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How Groomers Train Without Quitting Their Jobs

The grooming industry has evolved significantly over the past decade. Client expectations are higher, breed-specific styling is more refined, and efficiency matters more than ever inside busy salons. At the same time, the traditional path to education has not always been realistic for adult learners. Many aspiring groomers cannot afford to leave a steady paycheck to attend a full-time program, and salon owners often cannot afford to lose reliable team members for months at a time.

Online education has created a practical solution that supports skill development without disrupting employment. At Paragon School of Pet Grooming, our goal is not simply to deliver information digitally. Our mission is to produce capable, confident pet groomers who can perform in a real salon environment while they learn.

A Structured Pathway for Modern Learners

Professional grooming is a hands-on trade that requires repetition, technique refinement, and guided correction. Our online program combines theoretical instruction with practical application, along with constant support from our mentors.

Students study core concepts at the beginning such as canine anatomy, coat types, breed profiles, safety protocols, and equipment handling through organized coursework. These lessons are then applied directly to dogs through graded assessments. Immediate implementation reinforces retention and builds muscle memory more effectively than passive learning alone.

Because the curriculum is progressive, each skill builds upon the last. Students do not move forward until foundational techniques are demonstrated correctly. This ensures that speed never replaces safety and that confidence is rooted in competence.

Training Without Leaving the Salon Floor

For aspiring groomers currently working as bathers or assistants, online education offers a clear advancement path. Rather than stepping away from employment to attend school full time, they continue contributing to the salon while expanding their technical ability.

This model benefits three key groups.

  • For the student: It provides financial stability while training. Income continues, schedules remain intact, and learning fits within existing responsibilities.
  • For salon owners: It allows them to invest in their team without losing productivity. Employees develop higher-level skills while remaining active contributors to daily operations. As their ability increases, so does the salon’s service capacity.
  • For the industry: It strengthens the overall standard of care. Groomers are not rushed through training or left to learn solely by trial and error. They receive structured guidance and professional oversight while gaining hands-on experience.

Mentorship That Elevates Technique

A critical component of successful online grooming education is mentorship. Access to experienced instructors provides direction, accountability, and constructive feedback. Students submit photos and practical assignments for evaluation, ensuring that technique is corrected early rather than reinforced incorrectly.

This process mirrors traditional apprenticeship while adding curriculum structure. Mentors identify areas for refinement in scissoring balance, pattern placement, clipper control, and finishing work. Over time, students develop a trained eye alongside technical precision.

The result is not just a groomer who can complete a haircut, but one who understands why specific techniques are applied and how to adjust for coat type, structure, and client request.

Designed for Career Changers and Working Professionals

Many individuals entering grooming today are not recent high school graduates. They are parents, second-career professionals, and individuals seeking a trade that offers creativity and financial growth. Flexibility is essential.

Online learning allows coursework to be completed during evenings, weekends, or scheduled study blocks. This adaptability increases completion rates and reduces the stress associated with rigid academic timetables. Students are able to integrate education into their lives rather than restructuring their lives around education.

For salon owners, this flexibility also makes it possible to create internal career ladders. A bather can transition to groomer-in-training without leaving the team. Turnover decreases when employees see a clear path forward.

Building Measurable, Repeatable Skill

Professional grooming requires more than enthusiasm. It requires repeatable processes that produce consistent results. Structured online programs emphasize systems that improve efficiency without compromising quality.

Over time, consistent training produces measurable growth. Groomers become more confident in consultations, more efficient in time management, and more capable of handling diverse coat types. Salon owners benefit from increased service offerings and stronger brand reputation.

Education That Strengthens the Entire Salon

When education is accessible and structured, it becomes a growth strategy rather than an interruption. Groomers expand their earning potential. Aspiring professionals enter the field with clearer expectations and stronger foundations. Salon owners develop skilled teams without sacrificing operational stability.

Online learning, when executed thoughtfully in the way we have, does not dilute standards. It reinforces them by combining structured curriculum, hands-on repetition, and professional mentorship.

The future of grooming depends on accessible, high-quality training models that reflect the realities of today’s workforce. With our framework, groomers do not have to choose between earning a living and building a career.


Gratitude in the Grooming Salon: Finding the Good in the Daily Hustle

Cara Evans with horseBy Cara Evans
Paragon President

Is it cliché to write about gratitude in the month of November? If it is, oh well, here it goes!

As a professional in the pet space, it is SO easy to lose sight of daily gratitude. Compassion fatigue, schedules, hustle (even when it’s the “healthy hustle”) all take a daily toll.

When I was grooming full-time, it took me years to master the practice of daily gratitude, and it is still something I have to actively choose.

During my grooming days, difficult dogs, equipment problems (I was a mobile groomer), traffic, client needs, and just my impatience for progress toward my goals would dull my sense of gratitude. But when I started to really practice daily gratitude, it had a positive effect on my daily life and mental health.

Dogs, and even people, react to energy. Do you ever find that your days feel frazzled? Maybe you’re running behind, a dog isn’t cooperating, the phone won’t stop ringing, and you still have three appointments left. Before you know it, everything feels frustrating, even the little things that normally wouldn’t bother you. I found that when I allowed those frustrations to take over, they often followed me throughout the rest of my day. One set back could turn into an entire difficult afternoon.

But what happens when we intentionally look for something to be grateful for in the middle of the chaos?

Maybe it’s the difficult dog that has made tremendous progress over the last six months. Maybe it’s the client who trusts you enough to bring their beloved pet back year after year. Maybe it’s the fact that you have a full schedule, even when that schedule feels overwhelming.

Sometimes, it’s simply being grateful that you have the skills and opportunity to do something you once dreamed of doing.

Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending the hard parts of our jobs don’t exist. Gratitude didn’t take away payments on repairs, or make the difficult dog magically sit still. It also didn’t groom the dogs for me, or take away the responsibilities. But, what it did do was change the focus of my day, lighten the mental load, and free up space in my thinking and processing. And I believe that alone can change how we approach our work.

When we’re less consumed by everything going wrong, we have more patience for the dog on our table. We have more room to extend kindness to a client who may be having a difficult day of their own. We may even find ourselves enjoying the work that originally drew us into this industry.

Practicing Gratitude in the Daily Hustle

So, how do we make gratitude a daily practice instead of something we think about once a year?

For me, it started with intentionally redirecting my thoughts. Instead of focusing on everything that hadn’t gone according to plan, I would look for something that had.

It doesn’t need to be complicated.

  • Before your day begins: Make it a habit to journal 10 things your thankful for. If you can’t make time for that, at least think of one thing you’re grateful for about your career, your clients, or the opportunities in front of you.
  • When frustration sets in: Look for one positive thing about the situation, even if it’s simply an opportunity to practice patience.
  • At the end of the day: Instead of replaying everything that went wrong, think about something that went right. Write it down!

These small habits won’t eliminate difficult days. They won’t fix broken equipment, prevent cancellations, or make every dog easy to groom. But they can help us keep those frustrations from stealing the joy out of an entire day.

As we head into the holiday grooming season, schedules will fill, demands will increase, and our patience may be tested. It’s a season when we can easily become so focused on getting through the day that we forget to appreciate what we’re doing.

This November, I encourage you to make gratitude part of your daily routine, not just your Thanksgiving celebration.

After all, many of us entered this industry because we loved animals and wanted to build a career around that passion. What a privilege it is to have that opportunity, even on the difficult days.

And maybe, just maybe, practicing gratitude will help us find a little more joy in the hustle.


FREE WEBINAR: When Things Don’t Go As Planned

Featuring Client Retention, Difficult Conversations, Grooming Mistakes & Real-World Problem Solving

Even experienced groomers have appointments where things don’t go exactly as planned. A haircut may end up shorter than the pet parent expected, a mistake may happen during the groom, or a client may be frustrated or angry with the finished result. How you respond in those moments can make a major difference in the client’s experience—and whether they choose to come back.

Join us for a FREE, practical webinar, Thurs. Nov 5, 11 a.m. EST, focused on navigating difficult client conversations, managing tension professionally, and maintaining client relationships when something goes wrong. We’ll discuss common situations that can lead to unhappy pet parents and practical ways to communicate, de-escalate the conversation, and work toward an appropriate resolution.

We’ll also use live grooming demonstrations to explore common haircut mistakes and what to do when they happen. We’ll discuss how to minimize or correct a mistake when possible, how to recognize when continuing to “fix” it could make things worse, and how to confidently communicate with the pet parent when the finished groom doesn’t go as originally planned.

In this webinar you’ll learn:

  • Common situations that can lead to frustrated or angry pet parents.
  • Ways to navigate difficult client conversations and de-escalate tension professionally.
  • How clear communication and expectation-setting can help prevent misunderstandings.
  • What to consider when a grooming mistake happens—including when to correct it and when to stop.
  • How to communicate with a pet parent when a groom doesn’t go as planned.
  • How handling difficult situations professionally can help rebuild trust and support client retention.

You’ll also meet the team:

Liz Thompson, Paragon Mentor and curriculum developer
Suesan Watson, CMG, Paragon Mentor and curriculum developer
Priscilla Wall, CMG, Mentor and Operations Support
Holly Jordan, Senior Operations Manager

Whether this is your first holiday season or your twentieth, you’ll leave with practical ways to smooth the “oops” during this busy time.

Reserve your spot today, we look forward to seeing you there!


You Can Do It!

Cara Evans with horseBy Cara Evans
Paragon President

As we approach the end of another year, what a great time to look back and reflect on accomplishments, setbacks, memories, adventures, and life in general.

Did your year go as planned? Probably not! Whose does, really?

We can plan and make goals, but life will always throw curveballs, most of which we can’t control. But what we can control is how we respond.

Another reason your year may not have gone as planned is fear. Fear of taking action, fear of making changes, fear of doing the thing you want most because of [insert reason you’ve been telling yourself here].

Think of yourself one year from now. It will be the end of 2027. You will be reflecting on yet another year, thinking about where you took action and where you didn’t. Maybe your goal is to stretch every day in the middle of your grooming day. I can promise you that if you start tomorrow, you will stretch for one minute and think “this isn’t doing anything. I’ll have to do it forever to see a difference!” But I can also promise you that if you had started that goal and stuck with it a year ago, you would likely be seeing that difference today!

The same can be said for so many things in our personal and professional lives. Maybe you’ve been wanting to improve your grooming skills, learn a new technique, become more efficient with your time, or finally take that next step in your career. Maybe your goal has nothing to do with grooming at all!

Whatever it is, progress doesn’t usually happen overnight. It happens through small, consistent actions that may not seem like much in the moment (frustratingly so!).

And sometimes, the biggest obstacle isn’t our schedule, our finances, or our circumstances. Sometimes, it’s simply convincing ourselves that we can do it.

So, yes, be present. Enjoy the moments happening around you. But also think about how you want to reflect at the end of next year.

Take control of the areas you can. Experience the moments you can’t control. Give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned, but don’t let that grace become an excuse to stop trying.

You don’t have to accomplish everything tomorrow. You don’t even have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to start. One year from now, you’ll be glad you did.

You can do it!


Are You Charging Enough?

After talking to many groomers who are sole proprietors, I have found that one of the biggest struggles is knowing how to charge appropriately. Common questions include:

  • Am I charging enough?
  • How do I know what I should be charging?
  • What is average?

As a fellow groomer, I can attest to the fact that most groomers do not get into grooming because they love numbers. We become groomers because we love dogs. We enjoy the creativity, the relationships with our clients, and the satisfaction of sending a dog home looking and feeling its best.

But if you own your own business, understanding your numbers is just as important as understanding coat types, proper prep work, and safe handling. The good news is that you do not need an accounting degree to determine whether your pricing is supporting your business goals. You also do not need to overthink it.

Start With Time

One of the biggest mistakes groomers make when pricing is focusing only on breeds.

A Shih Tzu that comes in every six weeks is very different from a Shih Tzu that has not been groomed in six months. The same is true for Doodles, short-coated bath dogs, and almost every other coat type.

Instead of asking, “What breed is this dog?” start by asking, “How long does this groom take me to complete?”

As a general guideline, a small dog on a regular grooming schedule should take about 45 to 55 minutes. Dogs with longer coats, more complicated trims, behavior challenges, or poor coat maintenance will require additional time.

Your time has value. Stop there and repeat this phrase out loud:

“My time has value!”

Understanding how much time each groom requires is one of the first steps in determining whether your pricing is working for your business and your income goals.

Know Your Cost of Doing Business

Next, take a look at your monthly expenses.

This includes everything it takes to operate your business:

  • Rent
  • Insurance
  • Utilities
  • Software
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Blade sharpening
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Bandanas, bows, and finishing products
  • Continuing education

For this example, let’s assume your business expenses total $2,000 per month. That overhead is likely unrealistic in 2026, but for the sake of round numbers, we’ll use it here.

If you work five days per week, that is approximately 20 working days each month. When you divide $2,000 by 20 days, you find that it costs about $100 per day just to operate your business.

Before you pay yourself, before you buy groceries, and before you set aside money for savings or retirement, your business needs to generate enough revenue to cover that $100 each day.

Start With Your Income Goal

Now ask yourself another question: How much do I want to earn each year?

Let’s use $70,000 as an example.

A $70,000 annual income works out to roughly $5,800 per month.

When you add your $2,000 in monthly business expenses, your business needs to generate approximately $7,800 each month. Divide that by 20 working days and your daily revenue goal becomes about $390.

Many groomers have never worked through this exercise. Once they do, they begin to understand why their schedule may be full while their bank account feels empty.

What Does That Mean Per Dog?

Let’s say you groom five dogs each day.

  • To generate $390 per day, your average ticket needs to be about $78.
  • If you groom six dogs per day, your average ticket needs to be about $65.
  • If you groom four dogs per day, your average ticket needs to be about $98.

When you break the numbers down this way, it becomes easier to evaluate whether your current pricing is helping you reach your goals.

Looking at Revenue Per Hour

Another useful exercise is calculating your hourly production. Many successful grooming businesses generate between $75 and $100 or more per grooming hour.

Notice that this is revenue, not take-home pay.

That revenue still has to cover products, equipment replacement, taxes, utilities, continuing education, and other business expenses.

For example, if your target is $80 per grooming hour:

  • A groom that takes one hour should generate about $80.
  • A groom that takes 90 minutes should generate about $120.
  • A groom that takes two hours should generate about $160.

This is not a strict pricing formula. Rather, it is a way to evaluate whether the time you spend on a groom is producing enough revenue to support your business.

Pricing Has Changed Over Time

As a point of reference, a groomer I worked with in Western Pennsylvania charged approximately $32 for a small dog groom about 18 years ago.

Today, that same groom costs around $65 to $70.

At first glance, that may seem like a significant increase. However, rent, insurance, utilities, products, equipment, and the overall cost of living have all increased during that same period.

Grooming requires skill, experience, physical effort, and ongoing education. Your pricing should reflect the value you provide.

The Bottom Line

Instead of asking what everyone else is charging, ask yourself a few questions:

  • How long does this groom take me?
  • What does it cost me to operate my business?
  • What income do I want to earn?
  • Does my current pricing support those goals?

You do not need to love numbers. You simply need to understand enough of them to make informed decisions about your business. Your goal is not just to stay busy. Your goal is to build a business that supports you, your family, and the future you are working toward.

Happy Grooming,
Cara Evans
President, Paragon Pet School


What Should I Expect When I Enroll in Paragon?

Starting a new career or learning new grooming skills is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear is:

“What will my first few weeks actually look like?”

We’ve designed our programs to help you learn in manageable steps, build confidence, and practice skills as you go. Here’s what you can expect when you enroll.

Expect a Blend of Coursework and Hands-On Practice

Paragon isn’t a program where you spend weeks watching videos before touching a dog.

Instead, you’ll learn a skill, practice it, receive feedback, and then move on to the next skill. We designed the program so that you build each skill set on top of the others.

In Level 1, your first set of lessons includes approximately eight hours of coursework covering safety, handling, nail trimming, ear care, and foundational grooming concepts. Once completed, you’ll immediately begin practicing those skills on real dogs.

The same pattern continues throughout the program:

  • Learn the concepts
  • Practice on dogs
  • Message your Mentor practice photos for feedback
  • Apply the feedback and continue to practice
  • Submit photos of your best work for grading from your Mentor
  • Build upon those skills in the next lessons

This approach helps create confidence and muscle memory while keeping students engaged and progressing.

Your Mentor Is With You From Day One

Every student is paired with a Paragon Mentor. Our Mentors are industry professionals ready to guide you through the learning journey.

On your first day, you’ll introduce yourself, learn how photo submissions work, and begin building a relationship with someone who will mentor you throughout your program.

Your Mentor will:

  • Send weekly check-ins
  • Review your photo submissions
  • Offer personalized feedback
  • Answer questions when you’re stuck
  • Provide additional resources

You are highly encouraged to send practice photos before submitting assignments for grading so that you can get additional guidance and confidence along the way.

Practice Is Just As Important As Coursework

Learning to groom is a hands-on skill.

The coursework provides the knowledge, but repetition builds confidence, speed, and muscle memory.

Level 1 students are encouraged to work with many different coat types and aim for 5–20 bath services each week after completing their first lessons.

Level 2 students continue building that stamina, working toward completing multiple full grooms each day they have scheduled while expanding their technical skills.

The more dogs you work on, the faster your confidence grows.

Flexible Scheduling

If you read the “Practice Is Just As Important As Coursework” section above, you may be thinking, “That sounds great, but I have a full-time job, a family, and I don’t work in a salon. How will I complete multiple baths or full grooms a day?”

We’re so glad you asked! You have four months to complete the level you are enrolled in. If you can commit time each week to coursework and hands-on practice, you will be able to complete your program within the given timeframe.

If you’re ready to enroll but are unsure how to schedule your coursework and practice time, book a call with us. We’re happy to help.

You Will Learn on Real Dogs

Our programs are designed to fit into real salons, real schedules, and real careers.

Students practice on family pets, client dogs, rescue dogs, friends’ dogs, and dogs from their local communities. Many students build a loyal client base while they are still completing their education.

You aren’t waiting until graduation to gain experience because you’re building it from the very beginning.

Photo Submissions

Your practical assignments require before-and-after photos and detailed notes about the services you performed.

If your Mentor feels additional practice would benefit you, you’ll receive feedback and another opportunity to improve.

Sending practice photos to your Mentor will help you prepare for your practicals. The goal is to show a solid understanding of each skill so you can confidently apply it and continue expanding your abilities throughout your career.

Start Building Your Practice Dog Network Early

If you know you’re enrolling soon, start spreading the word now.

One of the best things you can do before your first day is begin building a list of family, friends, neighbors, and future clients who are willing to support your training journey.

Practice dogs can come from many places, including:

  • Family and friends
  • Neighbors and coworkers
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Dog trainers and training clubs
  • Local shelters and rescues
  • Kennels and dog daycare facilities
  • Breed clubs and 4-H groups
  • Social media community pages

The more dogs and coat types you can work with, the faster you’ll build confidence, muscle memory, and real-world experience.

Our advice? Don’t wait until an assignment is due to start looking for dogs. Begin building your network before your enrollment starts and continue scheduling throughout your entire program.

Many successful students already have their first few practice appointments lined up before they complete their first lesson.

Plan Ahead for Success

The students who progress most smoothly do a few simple things:

  • Schedule practice dogs in advance
  • Set aside dedicated coursework time each week
  • Respond to their Mentor’s messages
  • Record skills in their tracking journal as they complete them
  • Practice on a variety of breeds and coat types

Learning to groom is a journey, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Your Mentor, your curriculum, and your hands-on experience all work together to help you build the confidence and skills needed for a successful grooming career.

And before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your graduation and looking back at just how far you’ve come.


Discover Pro Level Advanced Stylist in Our Exclusive Webinar

Get an Exclusive First Look at Pro Level Advanced Stylist During Our Upcoming Webinar

Continuing your education is one of the best investments you can make in your grooming career. As techniques evolve, client expectations grow, and your own goals change, ongoing learning helps you stay inspired while building the confidence to tackle more advanced work.

That’s why we’re excited to invite you to an exclusive webinar introducing Pro Level Advanced Stylist, Paragon’s newest continuing education program. Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to build on your foundation or an experienced groomer searching for fresh inspiration, this webinar will give you an inside look at what makes Pro Level a unique learning experience.

Go Behind the Scenes of Pro Level Advanced Stylist

Pro Level Advanced Stylist was developed over the course of two years by a team of experienced groomers, educators, and mentors who understand the challenges professionals face every day. The program was designed to go beyond foundational grooming skills by helping students think more intentionally, refine their techniques, and approach every groom with greater confidence.

During the webinar, you’ll hear directly from the team who helped bring the program to life. They’ll share why Pro Level was created, what students can expect throughout the curriculum, and how the program supports continued professional growth.

What You’ll Learn During the Webinar

  • Why Pro Level Advanced Stylist was created
  • Who the program is designed for
  • The story behind the two-year curriculum development process
  • A behind-the-scenes preview of the course experience
  • How mentor support is integrated throughout the program
  • How Pro Level helps groomers build confidence, strengthen client relationships, and make more intentional styling decisions
  • Answers to your questions during a live Q&A session

Meet the Team Behind the Program

The webinar features four members of the team who helped shape Pro Level Advanced Stylist from concept to launch.

  • Liz Thompson, Paragon Mentor and lead curriculum developer, will share the educational philosophy behind the program and how it helps groomers continue refining their craft.
  • Suesan Watson, CMG, Paragon Mentor, will discuss the advanced techniques and confidence-building strategies incorporated throughout the curriculum.
  • Brandy Reese, CMG, Client Specialist, will explain who the program is designed for and what students can expect throughout their learning journey.
  • Holly Jordan, Senior Operations Manager, will offer insight into the development process and the vision behind creating a comprehensive continuing education experience.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is ideal for groomers who want to continue learning beyond foundational education. Whether you’re looking to improve consistency, expand your technical skills, strengthen client communication, or simply find new inspiration behind the grooming table, Pro Level Advanced Stylist was created with professional growth in mind.

If you’ve been wondering what your next step should be after building your grooming foundation, this webinar will help you determine whether Pro Level aligns with your career goals.

Attend and Receive an Exclusive Enrollment Discount

As a thank you for joining us live, all webinar attendees will receive an exclusive $100 discount toward enrollment in Pro Level Advanced Stylist.

We look forward to sharing the story behind this exciting new program, answering your questions, and helping you discover how continuing education can support your long-term success as a professional groomer.

Reserve your spot today and take the next step in your grooming journey with Paragon.


What Should I Expect When I Enroll in Paragon?

What to Expect During Your First Few Weeks at Paragon

Starting a new career or learning new grooming skills is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear is:

“What will my first few weeks actually look like?”

We’ve designed our programs to help you learn in manageable steps, build confidence, and practice skills as you go. Here’s what you can expect when you enroll.

Expect a Blend of Coursework and Hands-On Practice

Paragon isn’t a program where you spend weeks watching videos before touching a dog.

Instead, you’ll learn a skill, practice it, receive feedback, and then move on to the next skill. We designed the program so that you build each skill set on top of the others.

In Level 1, your first set of lessons includes approximately eight hours of coursework covering:

  • Safety
  • Handling
  • Nail trimming
  • Ear care
  • Foundational grooming concepts

Once completed, you’ll immediately begin practicing those skills on real dogs.

The same pattern continues throughout the program:

  • Learn the concepts
  • Practice on dogs
  • Message your Mentor practice photos for feedback
  • Apply the feedback and continue practicing
  • Submit photos of your best work for grading by your Mentor
  • Build upon those skills in the next lessons

This approach helps create confidence and muscle memory while keeping students engaged and progressing.

Your Mentor Is With You From Day One

Every student is paired with a Paragon Mentor. Our Mentors are industry professionals ready to guide you through the learning journey.

On your first day, you’ll introduce yourself, learn how photo submissions work, and begin building a relationship with someone who will mentor you throughout your program.

Your Mentor will:

  • Send weekly check-ins
  • Review your photo submissions
  • Offer personalized feedback
  • Answer questions when you’re stuck
  • Provide additional resources

You are highly encouraged to send practice photos before submitting assignments for grading so you can receive additional guidance and confidence along the way.

Practice Is Just As Important As Coursework

Learning to groom is a hands-on skill.

The coursework provides the knowledge, but repetition builds confidence, speed, and muscle memory.

Level 1 students are encouraged to work with many different coat types and aim for 5–20 bath services each week after completing their first lessons.

Level 2 students continue building that stamina, working toward completing multiple full grooms each day they are scheduled to groom while expanding their technical skills.

The more dogs you work on, the faster your confidence grows.

Flexible Scheduling

If you read the “Practice Is Just As Important As Coursework” section above, you may be thinking, “That sounds great, but I have a full-time job, a family, and I don’t work in a salon. How will I complete multiple baths or full grooms a day?”

We’re so glad you asked!

You have four months to complete the level you are enrolled in. If you can commit time each week to coursework and hands-on practice, you’ll be able to complete your program within that timeframe.

If you’re ready to enroll but aren’t sure how to schedule your coursework and practice time, book a call with us. We’re happy to help.

You Will Learn on Real Dogs

Our programs are designed to fit into real salons, real schedules, and real careers.

Students practice on family pets, client dogs, rescue dogs, friends’ dogs, and dogs from their local communities. Many students build a loyal client base while they are still completing their education.

You aren’t waiting until graduation to gain experience because you’re building it from the very beginning.

Photo Submissions

Your practical assignments require before-and-after photos and detailed notes about the services you performed.

If your Mentor feels additional practice would benefit you, you’ll receive feedback and another opportunity to improve.

Sending practice photos to your Mentor will help you prepare for your practical assignments. The goal is to demonstrate a solid understanding of each skill so you can confidently apply it and continue building upon it throughout your career.

Start Building Your Practice Dog Network Early

If you know you’re enrolling soon, start spreading the word now.

One of the best things you can do before your first day is begin building a list of family, friends, neighbors, and future clients who are willing to support your training journey.

Practice dogs can come from many places, including:

  • Family and friends
  • Neighbors and coworkers
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Dog trainers and training clubs
  • Local shelters and rescues
  • Kennels and dog daycare facilities
  • Breed clubs and 4-H groups
  • Social media community pages

The more dogs and coat types you can work with, the faster you’ll build confidence, muscle memory, and real-world experience.

Our advice? Don’t wait until an assignment is due to start looking for dogs. Begin building your network before your enrollment starts and continue scheduling throughout your entire program.

Many successful students already have their first few practice appointments lined up before they complete their first lesson.

Plan Ahead for Success

The students who progress most smoothly do a few simple things:

  • Schedule practice dogs in advance
  • Set aside dedicated coursework time each week
  • Respond to their Mentor’s messages
  • Record skills in their tracking journal as they complete them
  • Practice on a variety of breeds and coat types

Learning to groom is a journey, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Your Mentor, your curriculum, and your hands-on experience all work together to help you build the confidence and skills needed for a successful grooming career.

And before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your graduation and looking back at just how far you’ve come.


Grooming Senior Pets: Practical Adjustments That Make a Big Difference

By Brandy Reese, CMG, Lead of Business Development and Enrollments

One of the greatest privileges of being a professional groomer is growing older alongside your clients.

The wiggly puppy who couldn’t stand still eventually becomes the dog who walks into your salon with a gray muzzle and a slower gait. They’ve trusted you through every stage of life, and now they need something a little different from you.

While every senior pet is different, one principle should guide every appointment:

Humanity before vanity.

The perfect finish is never more important than the pet’s comfort.

Plan for Success Before the Appointment Begins

A little planning goes a long way when grooming older pets.

Whenever possible, schedule senior pets during quieter times of the day when the salon is less hectic. Ask owners about any recent changes in mobility, medications, vision, hearing, or overall health, and remind them to administer any prescribed medications, such as arthritis medication, before the appointment if directed by their veterinarian.

Older pets often tire more quickly, so keep an eye not only on the overall appointment length, but also on how long they’ve been standing on the grooming table. Offer rest breaks, provide fresh water, and don’t forget potty breaks. A few extra minutes outside is often better than having an accident after the groom.

Support Their Changing Bodies

Arthritis, muscle loss, and reduced mobility are common as pets age.

Use non-slip surfaces in the tub and on the grooming table, lift pets with full-body support, and avoid overextending legs during grooming. If standing becomes difficult, allow the pet to rest or groom portions of the pet while lying comfortably on a padded surface.

Keep in mind that clipper vibration over bony joints can be uncomfortable. In sensitive areas, switching to shears may be a more comfortable option.

Some senior pets may react when painful areas are touched. One common area is around the muzzle due to poor dental health. Rather than assuming they’re being difficult, recognize that they’re communicating discomfort and adjust your handling accordingly.

Expect Changes in Skin and Coat

Aging often brings changes to the skin and coat. Hair may become thinner, softer, or more prone to matting, while lumps, bumps, skin tags, and warts become more common.

Take extra care when brushing or clipping around these areas, as they can nick or bleed more easily than you might expect. In some cases, using a guard comb instead of a short blade can help reduce the risk of injury.

You may also notice changes in coat texture that make a pet more difficult to groom. Sometimes a shorter, easier-to-maintain trim is the kindest option for both the pet and the owner.

Be Mindful of Sensory Changes

Many senior pets experience declining vision or hearing.

Approach them calmly and avoid startling them, especially if they can’t see or hear you coming. Never leave a visually impaired pet unattended on the grooming table, even for a moment.

Use caution with high-velocity dryers around geriatric pets. The noise and stimulation can increase stress and, in seizure-prone pets, may contribute to an episode. Grooming during quieter times and using tools like a Happy Hoodie when appropriate can help reduce noise sensitivity.

Whenever possible, encourage owners to keep their pet with the same groomer. Familiar routines, voices, and even scents can help aging pets feel more secure.

Anxiety and Cognitive Changes Require Patience

Some older pets become more anxious or develop cognitive decline as they age.

These pets may seem confused, vocalize unexpectedly, pace, or struggle with changes to their routine. A calm environment, gentle handling, and minimizing unnecessary interruptions can make a significant difference. Also, always have a hand on the pet for reassurance.

Remember that cognitive decline isn’t stubbornness. The pet may genuinely not understand what is happening. Patience often accomplishes more than restraint.

If a pet appears unusually anxious or confused, communicate your observations with the owner. They may wish to discuss these changes with their veterinarian.

Watch for Other Health Concerns

Senior pets may also have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or seizure disorders.

You aren’t expected to diagnose these conditions, but you should understand how they may affect grooming. Watch for changes in the pet’s behavior or energy level during the appointment, provide frequent access to water and potty breaks when needed, and don’t hesitate to stop the groom and contact the owner if something doesn’t seem right.

As with any pet, grooming is also an opportunity to notice changes. New lumps, unusual hair loss, skin changes, or changes in mobility are worth mentioning to the owner so they can follow up with their veterinarian.

Compassion Is Part of Professional Grooming

As pets grow older, grooming becomes less about achieving the perfect trim and more about preserving comfort, hygiene, and quality of life.

By making thoughtful adjustments, communicating openly with owners, and recognizing the changing needs of senior pets, you can help these loyal companions continue to enjoy safe, positive grooming experiences for years to come.

Sometimes the greatest compliment a client can give is “My dog was comfortable.”

If you’re ready to build confidence working with senior pets while creating a safer, more comfortable grooming experience without sacrificing efficiency, Paragon’s new Pro Level Advanced Stylist Certification is designed for you. The program includes specialized training in Special Handling, covering puppy handling, geriatric dogs, and pets with special needs, giving you practical techniques to care for clients at every stage of life with skill and compassion.


Prep Work: The Hidden Key to Efficiency

Cara Evans with horseBy Cara Evans
Paragon President

Paragon is big on proper prep work.

To some students, it can feel a little elusive.

They’ll say things like:

“The dog is clean.”
“It’s so much better than when it came in.”
“The client is happy.”

And while those things are all important, they don’t actually define prep work.

Proper prep work, in its truest form, is setting the coat up for the finish work. Whether you’re doing a brush out, an all-over trim, or a more advanced style, the work you do in the tub and immediately afterward determines whether the rest of the groom will be smooth and efficient—or frustrating and time-consuming.

So what does prep work have to do with efficiency anyway?

Isn’t it just bathing, drying, and brushing?

Well… yes and no.

Prep work is simple. It’s routine. But it is definitely not one-size-fits-all.

When I was grooming in my mobile trailer in Florida, I had a family with two Doodles on my schedule every three weeks. One was brown and one was white.

The white Doodle and I had a complicated relationship.

He was sweet. His owner was wonderful. He was on a consistent schedule. By all accounts, he should have been an easy groom.

But every time I saw him on my calendar, I found myself sitting in my trailer staring at the appointment and hoping he would somehow groom himself before I knocked on the door.

His coat was a nightmare.

Because he was a regular client, I became determined to figure him out. I bought so. many. products.

His coat was a combination of soft, cottony undercoat mixed with dense, coarse guard coat—and it seemed like every inch of him had a different texture.

He tracked like it was his job.

He clogged blades constantly.

I’d be clipping and suddenly have to stop.

Brush again.
Change blades.
Clean blades.
Oil blades.
Try a different product.
Start over.
Repeat.

For a dog that came every three weeks, he took entirely too long.

The problem wasn’t that I couldn’t groom him.

The problem was that I never truly figured out how to set that coat up for success before the finish work started.

Recently, I was talking with a student who experienced something similar.

She thought she had done everything right. The bath was done. The dog was dried. She put him on the table and started grooming. Then she discovered residue still trapped in the coat, and back into the tub he went.

That’s not a huge problem by itself. But these little setbacks happen every day in grooming salons across the country.

Five minutes here. Ten minutes there. A second brush out. A second bath. A blade that won’t glide. A coat that won’t cooperate. By the end of the day, those minutes add up!! And in an industry where time equals money, every interruption impacts your efficiency, your stress level, and ultimately your income.

Think of it like a factory. Every disruption in production slows everything down. Grooming is no different. The difference is that our production line starts long before we pick up a clipper or a pair of shears. It starts with the quality of our prep work.

I wish I could tell you I eventually found the magic solution for that white Doodle.

I didn’t.

The problem was that I was flying blind.

I was guessing.

And while I may have eventually stumbled onto the answer, I was spending a lot of time and money trying to find it.

What I really needed was someone in my corner who could help me troubleshoot the problem, ask the right questions, and shorten the learning curve.

That’s one of the things I love most about Pro Level Advanced Stylist.

It’s not just about learning new techniques. It’s about learning how to solve problems, think critically, and work through the dogs that make you want to sit in your van (or your salon) and stare at the schedule for a few minutes first.

Because every groomer has a dog like that.

And sometimes the difference between frustration and efficiency is simply having someone in your corner to help you figure it out.

Learn more about Pro Level Advanced Stylist.