20-Day Practical Dog Grooming and Salon Skills Course

Hands-on grooming training with real dogs

Our 20-Day Practical Dog Grooming and Salon Skills Course in Milton Keynes is designed for people who want substantial hands-on dog grooming training without completing a regulated qualification.

Would you love to learn dog grooming but feel that a regulated qualification and extensive written theory may not be the right route for you?

You will work with real dogs under the guidance of an experienced dog grooming tutor, developing practical skills while completing accessible supporting theory relevant to everyday salon grooming.

Course information

Duration: 20 training days
Training days: Monday to Friday
Training hours: 9:30am–4:30pm
Course fee: £3,000 plus VAT
Total payable: £3,600 including VAT
Previous experience: Not required
Delivery: Supportive, small-group training

The course may be completed consecutively or arranged in agreed training blocks, subject to availability.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course may be suitable for:

Complete beginners interested in dog grooming
Practical learners who prefer hands-on training
Those who do not feel confident completing extensive academic theory
Existing groomers who want to develop their practical ability
Learners who have completed previous training but need more experience
Those wanting to refresh or strengthen their grooming skills

What will I learn?

Training will cover the different stages of the grooming process and may include:

Safe handling, restraint and canine welfare
Grooming consultations and pre-groom health checks
Recognising when a groom should be adapted or stopped
Brushing, combing and coat preparation
Bathing and drying techniques
Nail care and basic hygiene procedures
Understanding different coat types
Selecting, using and maintaining grooming equipment
Clipper work and comb attachments
Scissoring techniques
Styling different breeds and coat types
Salon hygiene and safe working practices
Client communication and record keeping
Planning and completing a groom safely

The dogs, breeds and coat types available will depend on academy appointments and training requirements. We aim to provide learners with varied experience throughout the programme wherever possible.

Practical learning with supporting theory

A typical training day includes practical grooming between 9:30am and 1:30pm, followed by supporting learning and theory between 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

Although the course focuses primarily on practical grooming, learners also need to understand why particular techniques and procedures are used.

Supporting theory may cover:

Health and safety
Canine welfare and behaviour
Coat types and grooming methods
Equipment safety and maintenance
Skin and coat observations
Salon hygiene
Customer care and record keeping

Learning will include tutor discussions, short activities and a straightforward Radleys Grooming Academy workbook. There are no formal regulated examinations.

Equipment and clothing

Professional grooming equipment and products will be available to use during your training.

A personal grooming kit is not included within the course fee. We can provide guidance on suitable equipment if you are considering purchasing your own kit.

Learners should attend in comfortable, practical clothing with secure, closed-toe, non-slip footwear. Further information will be provided before the course begins.

Certificate of Completion

Learners who successfully complete the 20-day programme and required course activities will receive a Radleys Grooming Academy Certificate of Completion.

This certificate confirms completion of the Radleys training programme but is not equivalent to an Ofqual-regulated dog grooming qualification.

For anyone whose main goal is to gain a recognised qualification and begin a professional dog grooming career, we would normally recommend one of our regulated iPET Network qualification routes.

Progressing to an iPET Network qualification

After completing this programme, learners have the opportunity to progress to the iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management.

Progression will be subject to an individual review of the learner’s practical ability, completed training and eligibility. Further practical training, written theory work, grooming diaries, formal assessments and other qualification requirements will need to be completed.

Additional qualification and training fees will apply. Full details and current progression costs will be confirmed before enrolment onto the Diploma.

Booking and payment

A £1,000 deposit and signed training agreement are required to secure your course place. The deposit will be deducted from the total course fee.

The remaining balance must be paid according to the payment dates detailed within your training agreement. Full payment is required when booking a course due to begin within three weeks.

Enquire about practical training

If you are unsure whether practical training or a regulated qualification would be the most suitable route, we will be happy to discuss your experience, goals and availability.

Academy visits can also be arranged, allowing you to meet us, see the training environment and ask questions before making your decision.

Contact Radleys Grooming Academy to discuss availability for our 20-Day Practical Dog Grooming and Salon Skills Course.

Finance available for selected courses