Giving Tree Pets · Grooming Academy
Train where real
groomers are built
An 8-week intensive program taught inside a working salon by Esther, Head Groomer of Giving Tree Pets. Graduate with real skills, real confidence, and a clear path forward.
8
Weeks Intensive
6
Max students per class
7+
Years instructor experience
100%
Hands-on, real dogs
About the Academy
Where uncertainty becomes confidence.
Many grooming school graduates leave feeling uncertain about their skills — often lacking the confidence needed to step into a professional environment. The Giving Tree Grooming Academy was built to change that.
Our 8-week intensive program combines rigorous technical training with real-world preparation. Every stage is intentional — designed to build both skill and professional confidence simultaneously, not sequentially.
Rather than following a prolonged, slow-paced structure, we prioritize efficiency and hands-on experience from day one. Students train on real dogs in a working salon environment, guided by an instructor who has built and grown a thriving grooming business.
The result: graduates who step into their careers ready — not hoping to figure it out later.
"With the right guidance, hands-on experience, and support, uncertainty transforms into confidence and steady professional growth."
Academy Founding Philosophy
Real
dogs, every day
Live
salon environment
Small
class, close mentorship
Clear
path to employment
Grooming Academy Programs
Train where real groomers are built
An 8-week intensive program taught inside a working salon by Esther, Head Groomer of Giving Tree Pets. Graduate with real skills, real confidence, and a clear path forward.
🌱
Beginners
Foundation Program
$3,500 · 8 weeks
Designed for individuals completely new to grooming. Build a strong technical foundation from the ground up.
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Essential grooming skills & techniques
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Safety practices & handling
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Salon workflow & professional standards
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Breed-specific styling fundamentals
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Real dogs from day one
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Pathway to Paid Apprenticeship
✂️
Experienced groomers
Advanced Workshop
Pricing upon inquiry
For groomers with basic experience who want to elevate quality, speed, and finishing skills.
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Technique refinement & efficiency
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Finishing skills & breed-specific styles
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Elevated professional standards
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Direct instructor feedback sessions
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Portfolio & client presentation skills
🏆
Employment-based
Paid Apprenticeship
Paid position · Foundation required
A hands-on, employment-based opportunity at Giving Tree Pet Spa & Lodge. Real work, real pay, real mentorship.
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Continue developing skills on the job
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Work under direct instructor supervision
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Paid from day one
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Real salon environment & clientele
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Must complete Foundation to qualify
Curriculum
8 weeks. Every week intentional.
A structured progression from fundamentals to professional-grade finishing — with real dogs at every stage.
1
Safety, Handling & Equipment
Proper restraint techniques, safe handling for anxious and reactive dogs, equipment identification, sanitation standards, and salon protocol basics.
2
Bathing, Drying & Skin Care
Shampoo selection, proper bathing technique, high-velocity drying, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and coat type identification.
3
Clipper Work Fundamentals
Blade selection and use, guard combs, body clipping technique, sanitary trim, paw pad shaving, and clipper maintenance.
4
Scissor Techniques & Finishing
Straight shear control, curved shear application, blending, chunkers, and achieving clean lines and smooth transitions.
5
Breed-Specific Styling — Part I
Doodle, Poodle, and Bichon style standards. Understanding breed silhouettes and applying the correct structural approach.
6
Breed-Specific Styling — Part II
Terrier patterns, Spaniels, double-coat shedding breeds, and hand-stripping introduction. Expanding versatility.
7
Speed, Workflow & Client Communication
Building efficiency without sacrificing quality. Groom documentation, client check-in and consultation, managing expectations.
8
Final Assessments & Career Readiness
Live assessment grooms, portfolio review, job readiness coaching, understanding commission structures, and Apprenticeship pathway orientation.
Head Groomer · Giving Tree Pets
Operator · Pet Spa & Lodge Alexandria
Esther
Head Groomer & Academy Instructor · Giving Tree Pets
With over seven years of hands-on experience, Esther has established herself as a trusted and highly skilled dog groomer. As the Head Groomer of Giving Tree Pets and operator of Giving Tree Pet Spa & Lodge Alexandria, she has built and maintained a thriving business grounded in quality, consistency, and client trust.
Her teaching approach is shaped entirely by real industry experience — not theory. Students receive the knowledge, techniques, and confidence needed to transition smoothly into professional grooming from an instructor who has done exactly that.
Student Experience
8 weeks. Every week intentional.
A structured progression from fundamentals to professional-grade finishing — with real dogs at every stage.
🐕
Real dogs every day
Training is fully hands-on with actual salon clients from the very beginning. No mannequin heads. No simulated environments. Real dogs, real situations, real feedback.
👥
Maximum 6 students
Class sizes are capped at six to ensure personalized instruction, direct feedback, and consistent mentorship. You won't get lost in a crowd here.
🏪
Live salon environment
You train inside a fully operational grooming salon — learning real workflow, real client interaction, and what a professional day actually looks like.
📈
Career-track structure
The program is built around a clear outcome: employment. Every module prepares you for the job market, not just the graduation ceremony.
🎯
Direct instructor feedback
With only six students, Esther can provide immediate, specific feedback on your technique — the kind of guidance that compounds week over week.
🤝
Apprenticeship pathway
Foundation graduates are eligible to apply for a Paid Apprenticeship at Giving Tree Pet Spa & Lodge — a direct pipeline from classroom to career.
You purchase
Personal tools you'll use throughout your career. Invest once, use forever.
Clipper (Andis / Whal) | $237 |
Mini Clipper (Bravura) | $211 |
Blade Set (4F, 5F, 7F, #10, #30) | $76 |
Clip Comb Set | $30 |
Dremel (nail grinding) | $38 |
Approx. Total | $592 |
Tools & Equipment
Know what you need. We cover the rest.
A detailed tool list is provided before enrollment. Here's the breakdown of what you buy vs. what the Academy provides or loans.
Academy Provides
Professional-grade tools loaned for use during the program to ensure consistent results.
Shears Set (Straight, Curve, Chunker, Blender) | $360-500 |
Ear Cleaner + Hemostat | $58 |
Professional Brush | $55 |
Shampoo + Detangling Spray | $85 |
Nail Trimmers, Cotton Balls, Etc. | Included |
Clipper Oil + Cool Care Spray | Included |
Approx. Value Provided | $700+ |
Tuition & Investment
Simple, transparent pricing.
One tuition covers the full 8-week program — plus the tools, materials, and mentorship to get you career-ready.
$3,500
Full 8-week Foundation Program -
All levels welcome
✅ | Complete 8-week hands-on curriculum
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✅ | Professional tools & materials loaned for the duration |
✅ | Maximum 6 students — personalized instruction
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✅ | Real dogs in a real working salon
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✅ | Career readiness coaching in final week |
✅ | Eligibility for Paid Apprenticeship upon graduation
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✅ | Partial tuition reimbursement after 6 months of employment
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered.
Everything you need to make a confident decision.
No prior experience is required for the Foundation Program. It's designed specifically for beginners and builds from the ground up. If you already have experience, the Advanced Workshop may be a better fit — contact us and we'll help you decide.
You'll need to purchase a set of personal clippers and a few basics (approximately $600 total — a detailed list is provided before enrollment). The Academy loans all professional shears, specialty tools, and supplies during training. These are tools you'll own and use throughout your career, so becoming familiar with them early is an advantage.
The Foundation Program is 8 weeks of intensive, structured training. The program is designed for efficiency — rather than extending the timeline unnecessarily, every week has a specific focus and outcome. You'll graduate career-ready, not still "in training."
Foundation graduates are eligible to apply for the Paid Apprenticeship at Giving Tree Pet Spa & Lodge in Alexandria — a direct pathway from the classroom into a professional working environment. The final week of training includes career readiness coaching to prepare you for the job market more broadly as well.
After 6 months of continued employment following graduation, students are eligible for a partial reimbursement of their tuition. This is designed to reward commitment and make the program more accessible for those who are serious about building a career in grooming. Specific reimbursement details are outlined in the enrollment agreement.
Classes are capped at 6 students maximum. This is intentional — small class sizes allow for direct, personalized instruction and consistent feedback from Esther throughout the program. You won't be a number here.
Training takes place at Giving Tree Pet Spa & Lodge in Alexandria, Virginia — an operational grooming salon where students train alongside real clients in a professional environment. Exact address and logistics are provided at enrollment.
Cohorts are small and fill quickly. Submit your application to receive upcoming start date information. We'll confirm your slot and provide all details once your application is reviewed.
Enrollment · Limited Spots
Ready to start your career?
Classes are limited to 6 students. Submit your application and we'll be in touch within 48 hours with availability and next steps.