Canine Grooming Course Makes Local Kennel Assistant Top Dog!

Cully Dimaline, Kennel Assistant at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), was looking to gain a better understanding of practical grooming skills for the working dogs at the DATR, based at Remount Barracks in Melton Mowbray.

Having previously earnt a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management at Brooksby College, Cully returned to the campus to attend the Level 2 Dog Grooming course, a part-time programme aimed at developing skills, knowledge, and techniques for grooming a variety of dogs. She said: “The course has been a really valuable experience. I wanted to gain a better understanding of different coat types, grooming techniques, health and safety, and the importance of maintaining dogs’ welfare throughout the grooming process.”

Throughout the course, which takes place once a week for a total of 17 weeks, Cully developed new techniques for caring for the dogs, who are trained to work for an array of departments within the Ministry of Defence. Based in Melton Mowbray, the DATR trains over 200 working dogs, and delivers animal handling training for more than 400 military personnel each year.

Reflecting on the course and facilities at Brooksby College, Cully shared: “I was able to learn a lot of new techniques and improve my confidence when grooming. I particularly valued learning about the correct equipment to use and how to groom dogs safely, comfortably, and effectively.

“The facilities at Brooksby College allowed me to develop my practical skills and gain hands-on experience grooming dogs. The lecturer supported my learning and helped me develop my understanding of the different aspects of dog grooming. Having the opportunity to put the theory into practice was particularly beneficial, as it allowed me to build my confidence and improve my technique.”

Since completing the course, Cully says she feels more confident and calmer whilst handling dogs and has been able to apply the skills developed during the course to her everyday work. “The training has helped me work more efficiently while maintaining a high standard of care and welfare.” She said. “After returning to work, I requested improved equipment, which has helped support improvements to the grooming facilities and encouraged a high standard of grooming and welfare for the working dogs.”

Looking back on her experience, Cully shared her enthusiasm for her newly developed skills. Expressing her satisfaction with the course, she shared: “The opportunity to attend the Dog Grooming course at Brooksby College has had a positive impact on my role. It has increased my confidence, improved my practical skills and given me a better understanding of how to maintain the coats and welfare of the working dogs. 

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to complete the course and continue developing my skills. I would recommend the course to my fellow staff members and others working with dogs, as the knowledge and skills gained can be applied directly to their professional roles.”