Our Dog Grooming Courses
Here at the Paw Pad, we have three levels of hands-on grooming courses teaching modern dog grooming techniques, all operated from our centre in Northwich, Cheshire, just South of Manchester. All of our courses are designed to give you the skills and dog grooming qualifications you need to work as a professional dog groomer. The skills you acquire will give you the freedom to work for someone else or start your own dog grooming salon business.
The Paw Pad courses do not require any written coursework other than notes you may wish to take during tuition. Our vocational, accredited training is 100% hands-on from day one.
At The Paw Pad, we provide a dog model for you from the very beginning. This avoids the frustration of sharing one dog model between a whole class or tutor group. This ensures your dog grooming is ‘pawsome’ from day one! Of course you can bring your own dog too.
Our post-course support is provided within a private study group, is included in the course price and is available for as long as you need it.
Prospective dog grooming students! We want to hear from you!
Please call Alistair on 07415 897336 for an informal chat and to meet our dogs
What is included in The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Courses ?
Our dog grooming courses in Cheshire provide some of the best learning environments around. During your training, we provide dog grooming equipment and dog models for every Paw Pad Course. However, you are welcome to bring your own items if you prefer. We also include advice as to what and where to purchase dog grooming equipment upon graduation and how to obtain discounts from major suppliers. We understand that everyone is different, with varying obligations and requirements so please feel free to contact us and discuss anything you’d like – we don’t bite!

Level 2 Dog Grooming Diploma 10 Days £1,897 (Deposit £447)
The great news is that to attend this accredited Dog Grooming Diploma, you can start your journey to becoming a qualified dog groomer with no previous dog grooming training or experience.
So, 10 days to learn a new profession in a dog grooming salon. Really? Absolutely! The wonderful thing about dog grooming is that, regardless of the breed you are grooming, the preparation is always the same. They need a brush through, de-matting, pad trimming, nail clipping, ear clean/pluck, bath and dry. This only leaves the more complex, breed-specific styling left to master. Once you’ve got the hang of the prep, you can then sail through to concentrate on the styling, making the process a lot less daunting and time consuming.
You can expect to learn the tools of the trade, product suitability, handling, bathing/drying, nail clipping, ear plucking and technical, breed-specific clips. Learners receive a business pack and advice about how to set up and manage your new dog grooming business and learn all about the dog grooming industry. There’s also a free dog first aid DVD for peace of mind and free on-going post dog grooming course advice and support for as long as you may need it.

Level 3 & Level 3 Extended Dog Grooming Diploma - 15 days £2,397 or 30 days £3,097 (Deposit £447)
This is our most popular dog grooming qualification. Get ready to be super confident because this is The Paw Pad Dog Grooming School’s ultimate confidence-building, grooming training! Great if you want plenty of experience before you set up your own business. You do not need any previous experience to attend our accredited dog grooming qualification ; Level 3 Extended Diploma.
This dog grooming course helps fine-tune your styling technique so that by the time you graduate, you’ll be quicker at grooming and therefore earning more money once your business opens. It also gives you time to become creative with your clipping and scissoring skills. You’ll be confidently whizzing along after completing our Level 3 training!
Over this extended dog grooming course schedule, you get plenty of experience in our salon with our Head Trainer and can expect to learn the tools of the trade, product suitability, handling, bathing/drying, nail clipping, ear plucking and technical, breed-specific clips. Learners receive a business pack and advice about how to set up and manage your new dog grooming business. There’s also a free dog first aid DVD for peace of mind and free on-going post-course advice and support for as long as you may need it.
By the time you complete this dog grooming qualification, you’ll be able to groom any dog you meet!
Please note: You do not have to take our Level 2 dog grooming course in order to attend Level 3 courses.
Dog Grooming Qualifications & Prices
Level 2
Dog Grooming Diploma- No Experience Required
- Confidence Building
- Hands-on Grooming Every Day
- Skills and Business Advice
- Dog Handling
- Dog Health
- Grooming Equipment
- 3 Dog Styles
- 17 Grooming Techniques
- Private Study Group
Level 3
Extended Dog Grooming Diploma- 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
Level 3 Extended
Extended Dog Grooming Diploma- 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
Our Teaching Values
EXPERIENCED TRAINERS
Our courses are taught by experienced dog groomer teachers who are experts at all types of dog grooming
LIVE DOG MODELS
At The Paw Pad you will always have a live dog model for yourself, from day one. No sharing one dog between the whole class.
GREAT ATMOSPHERE
Our classes are taught in a relaxed, non-pressured dog grooming salon atmosphere. You will feel like part of the family!
SMALL CLASS SIZES
We take no more than 3/4 students at a time, so you can be sure you’ll get our full attention, and we can tailor the training to your ability level.
BUSINESS ADVICE
You’ll receive business advice including how to price for your services, how to get (and keep) clients, how to get insurance (and what you need to insure against), how to record your client’s details, where to buy equipment and and how to maintain it.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
As well as practical dog grooming experience, with us you’ll learn the tools of the trade, product suitability, handling, nail clipping, ear plucking and technical, breed-specific clips.
CERTIFICATION
Depending on the course you take a signed Paw Pad Dog Grooming School certificate at the end of your dog grooming training.
POST COURSE HELP
We remember what it’s like when we first started dog grooming and how daunting it can be but, don’t worry, we’re here to ease you into your new career and support you if and when you need it.
What Our Students Have to Say About our Dog Grooming Courses
Need accommodation during training ?
If you require accommodation in Northwich while you are training with us, we’ve compiled a list of good local options. get in touch and we can help.
Accommodation is not included in our course prices.