All courses use several modes of instruction. Classroom lectures and demonstration introduce topics and present concepts. Traditional textbooks and reference libraries provide a foundation of knowledge. A library of video courseware brings leading industry professionals to students covering a wide range of topics. For all courses most time is spent in the grooming laboratory working with animals, applying and perfecting skills presented earlier. Students visit area veterinary, kennel, grooming and retail establishments. Industry professionals, veterinarians, nutritionists and manufacturer representatives present special topics to students. We encourage students to attend, and make schedule allowances for industry events, trade shows and seminars. Your learning experience at The Missouri School of Dog Grooming will be fast paced, varied and interesting. We emphasize precise artistic work while demanding competence. All graduates receive a certificate attesting to their accomplishment.

The Missouri School of Dog Grooming offers courses designed to meet the needs of different Groomers. The Professional Career Course prepares you start your own grooming business or walk in to any grooming shop and be immediately productive as a Groomer or manager. The Groomer's Assistant Course makes you ready to succeed as an assistant groomer with strong fundamental skills to serve as a foundation for broader experience. We also have a Pet Owner Course that focuses on a single breed, where the student / pet owner learns to maintain their own animal. Here are some more details about each course, and we will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about these courses.

Pet Owner Course - 24 Hours

For you and your pet! After completing this course you will know the correct way to bathe, brush and style the most important breed in the world. You will learn what equipment is appropriate for your breed, and how to use it correctly. This course will not prepare you for employment, but you could save considerable amounts on grooming charges. This is a 24 hour course, divided over 3 days. In addition to classroom instruction, lecture and multimedia presentations, you will groom animals of your chosen breed, besides your own pet. 

Groomer's Assistant Course - 192 Hours

This course prepares you for employment in a grooming shop as a skin and coat technician. You will be able to fully groom over 50 different breeds independently and assist a stylist in preparation of all breeds of dogs and cats. We recommend this course to those who plan to work for a grooming shop in a team setting. Course length is 192 hours normally completed in 6 weeks.

Professional Career Course - 448 Hours

We designed this course for the student that wants a complete foundation for owning or running a grooming business, or have exposure to all AKC recognized breeds. This course consists of 448 hours of training normally completed in 14 weeks. The Professional student will learn the balance of over 138 AKC recognized dog breeds and groom cats with a representative sample of coat types. Basic grooming skills will be enhanced with training in advanced scissoring techniques and individual and corrective styling techniques.

Beyond the skills of grooming, Professional students learn how to manage a grooming business, including client relations and personnel management. Each Professional student has the opportunity to work in an area grooming/pet supply store, to experience the Groomers' work environment and gain practical experience in client relations. The student will be shown requirements for record keeping for financial, regulatory and management interests. Small business marketing is discussed. Professional students also receive instruction in how to start a small business, form site selection and capital requirements to budgeting and business plan development. Graduates are entitled to professional review of proposed business plans when beginning the process of opening their own businesses.