Meet Alyson Bratt

Meet Alyson Bratt, the proud owner of Scrub Woofers Dog Grooming. 

Alyson's journey into the world of dog grooming was sparked by the love of her two Labradoodles and a Cavoodle. In our conversation, Alyson shares her transition from a complete novice to launching her own grooming salon.

Alyson, what motivated you to pursue dog grooming?

 
The idea of working as a dog groomer had always intrigued me, especially with my furry companions at home. It was my Labradoodles and Cavoodle that truly ignited my interest to help me in learning more about grooming them.

During your studies, did you gain practical experience?


I sought out opportunities to gain hands-on experience, from assisting in a grooming salon as a bather/dryer to spending time in a vet's grooming room. I even shadowed a mobile groomer for a day, though I realised mobile grooming wasn't my calling. It dawned on me that having my own salon would allow me to approach grooming in a different way to what I had seen in other salons.

What was it like launching your own salon?


After completing the Dog Grooming Bundle, I opened Scrub Woofers. Initially, I was nervous about attracting clients. I juggled my new venture alongside two part-time jobs, but the demand for grooming services at my salon grew rapidly. Eventually, I had to bid farewell to my other jobs to accommodate the influx of clients. In those initial weeks, I gained invaluable experience, honing my skills and boosting my confidence with each groom. The positive feedback and tips from satisfied customers were the icing on the cake.

Have you encountered any challenging grooms?


Absolutely! One memorable experience was grooming a large Labradoodle who had never been to a groomer. He was a tangle of knots, debris, and overgrown nails. It was a learning experience from start to finish. I realised the importance of adapting my grooming process and investing in better equipment, like a Hydro bath. Despite the challenges, I persevered and came out more knowledgeable and capable in the end.

 

Thanks Alyson for sharing your story with us! Alyson graduated from our Dog Grooming Bundle in April 2021.

If you're inspired by Alysons journey, why not sign up during our limited time sale.

Course Benefits

  • Study online with no time limits.
  • Affordable prices starting from just $25 per week.
  • Bundle includes 3 top selling courses, saving you hundreds.
  • One-on-one guidance from a professional groomer.
  • Includes video tutorials, interactive lessons and printable resources.
  • Internationally Accredited by ICOES.

Best Selling Courses

Dog Grooming Diploma | Vibe Learning
 

Module Lesson Breakdown

Our dog grooming courses have been meticulously crafted in consultation with professionals in the industry. Even though there isn't a specific mandatory qualification for this profession, it's essential that anyone selling their services as a groomer undergos professional training. The development of our courses stems from this critical need to ensure that groomers are properly trained and equipped to deliver high-quality services. Ensuring the safety of both the groomer and the animals in their care.

You will master the art of grooming all dog breeds by focusing on four essential skills: shaping the head, body, legs/feet, and tail. Through a comprehensive approach, you will gain a deep understanding of each dog's unique shape, encompassing breed standards, coat type, anatomy, and lifestyle. By adeptly combining and matching grooming techniques, you will tailor your approach to suit each individual dog, ensuring a well-rounded and effective grooming proficiency.

How this Qualification is Assessed?

What sets us apart is our commitment to hands-on support and assessment throughout the learning journey. Our written assessments are not automated; each one is carefully reviewed by your certified dog grooming mentor Hannah.  As a professional groomer herself, Hannah provides personalised feedback and is always there to offer support and guidance throughout your learning journey. 

Consider these sample assessment questions:

  1. Describe the three types of canine eyebrows used on dogs with rectangular faces?
  2. How do you appropriately prepare a double-coated, heavily shedding dog for a bath?
  3. Can you identify the blending points and head shape specific to a Bichon Frise?

These questions exemplify the level of detail and practical knowledge our course imparts, ensuring that by graduation, students can confidently apply grooming skills tailored to the unique characteristics of each dog they encounter.

  • Careers in Dog Grooming
  • Grooming Image, Uniform and Presentation
  • Scissors
  • Clippers
  • Nail Clippers
  • Grooming Tables
  • Bathing and Drying Zone
  • Shedding Aids
  • Brushes
  • Combs
  • Commercial Dryers and Blasters
  • First Aid, Bandages and Antiseptics
  • Understanding Blade Sizes
  • Guard Combs
  • Shampoo, Conditioner and Doedorants
  • Comprehensive Equipment Checklist

Additional Resources:

Blade Size Chart: A handy reference for understanding different blade sizes.
Equipment Checklist: A detailed checklist to ensure you have all the essential tools.
Scissors Reference Guide: An informative guide on selecting and using grooming scissors.
Revision Quiz: Test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply what you've learned with a hands-on grooming task.

  • Natural and Artificial Selection
  • ANKC Breed Groups
  • Understanding Breed Groups For Grooming
  • Nature and Nurture in Dog Behaviour
  • Canine Signals and Body Language
  • Training Techniques on the Grooming Table
  • Effective Canine Communication
  • Dog Training Principles and Techniques
  • Handling Aggressive Dogs
  • Handling Fearful Dogs
  • First Aid for Burns, Scalds, and Cuts

Additional Resources:

The Five Freedoms Poster: Visualize and understand the principles of animal welfare to uphold the five freedoms.
Revision Quiz: Test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply what you've learned with a hands-on grooming task.

    • Canine Anatomy
    • Muscles and Head Structure
    • Head Shape
    • The Skeleton
    • Parasites, Zoonosis, and the Immune System
    • Identifying and Preventing Canine Disease
    • Infectious Diseases and Vaccination
    • Skin Disorders and Allergies in Dogs
    • Muscle Groups
    • Cleanliness and Disinfection in Grooming
    • Lumps, Bumps, and Warts in Canines

Additional Resources:

Muscle Groups Print Out: Visual aid for better understanding canine muscle anatomy.
Topographical Anatomy Diagram: A detailed diagram to enhance your knowledge of canine anatomy.
Canine Disease Chart: Comprehensive information on common canine diseases and disorders.
Revision Quiz: Test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply what you've learned with a hands-on grooming task.

  • Health Assessment
  • Pre-Grooming Steps
  • Perfecting Head Shapes
  • Strategic Grooming Preparations
  • Ear Cleaning Techniques
  • Mastering Nail Clipping 
  • Teeth Cleaning Procedures
  • Pad Trimming Methods
  • Tailoring Health Assessments 
  • Addressing Dental Health
  • Care for Anal and Genital Areas
  • Step-by-Step Guide Bathing Guide

Additional Resource:

Individual Dog Health Assessment Template: An invaluable tool for use in your salon when evaluating a dog for grooming, ensuring comprehensive and tailored care.
Revision Quiz: Test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply what you've learned with a hands-on grooming task.

  • Owner Expectations and Needs
  • Understanding Coat Types for Optimal Styling
  • Genetic Influences on Grooming
  • Developing Your Unique Grooming Style
  • Grooming Mixed Breeds
  • Drying Techniques
  • Stretch Drying
  • Fluff Drying
  • Smooth Drying
  • Blasting
  • Towel Drying
  • Precision Scissoring Techniques
  • Clipper Handling

Additional Resources:

Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

  • Observational Skills
  • Varieties in Head Shapes
  • Spherical, Egg, and Rectangular Head Shapes
  • Understanding Body Shapes for Styling
  • Eyebrow and Beard Styling Techniques
  • Perfecting the Topknot
  • Tail and Feet Styling
  • Ear Clipping
  • Carding
  • Hygiene Clipping
  • Practical Styling and Clipping
  • Specific Styling Needs
  • Puppy Grooming
  • Hand Stripping and Plucking

Additional Resources:

Cavoodle Head Video Tutorial with Hannah Grice: A visual guide to enhance your understanding.
Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

  • Mastering Poodle and Show Styling
  • Understanding the Poodle Coat
  • Corded Coat Grooming
  • Training The Coat
  • Show Poodle Presentation
  • Poodle Colouring
  • Styling For Poodles: Head, Ears, Body, Legs, Feet, Blending, Tail
  • The Perfect Poodle Pet Clip
  • Grooming Different Coat Textures: Fluff or Curl
  • Polished Fluff Drying
  • Poodle Facial Styling
  • Muzzle and Throat
  • Topknot Design
  • Health Check and Pre-Work for Poodles
  • Grooming Poodle Cross Breeds
  • Coat Preparation
  • Advanced Styling
  • Sculpting the Spherical Head

Additional Resources:

The Poodle TopKnot Video Tutorial with Hannah Grice: Visual demonstartion to create the perfect topknot.
Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

  • Precision Grooming for Terrier Breeds
  • Styling for Terriers: Legs, Feet, Tail, Body, Head
  • Techniques for Short and Long-Haired Terriers
  • Grooming Terrier Crosses
  • Terrier Body and Head
  • Customising the Groom to the Dogs Shape, Anatomy and Lifetyle;
    • Airedale
    • Australian Terrier
    • Silky Australian
    • Bedlington
    • Border
    • Cairn
    • Dandle Dinmont
    • Irish
    • Kerry Blue
    • Schnauzer
    • Yorkshire Terrier

Additional Resources:

Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

  • Body, Head, Legs, Feet and Tail Approach
  • Grooming Drop Coats
  • Grooming Toy Breeds
    • Yorkshire Terrier
    • Shih Tzu
    • Havanese
    • Maltese
  • Natural Coat Care for Toy Breeds
    • Japanese Chin
    • Papillion
    • Pomeranian
    • Chihuahua
  • Precision Grooming for Gundogs
  • Grooming Medium-Long-Haired Breeds
    • Retrievers
    • Setters
    • Spaniels
  • Long and Thick Coats
  • Curly Coats
  • Hound Grooming
    • Afghan
    • Greyhound
  • Grooming Short-Haired and Wire Coats
    • Hungarian Vizla
    • Weimaraner
    • German Short Haird Pointer
    • Italian Spinone
    • Pointing Griffon
    • Wirehaired Dachshund
  • Grooming Double and Thick Coats
    • Spitz
    • Siberian Husky
    • Saint Bernard
    • Newfoundland
    • Japanese Akita
    • Smooth/Rough Collie
    • Chow Chow
    • Bernese Mountain Dog

Additional Resources:

Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

  • Elevating Customer Service
  • Professionalism and Customer Relations
  • Effective Communication Strategies
  • Active Listening Skills
  • Telephone Etiquette
  • Asking Thoughtful Questions
  • Strengthening Canine-Human Relationship
  • Confidence-Building Techniques
  • Creating Customer Loyalty
  • Expanding Your Clientele
  • Ethical Business Practices
  • Rewarding Customer Loyalty
  • Managing Challenging Interactions
  • Difficult Customers
  • Developing Assertiveness


Additional Resources:

Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

  • Launching Your Grooming Business
  • Mobile Grooming Business Setup
  • Exploring Franchise Options
  • Home-Based Grooming Guide
  • Salon Setup Essentials
  • Business Set-Up Checklists
  • Effective Record-Keeping
  • Data Protection Measures
  • Payment Handling
  • Financial Management Tips
  • Health and Safety Priorities
  • Choosing Insurance for Your Grooming Business

Additional Resources:

Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

  • Your Dog Grooming Business Identity
  • Choosing Your Slogan
  • What is Your Business Definition
  • Your Comprehensive Business Plan
  • Strategic Income Projection Development
  • Market Research Essentials
  • Online Presence
  • Marketing and SEO Tactics
  • Leveraging Social Media
  • Create Effective Marketing Materials
  • Creating a Website
  • Blogging for Business Visibility
  • Service-Oriented Marketing Techniques
  • Professional Growth and Development

Additional Resources:

Business Plan Template: A comprehensive guide and template to help you articulate your business goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational plan. 
Income Projection Template: Use this tool to project income, identify key performance indicators, and maintain financial clarity as you navigate the dynamic landscape of the grooming industry.
Revision Quiz: Test your understanding and solidify key concepts.
Practical Task: Apply newfound knowledge through hands-on grooming exercises.

Best Selling Courses