05/12/2026
1st puppy trim for Katie the mini doodle!
Puppy trims are so important because they help introduce the puppy to ALL the sights, sounds, smells...talk about sensory overload!
A puppy trim includes a warm bath and hand blow dry to start. We trim nails and swab out ears. We fully brush out and fluff. Next we introduce clippers ! We shave paw pads , sanitary, and in-between eyes. .its not just getting the clippers on the dog. Its getting them comfortable with us handling and holding feet. Its getting used to the vibrations and noise of clippers. We then introduce shears . We trim around paws to shape and above eyes so they can see !
All the while we are building the puppy's confidence on the table. Teaching them boundaries. Letting them smell the tools before we use them, taking the time to get the wiggles out before we start on another part of the body.
Puppy trims dont seem like much to the eye because they go home with a full coat , BUT they are so important and the foundation of what makes a good groom dog. Sometimes puppies just need one and move on to a full cut next ..some take 2 puppy trims before we're comfortable going forward. The main thing is they are safe , they are comfortable, and tails are wagging like Katie's by the end of it 🤗
Puppies have to be at least 8 weeks old and have at least 2 sets of puppy shots to start. 10-12 weeks is an ideal age to start! The longer you wait the harder it is for a puppy to adjust and cooperate. They're like sponges the first 4 months so its important to start working with them at home as well !
