Scotgroom
Excellence in Dog Grooming Training
By experience
By reputation
By grooming and teaching qualifications
Whether you were searching for the best dog groomer or looking to learn about dog grooming as a hobby or career, Scotgroom provided expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Scotgroom’s Legacy
Agnes has now retired, and Scotgroom is no longer offering grooming or training services. Founded in 1999, Scotgroom trained hundreds of groomers who have since built successful businesses and competed at national and international levels.
Many groomers sought Agnes’s expertise before sitting their exams, as she served as a City & Guilds Examiner for several years.
International Success
Agnes has competed internationally and was a proud member of GroomTeam Scotland, representing the country in:
1999 – London, UK
2001 – Calgary, Canada
2005 – Montpellier, France
2007 – Milan, Italy
Among her many achievements, she was awarded Cardinal Crystal International Groomer of the Year (2004) at Intergroom, New Jersey, USA, and an International Gold Medal (2005). She has also judged at Eurogroom, Prague Best, and Dublin.
Agnes continues to dedicate her time to showing and judging Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles, as well as various Gundog breeds, with great success.
Qualifications
Agnes holds:
City & Guilds 7750 with Distinction (now the 7750-03 Advanced Certificate in Dog Grooming)
Advanced Grooming Diploma (now the Higher Diploma in Dog Grooming)
LCGI Licentiateship in Dog Grooming – the highest award in dog grooming, recognising her as a master craftsman in Europe
Membership of the Guild of Master Groomers and the Cardinal Crystal Academy
Units in Training & Development and a Further Education Adult Teaching Certificate
Featured grooming techniques in two Styling Academy dog grooming DVDs
Expert Grooming Tips from Scotgroom
Grooming at Home
Use a grooming spray when brushing.
Ask a groomer (not a pet shop) to recommend the right equipment.
Book regular appointments with your groomer.
Teach your dog to stand on a table or work surface with a rubber mat.
Choosing a Groomer
Ensure they are a bona fide business.
Check they have proper insurance.
Verify their qualifications with the Pet Care Trust.
Confirm they have secure facilities to prevent escapes.
Assess their knowledge of your breed.
Do they offer advice and guidance?
Teaching a Puppy to be Groomed
Start early!
Attend puppy training days at your groomer.
Brush and comb awkward areas daily.
Get your puppy used to having its mouth, ears, paws, and face handled.
Reward after grooming, not during.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Nearly all dogs need a slicker brush and comb.
A slicker brush has a rounded head with bent pins.
Use grooming spray to prevent tangles – it won’t remove existing knots.
Grooming Sick or Elderly Dogs
Expecting an unwell or elderly dog to stand for long periods is unfair.
Clipping or tidying up is kinder than keeping a full coat.
Prioritise the dog’s welfare over its appearance – dogs are not embarrassed by being clipped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my dog has fleas?
Get a vet-recommended treatment and worm your dog for tapeworm (fleas are the intermediate host). Use a household flea spray in areas your dog frequents – fleas breed in carpets, sofas, and skirting boards, not just on your pet.
How do I prevent my dog’s coat from matting?
Choose a breed that suits your lifestyle.
If you own a coated breed (e.g., Cocker Spaniel, Bichon Frisé, Poodle), commit to daily brushing and combing.
Always dry and comb thoroughly after getting wet to prevent matting.
A short grooming lesson from a professional is invaluable.
How can I become a dog groomer?
Gain experience working with dogs, especially handling different temperaments.
Learn to recognise dog breeds – clients expect a knowledgeable groomer.
Read extensively on dog psychology, diseases, nutrition, and grooming challenges.
How long does it take to groom a dog?
At Scotgroom, we allocated approximately three hours per dog to ensure a stress-free experience. Grooming includes bathing, drying, ear and nail care, and styling. Behaviour and coat condition can also affect timing.
Scotgroom leaves behind a proud legacy of excellence in dog grooming education and training. While the school has now closed, Agnes’s influence continues through the many groomers she has trained and inspired.