Master Groomer Behavior Specialist(MGBS)
This is my Diploma Program Through the Whole Pet Grooming Academy. It's an online program for groomers who want to learn more about the behavior, training, and cooperative care aspects of dog grooming. This is an online, instructor-led course incorporating weekly Zoom class time as well as an online classroom. MGBS class link
Who is it for?
⭐Are you a groomer who listens to my Creating Great Grooming Dogs podcast and wants to specialize in behavior? This is the course for you.
⭐Are you a groomer who works with a lot of behavior problems? This is the course for you to specialize.
⭐Are you a groomer who took a FearFree class or a class at a trade show and wants to go beyond a weekend certification? This course is for you.
⭐Are you a groomer who is also a dog trainer? This course will help you integrate the two fields.
FAQ's
❓Do I need to be a Master Groomer to take the class? NO. When you graduate from this class, you will have achieved Master Groomer Behavior Specialist(MGBS).
❓ Will I learn grooming techniques? NO. This class is only about the behavior side of grooming. We'll talk about how we can make grooming easier for pets, but we aren't teaching grooming.
❓ Do I need to attend the live Zoom calls each week? YES. I understand that life happens. There is a way to make up a missed call, but you are expected to attend class.
❓ Do I get "Certified"? You will be Graduating from a Licensed Postsecondary Trade School with a Diploma🎓. This is much bigger than a certification- especially in an industry where they hand out certifications for attending classes at a trade show. If you want to call it a certification, you can- but it'll break my heart.
❓ How does it work? There are modules each week that you watch, read, listen to, etc. to prepare you for our live Zoom call. Then we meet live to discuss the module. This is a very interactive class.
❓ How do I sign up? Go to the School link and get started The MGBS Program at The Whole Pet Grooming Academy
Next Start Dates
March 2026
Start Date: Monday, March 9th at Noon Eastern Time.
Meets every Mon at Noon Eastern Time for the full duration of the program.
May 2026
Start Date: Monday, May 4th at 4 PM Eastern Time.
Meets every Mon at 4 PM Eastern Time for the full duration of the program.
July 2026
Start Date: Monday, July 6th at 7 PM Eastern Time
Meets every Mon at 7 PM Eastern Time for the full duration of the program.
September 2026
Start Date: Monday, September 7th at 2 PM Eastern Time
Meets every Mon at 2 PM Eastern Time for the full duration of the program.
Level 1 Behavior And How It Relates To Safety 8 weeks
In this course the student will learn about the behavioral and emotional needs of the dog, the safety considerations of working on a living creature, and how to apply animal welfare and humane standards to the grooming process. This is the first of four classes for those seeking the Master Groomer Behavior Specialist credential.
Level 2 Basic Handling Skills 8 weeks
In this course, the student will learn how to handle behavior problems during the grooming process, assess the behavior, apply basic training techniques, and safely use the equipment and tools available to groomers. This is the second of four classes for those seeking the Master Groomer Behavior Specialist credential.
Level 3 Adding Training To The Grooming Experience 8 weeks
In this course, the student will learn how to determine the cause of a dog's behavior, gain an understanding of a variety of training techniques and approaches, and learn how to track behavioral progress. This is the third of four classes for those seeking the Master Groomer Behavior Specialist credential.
Level 4 Advanced Training Techniques 8 weeks
In this course, the student will learn more advanced behavior and training techniques to help dogs with more severe fear, anxiety, stress, and/or aggression. This is the fourth and final class for those seeking the Master Groomer Behavior Specialist credential.
I have shorter classes too!
Modern Behavior & Handling For Groomers
In this course, we'll discuss behavior and how it relates to safety, humane standards, and grooming as health care. We'll also discuss fear and how it affects the body, why pushing dogs through grooming backfires, talking to owners about behavior problems, and setting your own Safety Policy. Students have one month to complete this class.
Modern Behavior & Handling class enrollment link
Groom S.M.A.R.T. Adding M
odern Behavioral Principles To Your Daily Grooming
This course discusses goal setting, the 3C's (Calm, Comfortable, and Cooperative), basic training principles, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, safe and comfortable handling and management, and setting the mood. Students have 1 month to complete the class.
Groom S.M.A.R.T. class enrollment link
These classes are through a school. You must enroll through the Whole Pet Grooming Academy. Go to WholePetNH.com for more information on pricing and enrollment, and check out the other courses available at this fantastic school!