A round logo showing three cartoon dogs, grooming scissors, a comb, and a spray bottle. Text reads: "OTCK9 Grooming School" on red and black banners.
A round logo showing three cartoon dogs, grooming scissors, a comb, and a spray bottle. Text reads: "OTCK9 Grooming School" on red and black banners.

About OTCK9 Grooming School

Hands-On Dog Grooming Training by Certified Instructors

If you’re searching for information about a dog grooming school that offers real experience, expert instruction, and a supportive learning environment, you’re in the right place. OTCK9 Grooming School is dedicated to developing skilled, confident, and compassionate professional groomers.
Person grooming a dog in a professional grooming facility, with instructor observing, emphasizing hands-on training at OTCK9 Grooming School.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver accessible, professional grooming training that raises industry standards and prepares students to work confidently with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. We focus on safety, technique, communication, and real-world experience: everything a modern groomer needs to thrive.

Our Story

OTCK9 Grooming School was founded by Darrell and Kim Swanson, retired U.S. Air Force veterans and passionate dog care professionals, who saw a growing need for well-trained groomers across Georgia.

With years of experience in dog training and pet care, they built a hands-on program that combines technical skills, real client appointments, and mentorship from experienced instructors.

Today, OTCK9 Grooming School is known for producing confident, job-ready groomers with skill, heart, and pride in their craft.

OTCK9 Grooming School was founded by passionate dog care professionals who saw a rising need for well-trained groomers across Georgia. With years of experience in dog training and pet care, our founders recognized that many aspiring groomers lacked access to practical, hands-on instruction.

So they built a program that bridges the gap—combining technical training, real client appointments, and mentorship from experienced instructors.

Today, OTCK9 is known for producing job-ready groomers who enter the industry with confidence, skill, and heart.

Darrell and Kim, founders of OTCK9 Grooming Academy, standing in front of the academy's logo on a yellow wall, promoting hands-on dog grooming education in Woodstock, GA.
Two groomers trim the fur of a large white dog on a grooming table inside a pet salon, with clippers and grooming tools visible all about the workspace.

About Us

Meet Our Instructors

At the core of our school are our dedicated grooming school instructors: certified groomers and experienced educators who truly love what they do. 

Our instructors provide:

  • Personalized, one-on-one training
  • Clear demonstrations and guided practice
  • Constructive, ongoing feedback
  • Support throughout every stage of your grooming journey

They’re here to help you succeed, whether you’re brand-new to grooming or refining your skills for a long-term career.

Our State-of-the-Art Grooming Training Facility

OTCK9’s grooming training facility is designed to replicate a professional grooming environment so students gain real experience from day one.

Learn more about our school features:

Full grooming stations

Bathing & drying areas
Professional grooming tools & equipment
Safe handling and training spaces
Clean, organized, salon-style work areas

Every part of our facility is set up to ensure students practice safely, efficiently, and with professional standards in mind.

Our Teaching Philosophy

We believe the best learning happens through doing. That’s why our teaching approach emphasizes:

  • Hands-on grooming with real dogs
  • Real client appointments for real experience
  • Safety-first instruction
  • Professional grooming standards and techniques

This practical, immersive training helps students build confidence and prepare for real careers—not just classroom learning.

A large dog wearing a black necktie sits on a grooming table next to a groomer in a black shirt and shorts.

Start Your Training Today

Ready to begin your journey toward becoming a professional groomer? Join a community of passionate students and instructors who are committed to helping you succeed.