Depending on the breed you choose, your puppy’s grooming can be the most important experience of his life. The main objective is…that he likes it! His first experience – positive or negative – will remain with him forever.
From the day you bring the puppy home you should handle him gently all over, including his feet. You can then advance to the brush and comb. At twelve weeks old he will be ready for his first grooming shop visit. All his shots will be up to date to protect him from any illness and he will have had a few weeks of handling, brushing and combing. Working as a team, you and your groomer will provide the best care that your puppy needs to look and feel his best.
Your puppy’s first visit to the Grooming Salon…
- Your groomer may suggest that you bring your puppy to the salon for a couple brief visits to familiarize him with all the sights and sounds of the salon before his actual appointment
- Other groomers prefeer that you being him in for his appointment and they will allow the puppy to become accustomed to the activity in the salon as they go through the grooming process.
- On your way to the grooming salon – be happy! If you feel stressed or nervous, your puppy will pick up on your feelings and may become fearful and aprehensive.
- Be sure to excercise your puppy right before the grooming experience to allow him to relieve himself.
How long will it take?
His first few appointments may be quite lengthy. It is extrememly important for your puppy to trust his groomer and to be comfortable with everything the groomer does to him. He may need a break or two, a brief playtime to work off excess energy and stress or a little quiet time. There must be no rushing. With gentle guidance he will learn grooming is an enjoyable experience and not something to be feared.
Make sure you give a number where you can be reached at any time. Your groomer will give you a time to pick up your puppy or will call you when he is finished. Do not come back early! If your puppy sees or hears your voice, he could become so excited that it may be impossible to finlish his groom.
What happens during my puppy’s grooming session?
- First, your puppy will be thouroughly brushed. This will allow him to become familiar with his groomer as he speaks softly and strokes him genty. Then he will begin clipping and scissoring his coat.
- Before his bath, your groomer will clean your puppy’s ears and clip his toenails and may brush his teeth. He will place a drop of eye protector in his eyes to keep any suds from irritating them if he should shake.
- The next step is a warm bath with a high quality puppy shampoo massaged throughout his coat, followed by a conditioner. A Very thorough rinsing completes that part of the bathing processs.
- Your puppy is immediately dried with towels and then fluff dried to avoid any chills. When he is completely dry, his groomer will finish styling him. His groom may be completed with bows or a bandana and pet cologne.
After the groom
Being clipped and groomed is a completely new experience for your puppy. He may feel “funny” and want to rub himself on the carpet or furniture, or he may scratch himself. A little of this is normal, but do not let him cause any irritation to himself. Remember that his freshly clipped nailss may be sharp and can easily irritate his puppy skin. If you have any questions, contact your groomer immediately.
