Grooming Academy
Dog grooming is a thriving and growing industry and can be such a rewarding career. At Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy we want you to fulfil your dreams.
Paula, the tutor at Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy, is a very experienced teacher and is invested in providing in depth tuition, support and guidance allowing you to gain confidence, experience, and knowledge along the way. Paula has a passion to improve standards within the industry, and wants to promote professionalism by helping you gain a recognised professional qualification so you can grow a thriving and successful business.
We can cater for the complete novice with no experience at all, through to existing groomers wishing to gain a professional qualification. We are happy to discuss your course choice to make sure you pick the right one for you.
No previous experience needed, but you must be at least 16 years of age. The Salon is open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm with some flexibility.
If you are travelling from afar there is a Premier Inn just 10 minute walk from the salon with plenty of parking.

What you get if you train at Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy...
- Invaluable ongoing support after you have qualified
- Practical exams on site
- Help with theory work and guidance to prepare for the written exam
- An experienced City & Guilds qualified tutor who is passionate about the industry
- A Satellite Centre for Summit Groomer Training Group assuring you of a high standard of tuition
- 1:1 tuition
- Lots of hands on practical experience
- Dogs are provided
- A supportive and friendly environment
- Flexible dates – enables you to fit the course around your current commitments
Dog grooming courses at our training academy
Available Courses
- Taster Day
- City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
- City & Guilds Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistants PLUS working towards Level 3 standards in trimming & styling
- City & Guilds Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma
- City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Course Combined
- Groom Your Own Dog at Home Day
- Dog Grooming for Beginners
Testimonials from our graduates
I have recently finished my Level 2 plus working towards level 3 standards with Paula and I can honestly say it's the best thing I have ever done. From the first phone call with Paula to my taster day to finishing my course Paula has been amazing 🤩 Paula doesn't just teach you what you need to know to pass the course she goes above and beyond that. From someone that struggled at school with revision and exams Paula taught me ways to revise and taught me everything in a way that made sense. Even though I have finished my course I know that Paula is always at the end of the phone and if I ever have any questions she is still there to help, which has helped me have the confidence to open up my own salon. I will be forever grateful to Paula and I am going to miss going to Bonny Dogs.
Lizzie
Paula is a great teacher who takes real pride in the quality of service she provides which was a great example to learn from. She's patient, supportive and always willing to share her tips, tricks and knowledge.[...] I would highly recommend Bonny Dogs to anyone looking to complete their dog grooming qualification.
Alice
Fantastic, in-depth City&Guilds course with excellent expert guidance all the way through - Paula really is a great tutor... knowledgeable, encouraging, patient and fun! Always on hand providing continued support with theory and practical lessons. Couldn't have wished for a better mentor - I've learned so much, loved every minute of it!
Andrea
Paula is an amazing teacher. Her patience, professionalism and knowledge are outstanding and learning with Paula is the best investment you will ever make. Oh and she's actually a really lovely person too.
Lucy
Recently completed my Level 2 course here. Paula was a brilliant teacher, she was very patient and is so caring for all the dogs that come in. Her knowledge for dog grooming is amazing and I would recommend her to anyone wanting to start a business in the Industry.
Rosie
- This is ideal if you are considering dog grooming as a career choice but would like to try it out before signing up for one of our courses.
- If, after completing the Taster Day you decide to sign up for one of our courses, then the cost of the Taster Day will be deducted from the cost of the cost of your choice of course.
- Health checking dogs
- Preparation of a dog ready for styling – bathing, drying, brushing, de-matting, ear cleaning, nail clipping, basic clipper & scissor work
- Different breeds and coat types
- Handling, restraining and lifting techniques
- Cleaning & maintaining equipment used for dog grooming
- Maintaining cleanliness and bio-security of the salon environment
- Taster Day
- 16 days of on-site practical tuition
- Guided home study for theory element of qualification
- Practical and theory assessments for the qualification
- Level 2 qualification
- Study book 'What Every Professional Groomer Should Know'
- 10 hour on-line accredited Dog First Aid course
- Health checking dogs
- Preparation of a dog ready for styling – bathing, drying, brushing, de-matting, ear cleaning, nail clipping, basic clipper & scissor work
- Different breeds and coat types
- Handling, restraining and lifting techniques
- Cleaning & maintaining equipment used for dog grooming
- Maintaining cleanliness and bio-security of the salon environment
- Trimming and styling a variety of breeds up to Level 3 standards
- Advice and support with setting up and running your own business
- Taster Day
- 16 days of on-site practical tuition
- Guided home study for theory element of qualification
- Practical and theory assessments for the qualification
- Level 2 qualification
- Study book 'What Every Professional Groomer Should Know'
- 10 hour on-line accredited Dog First Aid course
- Trimming & styling to Level 3 standard covering a wide selection of breed specific grooms
- 20 days of on-site practical tuition where all dogs are provided
- Guided home study for theory element of qualification
- Practical and theory assessments for the qualification
- Advice and support with setting up and running your own business
- Taster Day
- Level 3 tuition
- Level 3 qualification
- Study book 'What Every Professional Groomer Should Know'
- 10 hour on-line accredited Dog First Aid course
- Health checking dogs
- Preparation of a dog ready for styling – bathing, drying, brushing, de-matting, ear cleaning, nail clipping, basic clipper & scissor work
- Different breeds and coat types
- Handling, restraining and lifting techniques
- Cleaning & maintaining equipment used for dog grooming
- Maintaining cleanliness and bio-security of the salon environment
- Trimming & styling to Level 3 standard covering a wide selection of breed specific grooms
- 32 days of on-site practical tuition where all dogs are provided
- Guided home study for theory element of qualification
- Practical and theory assessments for the qualification
- Advice and support with setting up and running your own business
- Taster Day
- Level 2 and 3 tuition
- Level 2 and 3 qualification
- Study book 'What Every Professional Groomer Should Know'
- Includes 10 hour on-line accredited Dog First Aid course
- Maximum of 2 people per day
- Introduction to grooming equipment
- Bathing and drying
- Brushing / combing techniques
- Basic clipping and scissoring
- Nail clipping and ear cleaning
- Certificate of Attendance
Taster Day
Duration:
1 day
Cost:
£125
(refundable if you purchase a 15+ day course)
You get to spend a day in the grooming salon and see the whole grooming process with some hands on experience.
No previous experience is required.
City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
Duration:
15 days
Cost:
£2800
This is ideal for someone looking to start a career in dog grooming. On completion of this professional accredited City & Guilds qualification you will have the skills and knowledge to become a competent dog grooming assistant.
The course covers:
And Includes:
No previous experience is required.
City & Guilds Level 2 Dog Grooming Assistants PLUS working towards Level 3 standards in trimming & styling
Duration:
24 days
Cost:
£4900
This is ideal for someone looking to start a career as a dog groomer, either working for someone in a dog grooming salon or opening up their own dog grooming business, but isn't ready to do the Level 3 qualification. On completion of this course you will gain a professional accredited City & Guilds Level 2 qualification as well as being taught trimming and styling on a variety of breeds up to Level 3 standards.
Most students will choose to return to complete their Level 3 qualification once they have been working as a dog groomer for a while and have gained experience, speed & confidence.
The course covers:
And Includes:
No previous experience is required.
City & Guilds Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma
Duration:
20 days
Cost:
£4800
This course is for you if you know you want to pursue a career as a professional dog groomer, opening up your own commercial salon / business. You will be taught all the skills needed to become a confident professional dog groomer and run a successful and thriving business in the industry.
The course covers:
And Includes:
NOTE: The applicant must already hold the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Groomer's Assistant and must attend a one day assessment day prior to booking this course. This is to establish that the student is at the required standard to move forward with the Level 3 qualification.
City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Course Combined
Duration:
32 days
Cost:
£6900 (saving of £700)
This course combines the City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants AND Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma (you have to gain the Level 2 qualification before being able to take the Level 3). This course is aimed for you if you are passionate about making a career out of dog grooming and recognize the value in gaining a professional qualification – it can give you the edge over your competitors and shows that you are serious about promoting professionalism and excellence within the industry.
The course covers:
And Includes:
No previous experience is required.
Groom Your Own Dog at Home Day
Duration:
1 day
Cost:
£150
This is designed for pet owners wishing to learn how to groom their own dog at home.
No previous experience is required.
NOTE: Note - you will need to bring your own dog in with you on the day!
Dog Grooming for Beginners
Duration:
12 days
Cost:
£1600
This is ideal for someone wanting to start work in the industry as a grooming assistant but without a formal qualification. On successful completion you will be awarded our in house certificate. There is also the opportunity for you to return and complete the formal assessments for the City & Guilds Level 2 qualification.
No previous experience is required.

