The goal of a puppy’s first groom isn’t a perfect haircut. It is a puppy who leaves thinking the salon is a fun place full of treats. Get that right, and every groom for the next fifteen years gets easier.
When to book
We welcome puppies from about 10 to 12 weeks, once they have had at least their second round of DHPP and their Bordetella vaccine. Please bring the vet record or email it before the visit. Starting before six months is ideal; it is the age when new experiences stick best.
Practice at home
- Handle paws, ears and the face for a few seconds every day, then give a treat.
- Run an electric toothbrush near them so they get used to a buzzing sound and a little vibration.
- Brush for one or two minutes at a time with a soft brush, stopping before they get wiggly.
- Stand them on a non-slip mat on a table or washer, so being up high feels normal.
What happens on the day
Our Puppy Intro Groom takes about an hour, with plenty of breaks. Your puppy gets a gentle bath, a little time with a quiet dryer, a nail trim and a tidy around the eyes and paws. We introduce the clippers by letting them hear and feel them first. If your puppy gets overwhelmed, we stop and try again next time. There is no rush.
Feed a small meal a few hours before, take them for a potty walk before drop-off, and keep the goodbye short and cheerful. Puppies pick up on our nerves.
Booking a short visit every four weeks or so until their first full haircut makes a huge difference. Many of our calmest adult dogs started exactly this way.
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