TL;DR Not every dog grooming school will suit you. Some try and fit too many students into one room or keep you sat around watching instead of doing. If your goal is to actually work as a dog groomer, you need training where you get stuck in and show you how the job really works, not just how it looks on paper.
At The Paw Pad, students start with real dogs straight away. No BS. Just hands on dog grooming classes with proper support from trainers who still groom every week.
“That’s why we don’t waste your time chasing iPET or City and Guilds. We make you salon-ready, not exam-ready. — Alistair Black, The Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy
What to Look for in a Dog Grooming School
Dog grooming is not just about keeping dogs looking good. It is about their health and comfort. Matted coats, overgrown nails and dirty ears can cause real pain for dogs if not cared for properly.
With around 13.5 million dogs in the UK, that is over a third of households, the demand for skilled and reliable groomers is only growing. Owners want someone who can ( talk to them like a baby ha ha) spot issues, handle dogs gently and keep them healthy, not just make them look good.
If you are thinking about training as a dog groomer, choosing the right school and training matters more than ever. Pick the wrong one and you will waste time, money and confidence. Pick the right one and you will walk out ready to work and ready to help dogs stay well.
Hands-On Dog Grooming First, Not Endless Theory
We all know, you don’t learn to groom from a textbook. You learn by picking up clippers, handling real dogs and making mistakes while someone experienced helps you put it right.
Ask schools straight: how many dogs will I actually groom? If the answer’s vague, ask more questions. At The Paw Pad, you’re hands-on from day one. No hours of classroom chatter, no pointless forms. Just you, the dog, and tutors who’ve done it for real.
Alistair says it best: “You don’t learn to groom from a book. You learn by getting your hands on dogs, day after day. That’s why our students are on the table from day one.”
It’s Not Just About the Scissors
Being a groomer isn’t only about clipping coats. You’ve got to manage nervous dogs, talk to owners about styles and prices, and keep on top of bookings. That’s the reality.
Some schools ignore this. They train you on the scissors, then send you out unprepared.
At Paw Pad we build business basics into every course. How to price fairly, how to talk to customers, how to set yourself up if you want to work for yourself. Because if you can’t run the business side, you won’t last long.
Quick, Focused Dog Rooming Training Beats Long and Waffly
A lot of college-style courses drag on for months. They pad them out with animal care modules and theory that doesn’t help you once you’re actually grooming.
The smarter way? Intensive, practical courses that get you salon-ready in weeks. Full days, grooming real dogs, under real tutors. That’s how you learn fast and build confidence.
That’s exactly how the Paw Pad Dog Grooming Academy runs.
Forget the Qualification Trap
Here’s the truth no one tells you. Dog grooming is unregulated. There’s no licence. No government stamp of approval. Anyone can call a course “accredited” and charge you more for a bit of paper.
But do clients care? No. They just want to know you can groom their dog safely and well.
Alistair’s blunt on this: “Dog owners never ask what certificate you’ve got. They ask if you can groom their dog safely and with care. That’s what we focus on, real skills, not tick boxes.”
That’s why we don’t waste your time chasing iPET or City and Guilds. We make you salon-ready, not exam-ready.
Small Classes, Big Difference
Ever tried learning in a group of 20? Half the time you’re waiting for help. The other half you’re standing watching. That’s not training, that’s babysitting.
We keep Paw Pad dog grooming classes small, four to six students max. That way you’re always doing, never waiting.
And the support doesn’t end when you graduate. Loads of students stay in touch with Alistair and the team long after they finish, asking for advice when they set up or land their first salon job.
Alistair again: “We keep classes small on purpose. I don’t want anyone lost in the crowd. If you’re paying to learn, you deserve proper one-to-one help, not waiting your turn.”
Tutors Who Still Groom
Some dog grooming schools are taught by people who haven’t picked up clippers in years. Outdated methods, old-school thinking, no idea what salons need now.
At the Paw Pad, tutors are practising professionals. They know what customers want today, not ten years ago. Alistair runs the Academy to make sure standards stay high and students get the structure and support they need.
Red Flags to Spot
If you’re shopping around, watch for these:
- Too much theory, not enough dogs
- Crowded classrooms
- A hard sell on certificates
- No students actually grooming when you visit
Questions Worth Asking
When you visit a school, ask:
- Will I groom real dogs from day one?
- How much of the course is hands-on versus theory?
- How many students are in a class?
- Do you support graduates after the course?
At the Paw Pad, they’re simple: yes, hands-on, small classes, and yes, we support you after you finish.
Making Your Choice of Dog Grooming Training
A good grooming school should feel like a salon. Dogs being groomed, tutors helping students, a buzz of activity. If all you see are empty classrooms and sales brochures, trust your gut.
Your Next Step
Choosing a grooming school isn’t about collecting certificates. It’s about leaving with the skills and confidence to actually do the job.
At the Paw Pad, training is practical, personal and to the point.
“My job is to make sure every student leaves here confident and ready to work. No BS, no wasted time, just the skills that matter.” Alistair Black, OwnerTake a look at the Paw Pad Dog Grooming courses and see why so many students choose us as their first step into dog grooming.
