Dog Grooming Courses UK

Unleash your passion for dogs, hands-on grooming training at our training centre in Cheshire, welcoming students from across the UK

4.9

Based on 91 reviews

Hands-On Dog Grooming Courses

When it comes to becoming a professional dog groomer, our dog grooming courses go above and beyond the basics. We’ll teach you breed-specific cuts, how to handle all kinds of coats, and the art of using grooming tools and equipment. With a dog grooming certification, you will also be able to identify skin conditions and other health concerns early on, allowing owners to provide appropriate care or refer the dog to a veterinarian.

Our courses teach essential safety practices and handling skills, ensuring the well-being of both the groomer and the dog. We also cover techniques for calming and grooming anxious dogs for a stress-free experience.

With demand for professional groomers growing rapidly, the dog grooming job prospects have never been better. Whether you want to work for someone else or start your very own dog grooming business, our training courses in Cheshire will give you the confidence and expertise you need to make it happen.

Want to know more about our dog grooming training?

Have an informal chat with Alistair: 07380 300 600

Or message us on WhatsApp and we don’t bite!

Not sure which dog grooming course is right for you?

Here’s a quick guide to your perfect starting point:

Complete Beginner?

Not quite ready to commit? Our Taster Day (£150) lets you spend a full day in the salon to see if dog grooming is the right career for you, before booking the full course.

Ready to Qualify?

The Level 3 Diploma requires no previous experience. 15 fully hands-on days, small classes of max 5, and a nationally recognised qualification.

Already Graduated?

Add Bonus Weeks to build salon speed, handle a wider range of breeds, and boost your confidence before going it alone.

Dog Grooming Qualifications & Prices

Dog Grooming Taster Day

£150

1 day · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Mon–Fri

Thinking about becoming a dog groomer? Spend a full day in our professional training salon, get hands-on with real dogs, and experience the life of a groomer for yourself.

1 full day (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Tour our training salon and meet the team
Learn what a professional dog groomer does day-to-day
Understand basic health and safety, plus an introduction to tools and handling techniques
Bathe, shampoo, and dry a dog with expert guidance

Secure your spot today!

Most Popular

Level 3 | 15 Day Dog Grooming Diploma

£2,499

15 days · No experience required

Our most popular qualification. Build real confidence with hands-on grooming every single day, fine-tune your technique, build speed, and graduate ready to earn.

No Experience Required
Super Confidence Building
Hands-on Grooming Every Day
Skills and Business Advice
Dog Handling & Dog Health
Grooming Equipment Provided
5 Dog Styles · 34 Grooming Techniques
Private Study Group
Payment plans available
£999 deposit secures your place

Secure your spot today!

Bonus Weeks, Extra Training and Confidence Building

£899

Per week · Paw Pad graduates only

Sometimes three weeks isn’t enough, and that’s exactly what Bonus Weeks are for. Come back to our salon, work with a wide variety of real dogs, and build the salon speed and confidence you need for paying clients.

Work with a wide mix of real dogs
Focus on areas you want to improve: clipping, scissoring, styling or handling
Build up speed and confidence working to salon standards
Pick up extra tips, tricks and one-to-one support from our trainers
Leave with even more grooms under your belt, ready for paying clients

Secure your spot today!

Level 3 Extended

Extended Dog Grooming Diploma

^£ 3,399 _{20 Days}

^£ 3,399

20 days

No Experience Required
Super Confidence Building
Hands-on Grooming Every Day
Skills and Business Advice
Dog Handling
Dog Health
Grooming Equipment
5 Dog Styles
34 Grooming Techniques
Private Study Group

Secure your spot today for only £599!

Small classes only, max 4-5 students per intake.

Our Core Principles in Dog Grooming Courses

Experienced Trainers

Our courses are taught by experienced dog groomer teachers who are experts at all types of dog grooming theory and hands-on technique.

Live Dog Models & Equipment Included

From day one you work with your own live dog model. All grooming equipment is provided, and we help you buy your own kit at discounted supplier prices.

Business Advice

We show you how to price your services, attract and retain clients, get the right insurance, and keep records. Everything you need to launch your own business.

Dog Grooming Qualification

You will receive a signed Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy Certificate on graduation, recognised across the industry.

Max 5 Students

We take no more than 4 or 5 students at a time, so you get our full attention and training tailored to your ability level.

No Previous Experience Needed

You can start your journey to becoming a qualified dog groomer with no previous training or experience whatsoever.

Comprehensive Learning

Beyond practical grooming, you will learn tools of the trade, product suitability, handling, nail clipping, ear plucking and technical breed-specific clips.

Post-Course Support

We remember how daunting it is to first start grooming. You get ongoing support via a private study group for as long as you need it.

Proud to be partnered with...

What Our Students Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 91 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Lisa T 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn't have asked for a better experience with The Paw Pad Academy. From start to finish, the whole journey has been a really positive one.

From my very first conversation, Al took the time to explain the course in detail and answered all of my questions, which immediately put me at ease. Throughout the three weeks, every tutor was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and supportive. Learning an entirely new skill felt daunting at first, but they created such a relaxed and encouraging environment that I quickly grew in confidence.

I came away not only with the foundation skills needed to groom dogs, but also with much more confidence in handling and working with them. I'm so grateful to the whole team for sharing their knowledge and making the experience so enjoyable. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend The Paw Pad Academy to anyone considering a career in dog grooming.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Gillian T 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I completed the 3-week Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma in October 2025. The intensive, hands-on course built my confidence and professional grooming skills.
The tutors were knowledgeable, patient, and supportive, always willing to share their expertise and answer my questions.
Working with a variety of breeds and coat types provided invaluable experience and helped me to start my own grooming business.
I highly recommend this diploma to anyone considering a career in dog grooming - it’s one of the best investments I’ve made.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    R I 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The dog grooming course at Paw Pad is second to none - it is excellent for anyone looking to become a groomer from basics to advanced and getting a job or starting out alone. The team have the highest level of care for the dogs that come in and really go the extra mile for each doggy and their owner. I always recommend this place and hear good things too, all their customers return!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Matt T 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Took my beauty Saint Celestine who needed a little tender loving care. They were professional but still down to earth - I could tell they cared about Celestine and when they were done she seemed relaxed and looked great 👍 definitely recommend and I will definitely be returning 🥰
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Charlie P 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great groomers. Always do a good job with Crumpets and they’re very good with him. Helped advise us how to deal with matting and working out a grooming schedule that keeps his hair the length we want. Can’t recommend them enough
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Abdul b 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dog Bertie loves it here never going anywhere else
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Osman A 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dog loves it here, fantastic staff, lovely vibes. Perfect 👌
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Ali i 
 13 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing wouldt take my dogs anywhere else
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Unlock Your Dog Grooming Dream with ReAct+ Funding! (Wales Only)

Great news for aspiring dog groomers in Wales! The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy is an approved ReAct+ training provider, meaning you could get significant financial support from the Welsh Government to kickstart your grooming career!

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Dog Groomer

What are the requirements for enrolling in dog grooming courses?

You’ll need to be gentle but firm with dogs, have strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and patience. No prior grooming experience is required.

Are the courses suitable for beginners with no prior experience?

Yes, absolutely. Our courses are designed to take you from complete beginner to confident, qualified groomer. No previous experience is needed to enrol on any of our courses.

How long does it take to complete a diploma in dog grooming?

Our Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma is 15 days of hands-on practical training.

Days run Monday to Friday and can be spread to suit your schedule.

Are the dog grooming courses accredited or recognised by professional organisations?

Our courses are vocational and fully hands-on. You will receive a signed Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy Certificate on graduation, which is recognised within the industry.

Do you offer any financial assistance or payment plans?

Yes. We offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost. A deposit of £999 secures your place on the Level 3 Diploma. Please get in touch to discuss your options.

What are my options for gaining a dog grooming qualification?

We offer three pathways: the Dog Grooming Taster Day for those exploring the career, the Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma for those ready to qualify, and Bonus Weeks for Paw Pad graduates wanting extra salon time and confidence.

What qualifications do you need to be a dog groomer?

You don’t need any formal qualifications to start training as a dog groomer. Our courses are open to complete beginners, so no prior grooming experience is required. What matters is a genuine interest in working with dogs, patience, and a willingness to learn hands-on. By the end of the course, you’ll hold a recognised Level 3 qualification that employers and clients trust.

How much does it cost to do a dog grooming course?

Our dog grooming courses cost from £150 to £2,799, with a £999 deposit for the 15-day course to secure your place and flexible payment plans available.

Still not sure which course is right for you?

Give Alistair a call for a free, no-obligation chat. No hard sell, just honest advice about which option suits you best.

Alistair answers personally and we genuinely don’t bite.

07380 300 600

How to Become a Dog Groomer

Are you wondering how to become a professional dog groomer? The answer could be in our Guide to Becoming a Dog Groomer.

Read our Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Dog Grooming Business

Dog Groomer's Blog

Dog Grooming Courses UK

Unleash your passion for dogs, hands-on grooming training at our training centre in Cheshire, welcoming students from across the UK

Small Classes of 5 Students Max

Hands on 1:1 Grooming Training from Day One

100% Practical

90 Google reviews

Hands-On Dog Grooming Courses