A gentle, patient introduction to the grooming experience — so your puppy grows up loving spa days instead of dreading them.
The first grooming experience shapes how your dog feels about being groomed for the rest of their life. We take that responsibility seriously. Puppy's First Groom is designed to be short, positive, and full of treats — building confidence one tool at a time.
We recommend bringing puppies in starting around 12 to 16 weeks old, once they've had their core vaccinations. Earlier is better than later — the longer you wait to introduce grooming, the bigger and stronger your dog will be when they're trying to wiggle away.
We never use force, scary tools right out of the gate, or cage dryers on puppies. The first visit is more about acclimation than perfection. If your puppy is overwhelmed, we'll pause, take a break, and move at their pace. Sometimes we'll do less on the first visit and have you come back sooner — that's the right call.
Before the first visit, help your puppy get used to being handled — gently touch their paws, ears, and tail every day. Run a soft brush over them. Even just letting them stand in the empty bathtub helps. The more comfortable they are being touched, the easier their first groom will be.
After Puppy's First Groom, we'll send you home with a personalized recommendation for how often to come back. Most puppies benefit from a short visit every 4 weeks during their first 6 months, even if it's just a nail trim and ear clean. The repetition is what builds confidence.
Plan on 60 to 90 minutes. You're welcome to stay nearby for the first visit if it helps your puppy feel comfortable — just ask when you book.