Diamond In The Ruff Educational And Training Program

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About

Diamond in the Ruff is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of pets, pet parents, and aspiring dog grooming professionals. We provide free and low-cost grooming services to underserved communities, pet parent education, pet supply assistance, groomer mentorship, continuing education, networking opportunities, and career development. Through our educational and training programs, we also provide hands-on dog grooming instruction, apprenticeship opportunities, and workforce development for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the pet grooming industry. Our goal is to make quality pet care and professional development more accessible while creating opportunities for individuals to learn, grow, and succeed in the grooming industry.

Policy and Terms

By enrolling in a Diamond in the Ruff educational or training program, participants agree to follow the program’s policies, safety procedures, and instructor guidelines. Participation Participants are expected to attend scheduled training, arrive on time, participate actively, and complete required assignments and hands-on training. Professional Conduct Respectful and professional behavior is required at all times. Harassment, bullying, threats, discrimination, theft, disruptive behavior, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol during training will not be tolerated. Animal Safety The safety and well-being of every animal is our priority. Participants must follow all animal-handling, grooming, sanitation, and equipment-safety instructions. Unsafe or inappropriate handling may result in removal from hands-on training or the program. Training Materials Diamond in the Ruff curriculum, forms, educational materials, logos, and training resources may not be copied, sold, distributed, or used as another person’s program without written permission. Attendance & Completion Participants must meet the attendance, training, skills, and assignment requirements established for their specific program to receive a certificate of completion. Program Removal Diamond in the Ruff reserves the right to suspend or remove participants who violate program policies, fail to meet requirements, or create a safety or professional concern. No Guarantee Completion of a Diamond in the Ruff program does not guarantee employment, clients, income, business success, licensure, or certification unless specifically stated by the program. Agreement By enrolling, participants acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to follow these policies and terms. Diamond in the Ruff Educating. Empowering. Building the next generation of professional groomers.

Contact

Contact

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Address

2821 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704, USA

Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

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All services

Beginner Dog Bather Training

Basic bathing, drying, brushing, nail care, ear cleaning, handling and salon safety This class will be for 4 hours

4 h | $150

Advanced Bather and Salon Skills

6 Hour Class 30 min: Safety, handling & salon workflow 1 hr: Coat types, products & bathing techniques 1.5 hrs: Advanced bathing & conditioning 1.5 hrs: High-velocity drying, brushing & coat preparation 1 hr: Nails, ears, sanitary care & finishing 30 min: Troubleshooting, cleanup & final evaluation

7 h | $300

Beginner Dog Grooming Program

Diamond in the Ruff’s Dog Grooming Program is an educational and hands-on training program designed to prepare individuals for a career in professional dog grooming. Students learn proper dog handling, bathing, drying, brushing, coat care, nail and ear care, grooming techniques, salon safety, sanitation, equipment use, and professional salon practices. The program is designed to help beginners build confidence and practical skills while providing guidance from experienced grooming professionals. Students also have opportunities to learn about career development, continuing education, professional networking, and the grooming industry. Our goal is to provide accessible, quality education that helps individuals develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to pursue employment or further training in the dog grooming industry.

5 min | $3,000

Private Grooming Mentorship

Diamond in the Ruff’s Private Grooming Mentorship provides personalized, one-on-one instruction for groomers who want to improve their skills, build confidence, and advance their careers. Each session is tailored to the groomer’s individual experience and goals, with hands-on guidance in areas such as grooming techniques, breed-specific styling, handling, time management, equipment use, salon workflow, and problem-solving. Mentorship is ideal for beginner and experienced groomers who want focused instruction, additional practice, competition preparation, or professional guidance. Sessions are $125 for a half day.

5 h | $125

Pet Grooming Basics

Pet Grooming Basics is an introductory class designed to teach pet parents the essential skills needed to safely maintain their dog’s grooming needs between professional appointments. Participants learn basic brushing and coat care, bathing, drying, nail care, ear cleaning, proper grooming tools, safe handling, and how to recognize early signs of matting or other grooming concerns. The class focuses on hands-on education and practical skills that pet parents can use at home to keep their dogs clean, comfortable, and on a consistent grooming schedule.

1 h 30 min | $35

How To Properly Brush Your Dog

This hands-on class teaches pet parents how to properly brush their dogs based on coat type, length, and grooming needs. Participants will learn how to choose the right brush and comb, properly section the coat, brush without causing discomfort, prevent tangles and matting, and safely maintain the coat between professional grooming appointments. The class also covers common brushing mistakes, how often dogs should be brushed, and when a professional groomer should be contacted for severe tangles or matting.

1 h | $25

Puppy Grooming Introduction

This class is designed to help new puppy parents introduce their puppies to grooming in a safe, positive, and stress-free way. Participants will learn how to introduce puppies to brushing, bathing, dryers, nail trims, ear cleaning, grooming tools, and being handled on a grooming table. The class focuses on building positive associations with grooming from an early age, recognizing signs of stress, and creating simple grooming routines at home. The goal is to help puppies become more comfortable with grooming so future professional grooming appointments are easier and less stressful.

1 h 30 min | $35

This class is designed to help new puppy parents introduce their puppies to grooming in a safe, positive, and stress-free way. P

The Pet Grooming Workshop is a hands-on educational experience designed to give pet parents practical skills they can use at home between professional grooming appointments. Participants will learn basic brushing, bathing, drying, nail care, ear cleaning, coat maintenance, proper use of grooming tools, and safe handling techniques. The workshop also covers matting prevention, common grooming mistakes, and how to recognize when a pet needs professional grooming. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance from an experienced grooming professional.

2 h | $50