Professional grooming training, from anywhere.
Pretty Paws Grooming Academy teaches dog grooming the professional way, through step-by-step video courses and a learning app built on 30+ years of professional grooming training. Whether you’re brand new, already grooming, or training a team, there’s a path for you.
Learn to groom
Online certification courses, from your first bath to certified Pet Stylist.
See the courses 02Try the app
Explore lessons, XP, streaks and the groomer community free for 7 days.
Start free trial 03Free tool guide
Take the 60-second career quiz and get the free Pro Groomer’s Tool List.
Get the guide 04Train your team
Salon owners: turn bathers into groomers without losing table time.
For salons
A family academy, built on 30+ years of grooming training
Pretty Paws was founded by Dustin Sumner to solve a simple problem: great grooming training is hard to find, especially outside big cities, and busy salon owners rarely have time to teach new groomers.
So he built it on the expertise of his aunt, Connie Bailey. Over 30+ years in the grooming industry, Connie owned her own salon, developed professional grooming training programs, and coached groomers who went on to win industry competitions. She’s been featured on multiple Groomer to Groomer covers. Together they turned her experience into a step-by-step program anyone can follow.
Two courses. One clear path.
Every module includes video lessons, quizzes and skill checklists. Start with Groomer Assistant, then move on to Pet Stylist.
Groomer Assistant
For beginners. Learn to handle, bathe and prep dogs safely and confidently.
- 1Canine Anatomy & Communication
- 2Safe Handling & Bathing Tools
- 3Brushing, Dematting, Bathing & Drying
- 4Certified Groomer AssistantCertificate
Pet Stylist
Coat types, contour trims, breed trims and hand scissoring.
- 5Injury Awareness & The Theory of 5
- 6Double Coats, Matted Coats & Client Communication
- 7Body Contour Trim with Guard Combs
- 8Sporting Breeds
- 9Long-Legged Terriers
- 10Short-Legged Terriers
- 11Pet StylistCertificate
TODAY’S CHALLENGES
Learning that feels like leveling up
Every course lives inside the Pretty Paws app, on desktop or mobile. It turns grooming education into daily progress you can see.
Earn XP daily
Videos, skill checklists and daily challenges all earn XP.
Streaks & badges
Milestone badges at 7, 30 and 90 days of practice.
Video lessons
Fundamentals, breed cuts and tools, all tracked.
Pro community
Breed rooms, DMs and a before-and-after feed.
Drag to see what our students can do
These grooms were done by Kendall S., a Pretty Paws student, using the techniques from the course.
Choose the package that fits you
Every package includes video lessons, quizzes, skill checklists and your first year of the app free.
Bronze
- Modules 1–4
- Groomer Assistant certificate
- First year of the app free
Gold
- All 11 modules, both certificates
- Complete professional tool kit
- Pretty Paws Book Bundle
- First year of the app free
Silver
- All 11 modules
- Both certificates
- First year of the app free
Train your bathers into groomers, without losing table time
Every hour you spend training is an hour you’re not grooming. Pretty Paws does the teaching, so you only step in to coach.
- Step-by-step video lessons, quizzes and skill checklists
- Everyone learns the same safety standards and techniques
- Progress tracked through 11 modules and two certificates
- You stay on your table, earning, while they learn
How team training works
- Tell us about your salon and how many team members you want to train.
- We’ll recommend the right package for each person.
- Your team learns in the app while you track their progress.
The Pro Groomer’s Tool List, free
The exact tools used in every Pretty Paws lesson, what each one does, a clipper blade chart, and step-by-step at-home routines for ears, teeth, nails and brushing.
What students are saying
“I am beyond grateful for the incredible journey I’ve had with Pretty Paws Grooming Academy. Completing this training has been such an exciting and transformative experience for me.”
Shana CasterStudent“Pretty Paws Grooming Academy exceeded all my expectations! The course was incredibly well-structured, professional, and packed with valuable knowledge.”
Dena OrtizStudentCommon questions
Do I need grooming experience?
No. Module 1 starts with canine anatomy and communication, and the Groomer Assistant course is built for complete beginners.
How do the courses and the app fit together?
Every module lives inside the Pretty Paws app. Your package decides how far you go: Bronze unlocks Modules 1–4, while Silver and Gold unlock all 11 and both certificates. Every package includes your first year of the app free.
Can I try it before I buy?
Yes. Start a 7-day free trial of the app, or take the career quiz to get the free Pro Groomer’s Tool List.
Can I learn on my phone?
Yes. The app works on desktop and mobile, so you can learn from anywhere.
Do I need my own tools?
The Gold Package includes the complete professional tool kit and book bundle. With Bronze or Silver, you can add the tool kit at checkout.
I own a salon. Can my team use Pretty Paws?
Yes. Email us about team training and we’ll help you set up your bathers and assistants.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Email us anytime about courses, the app or team training.