Catalog

Merryfield School of Pet Grooming Catalog
954.771.4030 5040 * NE 13th Ave * Ft.Lauderdale, FL 33334


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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Names and Titles of Administration
Academic Calender
School Holidays
Legal Control
Admission Requirements
Description of Physical Facilities and Equipment
Description of Course of Study
Student Grades
Program Length
Explanation of Satisfactory Progress
Awarding of Diplomas
Fees and Charges
Financing
Refund Policy
Termination Policyt
Student Services
Student Conduct
Student Grievance Policies


Names and Titles of Administrators

Michael Lamb Instructor: Started his career in 1976 and was taught his skills by Professional Dog Show Handlers. Michael is a Certified Groomer from the NDGAA. He has worked extensively with well known shop owners such as Terri Di Marino, Kathy Rose (Pets of Perfection) The Loving Touch in Kendal Fl. Michael has participated in grooming competitions in Florida and has been appointed a Judge in grooming competitions in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. He has given Seminars in "Show Handling and Presenting the Well Groomed Dog". His Miniature Poodles are currently being shown at Westminster and he has previously received Top Miniature Breeder of the Year Awards (1990) He is one of the Top Miniature Poodle Breeders in The United States with over 100 champions to his credit. His dogs are currently being shown in Spain and Japan.

Gregg Docktor Director of Operations, Admissions Director: Previously ran a Dog grooming school that was licensed by the "Florida State Board of Independent Post Secondary Vocational Technical Trade and Business Schools". It ran for approximately 15 years. Gregg also had a 3 store chain of grooming shops, "Just 4 Paws" In addition, he also had a 3 store chain of Puppy stores called "Merryfield Kennels" Today, Merryfield Motel for Pets and Day Care is a business that caters to pets which have apartment suites for dogs and cats as well as all types of dog training. We also have a complete Animal Hospital that is under lease to a Veterinarian. Gregg also owned and operated "Dr. Clayton Pet Specialties" along with his late father Norman. This was a product line that was distributed nationally to pet stores and large box retailers. Gregg grew up in the industry; his father was responsible for more that 250 retail pet outlets called "Docktor Pet Centers"

See www.merryfieldmotel.com for further information on current business activities that Gregg Docktor is engaged in. Mr. Docktor has been involved in the Pet industry for over 34 years at the location where this new school will be located.

Irina "Pina" Pinkusevich: Emigrated from the Ukraine in 1989. The passion for Professional Grooming was immediate when she was introduced to the industry. She was taught by a Certified Master Groomer and from top breeders and professional handlers. She also gained tremendous insights from top grooming competitors. Pina worked for "Shear Delight" in New York City and later purchased the salon. She owned it for 10 successful years. After selling that salon she went to work for one of the most prestigious and well known salons in Manhattan, "Doggie-Do and Pussycats Too" Pina groomed many celebrities pets including Jennifer Lopez, Betsy Johnson (the well known designer) Puff Daddy, Patricia Fields and many Broadway stars. She was asked to help open "Canine Ranch" their desire for her to be involved was due to her well known talents and prior successes. Pina decided to open another business, along with her partner she designed and built "Fancy Schmancy Dog" www.fancyshmancydog.com

Pina moved to Florida and started to work for "Grooming by Tina" During the 16 years of being a part of the Pet Industry she has also shown and handled Standard Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Shar-Pei

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Homero "Homer" Gardin:born in Cuba and immigrated to the US in 1968. He grew up in Chicago and became interested in the Pet Grooming Industry from a young age. He would visit his aunt in Miami during the summer. She owned a grooming salon and he would help her out with bathing and other duties. He was willing to do anything to help.

Homer was a student of the Merryfield School in the 80's. He became a teacher and taught at the school for 3 years. During this time, Homer implemented classroom techniques and programs designed to aide the students in preparing the opening and running of their own businesses. Homer, together with Michael Lamb, bred and showed Poodles and was often involved in lending his grooming skills to other show people in the rings.

He is bilingual, speaking fluent Spanish (his first language) as well as English. Homer originally worked Customer Service for Sears Corporation then, Unocal Chemicals Division including translating documents and dealing directly with the Hispanic clientele.

After leaving Merryfield, Homer established and operated his own salon. He was approached by a husband and wife that requested him to teach them Professional Pet grooming. After the apprenticeship was completed, they asked him for input in the design and establishment of their own salon, which is now the well known, "Loving Touch Grooming Salon" in Miami. It is the top rated grooming shop in the Nation. This is based on sales, customer satisfaction, service and quality! It opened in 1992, with Homer's help in designing the shop, establishing cl ientele and running of the business. The shop, within 2 years was able to groom up to 120 dogs a day! This was done with the help of up to 4 groomers, 4 bathers, 2 roughers, an office staff and a very loyal clientele. Homer has now returned to Merryfield School of Pet Grooming to continue his enjoyment of teaching and sharing his knowledge with future groomers!

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Academic Calender

Program Start Dates: A student may start the first Monday of any month. We main-stream all students.

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School Hoildays

  • Memorial Day Monday - Monday May 29th, 2006
  • July 4th - Tuesday, 2006
  • Labor Day - Monday September 4, 2006
  • Thanksgiving - Thursday November 23, 2006
  • Christmas Break - Monday December 25 to January 2, 2007

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Legal Control of Merryfield School of Pet Grooming, Inc.

Gregg Docktor, President


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Admission Requirements

The student must be 18 years of age; otherwise a parent or legal guardian must consent and register the student with their approval. The enrolling student must have a high school diploma or GED. Prior grooming industry experience is not necessary. Merryfield School of Pet Grooming does not discriminate against race, gender, age or religion. There is physical work involved with this trade, and it may cause a restriction to those that have physical handicaps or limitations. If you are denied entry or dismissed from the Merryfield, those records will remain on file for at least one year. Merryfield School of Pet Grooming does not allow credit from other grooming institutions. Likewise, because of non-accredited status, transfer of credit to other institutions is up to that receiving institution.


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Description of Physical Facilities and Equiptment

Merryfield School of Dog Grooming is housed inside of Merryfield Motel for Pets and Day Care. It occupies approximately 1500 square feet of dedicated lab space where teaching occurs. Within the lab there are professional grooming stations, raised tubs, dryers, and audio/visual aids. The quit lab has computers and video equipment for further independent study. As needs come up, there is use of more space to accommodate national guest seminars.

Merryfield Kennels, Inc. d/b/a/ Merryfield Motel for Pets and Day Care is a 16,000 square foot facility that occupies a little less than 1 acre in East Ft. Lauderdale. It has 53 luxury pet suites for boarding pets and a training facility for off leash dog training.

Animal Hospital at Merryfield is a full service hospital facility with a practice limited to dogs and cats. It occupies approximately 3200 square feet within Merryfield.


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Description of Physical Facilities and Equiptment

There are 5 units that comprise the Pet grooming program. (Each clock hour is defined as 50 minutes of class instruction with a ten minute break)

Unit #1 (50 Hours)
Course Code: PG101 "Basics"
Introduction and orientation classes; familiarization with grooming equipment. Orientation on the bathing of long and short haired breeds as well as smaller breeds such as Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers and Maltese. The proper techniques of nail clipping, cauterizing and ear cleaning. Orientation in the proper operation of hair drying techniques and proper methods of combing, brushing and dematting.The basics of clipper use for face, feet, tail, pads, stomach and genital areas. Introduction to cats, including claw clipping, taping and effective restraint techniques.

Unit #2 (150 Hours)
Course Code: PG102 "Terriers/Spaniels/Breed Recognition"
Introduction into various Terrier breeds such as: Airedales, Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Schnauzers, etc. Introduction to Spaniels, i.e. American Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Introduction to basic kennel clips on Peek-a-poos, Cocker-Poos and mix breeds. During the training program, there will be lectures and visual aids on breed recognition, first aid, equipment care and maintenance, demonstrations on styling, obedience training, when available, and related business opportunities after graduation.

Unit #3 (100 Hours)
Course Code: PG103 "Poodles/Customer Relations"
Introduction to Poodles including various feet and facial styles- canine skin care - orientation on Inspection for animal diseases of the skin - introduction to office procedures and customer booking techniques. At this stage, (300 hrs.) the average student will be grooming 3 dogs.

Unit #4 (200 hours)
Course Code PG 104 "Full Scissoring/Speed Grooming"
Introduction to hand scissoring, progressing to more sophisticated patterns on Poodles, including "Continental", "Town & Country" styles. Introduction to full scissor clips, i.e. the Bichon Frise and Bedligton Terrier. Perfection of scissor work continues, with emphasis on speed introduced. After Unit #4, (500 hrs), the student will be grooming 5 dogs.

Unit #5 (100 hours)
Course Code PG 105 "Externship"
The student is now placed in an actual grooming job for the last 100 hours. The externship, which is a part of the teaching program, is a non-paid placement. This offers an on-the-job experience, whereby the student can perform the grooming skills learned - including customer relations, time management, sales techniques, etc. At this point, the student will be grooming between 6 to 9 dogs, of various sizes per 8 hour business day. Upon completion of 600 hours, the student will be required to groom 6 dogs of various sizes in 61/2 hours and receive a minimum (70%) or "C" grade on the Final written test. A certificate of completion is then awarded to the graduate.


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Student Grades

Hands on learning-evaluated by instructor:60% of grade
Written tests: 20% of grade
Attendance: 20% of grade


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Program Length

The program length is 600 hours. Day classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30am to 2:30pm with a half hour lunch break. Night classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursaday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Saturday which is a part of the nightprogram is held from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The externship hours may be different, depending upon the salon hours. It should take the student 37 weeks to complete the program (Approx 8 months). The school will allow you 12 months (900 hours) to complete the program as the maximum time period to graduate the program.


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Explanation of Satisfactory Progress

Each unit is graded along with each pet groomed. At the halfway point in the unit, if the student is not progressing with at least a 70% cumulative grade, then academic probation will occur. This will mean that the student will meet with the instructor after each class and discuss the way to improve on the course objectives and to help the student get back to at least a 70% grade. At that point, the student will be removed from probation.

If improvement does not happen, then a 2 week suspension will occur. If after re-admittance and if the student still shows unsatisfactory improvement, then it will be a final dismissal.


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Awarding of Diplomas

Diplomas are awarded when the student successfully completes all 5 units of the program. The tuition must be paid in full.


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Fees and Charges

Tuition - $7500.00
Equipment (not sold by the school, but by special agreement that wholesale prices will be honored from area distributors to our enrolling students excluding textbooks. - $535.40 approx.

The equipment list is as follows:
All Breed Dog Grooming Guide and Cat Grooming Guide by Sam Kohl OsterGoldenA-5 or Andis Clipper Blades:10,81/2,15,4,5,7,5/5,30 Snap on Combs Sizes 1,11/2 ,2 Resco Jumbo nail clippers, Universal slicker brushes, Large and Small, Thinning Shears 7" 46 tooth and 30 tooth, 81/4" Hollow Ground Scissor

At the time of enrollment, a $100 deposit is required. If for any reason the enrollment is rejected, the student will be refunded all monies on deposit with the school within 30 days. If you purchase your equipment from other vendors, the school is not responsible for refunds of that purchased equipment if your enrollment is rejected.

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Financing

An independent finance company is in contract with the school to provide financing to those students who qualify. It is not a government sponsored entitlement. Eligibility for the loan is solely at the discretion of the lender and the school has no influence on the loan application whatsoever. There is an obligation on the part of the borrower to repay the loan along with any and all interest. Information at the time of loan origination will be detailed.


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Refund Policy

The School's refund policy complies with Fair Consumer Practices. Should the student be terminated or cancelled for any reason, all refunds will be made according to the following schedule:

1. Cancellation must be made in person or by certified mail.

2. All monies will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted by the school or if the student cancels within 3 business days after signing the enrollment agreement and making the initial payment.

3. Cancellation after the third business day, but before the first class, will result in a refund of all monies paid, with the exception of the equipment and textbooks because they are purchased from outside vendors.

4. Cancellation after attendance has begun, but prior to 50% completion of the program, will result in a Pro Rata refund computed on the number of hours completed to the total program hours.

5. Cancellation after completing 50% of the program will result in no refund.

6. Termination date is the last day of actual attendance, unless earlier written notice is received.

7. Refunds will be made within 30 days of termination or receipt of cancellation.
8. Merryfield School of Pet Grooming will keep records on file permanently for any student who is dismissed or denied entry.


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Termination Policy

A student may be dismissed by the Director of Operations of the Merryfield School of Pet Grooming prior to completion of the program for the following reasons and are not limited to only those reasons:

1. Insufficient academic progress as previously stated.

2. Failure to comply with rules outlined in the catalog covering the Code of Conduct

3. Nonpayment of tuition under the terms agreed upon when initially enrolled


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Student Services

When the student successfully completes the program, the school will assist the graduate with job placement at no additional charge. Please understand that this is not a job guarantee. There is not a direct or indirect guarantee implied.

A diploma will be given to each student who successfully completes the program and satisfies all requirements. The school will provide a list of realtors who may assist with weekly/monthly apartment rentals. There are also extended stay hotels within a few miles of the school.

The school library is located within the computer lab room. It consists of periodicals and books related to our field.


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Student Conduct

Students are expected to conduct and dress themselves in a professional manor at all times. Foul language, possession of unprescribed drugs, alcoholic beverages, being disrespectful are all considered to be unsatisfactory conduct that may be grounds for dismissal. A student who conducts her/himself in a manor that's detrimental to the school, staff or other students will be terminated. Theft of property from the school or other students is grounds for immediate dismissal along with prosecution.


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Student Grievance Policies

Students are encouraged to voice their grievances with the school in writing to school directors. We will make every attempt to rectify legitimate problems. If you are unable to resolve the problem with the school, you may seek further assistance by contacting:
Commission for Independent Education
Executive Director
325 West Gaines Street
Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399
850-245-3200 or 888-224-6684



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