Dog Grooming Courses
Here at the Paw Pad, we have three levels of hands-on dog grooming courses, all operated from our centre in Northwich, Cheshire, just South of Manchester. All of our courses are designed to give you the skills 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 training is ‘pawsome’ from day one!
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 students! We want to hear from you!
Please call Alistair on 07415 897336 for an informal chat.
What is included in The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Course ?
Our dog grooming courses provide some of the best learning environments around. During your training, we provide dog grooming equipment and grooming 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 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 Course 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 groomer with no previous experience.
So, 10 days to learn a new profession. Really? Absolutely! The wonderful thing about dog grooming is that, regardless of the breed you’re 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. 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.
Level 3 & Level 3 Extended
Dog Grooming Course Diploma - 15 days £2,397 or 30 days £3,097 (Deposit £447)
This is our most popular dog grooming course. Get ready to be super confident because this is The Paw Pad Dog Grooming School’s ultimate confidence-building, dog grooming course! 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 Level 3 Extended Diploma.
This 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 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 course, you’ll be able to groom any dog you meet!
Please note: You do not have to take our Level 2 course in order to attend Level 3 courses this course.
Dog Grooming Courses and Prices
Level 2
Dog Grooming Diploma- Hands-on Experience Every Day With Real Dogs
- Skills and Business Advice
- No Experience Required
- Confidence Building
- Private Study Group
Level 3
Extended Dog Grooming Diploma- Hands-on Experience Every Day With Real Dogs
- Skills and Business Advice
- No Experience Required
- Super Confidence Building
- Private Study Group
Level 3 Extended
Extended Dog Grooming Diploma- Hands-on Experience Every Day With Real Dogs
- Skills and Business Advice
- No Experience Required
- Super Confidence Building
- Private Study Group
Our Teaching Values
EXPERIENCED TRAINERS
Our courses are taught by experienced grooming teachers who are experts at all types of 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 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 practicial 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 course.
POST COURSE HELP
We remember what it’s like when we first started 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.