Start your Dog Grooming career today!
Unlock the secrets of dog grooming and start your career today. Courses for beginners at our exclusive workshop.
To explore our current dog grooming courses on offer, please click between the below tabs.
Dog Grooming Career Starter Course
Step into the world of dog grooming with confidence, passion, and the right skills from day one. Our Career Starter Course is designed to give you everything you need to launch your grooming career — hands-on, in a real salon, mentored by expert groomers who live and breathe the craft.
At the Queensland School of Dog Grooming, based inside Grooming by Barkley Park, we believe learning should be practical, personal, and inspiring. That’s why we keep our groups small, with no more than three students, so you’ll receive individual guidance and ongoing support.
By the end of this three-week, full-time course, you’ll be salon-ready as a junior groomer, able to confidently groom your own dogs and take the next step in the industry.
What Makes This Course Different?
Most courses will teach you the basics. We set you up for a career.
- The Groomer’s Bible — Supplied, Not Sold
You’ll receive the two-volume set of Notes from the Grooming Table (valued at $150) — widely known as the groomer’s bible. This set takes you from your very first day as a student through to the most advanced styling work in the industry. Packed with expert guidance, notes, and diagrams on every breed and style cut you’ll ever come across, it will support you throughout your entire career. Normally, groomers must buy this set themselves, but we provide it because we believe you should be fully equipped from the start. - Your First Professional Scissors — Our Gift to You
A high-quality scissors set (valued at $315) is yours to keep. It’s our way of helping you begin your grooming journey with the right tools in hand — because starting with the right equipment makes all the difference. - Expert Mentorship
Learn directly from our team: Stacey, with over 13 years’ experience, and Jess, with 8 years. Both are passionate about not just grooming, but teaching. You’ll gain real skills, not shortcuts. - Hands-On Training in a Live Salon
From day one, you’ll be learning inside our busy grooming salon, not through online modules or home study. Every lesson is hands-on, with our trainers right beside you, guiding and supporting you every step of the way. You’ll interact with real customers, meet their dogs, and experience the pace, professionalism, and variety of a genuine grooming environment. This means you’ll graduate not only with technical skills, but also with the confidence and customer service experience salons are looking for. - Ongoing Support & Community
Your learning doesn’t stop at graduation. You’ll be welcomed into our private student Facebook group, where our experienced groomers continue to answer your questions, share advice, and guide you as you grow. It’s also a place to connect with fellow QSDG graduates, share experiences, and build friendships that last long after your course ends.
That’s over $465 worth of professional resources included, plus lifelong access to a supportive grooming community.
What you’ll learn
- Grooming Skills: From greeting clients to delivering a flawless finish — washing, drying, brushing, clipping, and styling.
- Breed Knowledge: Understand coat types and anatomy so you can groom any dog with confidence.
- Dog Behaviour: Read canine body language and handle dogs safely and kindly.
- Equipment Training: Learn professional techniques with clippers, blades, scissors, and grooming tools.
- Health & Safety: Best-practice handling, hygiene, and infection control to keep both you and the dogs safe.
Course Details
- Duration: 3 weeks (15 full salon days)
- Group Size: Maximum 3 students per intake
- Investment: $5,500 (cash/bank transfer) or $5,800 (Zip — 6 months interest-free)
- Optional Add-On: Extend with a 4th Salon Week for just $1,500
- Certificate of Completion included
Why Learn With Us?
At Barkley Park, dogs are family. Our grooming school reflects the same values that guide everything we do — Care, Safety, Pride, and Community. With access to dogs of all breeds and coat types through our dog daycare, you’ll gain real-world experience in an environment designed to nurture both you and the dogs in your care.
We don’t just train groomers, we create careers — and a community to support you every step of the way. If you’re unsure whether this is the right path for you, pop in and see us. We’re always available for a chat, and we’d love to show you around and answer your questions in person.
Ready to start your journey?
Join the Queensland School of Dog Grooming and step into a future filled with creativity, care, and connection.
Key Modules
Enrol today to start your dog grooming career
Included in the course:
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- $9.95/month account fee or $0 if nothing owing
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Zip Money: Interest free term subject to minimum spend and promotional partner offer. Available to approved applicants only and subject to completion of satisfactory credit check. The repayment advertised will repay the purchase over the advertised interest free period based on a minimum monthly repayment. The one-off establishment fee may apply for new customers. Under the contract, minimum monthly repayments are required and interest, fees and charges may be payable after the interest free period. If your plan falls outside a promotional offer, or you do not repay in full within the interest free period, a standard interest rate will apply. For Zip Money accounts created before 1 January 2024, the standard variable interest rate is 25.9% p.a. as at 1 June 2023. Other charges may be payable. See T&Cs. Interest, fees and charges are payable after the interest free period and are available on application. See your contract for further details. Credit provided by ZipMoney Payments Pty Ltd (ABN 58 164 440 993), Australian Credit Licence Number 441878.
Groom Your Own Dog – 1 Day Course
Love the idea of grooming your own dog but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re tired of booking salon appointments, want to save on regular grooming costs, or simply want to make grooming part of the bond you share with your dog, this 1-day course is the perfect place to begin.
At the Queensland School of Dog Grooming, we make it simple, supportive, and stress-free. You’ll spend the day working one-on-one with a qualified groomer, learning the essentials while grooming your very own dog in our professional salon.
What Makes This Course Different?
- No Experience Needed
This course is designed for everyday dog parents — no grooming background required. - You, Your Dog, and Our Groomer
It’s all about your dog. You’ll work directly with your pup under the guidance of our experienced groomers. - Learn the Essentials
Brushing, bathing, drying, nail care, trimming — the must-know skills to keep your dog looking and feeling their best. - Hands-On in a Real Salon
Train in our professional grooming salon using the same tools and products we use every day. - Confidence at Home
Build the skills to manage your dog’s coat between salon visits — or even take over grooming altogether. - Tailored Tool & Aftercare Advice
We’ll recommend the right tools and equipment for your dog’s coat type and give you aftercare guidance so grooming at home stays stress-free and safe. - Ongoing Support & Community
Our groomers are here to guide you, answer questions, and support you long after your course day ends. - Flexible Scheduling
We know life is busy. We’ll find a day and time that works for you.
Course Overview
- 1-on-1 training with a qualified groomer
- Groom your own dog during the course
- Use of professional tools and products provided
- Guidance in a working grooming salon
- Advice on what to buy for your dog’s ongoing grooming needs
- Ongoing aftercare support and tips
Who Is This Course For?
- Pet parents who want to save money on grooming costs
- Busy families who don’t always have time for salon visits
- Owners of high-maintenance breeds who need regular coat care
- Anyone curious about grooming and wanting to start with their own dog first
Course Details
- Duration: 1 day
- Price: $595 (cash or bank transfer)
- Dog: Bring your own dog on the day!
Why Learn With Us?
At Barkley Park, we know that grooming is about more than just a haircut — it’s about care, connection, and confidence. That’s why our courses are designed to be welcoming, supportive, and practical. You’ll leave with real skills you can use straight away, plus clear advice on tools and aftercare so you feel confident keeping up with your dog’s needs at home.
If you’ve ever wanted to take grooming into your own hands, this is your chance.
What you’ll get
1 WEEK INTRO COURSE to grooming
Not sure if grooming is the right path for you? Want to get job-ready fast, or start small before committing to a full career change? Our 1-Week Grooming Course is the perfect way to step into the grooming industry without the pressure of a long commitment.
In just 5 full days inside our busy grooming salon, you’ll learn the foundations of professional dog care. This is an ideal option if you’re thinking about:
- Starting your own dog wash trailer or mobile service
- Working in a salon as a bather/dryer
- Exploring grooming as a career but want to “try before you dive in”
At the end of the week, you’ll be salon-ready for a bathing role — with the confidence to continue your grooming journey if you choose. And if you decide grooming is for you, you can seamlessly transition into our 3-Week Career Starter course to become a junior groomer.
What You’ll Learn
- Salon-standard bathing, drying, and brushing techniques
- Correct coat prep and pre-clipping to set up a groom
- Nail clipping and ear cleaning essentials
- Safe handling across different breeds and coat types
- Customer care and teamwork in a real salon environment
Your Outcome
- Job-ready skills to walk into a salon as a bather/dryer
- Confidence to launch your own mobile wash or trailer service
- First-hand experience of the day-to-day life of a professional grooming salon
- A clear next step: continue into the 3-Week Career Starter if you want to become a junior groomer
- Access to our private student Facebook group for ongoing support, advice, and connection with fellow students and graduates
Why Choose this Course?
We know starting a new career can feel like a big decision. That’s why this one-week program is designed to give you:
- Practical experience without the pressure
- Real salon training, not theory at home
- The chance to test the waters before diving into a full career commitment
- Mentorship and guidance from the same expert team who run our Career Starter program
- Continued learning and encouragement through our student community group — where experienced groomers and past students share advice, answer questions, and celebrate each other’s wins
Step into grooming with confidence. Whether you’re ready to start washing dogs professionally, thinking about launching your own business, or simply curious about grooming as a career, this course gives you the perfect introduction.
Key Modules
Behind the Scenes in a Grooming Salon – 1 Week Industry Immersion
Curious about what it’s really like to work in a dog grooming salon? Our 1-Week Industry Immersion gives you a front-row seat to the action.
Spend a full week behind the scenes at Grooming by Barkley Park, observing and assisting our professional groomers as they care for dogs of all breeds and personalities. You’ll see how a busy salon runs day to day — from morning check-ins to afternoon pick-ups — and learn the rhythm, teamwork, and care that goes into every groom.
This program is perfect for:
- Adults and career changers exploring a future in dog grooming
- Recent school leavers aged 18 and over who love dogs and want to explore animal care careers
- Current QSDG students wanting to extend their training for a more in-depth, hands-on immersion
What You’ll Experience
- Shadow experienced groomers and watch professional techniques in action
- Learn how dogs are handled, cared for, and kept calm throughout the day
- Understand customer communication and salon flow
- Assist with bathing, drying, brushing, and maintaining salon hygiene
- Gain a real understanding of what it’s like to work in the grooming industry
Add It to the 3-Week Career Starter Course
If you’re completing (or planning to complete) our 3-Week Career Starter Course, this 1-week immersion can be added as an optional extension. It’s the perfect way to gain even more confidence and insight into the real-world routine of a grooming salon — from managing clients to maintaining a calm, professional environment.
Course Details
- Duration: 1 week (5 full salon days)
- Location: Grooming by Barkley Park, Kedron
- Eligibility: Participants must be aged 18 years or older
- Price: $950 (standalone or add-on option)
Why Choose This Program
At Barkley Park, we believe the best way to learn is by being part of it. This program gives you real exposure to the grooming industry, not theory, but genuine experience. Whether you’re exploring career pathways after school or testing the waters before enrolling in full training, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a true understanding of salon life.
What you’ll get
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Queensland School of Dog Grooming
Yes. All students are welcomed into our private Facebook group for QSDG graduates, where Stacey, Jess, and fellow students continue to answer questions, share advice, and support each other. Your learning doesn't stop when the course ends.
You can enquire directly through the Queensland School of Dog Grooming website, or give us a call or email. We're also happy for you to come in, have a look around, and have a chat before you commit to anything. There's no pressure — we want you to feel confident it's the right fit for you.
You'll learn directly from Stacey, with over 13 years of professional grooming experience, and Jess, with 8 years. Both are passionate about teaching and will be right beside you throughout your training — not just supervising from a distance.
No experience is required for any of our courses. Whether you're a complete beginner, a dog owner wanting to learn, or someone considering a career change, we have a course that suits where you're at.
All courses are held at the Queensland School of Dog Grooming, based inside Grooming by Barkley Park at 12 Glentanna St, Kedron, Brisbane. You'll be training in a real, working grooming salon from day one.
Yes, a Certificate of Completion is included with the course.
No. The course is designed for beginners and takes you through everything from the ground up. What matters most is enthusiasm, a genuine love of dogs, and a willingness to learn.
The 4th Salon Week is an add-on extension to the Career Starter Course for students who want extra time in the salon before heading out into the industry. It's an additional $1,500 and gives you another full week of hands-on training alongside our grooming team.
Yes — we offer Zip as a payment option, which allows you to spread the cost over 6 months interest-free. The total when paying through Zip is $5,800.
The course is $5,500 paid by cash or bank transfer, or $5,800 through Zip (6 months interest-free). A one-off optional 4th Salon Week add-on is available for an additional $1,500 for those wanting even more hands-on experience.
Quite a lot! Included in your $5,500 investment are the two-volume Notes from the Grooming Table reference set (worth $150) — widely known as the groomer's bible — a professional scissors set (worth $315) that's yours to keep, a Certificate of Completion, mentorship from Stacey and Jess, and ongoing post-course support through our graduate community. That's over $465 in professional resources included.
You'll graduate as a salon-ready junior groomer, with the skills and confidence to groom dogs professionally, handle a range of breeds and coat types, operate salon equipment, communicate with clients, and step straight into a junior grooming role or begin building your own business.
We keep groups very small — a maximum of 3 students per intake. This means you get genuine one-on-one attention and mentorship, not a classroom experience.
The course runs for 3 weeks, Monday to Friday — 15 full salon days in total. It's a full-time commitment, so it's worth planning ahead if you're currently working or have other commitments.
The Career Starter Course is our flagship 3-week, full-time program designed to take you from beginner to salon-ready junior groomer. It covers everything from washing, drying, and brushing through to clipping, scissor work, breed knowledge, dog behaviour, and customer service — all in a real working salon.
That's completely fine — our groomers are experienced in working with dogs of all temperaments. Part of what you'll learn is how to make grooming a calm, positive experience for your dog, which is especially valuable if they're nervous about being handled.
The course is $595, paid by cash or bank transfer.
Yes! Your dog comes with you on the day. The whole course is built around your pup, so you'll leave knowing exactly how to manage their specific coat and needs.
You'll cover the essentials: brushing, bathing, drying, nail care, and basic trimming. Your groomer will also give you tailored advice on the right tools and products for your dog's specific coat type, and tips for keeping up the routine confidently at home.
Not at all — this course is made for everyday dog owners with no background in grooming. If you can brush your dog, you're ready.
It's a 1-day, one-on-one course designed for dog owners who want to learn how to groom their own dog at home. You'll spend the day working directly with a qualified groomer inside our professional salon, with your own dog by your side.
Up to 3 students — the same small group format we use across all our courses
The 1-Week Intro Course is $1,550.
Absolutely — it's designed with that in mind. If you complete the 1-Week Intro and decide you want to go further, you can seamlessly transition into the 3-Week Career Starter Course to become a qualified junior groomer.
You'll finish the week salon-ready for a bathing and drying role, with the skills to work as a bather/dryer in a professional salon or launch your own mobile wash service. You'll also have a clear picture of whether full grooming training is the right next step for you.
The Intro Course is a 5-day, full-time program inside our working salon — perfect if you're exploring grooming as a career, thinking about starting a mobile dog wash or trailer service, or want to try it before committing to the full Career Starter Course.
The program is $950, whether you do it as a standalone experience or as an add-on to the Career Starter Course.
Yes — the Industry Immersion can be added as an optional extension to the 3-Week Career Starter Course, giving you a 4th week of immersive salon experience on top of your formal training.
You'll shadow our groomers as they work through real appointments, assist with bathing, drying, brushing, and salon hygiene, observe professional handling and client communication, and ask questions throughout the day. It's genuine exposure, not just watching from a corner.
Yes — participants must be 18 years or older.
It's ideal for adults and career changers who want to explore grooming before committing to a course, school leavers aged 18 and over considering animal care careers, and current QSDG students who want to extend their experience alongside the Career Starter Course.
It's a 1-week, 5-day observational and hands-on experience inside Grooming by Barkley Park. Rather than a formal training course, it gives you a real look at how a busy grooming salon operates day to day — from morning check-ins to afternoon pick-ups — so you can decide if grooming is the right career path for you.