The Dog Grooming Training Certificate Program at Madison College equips aspiring dog groomers with essential skills and knowledge to work in the pet grooming industry. 

Whether you're starting a new career or enhancing your existing skills, this program blends practical knowledge with hands-on experience for comprehensive training. 

You’ll complete the certificate with the confidence and the credential you need to be a professional dog groomer.

Dog Grooming

Professional Dog Grooming Curriculum and Schedule

You'll start the program with online-live courses to gain the foundational knowledge you'll need to prepare you for in-person classes, where you'll work in a real salon with actual clients. 

Online Live Courses

These classes are taught online and meet at a scheduled time. Upon completion, you will have a strong foundation in grooming theory, safety protocols and breed standards.

Mastering Canine Communication and Safe Handling (Module 1 - 2)

Develop the critical skill of interpreting canine body language to ensure safe and humane handling in grooming environments. This course delves into reading stress signals, identifying aggression and fear responses, and mastering best practices for approaching, restraining, and grooming dogs of all temperaments. Durable skills: Emotional intelligence, problem-solving, adaptability, and situational awareness.

  • Monday, November 3, 5 - 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday, November 5, 5 - 6:30 pm
  • Monday, November 10, 5 - 6:30 pm

Canine Skin and Coat Science for Grooming Professionals (Module 3 - 4)

Gain an in-depth understanding of canine skin and coat health, essential for maintaining grooming standards and preventing dermatological issues. This course covers the anatomy and physiology of skin and coat, recognizing common conditions like parasites and infections, and applying best practices for coat maintenance to prevent matting and irritation. Durable skills: Critical thinking, attention to detail, preventative care strategies, and technical proficiency.

  • Wednesday, November 12, 5 - 6:30 pm
  • Monday, November 17, 5 - 6:30 pm

In-Person Courses

Your in-person training is held at Blossom Pet Salon, 420 W Verona Ave., Verona. (Google Map.) At the salon, you will gain real-world, hands-on experience grooming dogs.

Basic Grooming Skills

Students will learn how to safely handle dogs and apply basic brushing techniques for different coat types. This segment covers the fundamentals of grooming, including bathing and drying methods, along with sanitizing tools and facilities to maintain a hygienic grooming environment.

  • Wednesday, November 19, 5 - 9 pm
  • Saturday, November 22, 10 am - 4 pm
  • Monday, December 1, 5 - 9 pm
  • Wednesday, December 3, 5 - 9 pm
  • Saturday, December 6, 10 am - 4 pm

Introduction to Grooming Styles

Students will practice techniques for achieving professional grooming results on dogs with a variety of coat patterns. The segment will include ergonomic grooming practices, advanced brushing, and drying techniques, focusing on working with modern classic coat styles and handling tools.

  • Monday, December 8, 5 - 9 pm
  • Wednesday, December 10, 5 - 9 pm
  • Saturday, December 13, 10 am - 4 pm
  • Monday, December 15,  5 - 9 pm
  • Wednesday, December 17, 5- 9 pm

Terrier and Poodle Grooming

This session covers the unique grooming techniques for wire-haired terriers and the standout poodle look. Students will master hand-stripping, scissoring, and other breed-specific techniques, including proper equipment maintenance and self-care practices for groomers.

  • Saturday, January 17, 10 am - 4 pm
  • Monday, January 19, 5 - 9 pm
  • Wednesday, January 21,  5 - 9 pm
  • Saturday, January 24,  10 am - 4 pm
  • Monday, January 26,  5 - 9 pm

 Grooming Special Cases - Puppies & Senior Dogs

Students will gain practical experience working with young puppies and elderly dogs, learning gentle handling techniques, stress-reduction strategies, and specialized grooming approaches. This segment also covers the basics of dematting and shaving techniques and maintaining coat health for sensitive dogs.

Wednesday, January 28, 5 - 9 pm
Saturday, January 31, 10 am - 4 pm
Monday, February 2, 5 - 9 pm
Wednesday, February 4, 5 - 9 pm
Saturday, February 7, 10 am - 4 pm

Deep Dive into Skin and Coat Health

This hands-on training focuses on advanced grooming techniques for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Students will practice hand-stripping, work with various coat types, and learn about common skin issues such as parasites and hot spots, along with preventive grooming methods.

Monday, February 9, 5 - 9 pm
Wednesday, February 11, 5 - 9 pm
Saturday, February 14, 10 am - 4 pm
Monday, February 16, 5 - 9 pm
Wednesday, February 18, 5 - 9 pm

Asian Fusion Grooming

Students will refine their skills in Asian fusion patterns, learning advanced techniques such as blending, shaping, and sculpting. This segment will help learners correct faults and perfect various breed-specific styles, while also performing a deep clean of the entire salon.

Saturday, February 21, 10 am - 4 pm
Monday, February 23, 5 - 9 pm
Wednesday, February 25, 5 - 9 pm
Saturday, February 28, 10 am - 4 pm
Monday, March 2, 5 - 9 pm

Open Salon - Final Review and Skill Refinement

In this final week, students will put all their learning into practice by working in a simulated salon environment. They’ll finalize their skills, review any tricky techniques, and prepare for the AKC PGC exam. The week includes feedback sessions, troubleshooting common issues, and refining their time management and grooming efficiency.

Wednesday, March 4, 5 - 9 pm
Saturday, March 7, 10 am - 4 pm
Monday, March 9, 5 - 9 pm
Wednesday, March 11, 5 - 9 pm

Final Exam and Certification Prep

Students will prepare for their AKC exam by reviewing key concepts and engaging in hands-on practice. This final session includes a thorough evaluation of their grooming abilities, ensuring they meet the standards required for certification.

Saturday, March 14, 10 am - 4 pm
Monday, March 16, 5 - 9 pm
Wednesday, March 18, 5 - 9 pm
Saturday, March 21, 5 - 9 pm

Are You Ready to Become a Professional Dog Groomer?

Register Now!

Interested but not quite ready? Sign up for updates about this program.

For questions, contact Program Manager Linda Nellen at lnellen@madisoncollege.edu.