Puppy’s First Groom: Setting the Foundation

A calm, positive introduction to grooming that builds a lifetime of trust and confidence.

When Should Puppies Start Grooming?

Puppies can typically begin professional grooming once they are fully vaccinated, usually between 12–16 weeks of age. Starting early helps your puppy become familiar with being handled, hearing grooming sounds, and standing calmly on the grooming table.

This milestone plays a major role in how they feel about grooming for the rest of their life.

What Is Included in a First Groom?

A first grooming appointment is designed as an introduction, not a full makeover. Our goal is to focus on comfort rather than perfection.

Everything is done at your puppy's pace, and may include:

🧼 Gentle Brushing & Light Tidy

Gentle brushing paired with a light coat tidy to introduce your puppy to the grooming process.

🛁 Soothing Bath & Blow Dry

A calm, reassuring bath followed by a gentle blow dry to help your puppy feel safe and relaxed.

✂️ Tool Introduction

Nail trimming and a slow, positive introduction to common grooming tools.

🐾 Face, Feet & Sanitary Cleanup

Light cleanup of the face, feet, and sanitary areas — only as your puppy is comfortable.

💛 Breaks & Reassurance

Frequent breaks, praise, and reassurance whenever needed to build trust and confidence.

The Benefit of a Quiet Environment

Puppies thrive in our personalized, one-on-one setting where they receive full attention without the distraction of other dogs.

This allows us to prioritize positive handling and create a stress-free experience that helps your puppy feel safe and secure from day one. After the first visit, we recommend returning every 4–6 weeks to reinforce these good habits and prevent matting during their adult coat transition.

Schedule My Puppy

How to Prepare at Home

You can help set your puppy up for success before they even arrive at the salon with a few small steps:

🐾 Handle with Care

Gently touch their paws, ears, and face regularly.

🔊 Introduction to Sounds

Get them used to everyday noises like hair dryers.

⏳ Practice Stillness

Encourage standing calmly for a few seconds at a time.

🧼 Positive Brushing

Introduce short, positive brushing sessions at home.

PUPPY Grooming FAQs

How long does a puppy’s first groom take?

These appointments may take a bit longer to allow for necessary breaks and positive reinforcement.

Will my puppy get a full haircut?

Most puppies do not receive a full haircut at their first visit; the focus is on a gentle introduction.

What if my puppy is nervous?

We move slowly, handling nervous puppies with extra patience and stopping if needed to keep the experience positive.

Our "Humanity Before Vanity" Policy:

As your puppy grows, their coat transitions and can mat quickly. If matting is present, comfort and safety will guide the groom—even for our youngest clients.

Ready to start your puppy's journey on the right paw?

We believe puppy grooms should be gentle, patient, and focused on long-term success. Not every puppy will complete every step during their first visit, and that’s okay—building trust always comes first.