02/26/2026
Let’s talk puppies! 🐶
Grooming is a brand-new experience for young dogs, just like everything else in their world. Puppies aren’t naturally accustomed to the grooming process, which is why early and positive exposure is so important. As I tell my clients, if they were born used to the process, my job would be easy🤣. Reputable breeders often begin this introduction with baths, gentle drying, nail trims, and desensitizing to clipper sounds (sometimes using tools like an electric toothbrush or clippers).
After your puppy has completed their final round of vaccinations, they should be gradually introduced to professional grooming. Waiting until 6+ months of age for a first full haircut, even for breeds that aren’t typically considered “haircut dogs” can make the process more challenging. Teaching an adult dog to feel comfortable with grooming is significantly more difficult than building those skills early on. Grooming should be a calm, positive experience, never a stressful one.
For this reason, I require at least one “tidy” appointment before scheduling a full groom for puppies. Depending on how the first visit goes, a second tidy may be recommended to ensure they are fully comfortable before moving forward.
Achieving that “cute puppy” look also requires consistency at home. Sweet Henry returned for his full groom five weeks after his first tidy, and his owners did an outstanding job reinforcing the process at home. He was falling asleep on the table from how comfortable he was. That’s always the goal!💛