Start your Dog Grooming career today!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

• 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.

• 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

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.

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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.

Join the Queensland School of Dog Grooming and step into a future filled with creativity, care, and connection.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• Duration: 1 day
• Price: $595 (cash or bank transfer)
• Dog: Bring your own dog on the day!

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.

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If you’ve ever wanted to take grooming into your own hands, this is your chance.

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.

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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

• 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

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.

• 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)

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.