Our Award-Winning Behaviour Grooming
Diploma
The UK’s most comprehensive behaviour-led grooming qualification.
Develop the knowledge, confidence and skills to support dogs in a way that enhances welfare and transforms your professional practice.
What to expect
Enrolling on the HGA Behaviour Grooming Diploma helps you to build confidence, practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of canine behaviour and welfare principles.
You’ll progress through 13 carefully designed modules at your own pace, supported by evidence and ongoing tutor guidance. Rather than simply teaching how to groom, the diploma explores why dogs behave the way they do, helping you make informed decisions that improve the emotional experience dog’s have, increase salon safety and enhance overall outcomes.
Whether you choose Digital Learning or the Premium Printed Learning Pack, you’ll receive the same recognised certification with flexible study options designed to fit around work, family and existing commitments.
Throughout your journey, you’ll become a part of a growing community of professionals committed to raising industry standards in behaviour-led, welfare-focused dog grooming.
This is not just another online course.
Behaviour first.
We teach understanding, not just handling. Because every dog communicates.
Welfare always.
Every decision is guided by science, ethics and a commitment to improve a dog’s quality of life.
Better experiences.
Better for dogs, better for dog carers and better for the professionals who care for them.
Choose how you’d like to study
Immediate access
Study anywhere, anytime
Interactive downloadable materials
Access to tutor e-mail support
Lower cost
International Students Welcome
DIGITAL LEARNING
£1,599 £127
pay for course in full
pay per module
PREMIUM PRINTED LEARNING PACK
Everything in Digital Learning, plus
Printed Behaviour Grooming Manual
Printed Student Workbook
Posted directly to your home
Premium learning experience
UK Mainland Only
or
£1,698
PLUS shipping
Flexible payment options
OPTION ONE
Complete Certification
£1,599 /£1698
one-off payment
instant access to 13 modules
24 months to complete
1-2-1 tutor support
Graduate upon completion
24 MONTHS
TO COMPLETE
OPTION TWO
Pay Module-by-Module
£127
per module
13 modules
3 months per module
Max. 39 months overall
Ideal if spreading costs
3 MONTHS
PER MODULE
Meet Your HGA Tutors
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![Stephanie Zikmann HGA Founder - The Holistic Dog Groomer]()
Stephanie Zikmann
HGA FOUNDER & COURSE WRITER
Hi, Im Stephanie, a Level 5 Canine Behaviourist, Dog Trainer and Professional Dog Groomer and the Founder of The HGA.My main mission is to shift how we measure success within the professional grooming industry through a science backed, welfare-centred approach to dog care.
I absolutely love working alongside like-minded pet professionals who share the same love and passion for advancing our industry’s education.
I’m particularly proud of The Applied Behaviour and Welfare Grooming Framework - something I would love to see form the benchmark of future professional grooming standards.
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![Vanessa Barber - Wag Wagatha Christie]()
Vanessa Barber
OWNER OF WAG-WAGATHA CHRISTIE
Hi, I’m Vanessa, a Level 5 Behaviour Grooming Specialist and the founder of Wag-Wagatha Christie.
My work is shaped by lived experience, empathy, and a belief that grooming should never be something a dog simply endures.
After training in dog grooming, I saw firsthand how many dogs were overwhelmed or misunderstood during the process, and I knew the industry needed a more welfare-focused approach.
Now, I combine behaviour knowledge with gentle, consent-based handling to support anxious, sensitive, and rescue dogs at their own pace right here in Nantwich.
Follow my journey via my blog using the button below!
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![Clare Hudson-Hill]()
Clare Hudson-Hill
OWNER OF RAGGY RASCALS HOLISTIC GROOMING & PET SERVICES
I’m Clare, the owner of Raggy Rascals Holistic Dog Grooming and Pet Services.
I provide one-to-one, consent-based grooming from my home-based, crate-free salon, with just one dog at a time. This allows me to focus entirely on your dog’s comfort, security, and individual needs.
Your journey begins by booking an introduction call. This allows us to make initial contact before scheduling your visit. We will discuss past experiences, home environment and anything that you struggle with at home as well as your dogs needs and your expectations.
Visit my website below!
What former students say…
I recently enrolled on the holistic grooming academy diploma and loving it! Super friendly tutor and other students, learning so much and only on Unit 1 so far - can't wait to delve in deeper, great support already too 🥰
— Charlotte Betts | HGA Graduate“An absolutely fabulous and engaging course which I really loved every minute of, it even helped me relax when I was doing every Unit as I found it so therapeutic! Loved every Unit and my confidence has grown after realising that there are other folk like me who want to dig deeper into understanding and making our little furry friends as happy as can be in a safe and trusting environment. Great guidance and tutors too!”
- Carrie Cook | HGA Graduate“This course gave me the confidence to completely reinvent my business and work the way I truly want to. Stephanie was a fantastic tutor (and is still a huge support to me now). I spent years trying to find a grooming course that matched my ethics and values and this ticked every box. It’s the perfect mix of behaviour and grooming. If you’re questioning whether or not to do the course my advice is don’t hesitate!”
— Daniella Malcolm-Stewart | HGA GraduateJoin the
HGA Community today!
One of the most beneficial parts of becoming a student of the HGA is our community of like-minded professionals, all of whom are making waves in our industry every day.
All of our graduates, and many of our students have gone on to feature in both national and international publications, events, and conferences as industry experts in the field of Behaviour Grooming Science - a field, we are proud to have pioneered.
To get involved and start the next chapter of your professional journey, simply register your interest today!
Listen to what Victoria of Happy Henry’s has to say about her time with The HGA!
Get started!
