A training academy built on eight core principles centred on a one-on-one approach to grooming
Elevate Your Orbit.
Academy Eight One One believes in better; our world revolves around behaving responsibly, exceeding expectations, and unlocking opportunities. We've redefined dog grooming and rocket-launched the standards by which it's taught. By embodying, teaching and upholding these standards, we will raise animal welfare, education, and future prospects to new heights.
The Eight Principles.
Welfare
How to care for the complete animal, ensuring their physical and mental health is at the centre of your service.
How to tap into and make the most of the life-long business and social support offered by Academy Eight One One and its members.
Connection
Behaviour
How to interpret a dog's behaviour to help shape your approach. Utilising this to ensure we're always treating our customers in a manner that will yield a positive experience.
Nutrition
Grooming
How a dog's nutrition affects its coat, skin, nails, teeth, behaviour, and general overall health, and how to optimise this.
How to cut, wash, and style hair, trim nails, and clean teeth to the highest standard whilst ensuring the dog's emotional wellbeing comes first.
Business
An insight into marketing, structure of your day, client management and retention. Everything you need to excel within a boutique grooming environment.
Accreditation
We chose to offer selected courses accredited by the CPD Certification Service, one of the UK's longest-established and most widely recognised CPD accreditors.
CPD certification is well known across UK industries as a mark of quality and ongoing professional development, giving our students and graduates a credential that's instantly recognisable to employers and clients alike.
Our CPD-accredited training keeps the same hands-on, practical focus as the rest of our courses —however offers additional units building real salon skills rather than sitting through restricted theory.
Our alternative courses are supported by IPET and regulated by Ofqual. IPET is the most comprehensive and up to date qualification available. They focus on practical ability over written assessments, and provide access to a very user-friendly online portal for all theory work.
Association
Our world revolves around behaving responsibly, exceeding expectations, and unlocking opportunities. People are at the heart of this, and we are focused on building a network of like-minded individuals, to have a positive impact on the industry for our furry friends.
Our Courses.
Academy Eight One One’s Owner’s Guide to Doggy Welfare
A brief course designed for pet owners who want to brush up on their knowledge about how to care for their dogs.
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Designed for owners that want a crash course in caring for their dog.
You will spend a morning or afternoon gaining health and safety training tailored to your dog’s breed, as well as learning how to maintain their coat, cut their nails and provide them with an interim tidy.
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Three hours, hosted either in the morning, or in the afternoon
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£99
It is an additional £60+ if you would like to bring your own dog to be groomed
Academy Eight One One’s Dog Grooming Taster Day
Experience a day in the life of a Dog Stylist! A unique opportunity to shadow our Head of Training and get taken through the typical steps of grooming a selection of dogs, from start to finish.
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Designed for owners that want a crash course in caring for their dog.
You will spend a morning or afternoon gaining health and safety training tailored to your dog’s breed, as well as learning how to maintain their coat, cut their nails and provide them with an interim tidy.
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Three hours, hosted either in the morning, or in the afternoon
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£99
It is an additional £60+ if you would like to bring your own dog to be groomed
Academy Eight One One’s Introduction to Professional Dog Grooming
A course for those who want a taste of what a career as a dog groomer can offer, or simply want to take their understanding of welfare-centred grooming to the next level.
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Intended for those who are considering dog grooming as a professional career or simply wish to learn more about how to care for their own dog.
Perfect for learning how to maintain a specific breed of dog or experiencing day-to-day activities in a dog grooming salon.
You’ll receive training on a broad range of services, typically including professional bathing, drying & brushing of a variety of dog breeds, tangle management and/or de-shedding, plus the opportunity to partcipate in some light to medium clipperwork and scissorwork.
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Three days, consecutive or non-consecutive depending upon your preference and subject to availability
Typically taking place between 10am - 3pm, with a 30 minute break
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£599
Complete payment is required in order to secure your space
If you decide to continue on to a more advanced qualification through Academy Eight One One, this course fee will be deducted from the final cost
Academy Eight One One Canine First Aid (CPD Accredited )
Real skills, real confidence — be the person who knows what to do. This practical, theory-backed course prepares dog owners and professionals to handle canine emergencies with confidence, with CPD certification valid for three years.
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The course covers the most commonly faced canine emergencies such as how to treat injury, dress wounds, allergic reactions, stings, poisoning, choking, seizures, CPR, hypothermia and much more.
The course is an excellent balance of theoretical and practical learning to ensure candidates have the knowledge required should they ever be faced with an emergency first aid situation.
Leading industry experts have reviewed this course to ensure the outcome is appropriate for the animal care industry and the continued growth and development of the sector.
This course has been designed to enable enrollees to:
Know the objectives of first aid
Understand how to manage canine behaviour in emergency situations
Understand DR ABC (primary survey) of the canine, including how to take temperature, pulse and respiration rate
Understand the examination of an injured animal and the actions to take to manage shock
Be able to record the pulse rate, respiration rate, apply a bandage to a dog and conduct CPR on a mannequin
Know the different types of wounds and fractures and appropriate first aid treatment
Understand the management, signs and necessary first aid treatment of choking, stings, poisoning, hyperthermia, hypothermia, water inhalation, convulsion, gastric torsion, burns and electrocution
Know what is required in a canine emergency first aid kit and how to communicate in emergency situations
Those who complete this course will graduate with an Academy Eight One One Certificate as well as CPD Approved certification in Canine First Aid.
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Six hours of practical training, typically delivered between 9am - 3pm
Three hours of online theory work, to be completed outside of the salon, is also required
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£129
Complete payment is required in order to secure your space
iPET Network’s Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid
Perfect for dog parents and professionals alike who want to be prepared to provide emergency treatment, this blended practical and theory course delivers the graduates with a Level 3 certification which is valid for a whole three years.
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The qualification covers the most commonly faced canine emergencies such as how to treat injury, dress wounds, allergic reactions, stings, poisoning, choking, seizures, CPR, hypothermia and much more.
The qualification is an excellent balance of theoretical and practical learning to ensure Candidates have the knowledge required should they ever be faced with an emergency first aid situation.
Leading industry experts have reviewed this qualification to ensure the outcome is appropriate for the animal care industry and the continued growth and development of the sector.
This qualification has been designed to enable enrollees to:
• Know the objectives of first aid
• Understand how to manage canine behaviour in emergency situations.
• Understand DR ABC (primary survey) of the canine including how to take temperature, pulse and respiration rate.
• Understand the examination of an injured animal and the actions to take to manage shock.
• Be able to record the pulse rate, respiration rate, apply a bandage to a dog and conduct CPR on a mannequin.
• Know the different types of wounds and fractures and appropriate first aid treatment
• Understand the management, signs necessary first aid treatment of choking, stings, poisoning, hyperthermia, hypothermia, water inhalation, convulsion, gastric torsion, burns and electrocution.
• Understand what is required in a canine emergency first aid kit and how to communicate in emergency situations
Those who complete this course will graduate with an Academy Eight One One qualification as well as a Level 3 Ofqual regulated iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid.
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Six hours of practical training, typically delivered between 9am - 3pm
Three hours of online theory work, to be completed outside of the salon, is also required
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£149
Complete payment is required in order to secure your space
Academy Eight One One Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling (CPD Accredited)
A hands-on, practical-first course for budding dog groomers who put canine welfare at the heart of everything they do. Learn by doing. Fifteen days from complete beginner to salon-ready groomer.
Fast-tracked certification, directly transferable skills, and real salon experience from day one — everything you need to start your grooming journey with confidence.
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The course is perfect for those who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a selection of dog breeds, understand health and safety in a dog grooming salon and gain an understanding of health checking, handling and canine behaviour.
Those who complete this course will graduate with an Academy Eight One One Certificate as well as a Certificate in Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling, CPD Approved.
This is a highly practical course with theory kept to a minimum, so you spend your time building real, directly transferable grooming skills:
Fast certification
Directly transferable skills
Reflection on actual day-to-day grooming
How to take client notes
Understanding a client's needs
How to deal with problem clients or nervous dogs
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning and ear plucking
Client communication
Adapting to a dog's welfare needs
Practical focus, as this is a practical skill
Units adaptable to your confidence and skill level
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15 Days of practical training, delivered in one block or over a period of weeks/months, according to your circumstances and availability.
Online theory work, to be completed outside of the salon, is also required.
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£2499
Please note that finance options are available upon enquiry.
iPET Network’s Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling
A Level 3 certified course blending practical and theory elements for budding dog groomers who place canine welfare at their forefront.
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The qualification is perfect for those who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a selections of dog breeds, understand health and safety in a dog grooming salon and gain an understanding of heath checking, handling and canine behaviour.
During training, you will groom at least 10 dogs, including a minimum of five different breeds, covering four different coat types.
Those who complete this course will graduate with an Academy Eight One One qualification as well as a Level 3 Ofqual regulated iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling.
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15 Days of practical training, delivered in one block or over a period of weeks/months, according to your circumstances and availability.
Online theory work, to be completed outside of the salon, is also required.
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£3,000
Please note that finance options are available upon enquiry.
Acadmey Eight One One Dog Grooming and Salon Management (CPD Accredited)
From complete beginner to confident, professional groomer — our all-inclusive Zero to Hero course is built for real salon skills from day one. Practical-first training, fast-tracked certification, and everything you need to go from novice to professional.
You'll graduate with an Academy Eight One One certificate and CPD certification from the CPD Certification Service, ready to walk straight into salon work or start building a business of your own.
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This is an all-inclusive course to educate and prepare you to provide industry leading services as a pet stylist. This is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in dog grooming and will include the following modules:
Dog behaviouralism and how to work with your clients safely
Professional pet first aid training
How to build and run a successful business
Styling to breed standard or owner's requirements
Clipping, scissoring and hand stripping
Ear, nail and teeth maintenance
Health and safety in the salon
Those who complete this course will graduate with an Academy Eight One One Certificate as well as CPD Approved certification in Dog Grooming and Salon Management.
This is a highly practical course with theory kept to a minimum, so you spend your time building real, directly transferable grooming and business skills:
Fast certification
Directly transferable skills
Reflection on actual day-to-day grooming
True business set-up
Salon management
How to take client notes
Understanding a client's needs
How to deal with problem clients or nervous dogs
Ultrasonic teeth cleaning and ear plucking
Client communication
Adapting to a dog's welfare needs
Practical focus, as this is a practical skill
Units adaptable to your confidence and skill level
Final assessment
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28 Days of practical training, delivered in one block or over a period of weeks/months, according to your circumstances and availability.
Online theory work, to be completed outside of the salon, is also required.
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£4099
Please note that finance options are available upon enquiry.
iPET Network’s Dog Grooming and Salon Management
Our all-inclusive Zero to Hero course that takes you from a complete novice to a fully-qualified professional dog groomer. You will graduate the course with a Level 3 Diploma.
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This is an all-inclusive course to educate and prepare you to provide industry leading services as a pet stylist. This is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in dog grooming and will include the following modules:
Dog behaviouralism and how to work with your clients safely
Professional pet first aid qualification
How to build and run a successful business
Styling to breed standard or owner’s requirements
Clipping, scissoring and hand stripping
Ear, nail and teeth maintenance
Health and safety in the salon
Those who complete this course will graduate with an Academy Eight One One qualification as well as a Level 3 Ofqual regulated iPet qualification in Dog Grooming and Salon Mangement.
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28 Days of practical training, delivered in one block or over a period of weeks/months, according to your circumstances and availability.
Online theory work, to be completed outside of the salon, is also required.
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£4,999
Please note that finance options are available upon enquiry.
“We’re reinventing the concept of a ‘grooming academy’. We don’t think the current standard puts animal welfare at the heart. Instead, it focuses on profit and throughput rather than delivering a quality service that is calm and enjoyable for pets.
And, we want to take it one step further. Our courses go beyond high-quality grooming, teaching you how to set up and successfully run your own grooming salon. Our courses set you up for life.”
— Gaby Swan, Head of Training & Assessment
FAQs
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Yes! We give all students the option of paying in three equal instalments free of charge.
We also offer a six month payment plan, but this will incur an additional fee of £500.
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Everyone has their own individual circumstances. Our courses are based on hours and not days, therefore they can be delivered in one block or over a period of weeks/months according to your availability.
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All of our courses are completed at our flagship salon, The Paw Shed. This way you will be surrounded by professional groomers, but also have access to a private studio where a lot of the one on one teaching will take place. We like this set up as it offers a real-life grooming experience, whilst retaining a quiet space for better focus and learning.
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One of the key differences at AEOO is the quality of and quantity of practical experience. We prefer to teach in small groups and never exceed 2 students at any one time. This means that you have much great access to your tutor, more opportunities to practice on different breeds, and gives us the ability to bespoke each course to your way of learning.
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(CPD Accredited)
We have partnered with the CPD Certification Service to offer a fast-track route to a recognised certificate — without compromising on the practical skills you need. CPD certification is widely recognised across UK industries as a mark of quality and professional development.
We chose CPD accreditation because it lets us focus almost entirely on hands-on ability, so you graduate faster with real, directly transferable skills you can use in a salon from day one — not weeks spent on unnecessary theory.
The course is designed for students who want to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a range of dog breeds, understand health and safety in a dog grooming salon, practice business management and gain skills in canine emergency first aid — all delivered through a fast-track, practical-first certificate.
( IPet QUALIFICATION )
We have partnered with iPet to deliver their Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management. This is an Ofqual regulated qualification and the equivalent to City & Guilds or OCN.
We selected iPet as we believe this is the most comprehensive and up to date qualification available. They focus on practical ability over written assessments, and provide access to very user friendly online portal for all theory work.
The qualification is designed for students who wish to gain the skills and knowledge to prepare, style and finish a range of dog breeds, understand health and safety in a dog grooming salon, practice business management and gain skills in canine emergency first aid. The qualification consists of both practical and theory work.