Puppy’s First Groom

What's involved

A puppy’s first few visits shape how they feel about grooming for the rest of their life, so we keep them short, gentle and positive. We let the puppy explore the table, introduce the dryer and clippers slowly with the sound and feel before any cutting, and finish on a high with treats and praise rather than pushing for a perfect cut.

A first groom is really a confidence groom: a light wash, a blow-dry they learn isn’t scary, a paw and face tidy, and lots of handling so nails and ears become normal. We’d rather your puppy leaves happy and a little scruffy than perfectly clipped and frightened — the polished grooms come easily once the trust is there.

Bring your puppy once they’ve had their second vaccination. We’ll show you how to brush at home so coats don’t mat before the next visit, talk you through a sensible schedule for their breed, and book the “graduation” full groom for when they’re ready. Start them young and gentle, and grooming stays easy for years.