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Pre-requisite: Successful completion of the Lady & The Tramp Bronze Course.

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Course Overview

The Silver Course is the next step in your grooming journey and is designed for students who are considering a career within the professional dog grooming industry.

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Building on the knowledge gained during the Bronze Course, this practical programme provides a deeper understanding of the essential skills required of a Grooming Assistant. You'll begin to develop confidence in handling dogs, preparing them for grooming, and supporting a professional Dog Stylist in a busy salon environment.

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Preparation work is the most important aspect of grooming a dog, it allows the stylist to be able to provide an excellent finish to the groom. The prep work should not be overlooked in any salon. 

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Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience whilst learning the importance of maintaining high standards of animal welfare, health and safety, hygiene, and client care.

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This course focuses on the preparation stages of the grooming process and equips students with the practical foundation needed before progressing to full styling and clipping techniques.

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Course Curriculum

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Understanding Different Breeds & Temperaments

Develop your knowledge of the characteristics, coat types, and temperaments of a wide variety of dog breeds. Learn how to approach each dog appropriately, recognising individual personalities and adapting your handling techniques to ensure a calm, safe, and positive grooming experience.

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Professional Handling Techniques

Gain confidence in handling dogs safely and humanely throughout the grooming process. Learn how to position, reassure, and support dogs correctly whilst always prioritising their welfare and your own safety.

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Safe Lifting & Manual Handling

Learn the correct methods for lifting and supporting dogs of different sizes and abilities. You'll understand how proper manual handling techniques help prevent injury to both yourself and the dogs in your care.

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Skin & Coat Care

Expand your understanding of canine skin and coat health by learning how to identify different coat types and select the most appropriate shampoos and grooming products to suit each dog's individual needs.

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Bathing Techniques

Master the foundations of professional bathing, including preparing the dog, thoroughly cleansing the coat, rinsing correctly, and ensuring every dog leaves the bath clean, comfortable, and ready for drying.

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Drying Techniques

Learn how to safely and effectively dry a variety of coat types using professional salon equipment. Discover how different drying methods influence the final groom and why correct preparation is essential for achieving the best styling results.

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Basic Health Checks

Develop an awareness of the simple health checks that should be carried out before every groom. Learn how to recognise common skin conditions, lumps, parasites, sore areas, ear issues, and other abnormalities that may require attention or referral to a veterinary professional.

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Nail Clipping

Receive practical instruction on safe nail trimming techniques, including identifying the quick, selecting suitable equipment, and understanding when nail clipping should or should not be carried out.

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Paw Pad Care

Learn how to safely remove excess hair from between the paw pads using both clippers and scissors. Gain an understanding why keeping paw pads clear improves comfort, hygiene, and grip.

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Sanitary Area Preparation

Understand when and how to safely tidy sanitary areas to promote cleanliness and hygiene whilst ensuring the dog's comfort and dignity throughout the process.

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Salon Hygiene & Preparation

You'll be shown correct cleaning procedures, equipment care, and how effective salon hygiene contributes to the health and safety of both dogs and staff.

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Assisting the Dog Stylist

You'll work alongside a professional Dog Stylist throughout the grooming process. Learn how to prepare dogs, manage equipment, assist during grooming procedures, and contribute effectively to the smooth running of a busy salon.

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What You'll Leave With

By the end of the Silver Course, you'll have:

• A solid understanding of the responsibilities of a professional Grooming Assistant.

• Greater confidence handling dogs safely and compassionately.

• Practical experience in bathing, drying, nail clipping, and preparation work.

• Knowledge of salon hygiene, health checks, and safe working practices.

• The skills and confidence needed to support a professional Dog Stylist within a grooming salon.

• A strong practical foundation for progressing towards more advanced grooming and styling training.

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The Silver Course bridges the gap between observation and practical experience, allowing students to become actively involved in the grooming process whilst continuing to develop the confidence, knowledge, and professional standards expected within the dog grooming industry.