Dog Grooming Courses

I wanted to offer something I wished I'd had access to when I was thinking about becoming a dog groomer. I would have loved the opportunity to combine my passion for dogs with a lovely holiday in SW France.

  • Stay in beautiful southwest rural France, just 90 minutes from the Pyrenean mountains.
  • Stay on our tranquil alpaca farm - we have 5 male alpacas, 2 dogs, 3 cats and lots of chickens.
  • Spend your days (one to one) in the groom room with qualified professional Michelle Ewens.
  • Packages can be customised to your individual needs, whether you're just thinking about becoming a groomer or whether you're experienced and want to work on a particular skill.
  • Accommodation options include a double or twin B & B room with continental breakfast if you wish, or a self-catering gite.
  • You can come as a single guest, in a couple or with friends and family.

Courses

Introduction to Michelle

After relocating to France, my previous experience in training puppies and working with rescue dogs in a shelter fuelled my enthusiasm to work professionally with dogs. I had also competed in obedience and agility competitions with my own dogs and this understanding of how to communicate with canines absolutely helps in working with dogs in the groom room.

Inspired by the necessity to groom my own very sensitive dog, I transformed my passion into my profession. Transitioning from dog training to grooming, I dedicated myself to mastering the craft. My determination and hard work paid off and I was successful in gaining my level 3 OCN grooming diploma, which equipped me with the expertise to groom with care, precision, and love for our furry friends.

I have been grooming professionally now for 5 years, plus worked with both English and French groomers, which has enabled me to gain experience in so many different breeds and various approaches to caring for dog’s coats.
I’ve honed effective and easy techniques and I look forward to showing you how to work with confidence and finesse to achieve stunning results.

All of this, whilst absolutely prioritising the dog’s happiness, comfort, and welfare by ensuring a calm environment, gentle handling and understanding their needs.

Dog Grooming Discovery Holiday - 3 days

So, you think you may want to be a dog groomer?

Whether you’re considering becoming dog groomer or you just want to be able to wash and brush your dogs more confidently and clip their nails.

Embark on a delightful Dog Grooming Discovery Holiday and spend 3 full days learning grooming basics while enjoying a relaxing getaway. This week will really help you decide if you want to enter the rewarding world of dog grooming, plus it’s perfect for dog enthusiasts looking for a short educational break.

  • You can bring your own dog if you wish and can work a little with him in the salon.
  • Learn the basics of giving your dog a good bath.
  • Understand how to use your hands and face to communicate with and reassure the dog.
  • How to care better for yours and your friends dogs - bathing, brushing, clipping nails, cleaning ears, and dealing with mats and knots.
  • You will shadow me for 3 days in the groom room whilst I groom my clients dogs, so there will be plenty of time for observation, discussion and questions.
  • Some hands on experience with your dog, my dogs and clients dogs.

3 full days in the groom room for 1 person on a one-to-one basis.

4 night’s accommodation in a double ensuite room.

Tea & coffee facilities.

Single occupancy €840

Double occupancy €900  

3 full days in the groom room for 1 person on a one-to-one basis.

4 night’s accommodation in a self-contained gîte with separate bedroom, kitchen, sitting area and bathroom.

Tea and coffee facilities, self-catering facilities.

Single occupancy €940

Double occupancy €1040

We live in a gastronomy paradise! We are happy to recommend local places to eat out or food shop. We can also offer meals onsite to make your stay as simple as possible.

Continental breakfast: €11 per person, per day. Fresh croissants, toast with butter, yoghurt, fruit & a boiled egg (fresh from our chickens). Coffee or tea (herbal, fruit and mint).

3 Course Dinner: from €20 per person, per day. We can discuss meal options, dietary requirements and if you’d like wine included. 

Click here to see all the accommodation photos

Dog Grooming for Beginners - 12 days over 2 weeks

One to one tuition with Michelle Ewens, experienced, qualified professional dog groomer.
Learn basic dog grooming techniques in a comprehensive 12 day course designed for beginners. 

Perfect for dog lovers, this course is for new groomers with 12 days in the groom room and a 2 week stay. This course can be split into 2 chunks of 6 days in the groom room, each with 7 nights stay.

  • Watching and learning many techniques of handling and communication.
  • The importance of effective washing and drying of dogs.
  • Learn how to groom all the body areas of a dog.
  • Understand the muscle and bone structure of the dog and how to accentuate the form with the groom shape.