Kickstart your career in the pet industry with our Professional Foundation Course at Dollhouse Academy. This programme prepares you to become a confident, capable pet groomer, equipping you with the essential skills needed to successfully take the SKC Class C Examination.

Over 20 to 40 lessons, you’ll receive a balanced mix of theoretical and practical training. Our lessons cover key topics such as grooming safety, dog anatomy, and behaviour, alongside hands on grooming skills including cleaning, clipping techniques, and more. Together, these elements build a strong foundation for your journey into professional pet grooming.

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    Strong Professional Foundation

    Learn the essentials of grooming safety, dog anatomy, behaviour, and core techniques. Build confidence and good habits from the very start.

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    Hands-On Training

    Gain practical experience through supervised grooming sessions. Practise cleaning, handling, and clipping techniques in a calm, supportive environment.

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    Exam Ready Preparation

    Follow a structured curriculum designed to prepare you for the SKC Class C Examination, so you can approach it with confidence.

Admission Criteria

This course is suited for individuals who are committed, patient, and passionate about working with animals. Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria.

  • Genuine Interest in Animal Care
  • Willingness to Learn and Follow Guidance
  • Comfort in a Group Learning Environment
  • Ability to Work Independently When Needed
  • Respectful and Professional Attitude
  • Patience and Emotional Regulation
  • Physical Readiness
  • Commitment and Reliability

  • Course Info

    Lesson Duration: 4 hours

    Flexible class scheduling

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    Standalone lessons are priced at $180 per lesson.

  • Course Journey

    Start

    ↓

    Foundation Course (Class C)

    ↓

    Year 2

    ↓ 

    Intermediate Course (Class B)

    ↓

    Year 3

    ↓

    Advanced Course (Class A)

  • Fees

    Foundation Module 1 + 2 + 3

    40 Lessons: $4800

    OR

    Foundation Module 1 + 3

    20 Lessons: $3200

    ㅤ

    Intermediate Module (Class B)

    20 Lessons: $3200

    ㅤ

    Advanced Module (Class A)

    20 Lessons: $3200

What You'll Learn

Course to be completed in 6 months

Module 1: Basic Techniques

  • Bathing Techniques
  • Drying Techniques
  • Brushing Techniques
  • Nail Clipping
  • Ear Cleaning
  • Removal of Ear Hair
  • Expressing of Anal Glands
  • Basic Clipping Techniques: Clipping of paw-pads sanitary area, poodle feet, poodle face
  • De-matting
  • Undercoat Removal
  • Pre-clips & Line Setting
  • Scissoring Techniques

Module 2: Pet Clips

  • Shave Down
  • Summer Clip
  • Poodle: Teddy Bear Clip
  • Different Poodle Face Cuts
  • Pomeranian:​ Boo Cut
  • ​Schnauzer: Schnauzer Pet Clip

Module 3: Exam Preparation

  • Poodle: Lamb Clip
  • ​Pomeranian:​ Seal Cut
  • Model Preparation
  • Posture
  • Balance
  • Shape Setting
  • Use of Equipment
  • Advanced Scissoring
  • Dog Anatomy
  • Basic Pet Safety & First Aid
  • Grooming Tools/Equipment
  • Breed Recognition
  • Breed Standard
  • Pattern Lines
  • Pet Behaviour & Temperament
  • Basic Health Care
  • Foam Modelling/Clay Modelling
  • Drawing & Balance

What You'll Learn

Course to be completed in 6 months

Module 1: Exam Preparation

  • Clipping Poodle face
  • Clipping Poodle feet
  • Clipping Sanitary Area
  • Layer Drying
  • Layer Brushing
  • Layer Combing
  • Cutting out the outline
  • Chipping Techniques
  • Finishing Trim
  • Covering Faults
  • Creating Angulations
  • Chipping Techniques

Module 2: Pet Styles

Drop-coated Breeds: Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Shihtzu

  • Perfecting the Long Puppy Clip
  • Improving Style Balance
  • Improving Facial Balance

 

Terrier: West Highland Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer

  • Pet Style Stripping

 

Toy Poodle:

  • Perfecting Long Teddy Bear Clip
  • Improving Style Balance
  • Improving Facial Balance
  • Canine Anatomy
  • Basic Muscle Structure
  • Topographical Anatomy
  • Body Outline
  • Identify Grooming Tools/Equipment
  • Interpret Poodle Breed Profile & Grooming Standards
  • Understand how grooming can affect the Breed Profile
  • Interpret Lamb Clip Anatomy
  • Certification Point System
  • SKC Theory Notes

What You'll Learn

Course to be completed in 6 months

Module 1: Exam Preparation

  • Complete Puppy / Second / Continental / English Saddle Clip 
  • Poodle Clipping Line
  • Clipping Poodle face & feet
  • Clipping Sanitary Area
  • Cutting out the outline
  • Chipping Techniques
  • Finishing Trim
  • Covering Faults
  • Creating Angulation
  • Chipping Techniques
  • Finishing Trim

Module 2: Spray Setting

  • Prepare Poodle show coat
  • Show Coat Maintenance
  • Line Parting
  • Banding for maintenance
  • Wrapping
  • Prepare Poodle topknot
  • Show Banding
  • Bubble Setting
  • Spray Setting Techniques
  • Layer Setting Techniques
  • Canine Anatomy
  • Basic Muscle Structure
  • Topographical Anatomy
  • Body Outline
  • Identify Grooming Tools/Equipment
  • Interpret Poodle breed profile and grooming standards
  • Understand how grooming can affect the breed profile
  • Interpret Show Clip Anatomy
  • Certification Point System
  • SKC Theory Notes

Toolkit

Tools and Equipment in this list are not included in Tuition Fee.

All professional tools and equipment in this list are available for purchase via the school office.

You may bring your own tools or purchase your own set of professional tools from the school.

Basic Tools

Nail Clipper

Nail File

Quik Stop

Forceps/Hemostat

Ear Cleaner

Ear Powder

Cotton

Slicker Brush

Madan Pin Brush

Straight Comb Short

Straight Comb Long

Scissors Pouch

Tool Box/Bag

Scissors

Straight 7-7.5 inch

Curve 7-7.5 inch

Thinning 6.5-7 inch

Fishbone/Chunkers 7-7.5 inch

Fine Curve 6-6.5 inch

Equipment

Clipper

2-Speed Anidis Clipper

Small Panasonic Clipper

 

Blades

Andis Blades: #40, #30, #10, #7F, #5F 

Wahl Attachment Combs Set

Equipment Care

Clipper Oil

Blade Coolant

Show Grooming Tools (Class B/A)

Band Cutter

Rat-Tail Comb

Wrapping Bands

Wrapping Paper

Wrapping Plastic

Show Bands

Aerosol Hair Spray

Liquid Hair Spray

Ready to begin your grooming journey?

Please complete the form below to apply for the Professional Foundation Course. Selected applicants will be contacted with the next steps.

Apply Here