Smooth Coat Grooming Tips

Our Free course on what products you could use and how to use them on your smooth type coated dogs.

This is not a full fledged grooming course but rather a general outline on what products Allison has used when grooming smooth coated dogs. Allison not only shows you what product but gives basic instruction on how to use each one in easy to follow and understand video format. Each video is professionally shot and edited just like all of our Premium content here at Leading Edge Dog Show Academy.

Allison shows you what brushes and combs you could use. How to clean your dog's ears and how to apply chalk. She also walks you through different shampoos and how to use them. Conditioners and coat treatments are suggested. Tools to help you get your dog ring ready are also demonstrated.

With her knowledge and expertise having won all breed best in shows on every coat type Allison takes you through several suggestions for your dog. Easy to use links are provided if you wish to buy the products demonstrated so you know you are getting the correct product without worry.

For more in depth grooming instruction please refer to our Premium content such as Poodle University to learn poodle type coated grooming techniques beyond what is offered in this Free Tutorial.

Smooth coated dogs (for the purpose of this course) could include, but are not limited to Pointers, Whippets, Greyhounds, Boxers, Dobermans, Smooth Fox Terriers, Pugs, Dalmatians, Smooth Collies, Corgis etc.


Your Instructor


Allison Alexander
Allison Alexander

I showed my first dog in Junior Handling when I was 7 years old, I went 5th out of 5 in a junior handling class, I cried, but despite that humble beginning I was instantly hooked!

Believing that you should always do what you love, I became a professional handler in 1987 and I have been presenting Canada's (and the world’s) top dogs ever since. With more than 550 All-Breed Best in Shows, I am proud to have been highly awarded at such prestigious shows as Crufts, the World Dog Show, Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Invitational. As well I have had Top Dog All breeds in Canada 3 separate times, all three dogs are still record holder’s in their own right.

In addition to my wins as an all-breed handler, I have spent more than 30 years perfecting the art of presenting one of the dog world's most difficult breeds to master: The Poodle. Today, I am internationally recognized as one of the world's most talented and experienced Poodle handlers. I have presented seminars on grooming Poodles all over this planet. . I am also the Creative Educational Advisor and Specialist for Chris Christensen Systems.

I have proven that hard work, dedication and passion can take you absolutely everywhere in this wonderful sport, which is why I am committed to supporting, promoting and giving back to the dog community. Currently, I am President of the Canadian Professional Dog Handlers Association, Vice-President of the Canadian Kennel Club Foundation, I have been CKC Junior Handling representative for both Nova Scotia and South Western Ontario. I am a regular contributor to dog magazines in several countries. I have mentored several of the Top Professional Handlers in the USA and Canada as well as coached 3 Juniors to win the Canadian National one of whom went on to win Crufts World Junior Handling Competition.

In 2017, I launched Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, the world's first on-line dog show training school. My mission is to help mentor a new generation of dog show enthusiasts through innovative video-based grooming and handling lessons. LEDSA has won the award for Best On-line Education each year since it’s inception. I look forward to working with enthusiastic students as they perfect their skills on the way to the winner's circle.

Sit back, as I bring a lifetime of grooming and handling lessons to video, here at Leadingedge Dog Show Academy.


Course Curriculum


  Prepare for the Bath.
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  Bath Your Dog.
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  Treat Problem Areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
How do I access my certificate?
When you complete all of the lectures in this course, you will automatically receive a certificate of completion on the final page of the course! Email us if you have any trouble accessing ([email protected]).

Get started now!