathing, and drying. You must groom two or more dogs that exhibit each of the following criteria:

Required Dogs

• A dog with sufficient hair between pads
• A dog with white nails in need of clipping
• A dog with black nails in need of clipping
• A dog with excess ear hair
• A double-coated dog (example: Pomeranian, Bernese Mountain Dog)
• A dog with at least one mat in his fur

Unit E

Unit E gives you a deep dive into working with different coat types. You will learn hair cutting techniques and applying finishing touches to wrap up a grooming appointment. You will need to find the following dogs for this unit:

Required Dogs

• Any dog that is not hairless and does not have a short, flat coat
• A dog with enough hair on his head for a topknot (example: Poodle, Shih Tzu)
• A short-coated dog that also has a double coat (example: Lab, Australian Cattle Dog)

Unit F

In this unit, you will learn how to groom dogs with special grooming considerations. You'll learn how to handle a puppy's first groom, senior dogs, and difficult dogs. You require the following dogs to complete this unit:

Required Dogs

• A senior dog
• A puppy (under 1-year-old)

Unit G

This unit outlines the breed standards for purebred dogs, and you will learn how to groom, style, and show purebred dogs. You will also learn how to adapt these breed standards for practical, everyday use. The unit only has one quiz assignment as you gear up for the hands-on practicum units.