Exciting Apprentice Dog Groomer Opportunity

Based in Henstridge, Somerset

This apprenticeship involves full training in all aspects of professional dog grooming, breed standards, and salon care. A fantastic opportunity for a reliable, dog-loving individual with 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 sterilising grooming tools
• Learning about different breed standards, coat types and dog behaviour
• Providing excellent customer service and helping owners with re-booking

Where You'll Work

STONEHILL GARDENS
HENSTRIDGE TRADING ESTATE
HENSTRIDGE
TEMPLECOMBE
BA8 0TG

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)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

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 behavioural change indicators and signs of relaxation, fear, aggression and stress in dogs
• Handle and move dogs, adapting own behaviour 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/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, behaviour, 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 sterilise products and equipment
• Clean and disinfect the work area and dispose of waste in accordance with COSHH regulations