Are you preparing your puppy for their first trip to the groomer? This is a new adventure for you both, and you’re sure to have lots of questions about puppy grooming, like when is the right time to bring them in? What services should you ask for, and how can you ensure things go smoothly?
Getting your puppy used to grooming at a young age is a crucial part of early socialisation, especially if they have a coat that requires constant upkeep. Even if they don’t, all puppies can benefit from being comfortable with handling and bathing, as they’ll experience both throughout their lives.
According to certified pet groomer Vicki Doyle, puppies can usually go in for their first groom at around 12 weeks old. As long as they’ve had all of their vaccinations and are able to be around other dogs, they should be good to go.
With Doyle’s grooming expertise, we examine the various types of puppy breeds that require the most grooming. We also share what to expect at your pup’s first grooming visit and how to prepare for a positive experience.
Which Puppies Should Visit the Groomer?
Some dog breeds require regular professional grooming for their hygiene and health. Other pups may get by with home grooming and just an occasional visit to a pro, and still others may never have to step paw once inside a groomer’s.
Whether or not your puppy will need professional grooming will depend on the type of coat they have. Dogs with long, dense, curly, or non-shedding coats require regular trimming to prevent matting, tangles, and unpleasant odours. These breeds include:
- Poodles and Doodles
- Shih Tzus
- Bichon Frises
- Portuguese Water Dogs
- Maltese
- Havanese
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Lhasa Apsos
- Old English Sheepdogs
- Komondors
- Afghan Hounds
Many other breeds benefit from occasional professional grooming, even if they don’t require regular trims. These dogs tend to have thick coats and double coats, and a groom can help them shed their fur and keep their coats clean. These puppies include:
- Huskies and Malamutes
- Cocker Spaniels
- Golden Retrievers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Chow Chows
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Some dog breeds probably don’t need to go to the groomer at all. However, pet parents should still regularly bathe and brush their coats frequently to keep them clean and to check for any potential health issues. Puppy breeds that typically don’t need grooming include:
- Beagles
- Labradors
- Boston Terriers
- Short-haired Chihuahuas
- Dobermans
- Italian Greyhounds
- Vizslas
Aonip via iStock
A Puppy’s First Grooming
The most important thing to determine about your prospective groomer for your new puppy is that they’re qualified, says Doyle. Not all groomers will be, so it’s best to get that out of the way from the start.
Questions to ask
Here are some other good questions to ask when making a first appointment.
- Can you describe what will happen when my puppy comes in for their first groom? The answer will give you a sense of how the groomer operates and what to expect during your pup’s first visit.
- Can I see your salon? You’ll be able to see that the facilities are clean and assess whether your puppy will be comfortable there.
- Do you offer a meet and greet for puppies? This initial step can help your puppy build trust with the groomer.
- Do you follow fear-free practices? Find out what protocols the groomer has in place to make your pup feel as comfortable as possible. Extra points if they’re Fear Free™ certified.
What to expect
Here’s what to expect during your puppy’s first grooming visit.
- Arrival and greeting: Doyle says that when new puppies arrive, she allows them to explore the salon at their own pace. Groomers who let your pup sniff around and who give plenty of treats and praise will help puppies acclimate more easily.
- Quick check: Before bathing, puppy groomers should conduct a quick health and hygiene check that includes the skin, coat, and ears.
- The actual grooming: Doyle notes that for most puppies, she keeps everything very easy. A typical visit may include quick bathing and drying, gentle brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and coat trimming.
- Breaks: Puppies may need a break, so it’s important that groomers are prepared to go at the puppy’s pace to ensure a positive experience. In general, though, Doyle recommends that a first groom last no more than one hour so as not to overwhelm your pup.
- Payment: As for the price of puppy grooming, the total cost will depend on the level of care your pup needs. In the UK, the average cost of a grooming appointment is around £43, according to the PDSA. However, this can vary depending on the provider and which services your pup is receiving.
How To Prep Your Puppy for the Groomer
Doyle recommends a few things that pet parents can do ahead of time to help their puppy have a successful first trip to the groomer. These steps can make a big difference in setting your pup up for a lifetime of happy grooming.
Handling prep
When you’re at home, work on building positive associations around handling. Practice petting and brushing your puppy, as well as gently touching their ears and feet. Doyle recommends teaching your pup to shake paws to help acclimate them to having their feet handled and nails trimmed.
Getting your puppy used to being handled will make professional grooming much easier for everyone in the long run.
Tool prep
Try to get your puppy used to any grooming tools you have ahead of your visit with your groomer. You likely have simple tools like puppy brushes, dog towels, and nail clippers already at home. Let your puppy sniff and investigate the grooming tools, and praise and reward them generously for any interaction with them.
When handling your puppy, gently use the brush, place the clippers near their paws, and lightly rub their body with a towel. This way, your puppy won’t be experiencing these things for the first time at the groomer’s.
What to do before you go
Doyle recommends avoiding feeding your puppy right before you go to the groomer. Going in on a full stomach could result in stomach issues if your pup is feeling anxious or nervous, or they could have an accident on the grooming table.
Try to keep your puppy calm before you go in, too. If your puppy is excited or anxious when they get to the groomer’s, it will likely affect their experience. Before your appointment, give your pup a lick mat or puzzle toy at home and work on encouraging relaxing behaviours in various environments.
What to bring
Feel free to bring along the comforts of home when you go. You might select a favourite toy or a blanket with a familiar scent. These items will help to soothe your puppy during the visit. Because the only thing better than a freshly groomed pup is a happy one!
