Dog Grooming Certificate
The Professional Dog Grooming certificate equips students with the essential skills for a successful career in the grooming industry. The completion of this course prepares you for the eligibility to sit for the AKC-PGC Exam and earn your industry credential.
Through a combination of hands-on experience and online training, the program covers:
- Safe Animal Handling: Techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of both the groomer and the pets.
- Bathing and Drying: Proper methods for cleaning and drying dogs to maintain their health and appearance.
- Scissor Techniques: Mastering the art of cutting and shaping fur with precision.
- Grooming Skills: Developing a comprehensive understanding of grooming tools and techniques.
- Breed Groups and Terminology: Learning to recognize different breed groups and understanding industry-specific terms
Students will practice grooming various breeds at the Reiver Paw Spa, progressively mastering their skills. The program also emphasizes:
- Customer Service: Effective communication and relationship-building with clients.
- Appointment Scheduling: Managing bookings efficiently to optimize time and resources.
- Facility Sanitation and Maintenance: Maintaining a clean and hygienic grooming environment.
Want to schedule a dog grooming appointment? Email reiverpawspa@IWCC.edu or call 712-325-3320.
Education 2 Employment Tuition AssistanceAvailable Courses
Dog Grooming Certificate (TRADE-301) 01/29/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus
Class Orientation: Thursday, January 29, 2026 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Looft Hall, Room 022
Hands-On Salon: Starting Tuesday, February 3, 2026 until Thursday, April 30, 2026, every Tu/Wed/Th 9:00 am – 3:30 pm – Dodge Hall, Room 1205
The Professional Dog Grooming certificate equips students with the essential skills for a successful career in the grooming industry. The completion of this course prepares you for the eligibility to sit for the AKC-PGC Exam and earn your industry credential. This course will involve numerous Zoom sessions and extensive self-paced learning to cover all the necessary material to ensure thorough understanding and preparation before working hands-on in the grooming salon.
*Students are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
Start Date: 01/29/2026
End Date: 04/30/2026
Seats Available: 8
Cost: $4500
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 09/12/2025 1:43 pm
Dog Grooming Certificate (TRADE-301) 05/28/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus
Class Orientation: Thursday, May 28, 2026 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Looft Hall, Room 022
Hands-On Salon: Starting Tuesday, June 2, 2026 until Thursday, August 27, 2026, every Tu/Wed/Th 9:00 am – 3:30 pm – Dodge Hall, Room 1205
The Professional Dog Grooming certificate equips students with the essential skills for a successful career in the grooming industry. The completion of this course prepares you for the eligibility to sit for the AKC-PGC Exam and earn your industry credential. This course will involve numerous Zoom sessions and extensive self-paced learning to cover all the necessary material to ensure thorough understanding and preparation before working hands-on in the grooming salon.
*Students are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
Start Date: 05/28/2026
End Date: 08/27/2026
Seats Available: 8
Cost: $4500
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 09/12/2025 9:01 am
Dog Grooming Certificate (TRADE-301) 09/10/2026 - Council Bluffs Campus
Class Orientation: Thursday, September 10, 2026 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Looft Hall, Room 022
Hands-On Salon: Starting Tuesday, September 15, 2026 until Thursday, December 10, 2026, every Tu/Wed/Th 9:00 am – 3:30 pm – Dodge Hall, Room 1205
The Professional Dog Grooming certificate equips students with the essential skills for a successful career in the grooming industry. The completion of this course prepares you for the eligibility to sit for the AKC-PGC Exam and earn your industry credential. This course will involve numerous Zoom sessions and extensive self-paced learning to cover all the necessary material to ensure thorough understanding and preparation before working hands-on in the grooming salon.
Start Date: 09/10/2026
End Date: 12/10/2026
Seats Available: 8
Cost: $4500
Location: Council Bluffs Campus
Last Updated: 09/12/2025 9:01 am