When to book a puppy's first groom, how to prepare them at home, and what happens on the day, so they grow up thinking the groom room is a great place to be.
When to book
Book a short puppy intro once your puppy has finished their vaccinations, ideally before 16 weeks. The aim isn't a full haircut, it's a happy first experience: the sounds, the table, the water and being handled by someone new.
Curly and long-coated puppies especially benefit from starting early, because they'll be visiting the groomer every few weeks for the rest of their lives.
Practise at home first
A week or two of short, fun sessions at home makes a big difference.
- Touch their paws, ears and mouth for a second at a time, with a treat each time.
- Brush gently for a minute while they eat a lick mat.
- Play the hairdryer on its lowest setting across the room, then a little closer each day.
- Stand them on a non-slip mat on a table for a few seconds, with treats.
What happens at a puppy intro
At Brindle, a puppy intro is about 45 minutes: a warm bath, a gentle towel and low-noise dry, a brush-out, nails and a light tidy of the face, feet and bottom. Lots of praise, plenty of breaks, and we stop if they've had enough.
You'll get a note on how they coped and what to practise before the next visit.
After the first groom
Book the next visit for four to six weeks later, even if it's just a bath and tidy. Regular, short visits build confidence far better than a long, big groom once the coat has grown out and knotted.
This guide is general information as of October 2026. Every dog is different, so check with your own vet about vaccinations and health.
