Theory 85 Hours

Practicum 555 Hours: Completed at Apex Academy

19 WEEKS ONSITE

NOTE: The theory portion (for the canine program) can be completed on-site or off-site. Please indicate preference upon registration.

This course consists of the Apex Assistant Groomer Program, The Canine Pet Stylist Grooming Program, and the Feline Grooming Program.

All the elements shared in the Assistant, Pet Stylist, and Feline Grooming Program are combined as one learning experience.

The Canine/Feline All-Inclusive Grooming Program takes you from beginning to end, with the outcome of being able to groom BOTH dogs and cats professionally.

Completing this course will enable the student to have all the tools and skills to practice as a professional cat and dog groomer, either as their business or as a member of an established salon.

🐶 CANINE THEORY

• Orientation; Groomer & Pet Safety; Equipment Selection & Care;

• Dogs 101; Anatomy & Behavior; Breed Standards of The American Kennel

• Club/ Canadian Kennel Club; Proper Handling Techniques; Challenging Pets

• Special Care Of Young & Old Pets; Customer Service; Keeping Up Professional

• Appearances; Diseases- Zoonotic and others/ first aid

• Clipper Techniques; Basic Scissoring, & Thinning Techniques;

• CKC Standards- group/ breed identification

• Further learning on brushing / de-matting techniques.

• Basic Finishing Techniques

• Running a Business and Keeping/Attracting Clientele

• Advanced Scissoring & Thinning

• CKC Patterns; Creative Patterns for Mixed Breeds

• Handling Techniques

• Advanced Clippering, Techniques & Tools

• Head Pattern Review; Putting Patterns Together

• Fault Correction; Speed Grooming Techniques

• Advertising, clientele, social networking, website, budgeting, employment opportunities.

🦁 FELINE THEORY

• Feline health and anatomy

• Feline breeds and colours

• Working on different feline coats

• Understanding temperaments

• Safe handling skills

• Feline grooming needs

• Product, tool, equipment usage

• CPR and First Aid

• Grooming Elements

• Hands-on grooming

• Business management

• Starting and growing your feline grooming business

• Marketing your business

🐶 CANINE PRACTICUM

• Hands-on Dog Bathing Brushing & Drying

• Recognition of Skin Disorders

• Choosing The Proper Products; Tools & Techniques

• Management of All Coat Types

• Dogs Eyes, Ears, Nails & Teeth care

• Deshedding/ Matt techniques/ clipper blade maintenance/ Fou Fou Finishing

• Brushing & Drying

• Clippering, Thinning & Scissoring

• Basic Head Patterns

• Finishing Touches

• Pattern Setting for all groups of dogs including mixed breeds

• Scissoring, Thinning & Finishing Techniques

• Identifying Faults and Correcting them

🦁 FELINE PRACTICUM

• Hands-on Cat Bathing, Drying & Brushing

• Recognition of Skin Disorders

• Choosing Proper Products, Tools & Techniques

• Practicing Hygiene Skills For Cats

• Practicing Comb Outs, Lion Trims, Comb Cuts, and Alternate Lion Trims

• Finishing Touches

• Identifying Cat Temperaments and Adjusting Services For Efficiency and Safety

• All students must be 18 years of age; All applicants must complete an application; All applicants must provide a current resume; All applicants must compete a pre-admission interview; A non-refundable registration fee is required to confirm your seat; Students must provide a copy of their high school transcript.

• BC students: graduated from grade 12 or equivalent secondary school completion from another jurisdiction or… The student is 19 years of age or older before the start of classes and has demonstrated evidence of the appropriate level of literacy, numeracy, comprehension and/or written skills to enable successful completion of the program.

*Grooming is a very physical job- although we have tables, tubs etc., that aid in lifting dogs, a groomer must have the physical strength and endurance to lift and stand for long periods.