Your puppy’s first groom: a calm beginning

Start before the appointment

Short, positive handling sessions at home make a real difference. Gently touch your puppy’s paws, ears, face and tail, rewarding calm behaviour as you go. Introduce a brush for a few seconds at a time rather than waiting until the coat needs serious attention.

Keep the first visit simple

A puppy groom is an introduction, not a perfect haircut. The goal is to make the sounds, surfaces and sensations of the salon feel safe. A gentle wash, dry, brush, paw tidy and nail check gives your puppy valuable experience without asking too much of them.

On the day

• Allow time for a toilet break before arriving.
• Bring details of allergies, health conditions or sensitivities.
• Keep your goodbye calm and matter-of-fact.
• Avoid a very large meal immediately before the appointment.

Build a routine

Regular appointments help puppies learn what to expect and keep their coat manageable. The right schedule depends on breed, coat type and home care, so ask your groomer what will suit your dog.