HGA: Holistic Grooming Academy
Welfare focused education in holistic dog grooming and co-operative care.
The HGA | Behaviour Grooming Education.
The Holistic Grooming Academy (HGA) is home to hundreds of professional dog groomers and guardians with a passion for advancing the industry, and making the grooming experience more positive and ethical for dogs.
Through a range of webinars, memberships and courses, The HGA, is home to some of the most reputable further education resources in the grooming industry today.
Endorsed by some of the world’s leading and inspiring pet care experts, The HGA is the up-and-coming new industry baseline, introducing an entirely new, and revolutionary approach to professional grooming standards that will have processes totally reevaluate how animals are treated, and how “good” groomers are measured.
Reviews from Academy Students
Courses for Professionals
For groomers, pet care professionals and students who want to elevate industry standards through behaviour-led, welfare-first education.
Whether you’re an experienced groomer or just starting your professional journey, HGA’s courses help you deepen your understanding of dog behaviour, emotional safety, skin and coat health, and compassionate practice.
Courses include:
The HGA Behaviour Grooming Diploma
The iPET accredited, industry-leading qualification for groomers committed to welfare-first practice.
Professional Workshops & Webinars
Short, focused trainings for ongoing CPD and skills development.
These programmes are designed for anyone who wants to move beyond traditional grooming methods and become a more confident, ethical and dog-centred practitioner.
Courses for Dog Carers
For dog families and caregivers who want calmer, kinder, more cooperative grooming and everyday care at home. I can help if you feel overwhelmed, anxious or unsure about grooming your dog, especially if your dog struggles with stress, fear or sensitivity.
I have a range of mini courses available covering most common grooming woes from nail trimming to puppy grooming considerations, all designed to help you build confidence, deepen trust and understand the emotional side of grooming and wellbeing.
The HGA Behaviour Grooming Theory Course is also a great start for dedicated carers looking to branch into the pet care industry themselves.
I joined HGA as a guardian of a dog, who severely struggled with both grooming and handling in general. I think I might be the first guardian accepted to HGA, but I really needed to get support and gain knowledge, since we both struggled and our bond and mutual trust was strongly affected because of deep fear my dog was experiencing. In 2 years of studies, there is so much I learned about canine body, communication and techniqes, together with strategies on how to make grooming, handling and general care easier and less stressful for my dog and myself. This is a course that gives one knowledge, that extendes beyond ˝just˝ grooming. It extendes to all areas of living with a dog, since it gives you in depth understanding in importance of cooperation with your dog and also much clarity as to why a dog behaves as he does…understanding of reasons behind the behaviour. HGA also teaches the importance of giving your dog a voice and a choice, both resulting in a deeper connection and voluntary cooperation in return.
Vanja Matjaz
What makes the HGA different?
Behaviour-Led, Not Task-Led
Dogs aren’t groomed despite their feelings, their feelings lead the way.
Multi-Accredited & Industry-Recognised
HGA qualifications are endorsed by respected organisations across the pet-care sector, offering trusted CPD that supports real professional growth.
A Whole-Dog, Whole-Human Approach
We consider the emotional, physical and behavioural needs of dogs and the wellbeing, confidence and skillset of the humans supporting them.
Compassion at the Core
Kindness guides everything. From teaching methods to practical techniques, every lesson reinforces calmer, more ethical standards that raise the bar for the entire industry.
Ready to start your learning journey?
Whether you’re a guardian supporting a sensitive dog, or a professional looking to elevate your practice, The Holistic Grooming Academy has a pathway designed for you.
Explore the full range of courses, learn at your own pace, and join a community committed to raising grooming standards through compassion, confidence and evidence-led care.