Exciting Apprentice Dog Groomer Opportunity

About the Role

Based in Henstridge, Somerset, this apprenticeship offers full training in all aspects of professional dog grooming, breed standards, and salon care. This is a fantastic opportunity for a reliable, dog-loving individual with their own transport to start a long-term career in the industry.

What You'll Do at Work

• Greeting dogs and owners as they arrive and helping settle dogs into the salon
• Bathing, shampooing, and conditioning dogs of all breeds and sizes
• Brushing, combing, and detangling coats ready for grooming
• Blow-drying and preparing coats
• Assisting the qualified groomer with clipping, trimming, and styling
• Clipping nails, cleaning ears, and general hygiene checks
• Keeping the salon clean, tidy, and hygienic at all times - including cleaning baths, tables, and equipment
• Washing and sterilizing grooming tools
• Learning about different breed standards, coat types, and dog behavior
• Providing excellent customer service and helping owners with re-booking

Where You'll Work

STONEHILL GARDENS
HENSTRIDGE TRADING ESTATE
HENSTRIDGE
TEMPLECOMBE
BA8 0TG

Training Details

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• Training Provider: SPARSHOLT COLLEGE
• Training Course: Dog Groomer (level 2)

What You'll Learn

Course Contents

• Develop a dog grooming plan to meet the individual requirements of the dog and owner
• Carry out a dog grooming plan to meet the individual requirements of the dog and modify as required throughout the groom
• Identify normal signs of good and bad health including poor skin condition and external parasites
• Identify when to report abnormal signs of health and advise the customer when abnormal health may require veterinary attention
• Recognise and adapt to behavioral change indicators and signs of relaxation, fear, aggression, and stress in dogs
• Handle and move dogs, adapting own behavior to meet the needs of the dog
• Identify and use relevant dog restraint equipment to move and handle the dog according to temperament, age, breed, and size, and in line with manual handling and lifting procedures
• Bathe a dog using procedures which account for breed, coat type, and anatomical features, including selecting, preparing, and using products according to coat type
• Store grooming and bathing products, including medicated shampoo, in accordance with COSHH regulations
• Dry a dog selecting and using equipment, methods, and products which account for coat type, breed, and anatomical features
• Handle the dog and use nail clippers and and/or scissors to trim dog’s nails
• Select, handle, and use coat trimming equipment
• Identify factors that require the groom to be terminated early, such as illness, zoonotic infections, behavior, stress
• Identify and escalate health and safety, and animal welfare concerns
• Maintain dog records
• Communicate with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders and use terminology suitable to audience
• Clean, maintain, store, and sterilize products and equipment
• Clean and disinfect the work area and dispose of waste in accordance with COSHH regulations