Upper Hound Reviews

I completed my training at upper hound last year. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. To be honest I never wanted to leave. All the staff are so welcoming and really make you feel comfortable when learning. This training academy really cares about the wellbeing of its dogs and it’s trainee groomers. This was so important to me. I found it extremely helpful to see the upper hound salon next door in full swing everyday and to see how they worked. If you are thinking about training to be a groomer go and meet Kate and the team at upper hound and I’m sure you will feel it’s the place for you as soon as you walk through the door just like I did. I honestly feel like part of a big upper hound family even though I haven’t been there in a while. I could go on. But just do it. You won’t regret it.

I started my course with Upper Hound over a year ago now. I’ve worked alongside horses all my life, but I was ready for a new challenge and change of work. From the very first taster session at Upper Hound, I felt completely welcomed. The small group size meant I received plenty of one-on-one support, which really boosted my confidence. The pace of the course was perfect, and watching the salon next door in action made everything click. Some sessions were challenging at first, but completing them was incredibly rewarding. The course timings fitted seamlessly around my life, and the team were always flexible and encouraging. I’m now thrilled to have started up my own home salon, feeling confident and loving it!! I would highly recommend Upper Hound to anyone considering a career change into dog grooming.

Making a huge career change at 51 felt daunting, and I genuinely didn’t think I was capable. But the environment at Upper Hound Training Academy was perfect for learning, building confidence, and developing real skills through excellent hands-on training. I completed Level 3 and have now set up my own business, Leaps & Hounds Dog Grooming, on the Isle of Wight — something I’m proud of. Kate, Danielle, and the entire Upper Hound team are unbelievably positive and supportive. They have a rare ability to nurture confidence and create a truly encouraging learning environment. I’m still in touch with Kate, Danielle and my fellow students. I remain ever thankful for their ongoing support. I couldn’t have done this without them.

I have recently completed my training course with Upper Hound Training Academy, and I can honestly say it was a very positive experience. I was in desperate need of a career change and decided to pursue dog grooming. I was extremely nervous at first, but Kate, Danielle, and the rest of the team made me feel welcome from day one. They taught me how to groom professionally and just as importantly, gave me the confidence to go out on my own. The course itself is great and provides face on experience with grooming 40 dogs in a typical salon environment. I am very grateful for the support and expertise I received from the ladies and would recommend to anyone looking to start their career in dog grooming!

Upper Hound was perfect for me! Coming from 13 years in vet nursing, I wanted a hands-on course that fitted around family life 9:30–2 worked brilliantly. The support and small classes gave me confidence fast, and doing my first full dog solo was a real “I can do this!” moment. Learning alongside others and getting practical guidance made all the difference. I’m now fully set up with my mobile grooming van and ready to start my business. If you love dogs and want real, practical training, this is the place to be!

I have completed the dog grooming course at Upper Hound where I completed my level 3, and I couldn't recommend this course more! Best decision I made. I wanted a course from level one to three without it being overwhelming, and the small group environment was perfect. The induction and timings worked really well, and travelling from Reading gave me time to settle in. At first I compared myself to others, but focusing on my own progress was so rewarding. Learning handling skills and seeing my confidence grow with each dog has been amazing. I’m now ready to open my own home salon, with a website and waiting list already set up. The support, guidance, and hands-on experience have been brilliant. I’d highly recommend Upper Hound to anyone starting a career in dog grooming. The team at Upper Hound have been so supportive throughout the course and even after finishing I know they're there if I need any guidance. Thank you Upper Hound Training Academy 💖🐶

From the start, the small, friendly classes and hands-on approach made learning so enjoyable. I’ve learned so much about grooming, handling, and scissoring — and even got to help newer students, which really boosted my confidence. I loved working with all the dogs, especially the resident Chihuahua, and seeing each groom transform. The schedule was perfect for fitting around life, and the support from Kate and the team was brilliant. I’ve made friends along the way, gained real confidence, and I’m ready to start my own grooming journey with my first dogs already booked in. Upper Hound is the perfect mix of practical learning, encouragement, and fun — I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to turn their love of dogs into a career. Thank you so much. Vicky Munday

I had an amazing experience learning to become a dog groomer with Kate and Danielle. They were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive throughout the entire process. They explained everything clearly, took the time to answer all my questions, and made sure I felt confident with each new skill. I learned so much from them, both technically and practically, and they genuinely care about helping their students succeed. I couldn’t have asked for better teachers and would highly recommend training with Kate and Danielle to anyone interested in dog grooming.

Training at Upper Hound has honestly been such a positive experience. From my very first introduction day, I felt completely at ease — Kate, Danielle and the UH team are so welcoming, patient, and encouraging. I started with zero experience but the way the course is structured is brilliant and working with a range of other fellow students is a great way to learn from others too. I’ve learned to handle all sorts of dogs, from tiny Chihuahuas and Cockapoos to larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers. The course is practical and realistic, with plenty of hands-on experience, and the support, advise and guidance hasn’t stopped now I’ve completed my course. I know I can always reach out if I’m unsure about something. Thanks to Upper Hound, I feel I have gained the foundations to start my own salon (Paws & Reflect). If you want to learn in a friendly, patient, fun but professional environment, this is the place!

I took my 1 year old pup here for the first time a few weeks ago after moving from London and this was her first groom without me being there. The girls were friendly, approachable and accommodating. They also understood my dog may be a bit unsure being on her own for the first time but they assured me she behaved excellently. She looked and smelled beautiful after the groom. We have booked back in for January!

Another 7 star job done by the lovely ladies at upper hound. Rocky loves going to tou guys and he said thank you for making me look handsome again. He's off to the pub to find some ladies 😀. A great groomers and never disappoints ! Many thanks Andy and louise x

Kate and her team always go above and beyond every time they have my dogs in for their grooms. My dogs get so excited to go to them each time. They come out so well groomed, smelling lovely and so soft and happy to have been in their company. Such a lovely atmosphere in the salon. I would definitely recommend Upper Hound for all your dog grooming needs. My cavapoos Winnie and Roo love them. Thanks so much Steph xx

We booked our son's and his partner's dogs in at fairly short notice. Both dogs live in Walton On Thames but there were no appts until September! It was the best decision we made. Rollo and Tara were new dogs after a fantastic groom. The dog's parent's were so impressed they're coming back here for their next groom. Thank you Upper Hound.

1st visit to Upper Hound with Nancy for her 1st puppy groom. She looked beautiful. Really lovely groomer, so friendly and obviously loves doing the job that she has trained for. Big thank you from Nancy xx

Been taking my Shih tzu to them since he was a puppy , they moved to New location and he loves to go see them. Very knowledgeable, breed reliable for all breeds. Once we arrive it's like we don't exist, had some lovely photos of him. Highly recommended

Fantastic service. Friendly and caring. Excellent grooming. Quick response to booking enquiries.

I am very pleased at my first experience here. Came to get the dentals for two ex racing greyhounds. Both dogs were happy to go in and suitably fussed over. We will be back on a regular basis I'm sure.