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.

Grooming School Resources for New & Future Students

Everything You Need to Start Your Grooming Journey With Confidence

Prepare for your first day, understand what to expect, and get equipped with the essential tools, guides, grooming school resources, and support you need to succeed.

Groomer trimming the paw of a brown dog on a grooming table inside a pet grooming school, with colorful banners in the background promoting full-service grooming.

What to Expect at OTCK9 Grooming School

Training at OTCK9 is hands-on from day one. You’ll work with real dogs, learn under certified instructors, and build confidence step-by-step. Students experience a supportive, professional learning environment designed to help them grow quickly and safely.

Here’s what you can expect during your training:

  • Interactive demonstrations with instructorS
  • Hands-on grooming with real client dogs
  • Safety-focused instruction and supervision
  • Small class sizes for personalized attention
  • Real-world grooming scenarios and salon workflow training
This structured approach ensures you learn practical skills, not just theory, to prepare you for real grooming careers.

Tools & Equipment List

To help you feel prepared and confident, here’s an overview of the tools commonly used in our grooming programs. Some items are provided during training, while others may require purchase for long-term use.

Typical grooming tools include:

  • Professional grooming shears (straight, curved, thinning)
  • Clippers & blades
  • Combs & brushes for various coat types
  • Nail clippers & grinders
  • Grooming loops & restraints
  • Smocks or grooming aprons
  • Ear care tools
  • De-shedding tools
  • Spray bottles & finishing products

 

Your instructor will walk you through each tool, proper handling, and maintenance so you can work safely and effectively.

A fluffy dog sits on a grooming table in a room with a tool chest, grooming supplies, and a painting of dogs in front of an American flag.

Your First Day Guide

Starting something new can be exciting and a little overwhelming. Here’s what your first day at OTCK9 Grooming School typically looks like:
A red paw print with the number 1 in white centered on the largest pad.

 Meet Your Instructor & Classmates

Get introduced to your instructor, your peers, and the training environment.

A red animal paw print with the number 2 in white centered on it, set against a light gray background.

Tour the Grooming School

Explore grooming stations, bathing areas, safety zones, and tool setups.

A red paw print with the number 3 in white centered on the paw pad, set against a light gray background.

Learn the Basics:

Your training begins with an introduction to tools, equipment safety, and grooming workspace organization.

Red paw print with the number 4 in white centered on the largest pad, symbolizing access to student resources.

Groom Your First Dog

Yes—on day one! Under careful supervision, you’ll begin simple grooming tasks like brushing, bathing, or nail trimming.

By the end of your first day, you’ll already have hands-on experience and a clear understanding of the grooming process.

Housing & Local Accommodations

For students traveling from outside the area, we offer guidance on local accommodations near campus. While OTCK9 does not provide on-site housing in Georgia, the area includes multiple convenient, student-friendly options such as:

Extended-stay hotels

Short-term rentals
Local apartments
Budget-friendly motels
Pet-friendly lodging (when available)
Our admissions team can recommend nearby options based on your schedule and budget, ensuring a comfortable stay while you complete your grooming education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section addresses the most common grooming school FAQs asked by incoming students.

Program length varies depending on the course you choose. Most students complete their certification in a structured timeframe designed for hands-on mastery.

No experience is required. Our programs are beginner-friendly and designed to teach everything from foundational skills to advanced techniques.

Yes! Students work with real client dogs brought in by the public. This helps you gain real-world experience with different breeds, coats, and temperaments.

Graduates pursue careers as salon groomers, mobile groomers, pet spa stylists, and even independent business owners.

Some tools are provided. Your instructor will give you guidance on what to purchase and what is optional or recommended for future professional use.

OTCK9 provides career guidance, training, and support to help students enter the grooming industry with confidence.

Ready to Start Your Training?

Explore our grooming school resources, prepare for your first day, and take the next step toward a rewarding career working with dogs.