Become a Master Groomer Behavior Specialist!
Get a diploma from a licensed school in New Hampshire!
This Online Course is part of the WPGA Global Campus. New classes start regularly. For more information, go to WholePetNH.com.
MGBS Diploma
Behavior problems are when dogs get hurt, people get hurt, equipment gets broken, and owners get upset. This program will give groomers the tools they need to safely work with dogs that have difficulty with the grooming process. We will discuss preventing problems, talking to owners, understanding various training principles, doing a functional behavior assessment, making and implementing a behavior modification plan, and the humane aspects of animal handling. This course has online modules as well as weekly zoom classroom discussions that are essential to understanding and processing all of the information in a fun and friendly environment.
About the Program
This diploma program is offered by The Whole Pet Grooming Academy, a licensed post-secondary trade school in NH and is designed for groomers who want to deepen their skills in canine behavior. The entire program is completed online with live, interactive classes held on Mondays and Wednesdays via Zoom — there are no weekend classes.
Your instructor, Chrissy Neumyer Smith, is the host of the award-winning Creating Great Grooming Dogs podcast and brings decades of hands-on grooming and behavior experience into every class.
Browse this page for more details on course content, expectations, and schedules. We look forward to helping you grow as a Master Groomer Behavior Specialist!
Level 1
Behavior And How It Relates To Grooming
In this 8-week 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. Don't have time for an 8-week class? ***This class is now available as 2 online workshops!***
Level 2
Basic Handling Skills
In this 8-week course, the student will learn how to handle behavior problems during the grooming process, how to asses the behavior, how to apply basic training techniques, and the safe use of 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
In this 8-week 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
In this 8-week course, the student will learn more advanced behavior and training techniques to be able 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.
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1024,cg:true)
2025 Start Dates
Mon, June 23 at noon EST
Mon, July 28 at 4:00 PM EST
Mon, August 11 at 2:00 PM EST
Mon, September 8 at 7:30 PM EST
Wed, October 15 at 7:30 PM EST