Grooming Academy

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Great opportunities are available in a rewarding career for those who enjoy working with animals.
The pet grooming industry is in constant need of well-trained, qualified, professionals working as a
bather / brusher, groomer, or salon owner.

Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy prepares students to be leaders in the grooming industry. Students are trained to work with grooming shops, veterinarians, kennels, pet shops, breeders, or any other business, which provides grooming services. Students may also decide to own and operate a salon,
kennel, or mobile grooming business. Currently, there are no state or federal licensing requirements
in the pet grooming industry. However, institutions, which charge tuition to train students in this area, are required to be certified and licensed in their state. Students who are trained in these schools are taking the initiative to place themselves at an advantage over other individuals entering the pet grooming industry.
There is a voluntary certification program, developed and conducted by International Professional Groomers, Inc. Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy will train each student to prepare for this certification, but the
actual testing remains an individual choice.

In addition to basic grooming skills, Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy offers professional
training
in the art of scissoring. Acquiring the scissoring technique gives the student an added advantage in the industry. A highly developed skill will provide opportunities in the areas of contest grooming, seminars, lectures, and other avenues beyond the grooming salon.

PHILOSOPHY

Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy is dedicated to the teaching, training, and advancement
of individuals concerned with the care, maintenance, and appearance of animals. To accomplish this,
students are given extensive training, with close supervision, while actually grooming pets at
The Groomer’s Corner salon. This “hands-on” approach allows students to apply the knowledge
and perfect the skills. This results
in a quick progression from basic bathing and brushing to a complete professional groom.

Class size is limited to ensure the individual attention each student requires. Programs are
designed
to proceed at the student’s pace, depending upon the learning style of the individual student.

Our goal is to educate and train students to be the finest groomers possible, to be competent and confident members of the pet grooming industry, and to uphold its professionalism.

REGISTRATION

Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy has been certified and registered with the State of Ohio
Board
of Career Colleges and Schools, 35 East Gay Street, Suite 403, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3138.

LOCATION

Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy is located within the professional pet grooming salon,
The Groomer’s Corner, in Clyde, Ohio. Clyde is in north central Ohio, approximately 40 miles east of
Toledo, near the south shore of Lake Erie. The mailing address is 141 East McPherson Hwy.,
Clyde, Ohio 43410.
The telephone number is (419) 547-DOGS (547-3647) Fax (419) 547-4748 Web site www.groomerscorner.com

APPLICATION & REGISTRATION

Anyone interested in applying to Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy is encouraged to visit the
school and meet with the director before enrolling. A visit will not only give the prospective student an opportunity to meet with the director, and examine the facility, but will also provide a demonstration of the
skills and knowledge required to succeed in the pet grooming business. This will assist the prospective
student in making a decision about pursuing a career in this field. The visit may be scheduled on any
regular business day, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call in advance for an appointment, so the
director can plan adequate time for an informative meeting. After the decision to apply has been made,
the prospective student must submit the appropriate application forms, copy of High School Diploma /
GED certificate, along with the $100 registration fee. Copies of the necessary forms can be found in the
appendix of this catalog.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students should possess a genuine love for animals and High School Diploma. The academy
will review the prospective student’s application and qualifications, after which the student will be notified
as to the status of his / her acceptance.

CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS EDUCATION, TRAINING, OR EXPERIENCE

The academy does not accept transfer credit nor allow credit for prior education, training, or experience.

ACADEMY POLICIES AND STADARDS

CONDUCT AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Students are expected to maintain and abide by all rules and regulations of the academy, conducting themselves in a manner that is not disruptive to school or salon business.

Disorderly or inappropriate conduct, which includes but is not limited to, mishandling or mistreatment
of pets, abusive language, misuse of equipment, mistreatment of salon customers, use of alcohol or
illegal substances, and other inappropriate behavior are cause for dismissal. Violation of academy
rules or academic failure will also result in dismissal.

No smoking is allowed in The Groomer’s Corner Salon.

Students are asked to wear pants and a smock or apron. Nylon material is highly recommended as
it repels dog hair and dries quickly. Shoes should be supportive; no sandals are allowed. Socks that
cover the ankles are to worn at all times. No shorts allowed. Students are expected to be as neat and
clean as possible at all times.

As part of the training, each student will be responsible for the sanitation and cleanliness of all tubs,
floors, cages, tables, and equipment. The student will also be required to handle specific needs
of the pets including feeding, watering, and outside breaks when required.

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A CURRENT TETANUS TOXIN IMMUNIZATION BY
THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES.
A LETTER FROM YOUR DOCTOR PROVIDING THIS INFORMATION
WILL BE SUFFICIENT PROOF.

ATTENDANCE

Absences in excess of five (5) days per course will be cause for dismissal unless the school
receives justifying documentation. Students may make up lost time and work with permission of the
director.

Unexcused tardiness, over fifteen (15) minutes, will be penalized. Four (4) times tardy will
constitute one (1) absence. The same will be applied to early departures.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Extended absences due to circumstances beyond the student’s control will constitute a leave
of absence. Arrangements for a leave of absence must be made with the academy director,
with confirmation submitted in writing. Medical leaves require a doctor’s statement. Students will
be allowed one leave of absence during the course of the program.

SCHEDULE

Students are provided with a calendar of dates that the school will be closed due to unavoidable circumstances. Classes are not held on major holidays which include: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day,
Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. New classes begin every Monday.
Classes and lab time are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays are optional to accelerate the program. Students are allowed one half hour for lunch and a minimum of two (2) ten
minute breaks during the day.

The full program is designed to be completed in approximately 20 weeks, and the bather / brusher program in approximately 8 weeks. Two (2) additional weeks are available at no charge for students who need, or request, extra time to complete the requirements of the program. An extension beyond this
period will be charged $150.00 per week. If the student has completed all requirements of the course,
but does not perform up to the Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy standards of grooming,
additional time, up to four (4) weeks, may be spent at the academy per recommendation of the
instructor or director, at no additional charge to the student.

INSTRUCTION

Students are required to read, study, research , and keep a notebook., which will be examined
and evaluated by the director. Instruction also includes lectures and various visual presentations.
Application of knowledge and skills taught in the classroom is handled through practical “hands on”
experience at The Groomer’s Corner Salon. Improved skills and techniques are developed while actually working on the animals. The instructional program may also include special workshops and seminars.

GRADING

The student’s performance is evaluated through the use of written tests and demonstration
of skills. Overall participation is also considered in the grading process. The minimum passing
final grade is an average of 70%. Failure to maintain this average will result in the interruption
of the course for unsatisfactory progress. With approval of the director, the student will be place
on probation for a period of two (2) weeks, at which time the student will be re-evaluated. The student
may be dismissed, at the discretion of the director, if a passing grade has not yet been achieved.
If the student is dismissed for unsatisfactory progress, a re-entrance exam and demonstration of skills
must be completed satisfactorily before re-enrollment may occur.

Grading scale:

99 to 100 A+ 91 to 93 B+ 81 to 85 C+

97 to 98 A 89 to 90 B 76 to 80 C

94 to 96 A- 86 to 88 B- 70 to 75 C-

ADVISING

Students who have academic or personal problems are encouraged to consult individually
with the faculty.

COMPLETION

All students who complete the required course hours, and have a final grade average of 70%
or above, will receive a DIPLOMA. Students having a final grade average of 94% or above will also
receive a CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE.

PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE

Cornerstone Dog Grooming Academy does not (and cannot by law) guarantee job placement
or assistance. However, information regarding job opportunities and businesses for sale will be
provided to the student, as it becomes available to the academy. The student must take the initiative
to utilize this information.

REFUND POLICY {Rule #3332-1-10}

All monies paid by the student will be refunded if the student is not accepted by the academy.

When written notification of cancellation is given within 5 days of receiving notice of acceptance to the academy, but prior to the first day of class, all fees, tuition, and any other charges shall be refunded
to the student.

When written notification of cancellation is given 6 or more days after receiving notice of acceptance
to the academy, but prior 5:00 p.m. the student’s first day of attendance, the academy may retain no
more than the registration fee of $100.00.

A student who starts class and officially withdraws before the period is ten per cent completed will be
obligated for twenty-five per cent of the tuition plus the registration fee. A student who starts class and
officially withdraws before the period is twenty per cent completed will be obligated for fifty per cent
of the tuition plus the registration fee. A student who starts class and officially withdraws before
the period is thirty per cent completed will be obligated for seventy-five per cent of the tuition plus the registration fee. A student who starts class and officially withdraws after the period is thirty per cent
completed will not be entitled to a refund of the tuition nor the registration fee.

BRUSHER / BATHER PROGRAM

OBJECTIVE

The course is designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare the student
for future employment as a brusher / bather for a veterinarian, kennel, grooming salon, or other business providing such services. The student will also be trained to properly handle specific pet behaviors and temperaments. A beginning knowledge of scissoring and finish techniques of double-coated breeds is
also included. This course also serves as the basis for the Professional Grooming Course.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course covers basic information pertaining to cat and dog behavior and breed identification. Students become acquainted with animal health care problems, such as skin disorders, eyes, ears, nails,
and mouth problems, and will learn how to respond to animal emergencies.

This course also includes instruction in safety and sanitation. Students learn about shampoo types,
and gain experience in bathing, and drying pets. Techniques in handling different coat types, de-matting,
and dealing with pet behavior problems, all with a humane process, will be covered and practiced.

PREREQUISITE

High school diploma or GED certificate, and a genuine love of animals.

LENGTH OF COURSE

280 hours

TUITTION AND FEES

Registration Fee: $ 100.00 To accompany application

Tuition: Collected pursuant to Rule #3332-1-10

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

See Required Equipment & Materials page

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING PROGRAM

OBJECTIVE

This course is designed to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare the student
to obtain future employment as a Professional Pet Groomer. This course may also prepare the student
for the management of a grooming salon.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course concentrates on all levels of grooming, with an emphasis on the finished appearance
of the pet. The entire Bather / Brusher Program course is included as a part of the Professional Grooming Program. In addition, scissors techniques in layer cutting, thinning, and line cutting are included in
the skills taught and practiced. The students will also master an understanding of breed standards,
as well as the ability to provide fine creative grooming for mixed breeds.

Students will complete an extensive study of dog and cat breeds, and conduct in-depth research
of temperament, structure and movement. Practical experience in dog obedience is also included.

PREREQUISITE

High school diploma or GED certificate, and a genuine love of animals.

LENGTH OF COURSE

720 hours

TUITTION AND FEES

Registration Fee: $ 100.00 To accompany application

Tuition: Collected pursuant to Rule #3332-1-10

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

See Required Equipment & Materials page

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS

Students must purchase all required equipment for the program of study. Equipment may be purchased
from the academy. Students may purchase equipment from another source, but the equipment to be purchased must meet the academy’s approval of type and quality.

BRUSHER / BATHER PROGRAM

Books & Reading Materials

Complete Dog Book, the American Kennel Club, Newest Edition (optional)

Equipment

Grooming apron or smock

2 Universal Brushes – 1 large & 1 small

2 Nail Trimmers

Large (Miller Forge recommended)

Medium

Styptic Powder

Ear Powder

Ear Cleaner

Forceps – non-locking (curved or straight)

Detangler Spray (such as Quicker Slicker or The Stuff)

Greyhound Comb – 7 ½ “ to 8”

Grooming Noose

Magnet comb / stripping comb (magnet stripper)

Matt Breaker

Dremel (buffer)

36-tooth thinner

6 1/2 in Curved shears

Flea Comb

Rubber Cury

Andis or Oster 2 Speed Clipper ( Andis recommended)

Moser by Wahl ARCO

Moser by Wahl Minni

Blade #10

Hounds Hair Mitt

Tool Box

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING PROGRAM

Books & Reading Materials

Complete Dog Book, the American Kennel Club, Newest Edition

Notes From the Grooming Table by Melissa Verplank

Poodle Clipping and Grooming the International reference, by Shirlee Kalstone

Equipment

All equipment listed above (brusher / bather program)

Additional Equipment required for Professional Grooming Program

Blades

15, 30, 7, 7F, 5, 5F, 4, 4F, 9, 3 ¾, 3 ¾ F

Snap-on Combs – set of small & set of large Romani

Blade Wash

Clipper Lubricant

Scissors: (K-9 Monks recommended)

10 “ Straight

10” Curve

8” Straight

8” Curve

Thinning shears – 46-tooth

Scissors Holster

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Any student who has a grievance with the school or an instructor should first discuss the problem
with the instructor or school director. If a resolution is not reached, the student should make a written
complaint and submit it to the school director asking for a written response. When a satisfactory
resolution of the problem is not obtained the student may contact the State of Ohio Board of Career
Colleges and Schools, 35 East Gay Street, Suite 403, Columbus, Ohio 43215, (614) 466-2752,
toll free 877-275-4219

GENERAL APPLICATION

141 East McPherson Hwy.

Clyde, Ohio 43410

(419) 547- DOGS

(419) 547-3647

Name ______________________________ Home Phone _______________

Address ____________________________ Work Phone ________________

City ________________________________ State ____ Zip Code _________

Education Completed ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Please submit copy of diploma(s) or GED ceritficate.

List last 3 jobs and job responsibilities:

________________________________________________________________

List 3 hobbies:

________________________________________________________________

Are you _____ left-handed or _____ right-handed? (please check one)

Do you have any physical handicaps? ____________

If yes, please explain: ______________________________________________

Are you taking any kind of medication? ____________

If yes, please explain: ______________________________________________

List personal pets: _________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

List any professional handling of animals and responsibilities:

________________________________________________________________

Explain, in 25 words or more, why you want to train in the field of Professional Pet Grooming.
Please use a separate sheet of paper if more space is needed.

________________________________________________________________