COMING SOON

COMING SOON

WANT TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL

(CO-OPERATIVE)

DOG GROOMER?

Transform your passion for dogs into a rewarding career as a professional dog groomer. Our iPET Network Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Dog Grooming, regulated by OFQUAL, combines technical excellence with co-operative, force-free handling methods. Learn from industry expert Linda Reader and our team of certified instructors through a unique blend of online theory and hands-on practice in our professional salon in West Sussex.

Stand Out From the Competition!

New Dog and Existing Dog Groomers,

All Need this Accreditation -

This qualification includes the iPET Network Level 3 diploma or Certificate in Dog Grooming, regulated by OFQUAL.

WATCH THE EXPLAINER VIDEO

BECOME A QUALIFIED (cooperative) DOG GROOMER

COMING SOON

WANT TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL

(co-operative) DOG GROOMER?

Stand Out From the Competition!

New Dog and Existing Dog Groomers,

All Need this Accreditation -

This qualification includes the iPET Network Level 3 diploma or Certificate in Dog Grooming, regulated by OFQUAL.

WATCH THE EXPLAINER VIDEO

Transform your passion for dogs into a rewarding career as a professional dog groomer. Our iPet Network Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Dog Grooming, regulated by OFQUAL, combines technical excellence with co-operative, force-free handling methods. Learn from industry expert Linda Reader and our team of certified instructors through a unique blend of online theory and hands-on practice in our professional salon in West Sussex.

Stand Out From the Competition!

New Dog and Existing Dog Groomers, All Need this Accreditation -

This qualification includes the iPET Network Level 3 diploma or Certificate in Dog Grooming, regulated by OFQUAL.

WATCH THE EXPLAINER VIDEO

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE BEST CHANCE AND STAND OUT FROM ALL THE REST WITH THIS ACCREDITED PROGRAMME!

So, let's make sure you're the right fit for our programme:

ARE YOU?

Passionate about dogs, their wellbeing and safety? Keen to understand how to work co-operatively and be dog-centred with your grooming? Excited to understand how dogs communicate and how we can reduce stress in the grooming environment?

Already a dog groomer with a wonderful grooming business, or are you working in a parlour but wanting to start your own grooming business and want to stand out from your competitors with a REAL qualification while learning more methods to help groom dogs in a kind, cooperative fashion?

Did you answer YES to these questions?

CONGRATULATIONS!

You sound like the perfect candidate to apply!

Incorporating the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Dog Grooming, Regulated by OFQUAL

THERE ARE SO MANY DOG GROOMING COURSES OUT THERE, HOW DO I KNOW THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT COURSE FOR ME?

Why Choose Xtra Dog Academy?

In fact, it's the ONLY course for you - Why? Because we teach you to groom from an ethical standpoint, putting the dog first; at the Xtra Dog Academy, our priority is the dog’s welfare, from grooming, handling, and training to the equipment and the products used, ALSO this course is regulated by OFQUAL!

We've found that many dog grooming programmes are offering an "equivalent" of a Level 3 or 4, but the Xtra Dog® Academy Accredited Dog Groomer’s Programme incorporates the iPET Network Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Dog Grooming, regulated by OFQUAL, meaning that this is a GENUINE Level 3 qualification in dog grooming. We want our students to receive a recognised qualification in dog grooming, should the industry ever become regulated.

Our first intake of students will be starting together and, there will only be a limited number of spots so we can make sure that every student receives the best learning experience at our state-of-the-art grooming parlour near Littlehampton in beautiful West Sussex.

Why Choose Xtra Dog Academy?

Why Choose Xtra Dog Academy?

  • Canine behaviour, including breed characteristics and understanding dog body language

  • Health, anatomy and welfare - Essential knowledge for safe, ethical grooming

  • How to apply health and safety and canine-related legislation for the grooming environment

  • Ethical assessment - Assessing the dog and making ethical decisions about how and when to groom.

  • Co-operative handling skills -gentle, force-free techniques that keep dogs calm and comfortable. Grooming from the dog's perspective.

  • Styling - breed-specific styling and coat care techniques.

  • The diploma includes canine first aid.

Our students receive the highest standards in grooming training: it's not just about learning the theory and written work! It's learning a combination of online theory through instructional videos, combined with practical sessions in our salon.

With this professional dog grooming qualification, you'll get hands-on experience at our state-of-the-art grooming salon in East Preston, near Littlehampton in West Sussex, where you will work with our Head of Grooming, Linda Reader. You will undertake practical tasks, real-world case studies and receive interactive coaching calls, as well as business and marketing know-how. By the time you complete the programme, you'll have everything you need to succeed as a professional, co-operative dog groomer.

This qualification isn't just for established dog groomers; it's also a great springboard to launch a new career as a dog groomer!

BONUS TRAINING INCLUDED

  • Sales and Marketing a Dog Business - Learn how to successfully market and grow your grooming business.

  • Elements of Tellington TTouch® - Unique calming techniques to use while grooming anxious dogs.

  • Supporting Noise Sensitive Dogs mini-course with Dr. Erica Cosijn.

  • Anatomy Mini Course - Deeper understanding of canine structure and health.

  • Access to the complete Facebook Live Library, over 50 training videos.

WHAT MAKES OUR GROOMING COURSE DIFFERENT?

Co-operative Grooming Methods

We teach gentle, fear-free techniques that prioritise the dog's emotional wellbeing, not just their appearance. Dogs learn to participate willingly in their grooming, rather than being forced to comply.

OFQUAL-Regulated Qualification

Earn an iPET Network Level 3 Certificate or Diploma recognised across the industry, regulated by the UK government's official qualifications body. This isn't just a certificate - it's an internationally recognised qualification.

Expert Instruction from Linda Reader Learn from Linda Reader, our Head of Grooming and certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner, who combines technical grooming excellence with ethical, stress-free handling methods.

Tellington TTouch Integration Unique to Xtra Dog Academy, you'll learn calming touch techniques that reduce stress and anxiety for dogs during grooming - skills that set you apart from other groomers.

Real Salon Experience Gain hands-on practice in our professional grooming salon, not just theory. Work with real dogs in a real salon environment under expert supervision.

Business Training Included Learn how to market and run your grooming business successfully. We don't just teach grooming skills - we prepare you for a thriving career.

Ongoing Support and Resources Access to over 50 Facebook Live training videos, continuous learning resources and a supportive community of professional groomers after graduation.

What's Included:

Online theory modules you can complete from anywhere.

Instructional videos to support your learning.

Hands-on practical training with Linda Reader in our salon.

Coaching sessions with experienced instructors.

Assessment and feedback throughout your training.

Support from our team and fellow students.

Upon completion, you'll earn your iPET Network Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Dog Grooming, regulated by OFQUAL, plus become a licensed Xtra Dog Groomer.

Your lead Instructor and Assessor, Linda Reader

Your lead Instructor and Assessor, Linda Reader

Linda Reader is a native Australian living in the UK and is an experienced dog groomer, trainer and Tellington TTouch® Practitioner. She has run her own salon and competed in grooming competitions, and at Crufts with her Standard Poodles.

She taught grooming for many years at Plumpton College on the south coast and developed her cooperative grooming programme. She now works 1-1 at home and at our state-of-the-art grooming salon, near Littlehampton in West Sussex.

Having a dog who is sensitive to being groomed led Linda to question traditional ways of handling a dog in the salon and she started a journey into behaviour (Level 3 qualified) and ways to work with the dog, such as co-operative grooming.

“Every dog deserves to feel safe and happy about being groomed and it is my mission to help groomers understand how this can be achieved.”

HOW YOU WILL LEARN

You will be provided with a reading list, and a library of videos to watch, and you will need to complete engaging assignments and practical assessments for review by your instructors to achieve your qualification.

GUIDED LEARNING HOURS

Guided learning hours represent the time you'll spend in structured learning - both online theory and hands-on practical training with your instructors.

Certificate

174

Diploma

300

Is This Course Right For You?

We know that this programme will not be the right fit for everyone, and we want to make sure that it is right for you, so please complete the application form and one of our team will be in touch and invite you to an interview with one of our enrolment team, who can discuss the programme with you. Please understand that this may not be the right fit for everyone, and if it is not, we will happily recommend a programme that might fit you better, even if it's a competitor.

Xtra Dog, their staff and trainers operate under a "without fear or force" code of conduct. Please click here to read our code of conduct.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Level 3 Certificate
£3599 including VAT

Level 3 Diploma
£5999 including VAT

We can also offer flexible payment plans. If you require a payment plan please discuss it at your interview.

Access to Exclusive Resources

Gain access to a wealth of resources, including training videos and materials, which support continuous learning and skill development.

Community and Network

Connect with a network of like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and support that extends beyond the course.

Certification and Recognition

Achieve a recognised qualification that enhances credibility and career prospects in the dog grooming industry.

Alex Wilson, Course Director and Magick

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: We've packed everything into this programme - breed styling, coat care, advanced techniques, salon management. It's comprehensive training that covers what professional groomers actually need.

  • Hands-On Practice: Gain real-world experience through hands-on teaching with Linda Reader and coaching sessions with experienced instructors to guide and support you.

  • Expert Instructors: Learn from top professionals in the field who provide both insights and mentorship.

  • Exclusive Resources: Access a library of training videos and materials to support continuous learning.

  • Community Support: Join a network of fellow trainers for collaboration and ongoing support.

  • Certification: Earn a recognised qualification that enhances your credibility and career prospects, plus become a licensed Xtra Dog Groomer.

Our first intake of students will be starting together next year, and there are only a limited number of spots due to the space in our parlour, so we can make sure that every student receives the best learning experience.

Head Office

Kings Offices

2 Millers Lane

Costock

LE12 6XJ - UK

Grooming School

The Dog Shop
9 Sea Road, East Preston
Littlehampton, England BN16 1JN

Telephone

+44 (0) 330 088 3647

From America Toll Free

+1 877 648 3647

WhatsApp +44 (0) 7380 137470

Offices Hours (UK time 10am - 4:30 pm)
(USA 8am - 4:30pm Eastern Time)

Xtra Dog Academy Operates in the UK, Portugal and South Africa

and is a trading name of Salamander C Ltd - VAT number GB400075260 - Company number 13030773