BUILD SKILL AND UNDERSTANDING.

Dog Grooming Theory That Meets You Where You’re At

Whether you’re exploring dog grooming for the first time or you’ve been grooming for years, our Theory Blocks help you understand the work you’re doing, and make better decisions behind the scenes

The Theory Blocks support grooming careers at every stage. 

The Theory Blocks are igroomschool’s online theory pathway and form the knowledge component of our Industry Certification program. They focus on understanding how and why grooming is done, without practical assessment requirements.

These Blocks support people entering dog grooming for the first time, as well as experienced groomers who want to revisit foundations, fill knowledge gaps, or better understand the decisions behind their everyday work.

Each Block can be completed on its own or followed in sequence, depending on where you’re at. Some groomers start at the beginning. Others step in where they need clarity. The learning is designed to sit alongside hands-on grooming, whether you’re learning on the job or refreshing what you already know
Explore each Theory Block below to see what’s covered, and where it fits in your learning. 

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Foundation Knowledge
Block 1 builds the core knowledge every groomer needs, regardless of experience. It focuses on understanding dogs, their care, their behaviour, and the environment we work in.
You’ll cover canine culture and history, breed groups and mixed breeds, basic dog care, behaviour and communication, workplace health and safety, animal first aid, coat types, grooming tools, and front-of-house communication.
This Block is ideal for anyone new to grooming, support staff, or experienced groomers who want a stronger theoretical foundation behind their everyday decisions.
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Bathing, Brushing, Basics
Block 2 focuses on the theory behind bathing, drying, coat preparation, skin and hair, and the foundational grooming tasks that support safe, efficient grooming.
You’ll learn how and why bathing and drying methods matter, how different coat types behave, how products interact with skin and hair, and how to work safely in back-of-house grooming environments.
This Block supports bathers, assistants, trainees, and groomers who want to better understand the reasoning behind grooming processes they already perform.
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From Student to Stylist
Block 3 brings together grooming theory, safety, and styling concepts to support confident, well-rounded pet grooming.
You’ll explore clipping and scissoring theory, breed group characteristics, mixed-breed styling logic, special care grooming (puppies, seniors, matted dogs), and pet styling across a wide range of coat types and breeds.
This Block suits groomers who are developing their styling skills, refining technique, or looking to better understand breed-informed pet grooming beyond “how to” alone.
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Putting it all Together
Block 4 focuses on decision-making, problem-solving, and refinement of professional grooming skills.
You’ll cover managing challenging grooms, advanced scissoring concepts, dematting theory, communication with owners, pricing considerations, salon systems, popular salon styles, breed standard theory, hand stripping foundations, and specialised coat maintenance.
This Block supports working groomers who want deeper understanding, improved judgement, and stronger technical reasoning behind complex grooms.
Write your awesome label here.
Mastering Your Trade
Block 5 explores advanced grooming theory, leadership, and high-level technical knowledge.
You’ll study leadership and ethics, canine psychology, advanced scissoring, creative grooming theory, Asian Fusion concepts, advanced hand stripping, breed standards at an advanced level, and competition-informed grooming knowledge.
This Block is designed for experienced groomers looking to expand their thinking, leadership capability, and technical depth, whether working solo or within a team. This course is a brilliant way to prepare for your Masters!

Theory Block 1 | Foundations of Dog Grooming

Theory Block 2 | Groomers Assistant

Theory Block 3 | Pet Stylist

Theory Block 4 | Professional Dog Groomer

Theory Block 5 | Senior Dog Groomer

Foundation Knowledge

Block 1 builds the core knowledge every groomer needs, regardless of experience. It focuses on understanding dogs, their care, their behaviour, and the environment we work in.

You’ll cover canine culture and history, breed groups and mixed breeds, basic dog care, behaviour and communication, workplace health and safety, animal first aid, coat types, grooming tools, and front-of-house communication.

This Block is ideal for anyone new to grooming, support staff, or experienced groomers who want a stronger theoretical foundation behind their everyday decisions.

A quick look inside Theory Block 1 | Foundations of Dog  Grooming

Click any image to take a closer look inside this Block.

Bathing, Brushing, Basics

Block 2 focuses on the theory behind bathing, drying, coat preparation, skin and hair, and the foundational grooming tasks that support safe, efficient grooming.

You’ll learn how and why bathing and drying methods matter, how different coat types behave, how products interact with skin and hair, and how to work safely in back-of-house grooming environments.

This Block supports bathers, assistants, trainees, and groomers who want to better understand the reasoning behind grooming processes they already perform.

A quick look inside Theory Block 2 | Groomers Assistant

Click any image to take a closer look inside this Block.
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From Student to Stylist

Block 3 brings together grooming theory, safety, and styling concepts to support confident, well-rounded pet grooming.

You’ll explore clipping and scissoring theory, breed group characteristics, mixed-breed styling logic, special care grooming (puppies, seniors, matted dogs), and pet styling across a wide range of coat types and breeds.

This Block suits groomers who are developing their styling skills, refining technique, or looking to better understand breed-informed pet grooming beyond “how to” alone.

A quick look inside Theory Block 3 | Pet Stylist

Click any image to take a closer look inside this Block.

Empty space, drag to resize

Putting it All Together

Block 4 focuses on decision-making, problem-solving, and refinement of professional grooming skills.

You’ll cover managing challenging grooms, advanced scissoring concepts, dematting theory, communication with owners, pricing considerations, salon systems, popular salon styles, breed standard theory, hand stripping foundations, and specialised coat maintenance.

This Block supports working groomers who want deeper understanding, improved judgement, and stronger technical reasoning behind complex grooms.

Mastering Your Trade

Block 5 explores advanced grooming theory, leadership, and high-level technical knowledge.

You’ll study leadership and ethics, canine psychology, advanced scissoring, creative grooming theory, Asian Fusion concepts, advanced hand stripping, breed standards at an advanced level, and competition-informed grooming knowledge.

This Block is designed for experienced groomers looking to expand their thinking, leadership capability, and technical depth, whether working solo or within a team. This course is a brilliant way to prepare for your Masters!

DOG GROOMING THEORY

Save with Theory Streams

Streams offer a structured way to study and save, while still learning at your own pace.
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THEORY BLOCKS 1 & 2

Groomers Assistant Theory Stream

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THEORY BLOCKS 1, 2 + 3

Pet Stylist Theory Stream

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THEORY BLOCKS 4 & 5

Advanced Grooming Theory Stream

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