Qualify as a groomer at the table, not a screen
Forty practical days in our Fleet training room, real dogs every day, and a recognised AIM Qualifications diploma at the end.
Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
For beginners and working groomers
- Length
- 40 practical days, plus home study
- Where
- Our training room in Fleet
- Days
- 1 to 4 weekdays, you choose
- Qualification
- AIM Level 3 Diploma
- Price
- £6,100
What the diploma gives you
Forty days of hands-on training at the table, with home study alongside. You’ll go from canine anatomy to finished styles across many breeds, learn canine first aid, and leave with a start-up pack of essential tools, plus advice on choosing the rest of your kit and launching your grooming career.
Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
For beginners and working groomers
£6,100Or pay a 20% deposit, then spread the rest over 30 days to 4 months.
Features
- 40 practical days with real dogs
- Home study alongside
- A start-up pack of essential tools
- Canine first aid
- Business and pricing guidance
- Our Business Starter Package
- Three supervised assessments
Key facts
40 days: hands-on grooming training, plus home study.- Skills: from dog anatomy to advanced styling.
- Business: how to run a grooming business.
- Practical work: demonstrations, workbooks and a grooming portfolio.
- Qualification: three assessments for a professional qualification.
What you’ll cover
- Assess, plan and record dog grooming work
- Canine first aid
- Carry out styling and finishing of a dog
- Health checking a dog as a groomer
- Welcome, receive and care for customers
- Maintain the health and wellbeing of animals
How you’re assessed
You’ll show your skills through practical sessions, workbook assignments and a grooming portfolio, then complete three supervised assessments that mark you as ready for a career in grooming.
- Practical demonstrations
- Workbook completion
- Three supervised grooming assessments
What previous students say
It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. To be honest I never wanted to leave.
Lois Haskins
Read Lois’s storyI would highly recommend Upper Hound to anyone considering a career change into dog grooming.
Chloe Day
Read Chloe’s storyKate, Danielle, and the entire Upper Hound team are unbelievably positive and supportive.
Louise Mayall
Read Louise’s storyI am very grateful for the support and expertise I received from the ladies!
Melissa Richards
Read Melissa’s storyIf you love dogs and want real, practical training, this is the place to be!
Sammie Luffman
Read Sammie’s storyThe team at Upper Hound have been so supportive throughout the course and even after finishing.
Gina Shord
Read Gina’s storyUpper Hound is the perfect mix of practical learning, encouragement, and fun!
Vicky Munday
Read Vicky’s storyThey were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive throughout the entire process.
Michelle Brown
Read Michelle’s storyThanks to Upper Hound, I feel I have gained the foundations to start my own salon (Paws & Reflect).
Beccy McCoy
Read Beccy’s story
Not ready to become a groomer yet?
That’s fine. Start with our free course, Before You Train: what the job is really like day to day, the care that goes beyond a haircut, and how to choose training that makes you a groomer. It takes about ten minutes.
Questions groomers ask
Who is the diploma for?
Anyone starting a career in grooming, and working groomers who have the experience but not a formal, nationally recognised qualification. You don’t need any previous grooming experience or lower-level qualifications. A basic understanding of dog behaviour and handling helps, and a real passion for dogs and their welfare matters most.
What will I learn?
Coat types and breed styles, and the techniques that suit each coat. You’ll groom dogs from first assessment to finished style and keep a diary of the breeds you’ve groomed. Alongside that: anatomy, behaviour, handling, health checks, salon equipment and choosing the right tools, products for different coats, nail clipping, ear cleaning, drying and brushing, safety, customer care, business protocols and the relevant legislation.
What is the qualification?
The AIM Qualifications Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, a regulated and highly regarded qualification in the industry. It covers equipment use and maintenance, dog health in the salon, handling different situations and canine first aid. Finish the programme and you receive a recognised Level 3 diploma.
Is it hands-on, or an exam?
Hands-on. It isn’t a passive “watch me” course and it isn’t exam-based. You groom real dogs of different breeds with experienced groomers beside you, and you’re assessed in practice and in theory by experienced assessors.
When can I train?
The training centre is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, all year round. You don’t have to come every day: we’ll set up a rota around your home and work, choosing the days that suit you, with extra study time if you need it.
How do I pay?
Pay a 20% deposit to secure your place, then choose a payment plan that spreads the rest over anything from 30 days to 4 months.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. We provide all the professional-grade tools and equipment you’ll learn and practise on. You’re welcome to bring your own favourites, and we’ll guide you on choosing and buying your own kit for your career. Some training includes an equipment pack to take home.
Will it help me start my own business?
Yes. Alongside the grooming, we cover the business side: pricing, customer service and scheduling, with advice drawn from our instructors’ own years in the industry.
Can I bring my own dog?
Sorry, no. Your own dogs can’t stay at the academy while you train.
Are the trainers qualified?
Yes. All our trainers hold Level 3 qualifications and keep up regular professional development, and the academy is registered with the leading industry organisations for certified groomer training.
Still have questions? Get in touch
Ask about the Level 3 Diploma
Leave your details and one of our instructors will be in touch.