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In-Class vs. Online Dog Grooming Schools

Learning dog grooming online can be a difficult concept to wrap your head around. After all, dog grooming is a very "hands-on" profession. Surely it needs to be taught in-class by an instructor, no?

Definitely not. With the advancement of online learning in recent years, online dog grooming schools can be just as effective (if not more!) than in-class training. No one can dispute that online learning is far more convenient than in class. The key is to find an online dog grooming school that allows you the same (if not more!) hands-on practice that a classroom curriculum would.

Below is a comparison of a typical in-class dog grooming school vs. an online grooming school like QC Pet Studies.

Admissions

  In-Class

Enroll by a specific date for the next year's classes

  Online

Enroll at any time. No admission dates or class schedules.

Location

  In-Class

Specific campuses that are equipped with dog grooming facilities.

  Online

Study from anywhere; groom dogs at home or go to self-serve grooming areas.

Instruction

  In-Class

Teacher gives in-person lectures on a strict schedule, and students read/study course books as homework.

  Online

Students watch instructors on video (DVD or online) and read course books whenever it's convenient.

Practice

  In-Class

Students work on dogs in a classroom environment with other students.

  Online

Student practices from home as often as he/she feels appropriate to master skills.

Finding Dogs

  In-Class

Students are provided with a "class dog" or are asked to find/bring their own dog to class.

  Online

Student are asked to find their own dogs to groom.

Theory Assignments

  In-Class

Students complete written assignments with strict deadlines. Tutor marks assignments & occasionally discusses results with students.

  Online

Students complete written assignments at their leisure with no assignment deadlines. Tutor grades assignments & provides detailed audio feedback to each student.

Practical Assignments

  In-Class

Students complete full grooming assignments in-class. Tutor provides grade and feedback.

  Online

Students complete full grooming assignments from home, submitting photos/videos of their work. Tutor provides grade and feedback.

Program Completion

  In-Class

6 months to 2 years (depends on the program)

  Online

Flexible—Complete the program at your own pace. (average 6 months to 1 year)

Business Training

  In-Class

Not usually included

  Online

Business Training

Tuition Cost

  In-Class

$3,000 to $5,000
(average)

  Online

$1,000 to $3,000
(average)

Certification

  In-Class

Industry-Recognized Certificate of Completion

  Online

Industry-Recognized Certificate of Completion