About OTCK9 Grooming School
Where Professional Instructors, Real Experience, and Proven Training Come Together
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.
About Us
Meet Our Instructors
At the core of our school are our dedicated grooming school instructors: trusted 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:
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.
