Iowa Western Community College

The Professional Dog Grooming certificate equips students with the essential skills for a successful career in the grooming industry. The completion of this course prepares you for the eligibility to sit for the AKC-PGC Exam and earn your industry credential.

Through a combination of hands-on experience and online training, the program covers:

• Safe Animal Handling: Techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of both the groomer and the pets.
• Bathing and Drying: Proper methods for cleaning and drying dogs to maintain their health and appearance.
• Scissor Techniques: Mastering the art of cutting and shaping fur with precision.
• Grooming Skills: Developing a comprehensive understanding of grooming tools and techniques.
• Breed Groups and Terminology: Learning to recognize different breed groups and understanding industry-specific terms

Students will practice grooming various breeds at the Reiver Paw Spa, progressively mastering their skills. The program also emphasizes:

• Customer Service: Effective communication and relationship-building with clients.
• Appointment Scheduling: Managing bookings efficiently to optimize time and resources.
• Facility Sanitation and Maintenance: Maintaining a clean and hygienic grooming environment.
  • Visit Reiver Paw Spa Dog Grooming Salon Homepage

Want to schedule a dog grooming appointment? Email reiverpawspa@IWCC.edu or call 712-325-3320.

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** Sierra Albert Receives the 2025 Deb Dalziel Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The Deb Dalziel Woman Entrepreneur Achievement Award was presented to Sierra Albert, founder of the “Groom Curriculum.” Albert inspired by her mother’s career in pet grooming, established her own grooming business at 17, and later co-founded a nationally accredited program to address the training gap in the grooming industry.

In 2024, Iowa Western Community College began its Dog Grooming Certificate Program utilizing Elbert’s programming. Sierra Elbert, who is an advocate for the professionalism of the dog grooming trade, is celebrated as the founder of Groom Curriculum, the first nationally collegiate approved dog grooming curriculum provider. Notably, Groom Curriculum is accredited by the National Council of Continuing Education and Training, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high standards with the field.