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, April 13, 5-6 pm
  • Tuesday, April 14, 5-6  pm
  • Wednesday, April 15, 5-6 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.

  • Monday, April 20, 5-6 pm
  • Tuesday, April 21, 5-6 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, April 22, 5-9 pm
  • Saturday, April 25, 9 am-5 pm
  • Monday, April 27, 5-9 pm
  • Tuesday, April 28, 5-9 pm
  • Wednesday, April 29, 5-9 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, May 4, 5-9 pm
  • Tuesday, May 5, 5-9 pm
  • Wednesday, May 6, 5 -9 pm
  • Monday, May 11,  5 - 9 pm
  • Tuesday, May 12, 5-9 pm
  • Wednesday, May 13, 5-7 pm

Sporting Dog Grooming

This session covers grooming sporting dogs, focusing on techniques for shaping and styling jacket coat types. The class will emphasize the use of appropriate tools, coat maintenance, and ensuring an efficient workflow while working on sporting breeds.

  • Monday, May 18, 5-9 pm
  • Tuesday, May 19, 5-9 pm
  • Wednesday, May 20, 5-9 pm
  • Saturday, May 23, 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday, May 26,  5-7 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.

  • Tuesday, May 26, 7-9 pm
  • Wednesday, May 27, 5-9 pm
  • Tuesday, June 2, 5-9 pm
  • Wednesday, June 3, 5-9 pm
  • Monday, June 8, 5-9 pm
  • Tuesday, June 9, 5-9 pm
  • Wednesday, June 10, 5-7 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, June 10, 7-9 pm
Monday, June 15, 5-9  pm
Tuesday, June 16, 5-9 pm
Wednesday, June 17, 5-9 pm
Tuesday, June 23, 5-9 pm
Wednesday, June 24, 5-9 pm
Saturday, June 27, 9-11 am

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.

Saturday, June 27, 11 am-5 pm
Monday, June 29, 5-9 pm
Tuesday, June 30, 5-9 pm
Wednesday, July 1, 5-9 pm
Monday, July 6, 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.

Tuesday, July 7, 5-9 pm
Wednesday, July 8, 5-9 pm
Monday, July 13, 5-9 pm
Tuesday, July 14, 5-9 pm
Wednesday, July 15, 5-9 pm
Monday, July 20, 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.

Tuesday, July 21, 5-9 pm
Wednesday, July 22, 5-9 pm
Saturday, July 25, 9 am - 5 pm
Monday, July 27, 5-7 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. Note: There will be a one-hour practice exam and final exam scheduled at the Commercial Avenue Campus. Dates and time will be provided at a later date.

Monday, July 27, 7-9 pm
Tuesday, July 28, 5-9 pm
Wednesday, July 29, 5-9 pm
Monday, August 3, 5-9 pm
Tuesday, August 4, 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.