The Career Academy Advanced Certificate in Dog Grooming

Introduction to Dog Care

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise the daily needs of a dog.
• Recognise and justify essential considerations when buying a dog.
• Compare and contrast local dog care facilities.
• Explain the nature of the dog care industry.
• Recognise key facts regarding basic training.

Canine Biology

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Describe the external anatomy of a dog.
• Explain the functions of the skeletal system.
• Give examples of what the common integument provides for a dog.
• Summarise the workings of the digestive system of a dog.
• Define the standard physiology of a dog.
• Explain the importance of ‘Thermoregulation’.

Dog Health – Part One

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise the distinguishing characteristics of dogs.
• Explain the correct nutritional requirements for a dog’s health and well-being.
• Prepare for the physiological stages of a dogs life and their evolving diet requirements.
• Give examples of the different dog food products and the various pros and cons.
• Demonstrate appropriate measures to prevent problems arising.
• Apply the appropriate responses to problems if and when they arise.
• Explain some common health issues that affect a dog’s health, well-being and longevity.

Dog Health – Part Two

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Give examples of preventative treatments for your dog.
• Describe some of the common ailments and disorders affecting dogs.
• List signs of various ailments and disorders that affect dogs.
• Explain some of the options for treatment of those ailments and disorders.

Exploring Dog Breeds

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Define the 7 main breeds of dogs as classified by the Kennel Club of Great Britain.
• Give examples of various dogs from the 7 main breed types.
• Describe various dogs from the 7 main breed types.
• Distinguish the different characteristics across these breeds of dogs, both desirable and undesirable.
• Summarise the history of various popular cross-breeds of dogs.

Dog Breeding

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise the relevant factors to the breeding of dogs.
• Explain the structure of the male and female dog reproductive systems.
• Describe the sexual behaviour of dogs, including mating interaction.
• Distinguish the characteristics of a good brood bitch or stud dog.
• Identify the different stages of dog pregnancy and birth.
• Give examples of the factors that influence puppy size.
• Explain the stages of puppy development.
• Summarise the importance of legislation and licensing.

Dog Behaviour and Training

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Define the main considerations in the science of animal behaviour.
• Summarise the importance of basic dog training.
• Apply different methods of training dogs to obey basic commands.
• Give examples of the attributes of a successful dog trainer.
• Prepare a plan for setting up and operating a dog training or dog behavioural consultancy business.

Grooming Dogs

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Distinguish the 3 major types of dog hair.
• Summarise the basic care requirements in grooming.
• Give examples of the tools and equipment used in a dog grooming business.
• Define the grooming requirements for each of a dog’s body parts.
• Describe the traits of a successful professional Dog Groomer.

Other Dog Services

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Give examples of the different health and training related services for dogs.
• Explain the different aspects involved in the role of Vets and Vet nurses.
• Describe the work of a Dog trainer or Behaviour consultant.
• Summarise what services are provided by day care and long stay services for dogs.
• Explain the role of assistance dog services in the community.
• Give examples of the different work that Professional dog handlers services provide.
• Define the goods and services that retail related services provide for dogs.

Scope and Nature of Grooming Animals

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise why we groom animals and the tasks involved in grooming.
• Identify common tools and equipment used for grooming dogs.
• Explain why it is important to be confident when handling dogs.
• Give examples of various training that will provide skills necessary to become an animal groomer.
• List ideal skills and attributes required to become a good animal groomer.

Animal Biology

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• List the different types of skin and layers of skin tissue.
• Describe the epidermis and dermis.
• Explain animal claw, nail and spur structure.
• List the different layers and structure of animal hair.
• Summarise homeostasis and thermoregulation in animals.

Care of the Coat and Skin

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise general animal nutrition and water requirements.
• List common skin problems in cats and dogs and how to treat them.
• List various parasites that affect cats and dogs and the best control and treatment for each.
• Describe how to bath and care for cat and dog coats.
• Explain the steps involved in de-matting a dog coat.

Dog Grooming Techniques

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Describe how dogs communicate through their basic behaviours.
• Identify the different coat types.
• Select the correct brush type for different coat types.
• Explain the steps involved in brushing and bathing care for different coat types.
• List various clipping and styling techniques.
• Identify common problems that can arise during grooming that you should take care to avoid.

Grooming Other Types of Animals

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Explain how to groom and handle cats.
• Describe how to bath a cat correctly.
• Explain how to handle and groom a rabbit.
• Summarise rabbit moulting and various transportation methods.

Handling Animals During Grooming

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Identify the risks of working with animals and how to choose an appropriate grooming location.
• Explain the importance of understanding animal psychology and behaviour.
• Summarise non-verbal communication and restraint techniques.
• Give examples of common restraint apparatus.
• Describe safe handling techniques for grooming cats, dogs and rabbits.

Other Grooming Tasks

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise correct methods for trimming claws and nails of cats and dogs.
• Explain the importance of animal ear, oral and dental care.
• Explain why tail docking is performed on some dogs.
• Describe how to recognise signs of poor animal health.
• List signs to look out for to help identify if an animal is in chronic pain.

Show Grooming

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise what animal showing is and why people show their pets.
• Identify the best time to start training your puppy for showing.
• Explain how to prepare your dog for a show.
• Describe what happens on the day of the show.

Grooming Safety

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Summarise workplace health and safety and first aid.
• Explain legislation and duty of care to ensure a safe workplace.
• List protective equipment and signage for safety against workplace hazards.
• Give examples of safe chemical management and safe handling of tools and machinery.
• Give examples of safety audits and checklists used to identify, monitor and assess safety hazards in a workplace.
• Identify the signs of cat and dog allergies.

The Business of Grooming

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Summarise the planning involved in creating a new grooming business.
• Explain the need for financial planning and setting long term and medium goals.
• Identify the importance of maintaining financial records and understand common finance related terminology.
• Explain the importance of cash flow, budget forecasting and having a marketing strategy.
• Distinguish between different sources of risk using risk analysis.
• Explain the importance of groomers insurance and the different types of cover to consider.