What Grooming Schools Don’t Tell You (But Should)

When people picture grooming school, they usually imagine something between a beauty academy and a puppy playpen. 

Reality check?

It’s messier. Way messier.

And some of the stuff you really need to know never makes it onto the shiny brochures.

So let’s spill:

1. Not Every School Is Approved (Yes, That’s a Thing)

Some states make schools get licensed or approved. Some don’t. And some schools… just kind of hope you don’t ask. Being “approved” doesn’t mean the place is Hogwarts for groomers, but it at least means the state knows it exists and isn’t being run out of the back of someone’s garage. (Hopefully.)

2. Fast ≠ Good (Especially at First)

If a school promises you’ll be pumping out two-hour grooms in a month, run. Fast. Grooming speed comes after about a thousand “oops” moments—like spraying yourself in the face with the nozzle or realizing halfway through a doodle that, surprise! You missed an entire leg.

3. The Curriculum Is a Gamble

Some schools basically toss you a dog and say, “Good luck, champ.” Others keep you locked in lecture land until your brain is mush but your scissors have dust on them. The sweet spot? A balance of hands-on work and book smarts. Because memorizing coat types is pointless if you can’t actually brush one out.

4. Not Every Groomer Should Be a Teacher

Love them, respect them—but some brilliant groomers have the patience level of a toddler in a checkout line. A good school has instructors who actually want to explain the same thing seventeen different ways until it clicks. (Because it will take seventeen ways. Minimum.)

5. It’s About People Too (Sorry)

Yes, you’ll learn about dogs. But you’ll also learn how to talk to humans—like the client who swears they brush daily while handing over a dog that’s basically a walking carpet. Or the dachshund who treats nail trims like mortal combat. (Looking at you, Lucious.)

Why Bother Saying All This?

Because choosing a grooming school is bigger than “how long is the program” or “how cute are the Instagram pics.” This is where you’ll build your habits, your confidence, and your ability to stay calm when a golden retriever shakes mid-bath and soaks you head to toe.

So when you’re looking at schools, don’t just ask how fast you’ll graduate.

Ask things like:

• Is the school approved, or just vibes?

• How much hands-on work do I get?

• What happens if I don’t get it the first time?

• And most importantly: Will my instructor still love me when I ask about combing… again?

🐕 Next up? Fluff drying. Aka: the part of grooming that turns everyone into an amateur meteorologist because you suddenly care deeply about airflow.