In Level-1, you will learn basic canine physiology, pet grooming, and handling of dogs including: brushing, combing, clipping nails, cleaning ears, preparatory clipping, bathing, drying, and basic finishing techniques for a wide variety of coat types.
Each lesson in Level 1 is organized with a Study Guide, online content to review, reference to required reading, video demonstrations, illustrations, review quizzes, a final online test and three practical assignments for which you will upload photos of your work.
Included with this program: Access to the Level 1 portal which includes reading material, videos, and testing. You will also receive a grooming Tracking Journal and are permitted access to the private Facebook group: Students and Graduates of The Paragon School of Pet Grooming, as well as training support through the Paragon Call Center or online.
Commonly Asked Questions
How soon after I start the program can I expect to start working on dog?
You can expect to start working on dogs very quickly, although you will not be working on the complete dog right away. After you have completed lesson 5.3 (The Ear Cleaning & Nail Trimming) You will begin your practical work cleaning ears and trimming nails. This is 37% of the way through level 1. At the 65% point of level 1 you will begin your bathing and drying practical assignments. And, at 82% of the way through the level 1 you will practice your Natural foot practical assignments.
What happens if I don’t pass a test?
If you do not pass a written test with a 85%, please click “Reset Test” at the bottom of the page. Photo submission tests require 80% and are manually graded. Please contact your instructor to retry a photo submission.
Can I move on in the program while I am waiting to pass on through a stage-gated test or photo submission?
No, The program is set up so that you have time to practice between each new lesson and skill. It is important that you take time to throughly master one skill before moving on to the next. If you would to continue with your studies while you are at a time to practice section in the program, review previous lessons and reading assignments. You may pull valuable information by going through it a second or even third time.
I am having trouble sending my photo submissions in.
If you are uploading them from a mobile device, make sure you are sending them in a medium file. When all of your photos are loaded into a test, make sure you click submit. This will get the photos submitted so your mentor can grade them. The save button if for saving photos before you are ready to submit.
Do I have to record nail trims and ear cleanings on my tracking journal and turn it in?
We do ask you to practice Ears and Nail Trims on 10 dogs and log them on your tracking journal. As you reach any ‘Time to Practice’ lessons in the program, you will need to complete 10 dogs for that skill.
How do I know what I got wrong on my test? It doesn’t show me.
The program is not set up to give you the answers that you got incorrect because all test are open book focusing on teaching students where to find information. The test questions will randomize each time the test is reset so review information that you are having difficulty with and ask for a test reset when you are prepared to move forward.
