Learn to Be a Dog Groomer
Turn your passion for dogs into a rewarding career with our intensive 5-day CPD Accredited grooming course
CPD Accredited Introduction to Dog Grooming
A course designed by Dog Groomers, to give you a taster of where to start. Learn from real groomers at Pups & Dreams Spa & Academy and turn your passion into a career!
Our graduates on graduation day — certificates, flowers and all smiles!
In the UK, the dog grooming industry remains unregulated, meaning there's no mandatory qualification or licence needed to start a dog grooming career. Government regulated courses (Ofqual) are available, but they're not a legal requirement to work as a dog groomer.
At Pups & Dreams, our 5-day course is CPD-accredited and recognised for delivering quality learning. But what truly makes our training stand out is how real and hands-on it is. Unlike some Ofqual-regulated courses, which can be classroom-heavy and theory-led, our course is built around practical, real-world experience. You'll be grooming real dogs, in a working salon, learning directly from experienced professionals who do the job everyday. We focus on teaching you what we feel matters in the dog grooming world; practical skills, confidence, speed and styling (at a fraction of the cost too!) Megan completed a CPD dog grooming diploma and Emily completed the Ofqual IPET level 3 Diploma, yet both of us are at the exact same point in our career and equally as successful.
We can't wait to help you start your journey!
More Than Just a Career
Becoming a dog groomer is more than a career — it's a commitment to the wellbeing, comfort, and confidence of every dog that walks through the door.
Supporting Canine Health
Regular coat care promotes healthy skin, early detection of issues, and overall wellbeing
Comfort & Calmness
Helping dogs feel clean, calm, and cared for in every grooming session
Building Trust
Working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, creating positive experiences
Safe Environment
Creating calm, safe spaces where dogs feel secure and confident
Lasting Relationships
Forming meaningful connections with pets and their owners
Care & Compassion
Grooming is about more than appearance — it's about connection and compassion
Is This Course For You?
Our training is perfect if you answer YES to any of these...
Do you dream of working hands-on with dogs every day?
Want a career that's creative, rewarding, and full of wagging tails?
Looking to build up a side hustle before going head first into it?
Ready to turn your passion for dogs into a professional skill?
At Pups & Dreams, we don't just teach dog grooming — we live it.
Our courses are designed and taught by professional dog groomers, giving you real-world skills, confidence, and guidance to succeed.
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive training covering everything you need to start your grooming business
Dog health & anatomy
Salon health & safety essentials
Equipment: types, uses, maintenance
Pre-groom assessment & products
Bathing, drying & brushing techniques
Nail trimming, ear cleaning & hygiene trims
Clipping & scissoring techniques
Breed specific styling basics
Understanding matting
De-shedding (long & short hair)
Client consultation & aftercare
Dog grooming business tips & advice
By the end of this introductory course, you'll walk away with real hands-on experience, as well as a CPD accredited certificate of completion to kickstart your dog grooming journey...
See Our Training in Action
Watch our students learning hands-on grooming techniques in our professional salon
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What's Included in Your Course
Real salon environment training
Hands-on practical experience
Small class sizes for individual attention
Professional starter kit worth £800
CPD Accredited certification
WhatsApp support group
Professional training manual
Business advice & ongoing support
Your own professional training manual with step-by-step guides and helpful tips
Professional Starter Kit Included
Everything you need to start grooming professionally from day one
What's Included in Your Kit?
Corded Clippers
Professional-grade corded clippers for precise, consistent cutting across all coat types
Comb
Stainless steel grooming comb for detangling, finishing and checking coat texture
Slicker Brush (Large & Small)
Two sizes of slicker brush for removing knots, mats and loose hair on any breed
Small Straight Scissors
Precision straight scissors for detailed finishing work around the face and paws
Large Straight Scissors
Full-size professional straight scissors for body lines and overall shaping
Curved Scissors
Curved blade scissors for following body contours and achieving smooth, rounded finishes
Blending Scissors
Thinning/blending scissors to seamlessly blend coat lengths for a natural look
Nail Trimmers
Professional nail clippers designed for a clean, safe cut on dogs of all sizes
Rubber Mitt
Deshedding rubber mitt for removing loose fur and giving a gentle massage finish
Blade & Scissor Oil Spray
Lubricating spray to keep blades and scissors clean, sharp and running smoothly
Box of Comb Attachments
A full set of clip-on comb guides for achieving consistent coat lengths
Various Clipper Blades
A selection of professional blades in different sizes for versatile styling on all breeds
Why Train With Us?
Whether you want to work in a salon or start your own business, we'll help you achieve your dream
Small Classes
Maximum 4 students per course ensuring personalised attention and hands-on practice
Real Experience
Hands-on practice with real dogs in our working salon, not just demonstrations
Expert Tutors
Friendly, professional groomers who teach from basics to advanced techniques
Business Support
Learn how to start and run your own successful grooming business from day one
Perfect for Beginners & Upskillers
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to enhance your skills, our course provides everything you need to succeed in the dog grooming industry.
Student Reviews
Hear from our graduates
Spruced Pup
"Recently completed the new dog grooming course offered at Pups & Dreams. What an amazing week we had. Emily and Megan were both friendly and extremely informative, guiding us through each step of the dog grooming process. We laughed all week, loved the many dogs we had the pleasure of grooming and would highly recommend this course to any aspiring dog groomer. We've now set up our very own grooming salon 'Spruced Pup' in Thornham, Royton and will be opening very soon! Many thanks to Emily and Megan for an unforgettable week. Could not have done this without you! Xx"
Amy Stewart
"Just completed a week's course on an introductory into dog grooming and what a week it's been. I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I can't recommend Megan and Emily enough — their passion and knowledge is second to none, the grooming salon is absolutely beautiful. They are so patient with the students. You have the chance to get to grips with actual models (dogs), it's all hands on training rather than classroom based and assignments. Can't thank you both enough xxx"
Tanya Parker
"Joined Megan and Emily's grooming training course and it was absolutely amazing — so friendly and easy to approach. They were there to answer any questions and support throughout all of it. Absolutely fantastic week! Would really recommend if anyone is wanting any hands-on experience."
Alex Rooney
"I did a grooming course at this beautiful establishment. I wouldn't have chosen anywhere different — thank you to both of the girls, Megan and Emily, you're both so amazing!! If you're going to do a dog grooming course, this is the place to do it!!! I learnt everything I needed to know here!!! Thank you girls."
Grace
"I recently completed a dog grooming course with the girls at Pups and Dreams and to say I loved my week would be an understatement. I've been toying with this career move for years and finally decided to take the plunge. I couldn't be happier with where I chose to do my training. I wanted a hands-on course with minimal coursework — I have ADHD and find heavy theory hard to resonate with, and much prefer learning on the job. This course was perfect for that. We covered everything you could imagine, had so much support in a beautiful environment, and by the end of the week we had groomed 9 dogs. I left feeling so excited for my future in this business. Thank you Emily and Megan — anyone looking for a dog grooming course, get in touch with Pups and Dreams. You won't regret it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our CPD dog grooming course