7 Key Tips

1. Brush Your Puppy Daily

If your dog isn't a fan of being brushed by you, they might not take kindly to a stranger doing it either. However, regular brushing is essential for your dog's overall well-being. It helps prevent tangles, removes dirt, and spreads natural oils, keeping their coat and skin in great condition.

To help your pup become more comfortable with brushing, it's important to select the right brush based on their coat type. Short-haired dogs do best with brushes that have short bristles, while long-haired breeds need brushes with longer bristles. Always brush in the direction of hair growth, applying firm pressure without causing discomfort.

Encouraging good behavior and rewarding your dog for staying still can make a big difference. This will help your pup feel more relaxed and prepare them for a professional grooming session.

2. Gently Hold Your Puppy’s Face & Paws

Professional groomers often use a technique called face-holding when brushing and trimming around your dog's eyes and mouth. This method helps keep your pup still and safe from injury.

To practice the face hold, start by showing your dog a treat and asking them to sit. Place your hand gently under their chin and hold onto their fur. If they remain still, give them a reward. Keep practicing this until they can sit calmly for 30 seconds. Then, you can gently stroke their face between the eyes with your finger and the end of a comb, pretending it’s scissors.

It's also important to help your furry friend get comfortable with having their paws touched. Have them sit and lift one of their paws. Gently explore around the nails and between the paw pads, then reward them with a treat before placing their paw back down. If your pup tries to bite, calmly but firmly, say no and take a break from what you’re doing.

3. Add Regular Home Bathing to Your Routine

One effective way to prepare your pet for their first grooming session is to give them a bath at home. This helps them become familiar with water, soap, and the overall bathing experience.

Always remember to reward good behavior, such as staying still during the bath. It's important to select a shampoo with natural scents that are gentle on your dog's skin. Opt for a mild shampoo specifically formulated for puppies to achieve the best results.

If your puppy has dry skin, a moisturizing formula will be beneficial as well.

However, it's crucial to avoid using human shampoo on your dog, as it can disturb their skin's natural balance and make them more susceptible to viruses, parasites, and bacteria.

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4. Get Your Puppy Used to Dryers & Loud Noises

If your dog isn't familiar with loud sounds, they might feel uneasy around professional grooming tools.

To help them adjust, it's a good idea to get them accustomed to the noise of dryers before their first grooming appointment. Start by having your dog sit and placing some treats in front of you. Then, use the hairdryer to gently blow the treat towards your pup, rewarding them for staying calm.

Over time, your dog will begin to link the "scary noise" with something enjoyable.

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5. Practice Training Commands

Professional groomers typically use commands such as “sit” and “stay” to position your puppy correctly and help keep them calm. Therefore, it’s beneficial to ensure your puppy has a good grasp of these commands.

To teach your puppy to sit, hold a treat above their head while they are standing and ask them to sit. When they do, be sure to give them praise. For the “stay” command, say “stay” while extending your hand as if signaling them to stop, then pause for a few seconds before rewarding them with a treat.

A common question we receive is: when is the right time to take my puppy to the groomer? Besides being fully vaccinated, we recommend bringing them in as soon as they are toilet trained. Since a professional grooming session can last up to two hours, if your puppy has an accident during the process, it may require starting over.

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6. Slowly Introduce Nail Trimming & Ear Cleaning

Ear cleaning is important for your dog as it helps prevent wax buildup and lowers the chances of ear infections. Similarly, keeping their nails trimmed not only protects you from scratches but also enhances their comfort.

While relaxing at home, try tapping your dog's paw with a remote control to help them get accustomed to having their paws touched. Another helpful technique is to gently lift their paw and give it a soft squeeze. Remember to speak in a soothing tone and reward them for good behavior.

When you start cleaning their ears, gently hold their ears while you rub them. After that, you can take a look inside before applying any products. Make sure that any products you choose are specifically designed for dogs to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

We understand that nail trimming and ear cleaning can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like our groomers for assistance.‍

7. Lots of Exercise is Important

Before your puppy goes for their grooming appointment, one of the best things you can do is give them a good workout.

Taking them for a walk and engaging in some fun playtime will help burn off that extra energy. This way, your pup will be calmer and more ready to listen to their groomer’s instructions.